• admissions,  campus,  colleges,  student groups

    the perks of being a uoft student

    October 10, 2012

    Hi,

    I am going into gr.12 IB and I am REALLY interested in going to u of t. However, some people have told me that going to u of t is overwhelming and that it is only “worth it” if you can get into the private colleges. Could you give me a brief overview (regarding application, student life, academics) of trinity, rottman and woodsworth?

    Thanks, I hope I am not asking too much. I love your askastudent website, finding it very helpful!

    Ellen

    ———————————————

    Hey Ellen,

    As someone who goes to U of T and has experienced its ups and downs for a lovely three and a half years, I want to tell you that contrary to the idea that U of T is only worth it if you’re in a private college, that is sooo untrue. Firstly, we don’t have private colleges. All seven of the colleges here, despite their varying sizes and apparent snobbishness, are accessible to anyone. Secondly, being in a larger college can be fun in terms of meeting new people.

    Your application really depends on what you’re aiming to take. For example, if you’re an Ontario student hoping to join the Humanities stream or the Social Sciences stream, we look at your top 6 grades (which must include grade 12 English). If you’re not an Ontario student, however, refer to the admissions site to get a vibe for what they want from you.

    Now student life is at U of T is always pretty active. Every college has its own student society and if you’re going to be part of residence, there will definitely be a council of sorts planning things for you there. Likewise, if you have any specific interests, there’s a huge number of student groups you can join. So if you like Hip Hop or helping children or even Quidditch, U of T probably has a club for it.

    The academics at U of T, like any other university, are quite rigorous. We are a very research-oriented institute and take pride in our work. I mean, there’s a reason we were once again named Canada’s number one university, so studying here won’t be a walk in a park, but it’ll definitely be worth it.

    As for the rundown on the colleges, refer to this post or just check out the ‘college’ tag for the website since there will probably a number of entries about them. Rotman, on the other hand, is not a college, but the larger name essentially for U of T’s business program.

    always happy to help,

    aska

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  • colleges,  residence,  university-college

    and what do you see in uc?

    October 10, 2012

    Hii,

    So I’m looking at university college to apply for residency. Can you or anyone else give me the overall vibe at UC or the pros and cons please?

    Thanks so much!

    ———————————————

    Hey hey,

    Unfortunately, personally I can’t really tell you anything about UC other than that I’ve taken a few classes in the building and don’t appreciate being on the dark and quiet third floor until 9PM. Likewise, I don’t really know anyone who lived there so I’ll do my best to give you a good answer.

    Try checking out the Life at UC section of their website to get a feel for the housing or the food plans or chances for getting involved. There’s a student mentorship program that you can partake in, along with a bunch of other student groups like The Gargoyle (UC’s newspaper), the dragonboat team, and even a theatre group. I can’t give you anything definitive in terms of UC’s “vibe,” but I can tell you from doing a little research that they’re definitely student community-oriented and care about fostering a friendly and welcoming environment.

    Best,

    aska

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  • choosing,  colleges

    innis vs. trinity vs. vic

    October 1, 2012

    Hello,

    I am a prospective student, currently trying to figure out which college I want to be in. I plan to study English and Political Science, moving in the direction of International Affairs. I have highish marks, and I am mainly considering Innis, Trinity, and Victoria. I’ve done a fair amount of research, and have taken the college tours, but any more insight is definitely appreciated.

    Basic opinion of colleges…
    Innis seems like a really cool place, and I like that the residence is newer. The smaller community and character is something that attracts me a lot, although I think I might get tired of Innis people after a while – in my experience, they’re all really upbeat and artsy and like overly “we’re so fun in a nerdy way.” I like that kind of atmosphere, but I think it might get annoying after a while.

    Trinity is kind of the opposite, as they seem to have a reputation for being more reserved and snobby. This sense of prestige is kind of what I like thought about the college – I think that compared to Innis, there’s a lot more history, elegance, luxury, and whatever. A little bit of elitism doesn’t bother me for such a rich experience – I like that Trinity looks like a prep school. Another note – I’m a little bit of a clean freak, and the Trinity bathroom situation in residence disturbs me. What I saw was pretty gross. Is this something I should expect and just stop being a wimp about throughout all colleges?

    Victoria seemed nice to me, as it sort of combines different aspects about Trinity and Innis. But I felt when touring it as if it was too big, and it didn’t really have a lot of personality to it.

    So yeah, any insight about those three colleges, and their reputations. Anything helps. I’m talking observations about everything. Dorm sizes… amount of partying… academics focuses… reputation… bathroom cleanliness and privacy.. attractiveness of students…. parties.. resources… everything!

    ———————————————

    Hey there!

    Alas, we find ourselves at the classic question of the colleges  granted, I’m quite happy that you’ve narrowed yourself down to three colleges. That makes things a lot easier for me.

