• courses,  first year,  weirdness

    after a week of school, i hate it!

    September 17, 2010

    Dear askastudent,

    I have just started first year and I realized the program Im in now is not what I really want to do, how would I be able to change my program?

    ———————————————

    Oh dear lord, honey, you have a long way to go. First of all, you are only in your first week of your first year of school – how do you know that your program is not for you yet? Secondly, you don’t even have to worry about choosing a subject PoST until second year, which you can change at any time until applying for graduation.

    The feeling that you’re experiencing is normal, especially in first year. Chances are, your classes right now are huge and overwhelming. This is a reality that will eventually chill out once you head into your upper years of whatever program you end up taking, and take on smaller seminars and class sizes.

    I’d recommend thinking about what it is that you’re passionate about and going through the calendar with an open mind. Taking a thorough look at everything U of T offers will yield unexpected surprises. Many of the colleges offer really intriguing programs with much smaller class sizes and fascinating course subjects. Other programs can offer labs, research opportunities and internships that will help you gain experience in an field of interest.

    You have to be honest with yourself and think about what you want to commit yourself to for the next four (plus) years. Are you only in your program of study because you want to please your parents? Or for practicality’s sake? That may not be a reason to stay in it.

    A great resource is your college registrar. Most of the colleges (especially Innis) have a first year counselor who can talk you through some of the concerns you might be having. It may also not be too late for you switch courses, if that’s what you intend on doing though you should pay attention to these important dates. Please keep in mind that SEPTEMBER 26th is the last day to add new “F” and “Y” courses.

    My advice is to give the first month a chance and if you really hate it, consider taking something else in the second semester.

    Let me know what you decide.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • courses,  summer,  timetable

    school’s out for summer (not really)

    September 17, 2010

    Hello there,

    I would like to know if we are allowed to take half credits that basically last only a semester during the summer session. My plan is to take 2 half credits in the first semester, a total of 1 credit, finish off, and then leave the country mid-summer for good (as an international student)

    Thank you!

    ———————————————

    Dear Ms. International,

    Both full year and half courses are offered in the summer session. Though the dates aren’t posted yet for Summer 2011 (that sounds so futuristic, doesn’t it?), last year’s first term began May 10th and ended June 18th, with final exams and tests running until June 25th.

    Then you can escape off to Europe and find yourself! (I recommend eating currywurst.)

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • commerce,  transfer credits

    get the hell out of windsor!

    September 17, 2010

    I’m currently studying at the University of Windsor for business administration and I am in my first year of the first semester, and was thinking of transferring to the University of Toronto (downtown campus) for business administration or commerce. So, I was wondering how I would go about doing that i.e forms to fill out, credits needed, documentation needed etc. Also before I went to Windsor I was thinking of going to go to UofT but I didn’t take the mandatory calculus course so I didn’t apply. So I was wondering how does UofT access possible transfer students, do they only look at University courses or do they also look at high school courses. If UofT does look at high school courses and considering I didnt take the course needed for the program at UofT does that mean I’d be rejected? Any feedback, advice or answers would be greatly apprecaited. Thank you in advance!

    ———————————————

    Already in your first year and waiting to get out of there, eh? Before you do so, maybe give Windsor a chance before you consider switching? Oh wait, it’s Windsor. I advise you to get the hell out of there as fast you can.

    Basically in order to complete your switchover to U of T’s hallowed halls, you’ll have to contact the Transfer Credit Office. All the necessary information to attempt a transfer is detailed on this website. But I will recap the FAQs for you.

    How do I apply?

    Students wishing to transfer to the U of T should complete an application form available from the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre or from the University of Toronto Office of Admissions and Awards.

    The Faculty of Arts and Science has a minimum two-year residency requirement. The Faculty does not normally accept as degree candidates, students who have completed more than two years (10 full credits) beyond the grade 12/OAC level at university – such students may apply as Special Students (i.e. those who are not proceeding towards a University of Toronto degree).

