One fish in a big pond

Finding community at Vic and UofT

Transition periods are naturally difficult. As first-years who entered Victoria College and the University of Toronto just one month ago, we have only started to adjust to and become more comfortable in our new community. Every incoming UofT student has their own unique experiences, and it is not always easy. I am relieved that Vic and UofT are starting to feel more and more like home for me, but it certainly did not start out that way. Initially, the size of the  university was truly daunting. How was I expected to carve a community out of such an enormous student population? How was anyone ever going to know who I was, let alone care about me? At the beginning of September, I was overwhelmed with the sheer size of the school. I even urged my residence don to explain how creating friendships was even possible in a university where, due to the number of students, it can be difficult to run into the same people often enough to forge friendships. I doubted the mere notion of being able to form bonds with other students. However, over the last month, I have learned three valuable lessons that have slowly helped me find my place here.  

First, while I did not take this advice seriously when it was being attached to emails from my high school guidance counsellor promoting “10 Easy Steps to Succeed in University,” students really do have to put themselves out there. In an institution this large, a person has to actively seek out friendships and communities and work hard at maintaining them. This realization was a tough reality to practice, but it has challenged me to be intentional about the ways in which I interact with those around me. Never before in my life have I made such an effort to connect with people or participate in community-based events.  

Next, I have learned that in order to create a community here, one has to trust oneself. Since no one is going to magically provide friendship or community on the spot, I have had to learn to trust my capabilities in forming bonds with those around me. This requires a certain degree of self-reliance that is not always so easy to summon.  

Lastly, it’s important to go to every activity that may be of interest to you. Many Vic-based organizations, like VUSAC or the Commuter Dons, run series of semester-long events that are great ways to make this daunting school seem just a little bit smaller and more manageable. 

As someone who is new to Ontario as well as to UofT, I have found the past month deeply challenging. However, I am proud to say that the kindness and friendliness with which people treat each other at Vic never fails to impress me. It is these positive interactions that keep me certain that my feeling of belonging and community here will only grow.