    Since you’re asking about dorm sizes and bathroom cleanliness and privacy, I’m going to assume that you intend to live at U of T for at least your first year, so I recommend strongly considering the kind of residence you’d like to live in. Trinity and Victoria both offer classic dorm-style residences, whereas Innis is favored for its apartment-style residences, but these colleges will only consider you if you rank them as number one.

    While you may dread the small sizes of colleges like Innis and Trinity and worse, the possibility of seeing the same people over and over again, you fail to see the utter vastness that is the University of Toronto. U of T is huge and has so many people that if you think some guy at Sid Smith is particularly cute, you better get his number then and there because you may very well never see him again. You might go to the same college as someone, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always see each other. You’re more likely to see the people from your classes over and over again than the ones from your college (unless, of course, they’re in your class). If you’re from Trinity, you are more than welcome to study at E.J. Pratt and then get a deliciously large bagel from Wymilwood Caf at Vic. Your college doesn’t bind you to any particular building or group of friends, so don’t feel like you’re selling your soul here.

    But here’s a little rundown:

    Innis College: They have the greatest kabobs in the entire universe at the Innis Caf, they’re very community-focused, and there are these super quiet carrels on the third floor. But the residence has no meal-plan, and in the college, the electronically-locked bathroom doors make you fear being walked in on.

    Trinity College: The Buttery with its super soft couches and lovely looking fireplace is a cozy place to have lunch and study a bit. Plus, the castle-like building makes you look fancy while the name of the college makes you sound fancy. But then you have the creepy basement bathrooms, the creepy main floor bathrooms, and the creepy upstairs bathrooms so.

    Victoria College: Also quite fancy-looking but it has the Wymidwood Caf, another great place to study and with some of my favorite food on campus. However, it has possibly one of the most rickety-sounding elevators on campus (but not THE most).

    They’re all alike in that their student societies aim to include everyone, their registrars are super helpful, and the writing centers are just as effective. But if you’re still concerned about the pros and cons of each college, take a look at this lovely post. There are parties all over the place and the hotties are distributed throughout, so don’t feel like you need to hold these factors in such high precedence while deciding.

    best,

    aska

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  • colleges

    college fever

    August 27, 2012

    Dear Aksa, I got accepted into UTSG St Micheals College. I just wanted to know how students are placed into colleges because my program (I applied for Women and Gender Studies) is completely irrelevant to what the college specializes in. Should I be worried or is that normal??

    ———————————————

    Hey New One,

    Don’t fret. The colleges are determined by the order you selected when you applied to U of T. I know that was probably awhile ago, but you would have numbered the colleges in order of preference. If you did not get into your first choice, they would have moved on to your second one.

    The colleges have no influence on the courses you take, it is just a way to facilitate the students. You can still take any courses you want and most students are not in the college that specializes to their program choice. Your college will mainly be used for your rez and registrar’s office.

    trees and grass,

    aska

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  • colleges

    hi ho hi ho off to rank the colleges we go

    January 18, 2012

    Hi,

    I’m applying to UofT as an undergrad, and on the application they ask for a ranking of which colleges you would like to attend. I’ve read each of the college’s information on their website, but each one makes themselves just as good as the next! So I have no idea which ones to choose. What is the general consensus of preferred colleges? I’m looking for a good residence and stuff, but I really have no idea about the rest. Any ideas/thoughts about generally preferred campuses? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks so much!

    – Confused applicant

    ———————————————

    Hey confused soul,

    I think it is generally assumed that the St.George campus is preferred, but that might just because of its location in downtown Toronto. Which … lets me honest … is a pretty awesome location for running free.

    For preferred college, that’s going to be hard. Everyone seems to defend their own college to the grave.
    Check this earlier post out, for the hub bub on every college!!

    peace out,

    aska

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  • colleges

    hey-o whatcha say-o: college edition

    January 13, 2012

    heyi’m an international student planning to apply to u of t. since my course is available at all 3 campuses.. i decided on st george downtown.but i dont know how to prioritise my colleges.. i mean from the seven i basically have no idea which would be the best for me.

    i plan to major and specialize in accounting.repl

    thank you.

    ———————————————

    Heyo whatcha sayo,

    No matter what college you are in, you are bound to have an accounting buddy to study/avoid studying with. Here is the master go-to-post for making a superb college selection.

    cheerio,

    aska

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  • colleges

    colleges: causing stress for high school students since 1827

    January 8, 2012

    Hello,

    My name is Derek and i am a grade 12 HS student and new to the OUAC application process. I am planning to apply to the Rotman Commerce Program. I realized that i have to rank the colleges of UofT, and Trin, Vic, and Innis are the 3 colleges that only consider the applicants if they rank them #1. My question is if I chose Trinity or Innis as my #1 college, will that be affecting my chance to get accepted by UofT because i believe these colleges have limited spaces and there are some many students want to be a Trinity? Or should i choose other colleges as my #1 e.g. University college to increase my chance?

