YOU:
Want to meet new people and feel connected.
Want to be physically and mentally well.
Want to get good grades and succeed in your studies.
Want your degree to help you get the career of your dreams.
WE:
Help students do this (and way more) every day.
It’s time we met.
Connect, learn, thrive
September might feel a long way off, but there are lots of ways to set yourself up for success right now. Student Life is here with you every step of the way! We’ll connect you to people and resources, help you learn to reach your potential, and thrive at U of T.
Check out the Summer Prep Checklist and Calendar to get a sense of the programs and events that are available from Student Life. Don’t forget to come back often and get the latest updates:
Summer Prep Checklist
This checklist includes lots of ways to set yourself up to thrive before you get to campus in September, including orientation events and workshops to help you prepare for life as a university student.
You’ll be able to register for most events in the checklist on Folio, the event, appointment and opportunity management system at U of T (You’ll need to login with your UTORid or JOINid for access).
For a full listing of orientation events and workshops check out the Summer Prep Calendar
Audience Icons
Our events and programs welcome all incoming students, with some tailored for specific audiences.
You can find targeted events by looking for these audience icons within the checklist:
International students
Indigenous students
Students with a disability
2SLGBTQ+ students
Mature and transfer students
Students with family responsibilities
Spiritual students
Latin American students
First-generation students*
African Black Caribbean students
Southeast Asian students
Your UTORid is your digital student credential that gives you access to online services like email (UTmail+), course content on Quercus, webinars, library resources, Microsoft 365 applications, WiFi on campus, Folio and more.
Don’t wait until the last minute – activate your UTORid as soon as possible!
Skip the start-of-term rush and get access to online resources as early as May 1 by submitting your photo and documentation today. You can pick up your TCard (campus identification) when you arrive on campus. Be sure to check for pick-up locations and hours on the website before you come.
And, if you activate your UTORid before August 10 you could win a $200 U of T Bookstore gift card.
Starting Point is a build-your-own-experience program connecting you to programs and events at U of T. It works with your schedule, gives you opportunities to learn new things and helps you stay informed about what’s happening on campus. Most events listed on this calendar count towards program completion, so register today to get started.
Plus, if you register before August 24, you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of two $50 U of T Bookstore gift cards!
“Enrolling in Starting Point was probably the best decision I made at the beginning of the year. It gave me a guideline, a goal, something to work towards so that I would force myself to be involved.”
We have lots of events, online resources and webinars, too. Follow Student Life on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for important info about connecting with your student community today.
Life @ U of T
Follow the Student Life Community Crew on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, and check out the Life @ U of T blog, where students share their experiences about life on campus.
Incoming: 9 New Things
You’ve probably already started receiving 9 New Things, the Student Life newsletter highlighting interesting events and useful information. You’ll receive special incoming student issues throughout the summer, and then weekly issues in the fall.
Take a look at the pre-arrival guide for more info about getting started this fall and search the international students tag throughout the checklist to highlight events designed with you in mind. And if you haven’t already applied for your study permit, start today! Details are in the pre-arrival guide, and the immigration advising team hosts weekly Q&A sessions and appointments if you have any questions.
If you are arriving in at Toronto Pearson International Airport when you arrive in Toronto, visit the U of T Welcome Booth.
International Students
Use your UTORid/JOINid to log in to the Off-Campus Housing Finder and begin your search. You can save and compare your favourite listings, search for a roommate using the Roommate Finder and learn about your rights and responsibilities. Visit housing.utoronto.ca for more help with your housing search.
Explore your off-campus housing options at one of our summer events (see details on the orientation events listing):
*NOTE: You will need to login to Folio with your UTORid/JOINid to see these events
- Intro to the Toronto Housing Market: July 9, 17, 26
- Effective Housing Search Strategies: July 30, August 7, 16
- Integrating into Campus Life While Living Off Campus: August 2, 8 20
- Finding a Place: June 6, 17, July 5, 12, 15, August 1, 12
- Drop-in Q&A: June 19, August 21
- Tenant Topics: Renting with roommates: June 11
- Tenant Topics: Avoiding scams: July 16
2SLGBTQ+ Roommate Meet & Greet: July 13
5 Questions About… Finding a place to live: July 11
LGBTQ2S+ students
For step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the online payment process, visit the Student Accounts website. And you can find info on financing your education on the University Registrar’s website.
Indigenous students
You may be eligible for the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant. And remember to contact your community to see if you’re eligible for band funding to cover incidental fees!