    What do they take?

    Acceptance of Transfer Credits
    Acceptance of transfer credits among Ontario universities shall be based on the recognition that, while learning experiences may differ in a variety of ways, their substance may be virtually equivalent in terms of their content and rigour. Insofar as possible, acceptance of transfer credit should allow for the maximum recognition of previous learning experience in university-level courses.

    Subject to degree, grade and program requirements, any course offered for credit by one university shall be accepted for credit by another Ontario university when there is virtual equivalency in course content.

    Assessment of Transfer Credits
    The assessment of previous post-secondary studies for transfer credit is compulsory. Failure to comply with the stated procedures and/or resolve any outstanding obligations, such as the submission of additional documentation or the completion of departmental interviews, within your first registered session of degree studies will result in the refusal of further course enrolments.

    When will I know?

    Length of Process

    • Assessment response time varies depending on a number of factors – e.g.: whether or not the documentation in your file is complete, where your studies were completed (e.g.: at a College of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT)/College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (CITAL) or outside of Canada), the time period during which your request is received (mid-June to mid-August is our peak period).
    • Normally, a domestic assessment takes approximately 3-4 weeks and a foreign assessment up to 10 weeks.

    Hopefully you found that helpful. They will definitely make their decision based on your first year marks at Windsor so do well, so you can get the hell out of there! In terms of whether or not you will need a high school calculus class, that may be a question that needs to be consulted with the Commerce Program. Contact them here.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • campus

    you’ve got it on lock down

    September 17, 2010

    Hey aska,

    Where would you be able to find a locker on campus, and which places are the cheapest? I need a place to store my love letters and engagement gifts. I get too many. Also my gym clothes and drinks, but that’s another story.

    I think you can get some at Innis (no idea how though), and Hart House as well, but are there more convenient/cheaper options?

    By the way, I love your site and am following your posts to the point of obsession.
    (Don’t worry, even though I’m so popular and everything, the only one I love is you.)

    Thanks and much love. 🙂

    ———————————————

    Oooh, I like you. Can we be friends on the internet? Seriously though, email me. I feel like you could be an Askastudent in training 🙂

    You will be happy to know that Innis College boasts the cheapest lockers on campus. A scant $5 for a whole year that are big enough to fit a mini suitcase on wheels, a laptop, and a giant lunch bag. I believe you can rent them from the ICSS, located in the Innis College building. You can contact them at416.978.0840 or info@icss.com.

    Lock it up, darling!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • keeners,  writing

    i want to be a student journalist!

    September 9, 2010

    Hi, ask!
    I’m a second year anthropology student at the University of Toronto this year with aspirations to become the next great, critical mind on current affairs. I’ve looked and looked for undergraduate courses in communication studies/journalism to prepare me for reporting but I’ve come up dry each time. I’d really appreciate being able to actually apply my study of people outside of academia. Do you know of any such undergraduate courses at u of t or is this something I’ll have to wait for graduate studies to learn?
    Thanks!

    ———————————————

    If you’re at the UTSC campus, you’re in luck. They have their own journalism program! But if you’re at St. George, you’ll have to make do with a hodgepodge of journalism options.

    The first thing that I can’t recommend enough is to look into volunteering for a student paper. U of T has a plethora of them – from the college papers to the big kahuna, The Varsity. Every year, papers across campus are looking for interested students to try their hand at reporting, taking photos, copy editing and attending their seminars. Email recruitment@thevarsity.ca to get involved.

    St. George has some hidden Communications classes tucked away in Innis, St. Mike’s and Victoria. Look into classes in the Film, Book & Media Studies (like hello!) and Literary Studies programs. Here’s a few sample classes you might be interested in:

    SMC 291H1F BROADCAST MEDIA AND CULTURE

    Instructor: Paul Babiak

    Class: T10-12

    A survey of historical and contemporary developments in radio, television, and the internet, and their impact on culture. Lectures examine technological innovations, commercialization, nationalization of the airwaves, government regulation, censorship, ratings and viewership, broadcasting and popular culture, propaganda, and the evolution of the radio-television personality. Examples from Canadian and international media.

