Heading to university for the first time is exciting and a little daunting. You know it’s not going to be like high school – you’ll have way more independence, for starters – but the differences don’t stop there.
Here are some things you can expect as you start this new chapter.
Your workload will be more demanding.
University-level course work is challenging and there can be a lot of it. Each course and instructor has its own set of expectations, and you’ll be responsible for balancing them.
What can I do? Develop time-management and long-term project management skills. Academic Success workshops will be super helpful.
Classes can be huge.
If your first-year lectures are really big, you might not be able to talk to your professor in class.
What can I do? Connect with your TA in tutorials and use your professor’s office hours.
You’re going to need guidance.
With new terms to learn, a big campus to navigate and new responsibilities on your plate, a little help will go a long way.
What can I do? Get to know your registrar. They can help you with academic advising, financial counselling, referrals to campus resources and more.
You need to advocate for yourself.
Students with academic/personal/physical challenges can absolutely thrive at U of T. You’re responsible for advocating for yourself, but you can get lots of help.
What can I do? Reach out to Accessibility Services as soon as possible. An accessibility advisor can help you look into academic accommodations, fill out paperwork, build skills and much more.
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Associated Programs
Course Correction
Join a Course Correction workshop for resources and support on how to get a fresh start after an academic setback, unexpected grade or failed course.
Learn more about Course CorrectionIdentity & Learning
Identity & Learning workshops offer an informal, inclusive space to have conversations about how identity impacts learning.
Learn more about Identity & LearningLearning How to Learn
If you want to develop yourself as a learner to meet new expectations and improve your performance, attend Learning How to Learn, a three-part workshop series to help you connect to success.
Learn more about Learning How to LearnLearning Well in First Year
A 6-part workshop series to help you learn more effectively in your first year at U of T.
Learn more about Learning Well in First YearLearning Well in Second Year
A 4-week learning program to help you get back on track in your second year
Learn more about Learning Well in Second YearUniversity (Uni) Prep Workshops
This workshop series prepares you to enter and/or return to a university academic environment.
Learn more about University (Uni) Prep Workshops -
Associated Services
Academic mentor appointments
Book a one-on-one appointment with a peer mentor to get fast support and skills. Learn more about Academic mentor appointmentsAcademic Success resource library
Explore our handouts and tip sheets on academic skills. Learn more about Academic Success resource library