r/UofT • u/Noetic_Acorn • Aug 31 '26
This post was initially much shorter, but I was feeling bored and the creative spirit took the reigns. Alas, such is life.
As much as I low-key enjoy the ritual of pouring myself a bowl of popcorn, opening Reddit, and reading all the early 1st semester experience commiserating, I'm also high-key annoyed by seeing the same post for the umpteenth time a la Buzz Lightyear clone meme. I like variety in my Reddit ragebait, and even a good slice of matcha crepe cake becomes unappetizing after consuming it so often.
For those of you who have decided to come to UofT to get a world class education, rather than just partying all the time, ignoring your work, being forced to drop out around the holidays because your grades are lower than the Mariana Trench, then blaming the university for allegedly sabotaging you, your classes are your best possible environment to connect with your fellow slightly more intelligent than a chimpanzee primates.
Presumably you are studying something that you actually enjoy or have some mild interest in, rather than doing exactly what mom and dad told you to study. If your parents strongarmed you to go into engineering but you truly love film, that's a whole other discussion and will require some soul searching and potentially family therapy.
The basis of most human connection nowadays comes through shared interests and values. This is a fact supported by at least one (1) corpus of psychology literature. The courses you're taking already filter for this to an extent, because, again, ideally you're studying something you care about and you're not a masochist.
Performative drinking at a venue with mysteriously sticky floors that probably haven't been cleaned in the past year and contain a collection of undocumented microorganisms that would frighten epidemiologists, ignoring your limits, and chatting up the people you live in close proximity to about the weather (so how about that climate change, eh?) while waiting to use the one sink you all need to brush your teeth at (please brush your teeth and don't go out with bad breath) doesn't necessarily lead to any meaningful connection. You might become acquaintances, but presumably you're aiming for something with a bit more zest.
Coursework at UofT is difficult, and that difficulty is another basis for connection. Throughout most of human history, we connected with each other because of shared hardship. Genuine hardship, such as intellectually strenuous subjects and work schedules, for example. Missing out on a frat party on one specific weekend, which is identical to the frat parties on every other weekend (don't worry, the beer will still be lukewarm) isn't hardship, I'm afraid.
"But how do I actually talk to people in my classes?! Nobody ever wants to talk!" says the choir of Buzz Lightyear clones lamenting about their "unique" circumstances. The answer: just start.
You'd be surprised how much the person sitting next to you is starved for acknowledgement of their mere existence. A random "hello" will probably be the most unsolicited contact they've had in a week. The barrier to entry is lower than it's ever been.
"But what if they think I'm cringe?" or "Everyone is so cringe!", which is the next verse of the clone choir song.
If you're actively worried either of these things, you don't want connection bad enough. Either that or you might want to look into therapy.
I cannot tell you how much social media has poisoned people's perceptions of themselves and others. These platforms have fed people the most ironclad set of lies that every government psyop wishes it could replicate. Its users have been perfectly manipulated into thinking they they are unlikable/unlovable, and that everyone else is so much better or so much worse and should be perceived as a threat. This primes you to be a good little consumer that will sign up for things like dating apps, paid meetup groups, and overpriced fitness clubs, all to solve your woes. Meanwhile, you can connect with someone FOR FREE* (included in the price of your tuition costs) and walk away with something even more meaningful. This is an even crazier value for money than the Japanese food truck in front of Robarts that will sell you an entire filling tempura roll for under $8.
Side note: please support this truck. This is my lifeblood and I want them to stay in business as long as possible. Also, the lady who owns it is genuinely one of the kindest people I've ever come across and brightens my day. My waistline grows, my wallet empties, but my heart is full.
Getting back on track, people are unique and will have their own set of quirks. It's ok to talk to someone who is a little bit different than you. You'll be ok, muffin. In fact, you'll probably be better off for it if you can make enough room in your life to accept others from where they're coming from. If you offer them grace, they will probably return the favour. Well, at least they should if they're even remotely socialized.
If you talked to someone last week, go up and talk to them again. A huge part of connection is consistency. Don't be one of those weirdos who pretends like they suddenly don't know someone they've spoken to 3 times prior.
Also, all of this advice applies to anyone in any year of study. If you're in your last year at this university and are saddened by not having made any friends, you can do everything I've mentioned above and still achieve success. The party ain't over till it's over.
I am living proof that this strategy works, and I'm no social butterfly by any means. I met one of my closest friends and one of the best people I've ever met by just bantering consistently over the course of many weeks. There was no cinematic event and major declaration that marked the transition point between us being acquaintances and friends. It was the slow, messy, nonlinearity of human connection.
