Getting to Know U of T Mississauga

Coming into university is a big transition for many people, including those coming to the University of Toronto. Here are some questions asked by future and current students: 

What should you know or be doing in November as a prospective student?

If you haven’t already, start thinking about the programs you are interested in as some programs have unique requirements. Exploring the different recruitment events and programming offered by the university like online events, virtual and in-person tours, etc., can help you better understand the campus and the programs we offer. For online events, check out Discover U of T for on-demand presentations on a range of subjects, for example, Business at U of T, Science at U of T, Co-op @UTSC, etc. 

If you identify as Black Students or Indigenous Students, Discover U of T has curated some specific pages that help you learn about the programming and resources here to support you. We also have Discover U of T Mississauga with UTM-specific content where you can find more information about the experiential learning opportunities, resources, student experiences. Check the Day in My Life series, Discover Days playlist, and Program Spotlights to hear about what it's like being a student at UTM.

Apply for Scholarships! A lot of application-based scholarships deadlines are in November. You don't need to have an application to U of T yet to apply for scholarships. Your applications get matched after you apply (if you haven't already). 

How do you manage your time as a UTM student?

One of the biggest tips to do when starting university is using a time blocking method that serves you best. Time blocking is when you divide up your day by specific increments of time and in each increment, you dedicate that block to doing a workout, taking a nap, doing course work, etc. This will be a super helpful skill to start early during your time here because it keeps you organized and keep a balanced day. Many students become overworked and exhausted by cramming work into one day or even some delegating sufficient breaks for themselves. If you are someone who gets distracted easily or likes to be very organized, consider synchronizing your tools together to make scheduling easier. This way you know at all times what you should be doing. Also, some days might not go to plan and so it’s important to re-adjust however you like to work if the time blocks you’ve set up for yourself no longer are making you productive.

How do extracurriculars matter during your time at UTM?

As a student, it's important to make time for things other than academics. UTM has many extracurriculars to get involved in that help you apply the skills you've learned in the classroom. We have athletics, academic societies, clubs, councils and other work experiences to get involved during your time here. Make the most out of your university experience by leveraging the friendships and professional connections you gain by participating. There are even mentorships programs like UTM Launch or other departments that run mentoring that will help you navigate this. It's important to never indulge too much in your academics or your extracurriculars, but have a healthy balance where you benefit from both!

How do I choose between Specialists, Majors, and Minors?

It all depends on you! Some students prefer being in one program while having a breadth of courses to choose from and other students prefer to have a breadth of programs with a smaller range of course choices. Depending on the type of profession you’d like to pursue, you might find that a more focused degree is better and for others, having different educational experiences is more fitting. Taking electives will help you figure out if a specialist, majors, or minors are best because you'll be able to hone in on the type of learning you want. Check out the UTM Timetable to read about different courses, from here you can better understand what program you’re suited for. For example, if you wanted to be a writer, you may prefer the Professional Writing and Communication (PWC) courses over the English courses and vice versa.