Exploring Victoria

Four places to check out on campus

As the school year starts, it’s important to find a place where you feel comfortable hanging out with friends, spending time alone, or studying—a place that feels like your own. If you’re new to UofT, or a student who hasn’t had the chance to explore, your college is a great place to start. Here are four spots at Vic worth exploring:

E.J. Pratt Library

Opened in 1961, E.J. Pratt is one of the best libraries on campus. It contains an extensive permanent collection and hosts many specialized collections available by request. Apart from its value as an academic resource, the building itself is perfect for getting some uninterrupted study time. Pratt features unique interior design with natural lighting and a warm, friendly atmosphere, making it one of the more tranquil libraries for studying.

Caffiends

Caffiends is a student-run café that offers good coffee for just $1 as well as tasty snacks. For 12 years the café has sought to be both ethical and environmentally friendly, serving fair-trade coffee and using reusable mugs rather than disposable cups. Caffiends provides a platform to educate others about ethical consumption. Located inside Old Vic, it’s worth the visit as a niche spot for anyone looking for a warm drink and a communal space.

The Cat’s Eye

Located in the lower level of the Goldring Student Centre, the Cat’s Eye is the core of community life at Victoria College. The student bar and lounge offers shows, pub nights, and other entertainment throughout the year. During the day, it functions as a great place to play pool or video games, relax, and meet other students. The Cat’s Eye is a popular place with a laidback atmosphere, fun times, and friendly people.

Lester B. Pearson Garden for Peace and Understanding

Located beside E.J. Pratt Library, the Lester B. Pearson Garden is a natural setting tucked away from the bustle of university life and work. It is a perfect spot to sit outside and enjoy time with friends or a moment of solitude. Considering that the downtown core is a place dominated by office buildings, condos, and traffic, escaping to a green space is a refreshing change of pace in anyone’s day.

There are plenty of other unique places to find both at Vic and throughout the broader university campus. To make this university your home, finding places you enjoy is essential. With the school year only beginning, there’s plenty of time to find what you appreciate in Toronto and to explore the places that will support you throughout your studies.