Hey aska,
I applied to UTSG for life sciences but I’m having a really tough time deciding on whether I want to attend New College or University College. I’ve been looking online (for example at the official websites) but I can’t seem to find a whole lot of information on New or UC (although there seems to be no lack of it for Trin and Vic) from a students perspective or information that hasn’t been polished to attract students. So I was wondering, which college would be closer to most of my classes? What’s the general atmosphere like at each? What’s the social scene like at each? Any other pros or cons you know about these two colleges (for example I read new college is pretty anti social and smells odd…)?

Thanks.

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First things first: stop it with the stereotypes. I’ve said this many times before in the past, and I’m going to say it again. There are anti-social and stinky people in every college (and yes, that includes you, Trinity. Those robes don’t magically prevent you from getting stinky, even if you think they do). And I don’t think it’s fair to the 4000 people going to New College that you automatically stereotype them as being anti-social based on what sounds like a random forum post by someone who likely never even went to New College.

I really don’t know which college will be closer to your classes, because 1) I don’t know what classes you’re taking, and 2) even if I did, the locations of classes change each year, so it’s really hard to say. Still, UC and New College are both located in the middle of campus, so both are pretty convenient places to be. They’re both close to places like the athletic centre and Sidney Smith (the Arts and Science building you’ll probably have a few classes there). If you’re a commuter, New College is close to the Spadina streetcar, but it’s not like UC is that far away from it, either.

New College is a diverse bunch. They are the host of the Equity studies program, so diversity is something they really push for and some students really appreciate. Though UC isn’t too different. From what I gather, they are pretty open-minded group.

As for other advantages? if you’re living at residence, you might want to consider how pretty the buildings are. If you’re living in Toronto, take a tour of the colleges, if you can. Of course, the University College building is infamous, and is what a lot of people think of when they think of UofT. (Though one of my high school friends once said it looked like a haunted house. *shrug*)

Finally, from what I’ve collected from being at UofT for several years, a lot of people seem to like UC I’ve even heard people saying that they wished they’d gone there. I don’t know how much you should let that affect your decision, but there it is. Still, I have a friend who’s an international student going to New College, and she’s still having a great time. She says that New College’s meal plan is probably the best on campus — and I’d be inclined to agree, because I’ve eaten at Victoria, UC, and New and I liked New College’s food the best. Of course, if you’re not living on residence, that’s not really an important issue.

Another thing to keep in mind is that your decision is not final. If you find that you don’t like your college, you can always apply for a switch at the end of first year. Also, you might want to take a look at these posts by the amazingly-awesome Cynthia of UpbeaT. She’s interviewed the student life director so they’re not exactly the unpolished opinions you requested, but they do nevertheless give you a good overall impression of the two colleges.

Anyway, I know I probably have not swayed you too much in either direction, but my advice to you is just pick one and go with it. A lot of people find that at the end, their college choice is only a small part of their overall experience at UofT. You will meet people in other ways – such as joining extra-curricular activities, volunteering, or through your classes – especially if you’re in a small program. At the end though, I think one of the most important things you get from your University experience is that you will meet people from extremely different backgrounds. And I think that will happen no matter what college you pick. I know this totally doesn’t help you pick your college, but I think one day you’ll look back at my post and think WOW! Aska was right!