    Prerequisite: Priority to BMS students
    Recommended preparation: SMC 219Y1/228H1/229h1

    SMC 315H1F THE NEWSPAPER IN CANADIAN SOCIETY

    Instructor: Michael Valpy

    Class: M10-12

    Through lectures, tutorials and field trips, this course examines the origins and development of the English-language newspaper in Canada since the eighteenth century. Research projects focus on the historical newspaper collections of the University of Toronto libraries, the Toronto Reference Library, and the Archives of Ontario.

    Recommended preparation: SMC 219Y1/228H1/229H1

    Best of luck with your anthropological discoveries.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • tcard

    give me my tcard!

    September 9, 2010

    Hi,

    I flew in from Calgary and forgot to bring my letter of offer, is it still possible to get my Tcard? If so, what other documents do I need in substitution for the letter of offer? If not, can I obtain another copy of letter of offer from the university?

    Thanks,
    Em

    ———————————————

    Don’t sweat it Em! If you print your ROSI class schedule, or something official with your student number on it, the Tcard office will know that you’re not a horrible user desperate to drain U of T of all its precious resources.

    They are located on the second floor of Robarts library. If that doesn’t work, go to your college registrar and ask them to print you a letter of confirmation – standard practice for proving that you go to U of T. I feel like the ROSI class schedule should suffice just fine, though.

    Smile pretty!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • languages,  transfer credits

    je suis…annoyed

    September 9, 2010

    HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!

    I am a first year student and plan on majoring in sociology and French (leaning towards the language & linguistics programme). However, I have minimal knowledge of French and was placed in FSL121Y1 after taking the placement test. I logged into ROSI and attempted to enrol in the course but am on the waitlist. I was advised by the registrar that I should consider taking an equivalent course at Athabasca University. I do not want to study a language online, so I tried to get into a similar course at UTM, UTSC, Glendon, and Ryerson to no avail. Also, this course is usually not offered in the summer session and I cannot take this course in the 2nd year because it means I’ll be taking FSL22Y1 during 3rd year and will not be able to complete the program requirements by the time I graduate. What am I supposed to do?? Since FSL121Y1 does not count towards any French programme, can I study privately at another Alliance Francais or with a tutor and the retake the placement test or enrol in FSL22Y1 in second year? I don’t care about getting the credit for FSL121Y1; I only care about being prepared to take FSL221Y1 in 2nd year so I can complete the program by the end of 4th year.

    ———————————————

    Hey there. Considering your situation, I think that taking a language placement class at the Alliance Francais (so conveniently close to campus!) is a swell idea. You will just have to make sure that it checks out alright with the French department, not your registrar. I understand that being on the waitlist has messed up your class schedule and plan for your studies. You can try to get into FSL 121Y1 after the first week of classes (when the waitlists are dropped), or you could try to do the course equivalent in person at the Alliance Francais. The only potential problem is that U of T will not accept your class there as a credit.

    The website says this in regards to transfer credits from accrediated universities:

    Students may receive transfer credits, by means of a request placed through their College Registrar, for language courses taken at any accredited or degree-granting university in Canada or abroad. In order to be recommended for transfer credits, students should arrange, before returning to Toronto, for the other university to send an official transcript of their results. The transcript should be sent directly to the address indicated on their Letter of Permission (if they have one) or to their College Registrar.

    If your French improves thanks to your studies at the Alliance, it’s possible that you might get into FSL 221Y1 irregardless and not have to worry. But if you don’t pass the placement test and U of T doesn’t accept your Alliance year as a credit, you might have to end up taking FSL 121Y anyways.

    I would talk to the French department before you decide what you are going to do. Maybe you will get into FSL 121Y anyways!