Indigenous students
Get help with navigating disability-related barriers and find supports for learning, problem solving and inclusion with Accessibility Services.
To make sure your accommodations are in place by September, submit your complete student intake package by July 12, 2024 (visit uoft.me/asregister for a step-by-step guide). Remember to have your current health-care provider complete all the required documents before you come to campus.
You may also be eligible for bursaries that can help with disability-related services and equipment. To get started, apply for OSAP or provincial funding as soon as possible.
For more info on registering with Accessibility Services, programs and services, and opportunities to connect with other students, attend one of our Moving Forward summer Get Started sessions:
All students: July 3, August 1
International students: July 23, August 21
Students with ASD and ADHD: July 12, August 7
Moving Forward orientation: August 26-27
Navigating disability & registering with Accessibility Services: July 3
Accessibility Services Open House: September 13
NOTE: You will need to login to Folio with your UTORid/JOINid to access these links.
Reach out to us or connect with an accessibility peer advisor at a drop-in session if you have any questions. Don’t forget to sign up for the Access Us mentorship program as well.
International Students
Students with a disability
Involvement on campus is an important part of your university experience, and your Co-Curricular Record is an official way for U of T to recognize the things you do. Certain activities can be validated on your CCR, creating a way to connect your experiences to skills that appeal to employers, graduate schools and more.
You can get your first CCR validation ASAP for the Summer Prep Checklist by following these steps:
- Attend one orientation workshop on preparing for university academics.
- Attend any two additional qualifying orientation workshops.
- Tell us how you plan to get involved at U of T.
- Register for the Starting Point program.
And that’s it – now you’ll be on track to get a good start at U of T while completing the first item on your CCR! Visit the Summer Prep Checklist on Folio to enroll and get started.
If you have questions about anything related to Student Life, just ask! Get answers to all your questions by watching our Facebook Lives. You can also ask us any time on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @UofTStudentLife.
5 Questions About…
- Navigating disability & registering with Accessibility Services: July 3
- How to find a place to live: July 9
- International student experience: July 16
- Black Student Engagement: July 23
- Orientation FAQs: August 13
- Joining a club: August 20
- Getting a Work Study job on campus: August 27
- Ask Us Anything about U of T!: August 29
- How to Study at university: September 12
- How to access health care: September 19
- Spiritual life on campus: September 26
Check our Facebook events page for more details:
African Black Caribbean students
International Students
Students with a disability
Spiritual students
Learning happens outside the classroom, too. Getting involved on campus is a great way to:
- build your skills, gain work experience and explore career possibilities.
- meet new people and engage in activities that matter to you.
- stay active and de-stress!
There are tons of ways to get involved – here are just a few to help you get a head start this summer.
- Register for Starting Point.
- Explore the database of student clubs and organizations on the Student Organization Portal.
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR). Explore the database of opportunities at folio.utoronto.ca and use the events in this calendar to get your first CCR validation for the Summer Prep Checklist and start connecting your experiences to skills.
- Check out our Facebook Lives on clubs, orientation, connecting with U of T students and more!
- Spadina Block Party – Get to know student life services on Spadina Avenue and meet new students on September 6.
Attending orientation is an amazing way to get to know more about U of T, learn about your campus and connect with new people. These events are designed to help you thrive during your time at U of T!
Orientation activities are mostly decentralized, with each college and faculty offering separate events. If you have questions about orientation, join our Facebook Live: Orientation FAQs on August 13.
Community-specific orientation events
(See uoft.me/orientation for event details and registration. You will need to login to Folio with your UTORid/JOINid)
- Moving Forward orientation for students with disabilities: August 26-27
- African Black Caribbean, Latin American, Southeast Asian & First Generation Students and Financial Aid: August 29
- Mature student welcome: September 4, 5
- Transfer student welcome: September 10
- Indigenous students: First Nations House orientation September 13
- Queer orientation: September 23-27
- Students with Family Responsibilities orientation: September 20
International students
- Facebook Live: International student experience: July 16
- I Wish I Had Known: Panel on the first-year experience: August 15
- Understanding Legal Status Documents Q&A: July 23,31, August 8, 15, 19, 27, September 4, 13,19, 25
- Toronto Tips: July 18, August 14
- Emerge: An orientation for globally minded students: August 30
- Costi Overview of Services & Resources: September 12
- Social Insurance Number Clinics: September 17, 18, 25
- Be Aware of Scams/Fraud: September 30
- Snap the 6ix: Campus Edition: August 30
- CIE Open House: September 13
- An international welcome: 2SLGBTQ+ and allies: September 27
- Be sure to check out the international student events at your college or faculty orientation.
