Hi Aska: I’m an upcoming student, currently live in China, and about to head to U of T in several weeks. I found your website really helping. As I trace back to earlier questions, I discovered many important details that I missed for a first year student. And I still have some questions about academic life and… something embarrassing (LOL)
First question is about the POSTs. The handbook said that to satisfy the BA/BSc degree, I have to enroll in at least 2 major or 1 specialist programs. What I wanted to know is, can I enroll in 3 majors or 1 specialist and 1major program? Is that possible to be completed in four years? Should I pay additional tuition fee for that?
I know there is some scholarships available for international student. Can I apply for more than one scholarships at a same time? Is there any limitations about the number of scholarships I applied for? I’m not greedy, but the tuition fee is really expensive (Honestly, more than $20,000), I wish to know if there’s some way to make the situation a little better.
And the final, blockbuster question is from my mum. I bet this is the first time in aska history, that somebody want to know if the Innis Residence offer bedclothes, and should her son carry his bedding set for several thousand miles all the way from Beijing to Toronto (Oh, mom!).
That’s all, many thanks, and, looking forward for your answer.
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Hello there all the way from Toronto! (But on the internet, we’re the same.) Don’t feel embarrassed by your inquisitive nature or your darling mum. And congratulations on making Aska history!!!
First things first. While it is possible to complete a specialist and major, or three majors, you have to consider your time and course registration. Many students end up with these combinations because they take courses that overlap, or have interdisciplinary seminars. No one is stopping you from taking as many courses as you need and want to, in order to complete your program, but it is good to keep in mind that a Specialist is 10 courses, and a major is seven. If you have to fill to fill five breadth requirements, plus 10 courses as is…maybe you won’t be able to give yourself the wiggle room needed. Talk to your registrar about your ambitious plans and they will help you (I promise!)
You might finish your program in four years, or more, depending on how many courses you take (many students find themselves taking 3-5 courses a year, which designates you as a “full time student.”) There is no additional fees, depending on whether you complete a specialist or a major, just the fees towards courses and other compulsory fees for student societies. Keep that in mind.
In terms of scholarships, by all means, apply for as many as you humanly can apply for! No one is going to be aware of how many scholarships you are applying for, and if you are eligible for more than one scholarship (and you receive more than one scholarship) – that is totally sweet-ass-sweet. Admissions and awards lists some scholarships on their website that you might be eligible for, though it gets a little trickier for international students. Your registrar should have some advice about good places to hit up, and while you may not be eligible for OSAP, there are some bank loans with low interest.
In response to your mom, all beds come from the Innis Residence stripped bare. (Which is actually a good thing, considering.) Bring your own bed clothes or buy some new sheets at a local department store. I recommend The Bay, for that touch of classic Canadiana.
Best of luck with your upcoming move!
xoxo, Askastudent