Go out there, talk to people, make friends, and come back here to post some more novel rage bait to keep me entertained ❤️
r/UofT • u/KawarthaDairyLover • 10h ago
Youth turnout in municipal elections is terrible. You need to be a citizen and have a Toronto address but the requirements for voting are super simple. Visit myvote.toronto.ca to get all the info you need to vote.
r/UofT • u/ihatetomatoes95 • 4h ago
This might be the first election you are ever participating in: please go out and vote!!
You can vote both for your home municipality and your current (uoft) address. Bring your student ID and/or proof of your residency - you can probably ask front desk of your residence for proof if you don't have documentation otherwise (or someone advice below).
Most of you can vote at Hart House if you live on campus, but check here: https://myvote.toronto.ca/home and input your address just in case. Voting takes five minutes where they confirm where you live and then are given the ballot to bubble off. Read the candidates carefully!
Voting matters and is super important to our democratic process. Polls close at 8 pm, but if you're in line at 8, they will still let you vote. Please come out!
r/UofT • u/Ordinary-Tutor-5556 • 11h ago
Hi, I posted something like this a couple days ago to gauge interest and want to update you all that I just launched the website for students to easily find available spaces on their campus to study or hang out.
The website is completely free and open sourced (I'm not making any money. I just thought it would be a cool idea to pursue). I've included photos of what your campus looks like on the site. I also added a couple of useful features since my last post so the site now includes computer and outlet availability, room availability, quiet study spots. Check it out and let me know what you think! I'm open to any feedback and will keep improving it.
Also I was told there were some similar alternatives. But after speaking to my UofT friend apparently none of them work well. Please let me know if you think differently.
(Also, since I'm not a UofT student, there's an option to correct me if I ever get any info wrong)
Website link campusquiet.com/
r/UofT • u/AdBig4128 • 13h ago
Urgent help needed in rehoming/fostering a cat
Due to unforeseen Visa conditions I need to leave Canada in the next 5 days and have to leave my cat behind.
I am unable to know what the exact return date would be - but I should be back here by December mid week or early January.
I am seeking a temporary foster at this time for my cat- someone who can take his possession and take care of him while I am gone.
If interested please message me as it would help me out a lot.
I can share more details in DM
r/UofT • u/helpwitheating • 1d ago
You can't out work bad policy. Ontario’s Chief Electoral Officer said turnout among 18–24-year-olds was roughly 30 percent in the last Ontario election. As a direct result, Doug Ford was able to pass sweeping laws benefiting those who did vote for him. Politicians protect their voting base. Don't vote? No protection. The average Ontario student now has to take on $10k more debt for a four year degree than they did before Doug was elected.
Even if you have work tomorrow, make time to vote. Your vote matters. Your vote makes a difference, because even municipal policies can have a huge impact on your life. What would happen to your rent if the vacancy or AirBnB taxes were cancelled, for example? Here's how to vote and where to vote: https://myvote.toronto.ca/home
For students in Toronto or hoping to work in Toronto, vote!
r/UofT • u/GooseOk1755 • 12h ago
wrlobpebgwaegwepigwpkne;ajbdpubwpeugwpurgpwn4p24gwprbgpubrpgwbrw;g;wk;sw!!!!!!!!
r/UofT • u/Historical_Sound3687 • 4h ago
Title. Also just wondering if they post answers too so that we can learn from our mistakes as well. I know the final isnt cumulative, but I'd still like to take the opportunity to improve :)
r/UofT • u/Present-Academia9936 • 7h ago
does anyone know when its gonna get posteddddddddddd
r/UofT • u/Emergency-Buddy-8582 • 8h ago
I am 40 years old. I was a musician in the orchestra throughout high school and I loved theory, but I elected to study something I thought would offer more career perspectives.
It has been 20 years since I stopped playing music, although I have remained a folklore dancer. I only aspire to learn for general interests, not for professional reason.
I am interested in studying music theory again, and would need to begin again with the basics, but I would like to go in depth. I am wondering if there are any music theory classes that are open to the public or would accept my profile, and that would begin with the basics…
r/UofT • u/Peridotnix • 3h ago
I know it's bascially impossible as a first year student to get research experience but I still want to look into it early on so I can save all the time searching about opportunities in the future.
I heard ROPs were a great way to get into research for people who have no research experience but I have no idea what to expect/requirements for strong candidates in order to be part of them. Do you have any other recommendations or places to look into to build my CV/resume for research or any research opportunities/volunteer positions for people without the actual work experience?
