15 Facts You Should Know About TMU
I have been a student here at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) since fall 2019. During my years here, I’ve learned a lot about the university that I love sharing with future students, friends and family. Here are 15 facts that I think you should know about TMU.
1. We Have a New Name
In April 2022, our university got a new name: Toronto Metropolitan University! I think it suits the university well because of our location in downtown Toronto, and all the unique opportunities available to us in the city. I’m excited to be a part of the next TMU chapter!
2. We are the TMU Bold
Along with a new name for the university came a new name for our athletics teams, as well as the rest of the student body. We are now the TMU Bold (external link, opens in new window) , and our new mascot is a falcon. I’m looking forward to seeing what our new falcon buddy will look like flying around campus!
3. Our Location is in the Heart of Toronto
As I mentioned before, our location is quite literally in the centre of downtown Toronto. We’re steps away from Yonge-Dundas Square (external link, opens in new window) , the CF Toronto Eaton Centre (external link, opens in new window) , Bay Street (Canada’s equivalent of Wall Street), countless food spots and so much more. There’s always something to do or explore around campus.
Yonge-Dundas Square, just steps away from our campus.
4. We Have Over 60 Undergraduate Programs
One of the reasons why I love TMU is because of all of the programs we offer, including some unique ones like Creative Industries (my program!). We have over 60 undergraduate programs where the offerings range from engineering to business to social sciences and more. TMU really has a program for everyone!
5. We Have Six Undergraduate Faculties
Our 60+ undergraduate programs are housed in six faculties: the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Community Services, The Creative School, the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Sciences, the Faculty of Science and our business school, the Ted Rogers School of Management.
6. We Officially Became a University in 1993
Though we have been granting university degrees since 1971, TMU has an interesting history of how it became the university we know today. It was built on the grounds of the Normal School, which was Toronto’s first teachers college. It was an institute for technology then became a polytechnic institute before officially gaining university status in 1993.
7. Some of Our Classes are in a Movie Theatre
The title says it all, really! Some classes take place in the Cineplex theatre at Yonge-Dundas Square. Students sit in the movie theatre seats, the instructor’s slides are on the screen and if you time it right, you can even pick up some popcorn before or after class!
The Cineplex where TMU holds some of its classes.
8. Our Campus Has Two Gyms
There are two gyms on campus for TMU students to use: the Recreation and Athletics Centre (RAC) and the Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC). The RAC is underground, specifically underneath Kerr Quad in the middle of campus. The MAC is housed in the old Maple Leaf Gardens (external link, opens in new window) , where the Toronto Maple Leafs used to play.
9. There’s a Lake on Campus
Who knew there could be a body of water in the middle of downtown Toronto! Although “body of water” might be an exaggeration. Lake Devo is located in the middle of campus and is filled with water during the summer months (complete with an artificial waterfall), and becomes a skating rink during the winter.
TMU’s Lake Devo in the winter.
10. We Have Famous Alumni
Some well-known stars have made their way through the TMU halls! The alumni I like to brag about that went to TMU are Mena Massoud (external link, opens in new window) from the 2019 Disney Aladdin live-action remake, Shay Mitchell (external link, opens in new window) from Pretty Little Liars fame and Hannah Simone (external link, opens in new window) , who played Cece on New Girl.
11. Oakham Café Has the Best Food
My absolute favorite spot on campus is Oakham Café (external link, opens in new window) . It’s a student-run café where the food is delicious and available at student-friendly prices. They recently renovated the space, and it’s a great place to grab lunch with friends or a meal and coffee to go.
The entrance to Oakham Café.
12. One of Our Residences Was a Hotel
TMU has three residence buildings, and one of them was formerly a hotel! The International Living/Learning Centre (ILC) was once a hotel before it was turned into a student residence. Students here literally live the suite life!
13. We Have Rooftop Gardens
Our university’s Urban Farm operates from two rooftop gardens on campus. One is on the George Vari Engineering Centre and the other is on the Daphne Cockwell Complex. The produce is then sold at farmers’ markets or used on campus, like at Oakham Café!
14. The Student Learning Centre is One of the Coolest Places to Study
The Student Learning Centre (SLC) (opens in new window) is one of the most recognizable buildings on campus with its geometric glass exterior. Each floor has a different nature, and my personal favourite is “The Forest,” which is our silent study floor. “The Beach” is the best place to hangout. I would say it’s the most popular study spot on campus!
Our Student Learning Centre!
15. You’ll See Dogs on Campus
I, of course, had to save the best for last. Since our campus is in a busy part of the city and has some nice green space, you can expect to see Torontonians walking their dogs on campus! The best places to spot them are outside Pitman Hall or in the Quad. You can also visit TMU’s therapy dogs (opens in new window) on campus every week.
Can you understand why I love TMU and think it has so much to offer? I’m sure I’ll learn even more about the university (which I will definitely share with you!) during my fourth year here.
Until next time,
Jenna