Beginning your studies at the University of Toronto can stir a mix of emotions, ranging from excitement and joy to uncertainty and homesickness.
Whether you're moving into residence, commuting across the city or navigating a new country, the transition to university life can be both exhilarating and overwhelming - all at the same time.
But remember: it's a path many have walked before.
Here's what seven students, professors and recent graduates had to say about making the most of your university years - from managing your time to finding your people - so you can thrive personally, socially and academically.
Manage time, set goals
Julianna Marcel, who is entering her second year at Victoria College, says time management and realistic goal-setting are crucial for having a great first year.
"Academic success at U of T is about learning how you work best - and building a system that supports it," says Marcel, who is transitioning from Rotman Commerce to a political science specialization. "For me, that means prioritizing tasks by urgency and being honest about what I can realistically accomplish in a day."
On the social side, Marcel says she's been "pleasantly surprised by how many small moments of connection and belonging you can find at a school as massive as U of T," noting that the key is to "start carving out your corners of campus" by exploring clubs, events and networking opportunities.
Now an orientation executive at Victoria College, Marcel is excited to help first-year students get a fun-filled and supportive start to campus life.
Make friends - and remember you're not alone
Onu Okoli, who is entering her third year of architectural studies at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, says forging new friendships is a key part of the undergraduate experience.
"First year is a great opportunity to do that because lots of other people are also new and looking for that community … so it becomes a lot easier to put yourself out there and make those friendships that will hopefully carry through," she says.
Okoli, who came to U of T from South Africa, says international students can also take heart in knowing they're part of a large and supportive community. "There are way more international students than I imagined, which is super nice because you learn about all these other cultures, and also you're not alone," she says.
"You're not just this fish out of water. You can find other fishies who are traveling across the world with you, too."
Unleash your curiosity
Even future Nobel laureates can have an uncertain start.
Geoffrey Hinton - the "godfather of AI" and winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics - recalls feeling intimidated when he began his studies at Cambridge University. "It was the first time I'd lived away from home. It was the first time I'd been in a place where I wasn't one of the more intelligent ones - everybody was smart there," said Hinton, a University Professor emeritus of computer science, during a recent livestreamed event .
Hinton explored several subjects - from physics and physiology to philosophy and psychology - before discovering his passion for the brain and eventually, artificial intelligence. "It was all good background for what I did, but at the time, it just seemed like chaos," he said. "If your start at university is chaotic, don't worry."
The key to finding your path and achieving success, he said, is being curious. "As long as you follow your curiosity, you're going to be fine."
Learn together - and ask for help when you need it
U of T President Melanie Woodin, a proud alumna, highlights the benefits of collaborative learning, including forming study groups - a strategy she once used herself.
"That's really valuable - being able to discuss the concept and ask each other questions," Woodin said during the event with Hinton.
She noted that learning together isn't just more productive - it's also more enjoyable. "Maybe afterwards you're going to go for ice cream or coffee or join each other and go play a sport. So, you're going to get quite a few other benefits if you get together to study with your classmates."
Woodin added that it's important not to get discouraged by setbacks, which are part of the academic experience, and to ask for support when needed.
"Chances are things are not always going to go as well as you had hoped … so you want to think in advance about how you're going to manage that."
She encouraged students to take advantage of U of T's wide range of academic and wellness supports. "It's good to use those resources, whether it's an academic adviser who can say, 'You know what, I see this a lot, this is normal and this is how we can support you through it' - or accessing more specialized care."
Put yourself out there (and have fun!)
Recent graduate Allana Nakashook-Zettler, who earned her degree in chemical engineering this spring , says that connection is just as important as coursework.
"One thing I always tell [incoming students] is that you have to be really intentional … my advice is to put yourself out there, talk to your professors and classmates, say 'Yes,' to go hang out or get lunch. Those are the important moments."
Whether captaining intramural volleyball teams or mentoring others at First Nations House, Nakashook-Zettler found that building community enriched her university experience.
"Nobody's going to remember what you got in your quiz on Oct. 12 in your second year, but you're going to remember the fun times and moments."
Be kind to yourself
Emma Marguerite Rouse, who hails from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, says it's important for students - especially international ones - to give themselves time to adapt.
"Particularly as an international student, adjusting to a new country, climate, educational system and culture takes some time. Give yourself grace during the initial transitional period if it doesn't feel like everything is falling into place immediately," says Rouse, who is studying life sciences with the support of a Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship.
She adds that "scheduling time for socialization between your studies - whether it's calls with loved ones at home or coffee dates with the new friends you will make - will keep you grounded and help to ease the transition."
Don't be afraid to experiment
Timothy Snyder, a world-renowned historian who joined U of T from Yale University earlier this year, encourages students to explore their interests freely.
"People come into university and think, 'I'm going to triple-major in X, Y and Z and I'm going to make my parents happy and I'm going to fulfil the legacy of my nation,' but in addition to trying to fulfil the expectations people have of you, you have to also make sure you're taking a class or two just because you're interested in it," says Snyder, a professor and Chair in Modern European History at U of T's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
"It's important to just let your imagination run free a little bit and take some [courses] that are experimental and that you're taking for the pleasure of it."
Snyder also urges students to see university as unique phase of life, rather than merely preparation for a career.
"It's important to see university not just as 'post-high-school' or 'pre-work,' but as a time in your life when you can do things that you can't do at other times."
