Get off to a good start
Start where you are
Coming to university for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. If you feel lost, try to keep things in perspective. Each of us is a work in progress, and while others may look like they’ve got it all figured out, they’re probably just as busy as you. Stay true to yourself, find your own definition of success, and most importantly, ask for help when you need it!
Browse this page to find ways to prepare for your university experience – and who to ask for help when you need extra support.

Contents
How people learn
How do you learn best? Assess yourself using these tools.
Programs for first-year students
First in the Family (FITF): support for first-generation students
First in the Family Peer Mentor Program
Being part of the first generation in your family to pursue post-secondary education is something to be proud of! It is also an experience that brings a unique set of challenges. Join the First in the Family Peer Mentor Program to connect with a supportive community that can help you navigate the challenges and achieve your best.
Who can join?
This program is only for first-generation students at U of T. You are considered a first-generation student if your parents or guardians did not complete post-secondary education, or attended post-secondary education outside of Canada, even if your older or younger sibling(s) attended post-secondary education. One in five students at U of T identify as first generation.
Learn more and register!
To learn more about the First in the Family Peer Mentor Program and how to register, check out the program's website.
If you have any questions, email us at firstgen@ ucw88 da ga www.wisdomgettingloaded.com.

University Prep Workshop Series
About
Learn the basic skills you need to have a great start to the school year! The University Prep Series features 3 core mini-courses covering the main topics you need to know:
1. Navigating the Academic Supports
Strong students at U of T seek support- learn what supports you can use! In this mini-course you will:
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Discover services like the registrar, writing centres, libraries and more that can help you succeed
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Learn about useful online resources on a short virtual tour
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Develop an action plan to use these resources for the academic year.
2. Effective Learning and Study Habits
Through interactive and hands-on exercises, you will:
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Understand the difference between high school and university learning
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Develop effective study strategies, such as active reading, note-taking & review
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Build healthy habits and resilient attitudes to support your learning
3. University-style Time Management and Organization
Through interactive and hands-on exercises, you will:
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Understand how to break down large assignments and create study plans
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Create a balanced weekly schedule- with room for activities beyond homework!
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Learn skills to manage the stress of being a student and feel more in control of your learning
Registration
To register for the University Prep Series, please login to the Career and Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx), click “Register for an Event” and select the “St. George Academic Success Events & Workshops” calendar.
All workshops take place in the Student Success Centre Seminar Room in the Koffler Student Services Centre. If you have any problems with registration, or any questions, please e-mail mail.asc@utoronto.ca, call 416-978-7970, or try our online chat tool.
Session Details
Single session for all workshops:
You can join us for all or some of the above courses.
We will be hosting all 3 courses in one convenient session at the following times:
- August 20, 2-5 p.m.
- August 21, 10-1 p.m.
- August 28, 10-1 p.m.
- August 29, 2-5 p.m.
Individual Sessions and Times:
1. Navigating Academic Supports:
- August 20, 2-3 p.m.
- August 20, 5-6 p.m.
- August 21, 10-11 a.m.
- August 27, 5-6 a.m.
- August 28, 10-11 a.m.
- August 29, 2-3 p.m.
2. Effective Learning & Study Habits:
- August 20, 3-4 p.m.
- August 21, 11-12 p.m.
- August 22, 5-6 p.m.
- August 28, 11 a.m. -12.p.m.
- August 28, 5-6 p.m.
- August 29, 3-4 p.m.
3. University-style Time Management & Organization:
- August 20, 4-5 p.m.
- August 21, 12-1 p.m.
- August 23, 5-6 p.m.
- August 28, 12-1 p.m.
- August 29, 4-5 p.m.
- August 29, 5-6 p.m.
Other academic services
The University of Toronto offers a variety of services and resources to help you achieve your goals.
University information
Registrars and Academic Advisors
Academic Calendar and Timetable
Office of Student Academic Integrity (OSAI)
Helpful services and people
Accessibility Services for disability-related academic accommodations
Aid Centres
First Year Learning Communities (FLC)
University of Toronto Peer Tutoring (UTPT)
Departmental tutoring: Most departments have a list of upper-year and/or graduate tutors. Please note that most of these tutors charge money for their services, and are not always endorsed by the University. Please make use of them at your own discretion.
Academic skills
- Writing Centres for Graduate Studies
- Writing Centres at Colleges
- Writing Centres at Professional Faculties
English Language & Learning workshops and courses
Communication Cafes at Centre for International Experience
Resources and tools
GPA Calculator This new application readily calculates sessional, cumulative and annual Grade Point Averages (GPAs).
Midterm Library at Arts & Science Student Union (ASSU)
Used textbooks: TUSBE, Discount Bookstore, U of T Bookstore