    Bonne chance,

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • textbooks

    this is textbook

    September 9, 2010

    Hey askastudent,

    First off, let me thank you profoundly for the website, it really has answered a lot of my questions about day to day life at U of T. My question is, are students required to buy the paperback/hardcovered version of their textbooks? I’m wondering whether or not I can use ebook/pdf versions of the textbooks (assuming they’re available in the format) to reduce the amount of weight I would have to carry around since I’m already planning to carry around a laptop and I’ve always done my studying using electronic texts so I’d prefer their functionality over actual texts.

    Thanks!

    ———————————————

    Feel free to use whatever textbook you want. I’ve actually been wondering about this – do you have like an eBook/kindle reader? Are they “en vogue” for university students these days? Askastudent is practically a dinosaur but from what I gather, most textbooks won’t be available except in their weighty, hardcover format. If there is an eBook version, by all means bring your laptop and read along. But if there ain’t, you might have to bring along your textbook for group tutorials and seminars, since you’ll all be reading at the same times and cross referencing the same material. In addition to textbooks, many classes have photocopied readers that you’ll have to bring along. I’d recommend getting a pretty kickass backpack. I like these ones (when did Askastudent turn into a fashion blog/can people ask me more style questions?).

    Generally textbooks are still an unfortunate reality for college students lives and backs. You’ll get more deets about where to buy your books and readers on the first day of class!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • failing,  GPA,  probation

    had a bad year

    September 3, 2010

    Dear Aska,

    I’m currently a third year student at UofT, but had a pretty rough year: I literally failed all four of the courses I took. So far my GPA has been calculated on ROSI, but my academic standing doesn’t seem to be listed (I heard from someone that they don’t assess your standing if you didn’t get at least one credit that session, but I digress). My question is, is there any way to get the past year off of my cGPA or is my best bet to just retake all of those courses?

    Thanks!

    ———————————————

    Sorry to hear about your rough year. It definitely happens to the best of us (and more often than you think). Your past year will totally count towards your CGPA since it’s a cumulative calculation of your entire academic history. Since you didn’t do a late withdrawal on the courses before the end of the term, they will count towards your degree. If you need the credits to graduate, you will have to retake the courses and pass them, however, I imagine that you are probably on academic probation.

    Here’s what the calendar says about academic probation. Remember that if this happens more than three times, you will be refused from the faculty.

    Probation; Suspension; Refused Further Registration

    The following regulations apply to students who have attempted at least four courses* in the Faculty.

    1. A student shall be on academic probation who

    a) has a cumulative GPA of less than 1.50 or

    b) returns from suspension.

    The best thing to do is talk to your registrar as immediately as possible to find out how to proceed. On academic probation, you won’t be able to register in any courses for this fall semester. Soon enough, your GPA will show up on ROSI but for now, talk to your registrar about how to go forward.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • jobs,  st. mike's

    what happens if i want a job with my degree?

    September 3, 2010

    Hey,

    I’ve been wanting to take up an internship for a local independent magazine for a while now. Incidentally, they take priority over those who are looking to get school credit. I was wondering if UofT gives such credit, or if they will acknowledge it, at least? I’m going into second year and just recently declared my Post as MAJ English/MAJ Book & Media Studies. I’m thinking of applying for this interning slot next summer. I just don’t know who else to ask about this school credit thing. Registrar’s? The English Department? Book & Media Studies Department? Help!

    ———————————————

    Hi there!

    As a fellow mag-lover who has been in the same position as you are, it’s almost impossible to get U of T to accept an internship as a credit in the English or Book & Media Studies programs. Many journalism students have internships built into their programs, but for people studying literature, it’s often not a requirement.

    Your registrar won’t really be able to facilitate this. The best thing to do would be to talk to the program representative at the English and/or Book & Media Studies Department and explain in detail why you should be able to get either a credit or a half credit for your internship. You will have to let them make an exception for you, and often that is hard to do.

