So I’m sure by now you’ve heard about all the horrible things associated with university life, particularly U of T. You’ve been told that you won’t get any sleep, you won’t have a social life, and that no matter how much effort you put into an assignment or test, you’re still not guaranteed a satisfactory mark.
Well, I am the last person to try and convince you to think otherwise. In fact, for most U of T students, all the above mentioned statements hold true. However, after experiencing these things first-hand, you are no longer overwhelmed by the thought of your academic life consuming every other aspect of your entire life. At this point, you’re simply waiting to take on the big challenge that is U of T and face it head on.
That said, every experience is diffierent. I don’t want to spoil yours by subjecting you to my biased beliefs of the university. But, it would be beneficial for you to take advantage of another student’s outlook on the academic life at the University. Why be surprised when you can prepare yourself in advance using the perspective of a fellow student?
The following is a list of things I wish I knew before entering university:
• The college system is actually VERY important. Every college acts as a unique community. Each community is composed of various students that can best develop friendships with one another upon their ability to relate to each other. Each college offers acceptance into a small community within a bigger community, that is U of T. So do not simply pick any college for the sake of just choosing one. Instead, choose one based on the program of your interest, and even the clubs and organizations that are offered there. Make sure to do you research!
• EVERY PROGRAM is hard, and doing well in ANY is a huge accomplishment. Many people apply for a specific program in hopes of living a specific student life that matches the expectations of studying at a prestigious and internationally well-renowned university, and others are too scared to apply for certain programs because they’re worried about failure. Regardless of the stereotypes you hear about social science, engineering, Rotman Commerce, life science, or humanities students, all of these programs are equally challenging and difficult. U of T’s prestige did not develop through only one of these programs. Each of these programs equally contribute to the big name that is now known as U of T. Don’t overthink it, you just have to start university with a positive mindset, a plan or some sort of goal in mind, and acknowledge that it’s going to be a lot of hard work. You’re going to university to expand on your education, gain experience and knowledge, earn and build on new skills, and contribute them in a meaningful way upon your graduation. If you can have fun along the way, that’s a bonus. But if you don’t right away, don’t let it get you down.
• Don’t worry too much about the program or major you choose. You have a lot of time to make up your mind. Although there’s less stress and anxiety if you have a plan, don’t worry too much if you don’t have an idea of what you want to get into. Technically speaking, your first year is a chance for you to further discover your interests and find out what it is you really want to study for the rest of the 3, 4 or even 5 years of your undergraduate years.
Perhaps some of you are aware of these experiences, but for those of you who aren’t, try not to overthink university life too much. Study hard, stay active on campus, and most importantly enjoy yourself and your time as an undergraduate student. Be smart about the college you pick, the program and courses you enrol in, and study the subjects of your interest, regardless of the path other students may take.
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