African Black Caribbean students
- African Black Caribbean, Latin American, Southeast Asian & First-Generation Students and Financial Aid: August 23
- Black student orientation: August 26-30
- Facebook Live: Black Student Engagement: July 23
- Black Hair Expo: The Melanin Experience: August 30
Spiritual students
- Religious accommodations workshop: September 12
- Exploring consent & healthy relationships for students with faith-based backgrounds: September 5
- Intersections of Wellness: September 14
- Welcome Walk: September 18
- Facebook Live: Spiritual Life on campus: September 26
African Black Caribbean students
Latin American students
Southeast Asian students
First-generation students*
International students
Indigenous students
Students with a disability
LGBTQ2S+ students
Mature and transfer students
Students with family responsibilities
Spiritual students
(*First-generation students are those who are the first in their family to attend post-secondary school in Canada)
Explore what university learning is like and build your foundation for academic success at U of T.
Note: You will need to login to Folio with your UTORid/JOINiD to view these events.
University Prep 3-part micro-course
Learn the essentials of university-level learning (attend one or all 3 modules).
- How do I Study: Effective practices for learning: August 13, 20
- How do I Plan: Organizing university learning: August 14, 21
- How do I Stay Motivated: Practicing consistency over perfection: August 15, 22
Learning How to Learn at U of T workshop series
Discover evidence-based practices to improve studying (attend one or all 3 workshops)
- Effective Notetaking: August 20, 29
- Strategic Reading: August 21, 27
- Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time: August 22, 28
“[The workshop] was super accessible, and I could understand everything, and it was very helpful—perfect for easing into university life.”
Learning at U of T as an International Student: Q&A: August 23
Facebook Live: How to Study at U of T: September 12
Questions about your future academic experience? Connect with CLSS peer mentors.
International Students
Build your skills as you gain work and research experience with a paid, on-campus job. Check out the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx) for thousands of on-campus jobs and Work Study positions. Work Study positions are posted in August.
Note: You will need to login to Folio or CLNx with your UTORid/JOINiD to view these events.
Learn more at a Work Study Q&A session: August 18, 13, 19, 23
Facebook Live: Getting a Work Study job on campus: July 25
African Black Caribbean, Latin American & Southeast Asian Students Applying to On & Off Campus Jobs: June 19
For tips on writing your resumé and cover letter and preparing for interviews, visit the Career Resource Library at uoft.me/careerresourcelibrary
African Black Caribbean students
Latin American students
Southeast Asian students
First-generation students*
(*First-generation students are those who are the first in their family to attend post-secondary school in Canada)
Get inspired by connecting with an upper-year student or alum who can provide guidance and motivation. These programs include workshops and social events and resources to help you find community, build skills and explore careers. Many programs begin this summer, so start now to find a program that works for you.
You can discover the many different mentorship opportunities available in activities on Folio (log in with your UTORid/JOINid). Want more support? Book an appointment with a student mentorship education assistant or a mentor navigator right in Folio.
Mentorship Programs
- Bridging Connections Mentorship Program for international students
- Access Us Peer Mentorship Program for students with a disability
- African Black Caribbean Student Engagement
- Southeast Asian Student Engagement
- Latin American Student Engagement
- First Generation Student Engagement
Events
Bridging Connections Mentorship Program events: August 26, September 16, 19
Complete the Finding your Own Mentor e-course at uoft.me/findyourmentor
African Black Caribbean students
Latin American students
Southeast Asian students
First-generation students*
International Students
Students with a disability
(*First-generation students are those who are the first in their family to attend post-secondary school in Canada)
Look for the ASKme Anything pop-up booths around campus! Upper-year students and recent alumni are on hand and ready to answer your questions.
Monday-Friday, August 19 – September 9 and the weekend of August 24 and 25.
Once you are registered, you can make appointments at the Health & Wellness health and mental health clinics. Visit the Health & Wellness website for info on registering as a new patient.
Check that your provincial health card is up-to-date and that you’ve had all the immunizations you need. Next, create a file with your vaccination history, prescriptions and any health-related information and bring it with you to your first appointment.
Remember to check with your student union to find out more about supplementary health insurance that can help cover a lot of medical expenses!