    The best people to contact would be as follows:

    ENGLISH

    Undergraduate Counsellor – Ms Vala Holmes
    416-978-5026
    Jackman Humanities Building, 170 St. George Street, Room 609
    english.undergraduate@utoronto.ca

    Associate Chair – Professor Nick Mount
    416-978-5921
    Jackman Humanities Building, 170 St. George Street, Room 608
    416-946-3144
    Jackman Humanities Building, 170 St. George Street, Room 704
    nick.mount@utoronto.ca

    BOOK AND MEDIA STUDIES

    Book & Media Studies
    Coordinator
    John Noyes
    Professor
    St. Michael’s College Fellow
    (416) 926 1300 ext. TBA
    john.noyes@utoronto.ca

    Hope that helps and that you get to do what you want to do!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • maps

    getting around to class – fast!

    September 2, 2010

    Salutations,
    I’m first year new meat at UofT, and I have a couple courses that are back to back, ie: one ends at 2pm, the next starts at 2pm. Do professors mind if we dip about ten minutes early, or I guess arrive ten minutes late to their classes? I tried with all the power invested in me to not end up with these situations, but alas, there was no way around it to fit my schedule. I swear I’ll sprint/bike as fast as I can, but I won’t be on time for some classes – especially when graced with ten feet of snow.
    A thousand in-advance thanks!

    ———————————————

    Ooh, fresh meat! Love it.

    Everyone worries about the same problem you do. That’s why all classes actually start at the 10 minute mark at every hour to allot for travel time. Therefore if you have a lecture at 2, it won’t actually start until 2:10 PM. Definitely get a bike anyways, they’re a travel necessity in the city and way cheaper than getting a metro pass. In the winter it’s a little bit harder to not only get motivated to GO to class, but go between them. Get the warmest, coolest boots you can find – I recommend these.

    Good luck getting around.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • first year,  money

    money in the bank

    September 2, 2010

    Dear Ask,
    I am going to be attending my first year at U of T. I have already paid the minimum payment for tuition, and I was wondering when I must pay the remainder by.
    Thanks !

    ———————————————

    As long as you pay the remainder of your fees by the end of the school year (that’s mid April), you won’t accrue any additional evil U of T interest. Since you’ve paid the minimum payment for tuition, you are also registered in your classes! Yay!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • computers,  first year

    what to bring on the first day of school

    September 2, 2010

    hello,
    i’m a first year student, and have a quick question on what to bring to UNIVERSITY on my first day?(i know, lame right?)
    BOOKS!(duh) and paper? or LAPTOP? pens? or LAPTOP? I’m in politcal science. I’ve asked my friends, they say a laptop is a MUST, however, some say they dont bother because its a distraction, but i don’t want to look stupid with a notebook and a pen when everyone else is using a laptop, or when i have a laptop and everyone else is using a notebook and pen. I need to know because, my laptop is heavy too, hehe. Thanks!

    ———————————————

    First of all don’t worry about looking stupid – you didn’t come to this big fancy university for nothing, right?

    On the issue of laptop vs. pen and paper – that is a personal and political choice. More students have laptops than pen and paper nowadays, but the pen and paper is still a very popular choice. I guess it depends on how much materials you want to lug around with you. If you have to bring multiple textbooks and course readers, plus a laptop, you might be very tired and sore at the end of a long day of lectures. But if you’re in the midst of writing a paper at the library, a laptop might be a good thing.

    The downside of a laptop is that the power might run out before the lecture is over and then you’ll be stuck. The upside of a pen and paper is that they’re pretty light and handy, but you might have terrible handwriting like me.

    I’d say if you can, invest in a quality backpack and bring both. Then you’ve got the best of both worlds, Hannah Montana style, and you can use one if the other craps out on you.

    Other good things to bring for the first day of school are a bottle of water, an organizer, a bike and some kind of light snack between lectures.

    Also remember to stop worrying what other people think of you. You’re in university now!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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