A Day in Alayna's Life
Hi! I’m Alayna, and I’m currently in my fourth year, specializing in Psychology. Today, I’m taking you with me through a day in my life, from lectures and work to the small everyday moments that make my university experience truly meaningful!
7:30am
Once I’m up for the day, I head straight into my morning routine. This is my quiet time to get dressed, pick out an outfit that matches my mood, and ease into the morning. I do my skincare and take a look at what’s on my calendar for the day.
8:00am
Once I head downstairs, I turn on the morning news to catch up on the world while I make breakfast. I usually pour a cup of coffee and toast some bread to get energized for my day!
8:30am
After lacing up my sneakers and grabbing my water bottle, I hop in my car and drive to campus. I queue up a playlist that matches my energy and let the music set the tone for the morning.
9:00am
Once I arrive on campus, I head straight to the Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre (RAWC), a vibrant facility where students can stay active, unwind, and connect with others through sport and recreation. The RAWC offers a ton of amenities, including an indoor track, an 8-lane swimming pool, three gym courts, squash courts, and outdoor fields and courts. I start off with a quick warm-up on the treadmill and move on to strength training, alternating between free weights and resistance machines.
By the end of my workout, I’m focused and ready to tackle the rest of my day!
11:00am
Once I finish up at the RAWC, I make my way over to the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office for my shift. As a Student Ambassador, my role involves welcoming prospective students and their families to lecture halls and campus spaces, providing a friendly and supportive first point of contact. I assist with campus tours, recruitment events, and help create an inclusive and engaging environment. I also guide students toward appropriate support services, ensuring they feel supported and confident navigating university life!
1:00pm
After my shift, I meet up with my friend to chat and grab some Food on Campus. We get Tim Horton’s and head over to the Instructional Centre to get a solid block of studying in before my lecture. I find a spot in the quiety study zone, which is perfect for focusing without distractions.
3:00pm
My next stop is my anthropology lecture located in the same building, one of the highlights of my day! This introductory course, ANT102H5, dives into the sociocultural and linguistic domains of anthropology, focusing on topics like culture, identity, and human behaviour.
The discussions are always lively and thought-provoking, pushing me to view the world from different angles!
4:00pm
After my lecture, my friend and I make a quick stop at Second Cup at the Kaneff Centre for some iced coffee! After we’re powered up, we hop into the UTM Library, in the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre, to work on my thesis course. I find a quiet spot by the windows and settle in with my notes.
One of my favourite things about studying here is all the resources available to students.
I can sign out laptop and phone chargers if I forget mine, book private study rooms for group projects, and even get help with citations and references. Plus, with access to over 16 million items across all three U of T campuses, I never have trouble finding the articles or books I need.
6:00pm
Having finished up on campus, I start wrapping up my day and make my way home!
6:30pm
At home, I make dinner and put on a show while I relax. I catch up with my family and chat about our days. It’s a nice way to unwind and connect after a long day!
7:30pm
I head upstairs to focus on my seminar course in Wellbeing to prepare for the next day. The course is discussion-based and highly reflective, so I spend this time reviewing readings, organizing my thoughts for seminars, and completing any weekly reflections.
8:30pm
Once I feel confident in the work I’ve completed for the day, I take some time for myself. I read a book to unwind, follow my evening skincare routine, and then settle in for a good night’s sleep, recharging for the day ahead!
Thank you so much for following along! Every university student is different, and no two schedules or routines look the same.
University is not about having a perfect routine, but about learning to adapt, finding balance, and growing along the way.
Here’s to making the most of each day and appreciating every part of the journey!