    I understand that the college life is a big part of my next few years, but I still don’t understand whether college selection would affect my chance of getting accepted into my desire program, which is the main objectives for me to attend this school. I hope you could provide some tips or strategies.

    Thanks for your time and help in advance. I looking forward to hear from you.
    Best regards,
    Derek

    ———————————————

    Hey Derek,

    You are admission to the university itself and the colleges are separate. Once you are already admitted into the program of your choice, you are then considered for the colleges. If you are not accepted into your first college of choice it will not effect your program accpetance, and you will then be considered for your second choice.

    good luck young grade 12er,

    aska

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  • colleges

    Re: Tis The Season To Be In Innis

    December 2, 2011

    Hello 🙂
    so does this mean that I have to put all of them as number one on the OUAC, or just choose the one that appeals to me the most.
    So lets say for eg. Choiices are.ranked like the following:
    1.) Trinity college
    1.) Innis college
    1.)victoria college
    Or
    1.) Trinity
    2.) New college
    3.) Innis college
    4.) Victoria college

    ———————————————

    Hi!

    Scenerio number 2 is correct … only one can be number ranked one. The only colleges that are concerned about being ranked number 1 are Innis, Trinity and Victoria. The others will consider your application no matter what you rank them.

    Meaning that because Trinity is your number one, Innis and Victoria will not consider your application. So, if one of those three really appeal to you, make sure they are your only number one choice.

    I hope this actually clarified things for you and not made them into a glass of mud.

    forever faithful (most of the time),

    aska

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  • colleges

    National Have Sex With a Guy With a Mustache Day/Colleges

    November 18, 2011

    Hi,

    I’m quite puzzled as to how I should rank Colleges on my application. I understand that regardless of which College I’m in, I have access to all programs and all studies, however, for a student at Rotman Commerce, which College would have benefits?

    And also, what other differences are there between Colleges? Are some sectarian while others are not?

    Thank you,

    Sinj Neff
    ———————————————

    Hey Sinj Neff … 😉

    (See what I did there. Gave you a new super secret code name from your real one – just so no crazies stalk you)

    The only benefit that I can see in relation to you being a Commerce student is location. Innis College is in the building next door. Whitney Hall, which is apart of University College is the next closest (right across the street from the Rotman expansion project that is underway right now – Big fancy new building for you incoming folk). Woodsworth and Trinity are also pretty darn close. In all honesty the Commerce building is on the main street of campus (St. George Street), so you’re not looking at that far of a walk from anywhere.

    The other thing to consider is what kind of peeps you want to be hanging out with and the atmophere. For example, if you want to feel like you’re in Harry Potter I would go for Trin.

    Check this bad boy out … luckily for you, 1/3 of all aska questions are regardingthe college system. So check out this older (but tooootally awesome) post.

    happy deciding,

    aska

    ps today is national “‘Have Sex With a Guy With a Mustache” Day … real holiday want or one made up by a lonly feller? You decide!

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  • colleges,  courses,  transfer credits

    a proactive fan wants out early

    May 24, 2011

    Hey Aska,

    I stumbled upon your website while I was googling for information about U of T and may I just say that this website reeks of awesomeness? It has really helped me a lot in gaining a better insight to life at U of T. I have two questions that I hope you would be able to answer. I’ve tried searching this website for the information I need, but I can’t seem to find them – so forgive me if you’ve answered similar questions before!

    I was looking through the courses offered by U of T and realised that there are some courses that I am interested in that are offered by specific colleges, such as Woodsworth, Trinity or Victoria. Is it possible for me to take up a course that is not offered by my college?

    I understand that 20 credits will lead up to a degree. I am allowed to
    transfer 2.5 credits from high school. Does that mean that I only need totake up 17.5 credits? I have a friend who’s studying at U of T and she’s
    graduating next summer. She’s been studying at U of T for less than 4 yearsthough. How does that work? Is it possible to take up maximum credits for each academic year and then probably stay on for one summer to take up theextra 2 credits? Would that save me one academic year?

    Thanks a lot!!

    Xin

    ———————————————

    Hey man, thanks for the kudos. It’s nice to be appreciated.

