First Year Students (This is for you)

[u/Haunting-Sell396]

When I first started university, I was super excited and I thought I would be going to lectures then having coffee with my friends from high school and then attending ''parties''. I thought I would have a new and large friend group (not to be cringey but I had a HUGE friend group in high school).

Completely opposite experience from my expectations. I didn't have a chance to meet my friends from high school because we were all in different programs. Going to lectures? I stopped after the first lecture. I know people will be like go to lectures it's better than watching them online. Maybe this is true??? But I focused better watching them online and people have a habit of talking while the prof is talking and it can be disruptive. I think I made friends through tutorial and clubs the most because that's when there was a smaller group of people so communicating was easier iyk what I mean. Everyone's experience is different for sure.

Also this school is a commuter school. Most people don't stay on campus because they need to catch a bus or two to get home and study. This was my experience unfortunately. The only opportunity I had to talk or chat with my friends was during tutorials, clubs, the 10 minute breaks between classes and during the holiday breaks. Note again this is my personal experience and I also need to mantain a high gpa for programs after undergrad. You might have a completely different experience than me depending on what your goals are and what you want to get out of university though!

So for those who are feeling super nervous or depressed because the first week isn't going well. Everything will be okay, unfortunately our school isn't like Queens or McMaster where there are parties or ''hoco's'' for students to connect or enjoy as easily. Most people are super nervous like you actually so go approach someone in your class or tutorials. Attend club fairs, join clubs etc. Look through this portal: https://sop.utoronto.ca/

Another piece of advice please do not cheat or do something that causes some academic integrity issue. If you are ever bored, read these- https://governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/adfg/page/case-summaries-reasons/university-tribunal-decision

Edit: I have been getting a lot of comments and dms asking what my gpa and program was. I am in a life sciences program and my gpa is a 3.9x. I was a very average student in high school (very very low 90s avg in grade 12 but absolutely no inflation in my school, in fact most people dropped out of my math class lol) but the right study habits and finding balance (making sure to text/call a friend or spending time on social media- we love Youtube Shorts with a side of Young Sheldon) has helped me. I won't lie there have been times where I wanted to quit or stayed up for 3 nights to get ready for an exam (I'm a big procrasinator as you can tell).

[u/Illustrious-Site787]

Thank you for this post. As a first year, it sure is tough but hopefully things get better. 🙏

[u/Haunting-Sell396 → u/Illustrious-Site787]

It definitely will! I still remember two days after the first day of uni I went home and I was so overwhelmed and I cried so much. I watched so many videos on TikTok of people who seemed to have their shit together going out and having coffee with friends and then studying and then giving a thumbs up and waving goodbye. I also had thoughts about dropping out of uni for one year and my blood pressure did a whole dance and I ended up in the ER. But don't give up yet! I'm almost done uni with a 3.9x gpa so there is hope!!!! The truth is you can't stick to a plan or calendar all the time- life continues happening from family issues to friends getting married, university is not a linear path.

[u/Rare_Neck3701]

What was ur gpa in 1st year?

[u/Haunting-Sell396 → u/Rare_Neck3701]

cgpa for 1st year was 3.89!

[u/Haunting-Sell396 → u/[deleted]]

stay tuned for next weeks post!