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Advice from upper-year students about navigating your first year

The first year of university is a multifaceted learning experience. Students can find both gratifying successes and daunting challenges when trying to strike a balance between academics, social activities, and other commitments. It’s important to stay grounded and to reach out for help from support systems during your time at UofT.

Here, five second-year students offer their advice about first year and what they’ve learned from their own transitions to UofT:

Valentine

Don’t just take classes that relate to what you think you’ll major in. Take a few classes simply because they sound interesting. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new major!

Erica

Making friends in classes can be intimidating because of how large the lecture halls can be, but don’t be afraid to even just say hello to the person right next to you. It’s especially nice to have a friend in your program’s classes to study or stress with, since it’s likely you’ll be seeing them for the next couple years. This is much easier in smaller classes and tutorials. Seminars especially give you great opportunities to talk to people who are interested in the same things you are. It’s scary to be hurled into a new environment like university, but it’s made infinitely better with a buddy.

Tabina

My first year didn’t go as expected, but I definitely don’t mean that in a bad way! I was able to make lots of new friends, join a multitude of new activities and clubs, and reinvent my idea of what it means to “manage time properly.” For any new students who are starting their journey at Vic, I would tell them to try their absolute best in their academics, but not to forget about their mental health and the little things that make them happy. It’s important to make the best of every opportunity that is available to you, and to take every obstacle one step at a time.

Alysha

Make lists! It helps you organize your thoughts so you’re not as stressed out by thinking about all the tasks you need to complete. It also helps you prioritize which assignments and readings you need to finish first.

Vibhuti

Don’t stress too much about making friends as soon as orientation starts. Go to events that sound interesting to you and you’ll meet your friends there! Also, have a general idea of where your classes are before Thursday morning, so you don’t freak out last minute, and buy your textbooks (secondhand if possible!) the first week of school!

Go to class, even if it’s at 9 am! If you can keep up now, then you won’t feel behind once midterms come around. Cherish the first month of school; you’ll have lots of fun and it’s before midterms start. Go to office hours, even if you don’t think you need help. It’s important to scope the place out and show your professor your face.

Finally, get involved early with groups that you’re interested in! Don’t be afraid of showing up.