    I’m gonna break down your question into three parts.

    a) As long as you fulfill the pre-requisites, any student can take any of the “College”-sponsored courses. That means that you don’t have to be an Innis student to take a UC class, and you don’t have to be wearing a Trinity robe to register in a New College class. Colleges sponsor and promote certain programs of study, but what college you are enrolled in does not affect any class you can take. So go forth!

    b) If you have 2.5 accepted transfer credits from high school (through IB or CEGEP or however you managed to swing that), then yes, you will only need to take 17.5 credits to graduate from U of T PROVIDED THAT the Transfer Credit office (who are notoriously stingy with transfer credits) approves your classes.

    c) Your friend must’ve drank a whole lot of Rockstar Energy Drinks to get through that fast through U of T. You can take a maximum of 2.5 credits during summer school, and a maximum of six full year credits during the school year – which at a rate of 8.5 credits per year would allow you to graduate at a clip of just under three years. However, you would go NUTS! Insane! And trust me, delaying your university experience a little longer is much more preferable than going insane and graduating early. So think about that!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • colleges,  switching

    more info on transferring colleges (late life edition)

    April 14, 2011

    Hi Aska,

    I have a friend who has asked me if it is possible to transfer between colleges in second year. I don’t want to sound stupid and say I don’t know so please help me! Is it possible to transfer between colleges in second year?

    Sincerely,
    A Good Friend

    ———————————————

    You are a good friend! Askastudent however is a lousy friend because I am sorry for the delay with this question.

    The short of it is that you can of course, apply to transfer colleges in second year but there are no guarantees. If you want to transfer colleges, you will have to write to the registrar of the College Of Your Choice, a commanding, eloquent letter that states your case of why you have to be at New College or you will simply die! Make it dramatic! Talk about how inspiring the Spring Rolls kiosk is in the Sid Smith cafeteria and why you love their unflattering lighting!

    Basically make it sound like you would contribute to their college life and make a convincing argument as to why you need to transfer colleges now. There are no guarantees, but your friend might as well try it, right? Registrar contact info can be found on each of the colleges websites. If you want Aska to write the letter, I charge a fee. (Or you can pay me in almond croissants from Harbord Bakery.)

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • colleges,  st. mike's,  switching

    i want to be the guy!

    April 14, 2011

    Hi Aska,

    I recently got my acceptance to U of T Life Sciences at the Saint George Campus! WOHOOO!

    One problem. I applied to Trinity College and they put me in St. Michael’s College.

    So, I understand that I was denied admission to Trinity, but I want to know, can I still go there for first year? Can I change my college after being admitted for first year?

    I called them and they told me that you can’t change to Trinity after being admitted, but where there’s a will there’s a way right?

    Or not.

    If that’s the case (say it ain’t so!), what other colleges do you recommend that have a similar “jist” at UofT. What do you think of University College and Victoria College? Or, tell me what’s nice about St. Mike’s (the one I’m admitted to)?

    Thanks!

    Peter

    ———————————————

    Hey Peter! Congrats on putting the “saint” in St. George. I liked your subject heading so much that I stole it for my own. Don’t we all wanna be “the guy?”

    Which is why I’ve got some bad news for you. It’s pretty hard to switch colleges after you’ve been selected (esp. as an incoming freshman) because a lot of it has to do with how many spots are in residence. The only way to try and switch colleges is to make a personal case for yourself at one of the colleges at your choice. In your email to the college’s registrar, you have to specifically plead why your personality and charming good looks will make you the big man of campus at UC or Victoria. Though at this late point in the game, you might be out of luck. I do have friends who’ve had luck applying to other colleges in later years, so you can try again at a later date.

    Trinity is notoriously small and snobby, so you might actually have more fun at St. Mikes than you think. Though it is vaguely Catholic here are some good things about St. Mikes:

    *The Kelly Library – which has dope DVDs available for renting and a Starbucks that’s open late

    *Real pretty buildings that house underrated programs like the Italian Studies and Book and Media Studies programs

    *A close promixity to Hero Burger

    *Catholic Schoolgirls and/or Catholic Schoolboys

    *The Mike – their student newspaper

    *An active student council

    *”Classic student residences”

    All I’m saying is don’t rule out St. Mikes before you try it. And keep in mind that your college DOES NOT restrict what classes you can take, or who you hang out with or where you go on campus. Mostly your college will affect your first year in residence (if you are living in residence), administrative/registrarial stuff and how much $$$ you donate to their alumni fund.

    Let me know if you have any other questions.

    Godspeed Saint Peter.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • colleges

    I whip my hair back and forth so I don’t have to answer another college question

    January 17, 2011
    Hello,I would like to know what is the best college in U of T, as I will be attending a Cinema-studies course (Innis college). I was thinking of choosing New College. I would like to have some opinions from students who have already been there.

    Many Thanks,

    Aziyade

    ———————————————

    I don’t know how much I can stress this, over and over and over ….. and ovvvver: there is not a wrong choice with colleges. Your life won’t end if you don’t get in the perfect college.

    Here is a wonderful post outlining each of the colleges.

    There is no best college, it depends on the individual. Or you can do what I did when I was applying and put them all into a hat and jsut choose one. Fate usually makes good choices … well some times.

    Cheers,
    Aska

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