Any and all tips are welcome.
Thanks in advance!
P.S. I’m applying to Humanities at the Faculty of Arts & Science.
r/UofT • u/no_lion8 • 59m ago
so the mat130 midterm is in a week and a half and i’m rlly cooked. i want do double major in human bio and psychology. psychology i don’t think even requires it and human bio is open enrolment and only needs mat130 (not mat136 or anything else). so is it a bad idea to just drop it right now and take it next semester instead? i’m extremely worried and im kind of scared i wont be able to pass the course.
i could even take it in the summer maybe? or then would i not be able to enrol in human bio?
r/UofT • u/tiramisu139 • 12h ago
r/UofT • u/Low_Dependent_8587 • 3h ago
Prospective student here,
I currently go to school in New York, so I would be applying international if that matters. But I have struggled with my mental health, and college admissions have only made it worse. Is UofT as bad as everybody says? I tend to place a lot of weight on my academics, and it is part of why my mental health is where it is right now. I am also a pretty quiet person, so I don't socialize easily. I would love to attend UofT, but my main concerns are:
r/UofT • u/HuckleberryNeither69 • 14h ago
Hi! Im a first year life sci student looking to go into pharmacy at uft and was seeking some advice from current students.
r/UofT • u/Electrical-Pea2707 • 1d ago
I am in my early mid-30s. I never dated. I have no drive to get married. Love my work though.
r/UofT • u/WarRemarkable1054 • 11h ago
hi, first-year engineering student here. was wondering what happens for my academics if due to health issues I may need to take medical leave for part of a semester or potentially one or two semesters.
if this ends up being necessary im really hoping to continue my degree when i can come back, but I can't find clear information about how this works specifically for first-year engineering:
if anyone has any info they can share about this I would be super appreciative 🙏🙏
r/UofT • u/chrysanthemum108 • 7h ago
I’m applying to grad school and there’s a missing entry on my CCR record for my RSG. I’ve emailed these people multiple times and I haven’t heard back.
r/UofT • u/lysterman • 23h ago
genuinely the worst thing that could’ve possibly happened - all i wanted to do was catch up on sleep but it’s just my fucking luck that i get bed bugs on the saturday right after reading week begins
r/UofT • u/Ok_Anybody_6418 • 9h ago
r/UofT • u/Seory1004 • 10h ago
I took CSB345 but I deferred my exam. I need to study but I accidentally didn’t save the class files and I don’t have access to the Quercus page for CSB345 anymore😭
Does anyone have the pdf of the slides?
Thanks!!
r/UofT • u/Organic_Explorer_980 • 1d ago
type shi idek what to say i have a ton of work to do, and everyone is out there doing random stuff and im here working instead of hanging out and its so depressing and ahhh
and to meet new people i have to be happier but to be happier i have to be with people its like this loop so its just cooked :D
r/UofT • u/Weak-Complex-3061 • 12h ago
hi guys, im a grade 12 student in ontario, i applied to engsci at uoft for fall 2027. id appreciate realistic feedback on my admission chances!
academics:
estimated avg: ~98% (i havent finished calc and gr 12 bio yet)
- gr 12 chem: 99%
- gr 12 physics: 100%
- gr 12 english: 96%
- gr 12 adv functions: 98%
im in IB too
im hoping i can do similarly well in calc and vectors and bio, in gr 11 bio i got a 99%. calc is kinda cooking me rn tho i think my midterm will be a 96%.
ECs:
- biomedical engineering research in tissue engineering at mac
- part-time job at kumon
- DECA member for 2+ years, a couple provincial awards, now a mentor
- executive positions in a couple clubs
- peer tutor with my school's math club
- youth executive in a community organization
- involvement in the arts: RCM classical guitar, vocal training, dance
- volunteer teacher on the weekends for classes in my native language
- shadowing at a dental clinic
- taekwondo training
i also applied to a bunch of other programs, the most competitive:
- waterloo bme
- mac ibiomed + eng
- western ivey + eng
- queen's healthsci + eng
any insight is appreciated, along with advice for the supp app :)
r/UofT • u/Careful-Delivery8249 • 18h ago
Hi I'm an international student in the US and I'm torn between innis and trinity since they both need to be first choice for consideration. Haven't been to u of t but from looking at the virtual tours online I rlly like the innis residence style, but also like trinity's college atmosphere. So idk if anyone has any advice or more insight on the colleges, any help is much appreciated