- Student Agenda
Luckily, you will not have to purchase one, as all Student Unions across the University of Toronto will supply you with one at the beginning of the school year.
Students will organize their own in a multitude of ways, but I have found that if I write down my tests, assignments, and their % weight the moment I get my Syllabus on that first class of the semester then I don’t have to remind myself later on. It’s a good idea to colour-code as well, so my tests are always in red, gym classes in orange, work in green, etc. It’s a great idea to jot down the readings for your classes over the weekend to prepare yourself for the week ahead.
- Writing Tools
At the bare minimum, bring a pen to class. A back-up pen would be nice, especially on test days. There’s no reason to bring a giant pencil case, but one or two pens, pencils and highlighters should be more than enough.
There will always be people in class who think you are a school supply store and that you will always have pen, pencil, extra piece of paper, etc. for them. If you bring just the one or two, then you don’t have any extras to give away and potentially lose!
A clipboard with lined paper has been my choice for 5 years because it’s easier (and lighter) than carrying around multiple binders. Then, all you have to do is put the notes in your binders when you get home!
FOR EXAMS: BRING 3 PENS, 3 PENCILS and a functioning eraser. It is AMAZING how many people forget to bring pencils to a multiple-choice exam and rush to the bookstore right before their exam. Rookie mistake…
- To Laptop Or NOT To Laptop
Laptops wind up being a huge distraction (what with Facebook, Pinterest, EBay, online games, etc.), so as a senior student, I would strongly suggest leaving your laptop at home, or at least in your bag during class. It is great practice to type up your hand-written notes after class as review. If you don’t feel like lugging a computer around all day, the library is stocked with many laptops you can borrow, and there are lots of desktop computers available.
- USB Key
If you don’t like the idea of carrying around a computer, this little technological piece of genius will save your tush! It’s a great idea to keep documents that you access frequently (like course syllabi, your resume and cover letter, assignments-in-progess, presentations, etc.) close at hand. It’s just another way to always be prepared and avoid disasters!
- T-Card and Bus Pass
Your T-Card is your Golden Ticket on campus. You’ll need it to get into the gym, take out or request books at the library, pay for printing, even purchase food on campus (if you load it up with a Meal Plan). Your T-Card is MANDATORY at exams as it acts as your identification, so don’t forget it!
One of the great advantages of UTM is that the Bus Pass is hugely subsidized, so your busing fees are less than $100 for the academic year, and included in your Additional Fees. It’s so easy to hop on one of the many buses that come into campus.
Let’s not forget our handy-dandy shuttle buses! The two shuttle buses bring you to Hart House on St. George campus or to Sheridan College, all with a simple scan of your T-card if you are a UTM student. Otherwise, shuttle bus tickets are $6 at the Student Centre.
- Reusable Water Bottle
UTM recently installed filtered water fountains all around campus, so you can grab some fresh, cold H20 on your way to class or gym! Having water in class is way more refreshing than coffee, and that way you don’t need to worry about coffee breath as you share some seriously insightful thoughts in class. The bookstore often sells reusable water bottles for really cheap during their “secret sales” as well, so pick one up, rep UofT, and get your 8 glasses a day!
Emily Johnston
is a fifth year student in the Concurrent
Teacher Education Program. She is working toward both a Bachelor of
Education
and an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a Double Major in Teaching and
Learning
French as a Second Language and English. She has loved her time at UTM
for the small campus life and opportunities to get involved.