- Learn about Health & Wellness at U of T: August 14
- Facebook Live: How to access health care at U of T: September 19
If you’re an international student, be sure your UTmail+ email address is listed on your ACORN account to receive your University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) card by email this September. Remember to print out your UHIP card when you receive it, and consider attending one of these events to learn about the University Health Insurance Plan:
- UHIP 101 How To: Set up and access UHIP: July 18, August 1, 22, 29, September 5
- UHIP for students with dependents: July 3, 10
- Health Services Overview: August 7 & 8 or August 14 & 15
International Students
Familiarize yourself with the safety resources on campus and keep these numbers handy so you can find what you need at any time.
Need to talk to someone right now?
| U of T Telus Health Student Support | 1-844-451-9700 |
| Good2Talk Student Helpline | 1-866-925-5454 |
| Suicide Crisis Helpline | 988 |
Emergency:
| Fire, Police, Ambulance | 911 |
| Campus Safety (on-campus/safety abroad urgent) | 416-978-2222 |
Community resources:
| Access CAMH (mental health & addictions, Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m.) | 416-535-8501 ext. 2 |
| Assaulted Women’s Helpline | 1-866-863-0511 |
| Black Youth Helpline (Daily, 9a.m. -l0p.m.) | 1-833-294-8650 |
| Distress Centres of Greater Toronto | 416-408-4357 |
| Emergency Shelter | 1-877-338-3398 |
| Gerstein Crisis Centre Support Line | 416-929-5200 |
| Hope for Wellness Helpline for Indigenous students | 1-855-242-3310 |
| LGBT Youth line (Sun-Fri 4 -9:30 p.m. ) | 1-800-268-9688 |
| Naseeha Helpline for Muslim Youth (Daily, 12 p.m. -3 a.m.) | 1-866-627-3342 |
| Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre | 416-323-6040 |
| Toronto Rape Crisis Centre | 416-597-8808 |
Campus Resources (available during regular business hours):
| Accessibility Services | 416-978-8060 |
| Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office | 416-978-1259 |
| Campus Safety (information) | 416-978-2323 |
| Centre for International Experience | 416-978-2564 |
| Centre for Learning Strategy Support | 416-978-7970 |
| Community Safety Office | 416-978-1485 |
| Family Care Office | 416-978-0951 |
| Health & Wellness Centre | 416-978-8030 |
| Housing | 416-978-8045 |
| Indigenous Student Services | 416-978-8227 |
| Multi-Faith Centre | 416-946-3120 |
| Sexual & Gender Diversity Office | 416-946-5624 |
| Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre | 416-978-2266 |
| TravelSafer (available 24/7) | 416-978-7233 |
Other resources:
Resources for Parents and Supporters
The people who care about you have questions of their own, so let them know about the parents and supporters website where they can find lots of valuable info and register for webinars. They can also subscribe to the Parent & Supporters newsletter to stay in the loop and get timely updates!
Orientation webinar for parents & supporters: June 10, July 10, August 13, September 18
Summer Prep Calendar
There are over 100 Student Life Orientation events and workshops happening this summer to help you prep for university life.
You can view the full listing of Student Life events and workshops in the orientation calendar on Folio, an experiential learning platform at U of T.
All you need is your UTORid or JOINid to log in and get started.
Co-Curricular Record
Attend three eligible orientation workshops and you’ll be able to get the first validation on your Co-Curricular Record (CCR)!
Folio
Find events, volunteer and co-curricular opportunities, mentorship, appointment booking and more. Log in using your UTORid or JOINid
Summer Prep PDF
Get a PDF version of the 2024 Summer Prep Calendar and Checklist, neatly organized in one convenient place and ready to print.
Download the accessible version of the 2024 Summer Prep Calendar and Checklist PDF for enhanced readability and usability.
Be sure to check out all that U of T has to offer
This checklist and calendar will give you a great sense of programs and events that are available from Student Life, but there are so many more! Be sure to check out Hart House, student unions (UTSU and APUS), Sport & Rec and your college or faculty because they’ll have lots of stuff going on, too.
Get the latest updates on your summer checklist and calendar
Watch this space for the latest events, info, and tips to make your summer prep a breeze.
Nine New Things
Missed an issue of our newsletter? We’ve got you covered. Catch up and stay ahead with our archive of the Summer Checklist editions of Nine New Things.
Stay connected with Student Life
Student Life on TikTok
Join our TikTok community of students sharing their experiences, tips, and tricks to help you thrive at U of T.
Student Life on Instagram
Dive into the heart of U of T’s downtown campus life! Follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop with everything happening in Student Life at U of T.
Looking for more info?
On many U of T websites, you’ll find this Navi icon. Navi is your U of T Wayfinder, a chat-based virtual assistant. Click on it at any time to find resources, supports and information about U of T.
