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What To Do Between TMU Classes: On-Campus Edition

By: Jenna Larkin
March 29, 2023

There is one question that almost any student will have to face during their time at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU): what do I do between classes? If you have a shorter break between classes, then you might opt to stay on campus rather than go home or venture further out into the city. If you live in residence or close to campus, going back to your room for a quick nap or Netflix break might sound the most appealing, but there is a lot to keep you busy on campus while having fun at the same time!

1. Grab a meal at Oakham Café

The entrance to Oakham Café among a brick wall inside of the Student Campus Centre.

The entrance to Oakham Café, my favourite place on campus!

If you have read any of my blogs before, you’ll know that I love going to Oakham Café (external link, opens in new window) . Oakham Café is an on-campus eatery that has delicious drinks and meals that are all priced at student-friendly costs. They have all-day breakfast, as well as yummy lunch options like burgers and pasta. Oakham has options for all dietary needs as well. The café is the perfect spot for getting food and catching up with friends, or having some one-on-one time with yourself. This is the ideal place to spend about an hour between classes and get fueled up for your next commitment.

2. Get some exercise in

Workout equipment in the cardio and strength circuit room at the Recreation and Athletics Centre.

The cardio and strength circuit room at the RAC where you can find treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers and more. 

Image from Recreation TMU (external link, opens in new window) .

If you’re wondering how to get some extra steps and movement into your day, you have two places to do that on campus! Check out the Recreation and Athletic Centre (RAC) or the Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC) to get some exercise in between classes. Access to both of these facilities are included in our tuition, so you might as well take advantage of it! I love going to the group fitness classes at the RAC — there’s a class suitable for everyone’s fitness needs. My personal favourite is Cardio Dance Party/DanceFIRE with Dione. There’s also cardio and strength-training equipment at both of the fitness centres if that’s more your style. And don’t worry — there are locker rooms with showers at both gyms so you can clean up before your next class.

3. Study

A student works on her laptop on "The Beach" floor of the Student Learning Centre.

The sixth floor of the SLC is called “The Beach” and is a great place to study or hang out with friends.

If you’re looking to go over your study notes or work on an assignment between classes, there are many places you can do that on campus. The most popular locations are the Student Learning Centre (SLC) and the Library, but there are also some hidden gems on campus that may be less busy. I like going to the Sally Horsefall Eaton Centre (external link, opens in new window)  (which is not near the CF Toronto Eaton Centre!), the Heidelberg Centre or studying in the Creative Industries lounge, which is the study space for Creative Industries students (like me!). Your program or faculty might also have a lounge exclusively for its students, so be sure to look into that!

4. Visit The Image Centre

The introduction of the "Mary Ellen Mark: Ward 81" exhibit on a wall of The Image Centre.

"Mary Ellen Mark: Ward 81" was one of the featured winter 2023 exhibits at The Image Centre.

Image from The Image Centre (external link, opens in new window) .

If you’re feeling a little artsy during a break on campus, look no further than The Image Centre (external link, opens in new window) . The Image Centre is home to our Image Arts programs, but also has galleries that feature different exhibitions throughout the year that can be viewed for free. This is perfect for anyone who is interested in photography or just wants to learn more about the art.

5. Chill in Kerr Quad

A student works on her laptop while sitting on large stones in Kerr Quad.

Kerr Quad has plenty of rocks and grass where you can work and relax.

This one is seasonal, but one of my favourite things to do on campus. If it’s nice outside, chilling in Kerr Quad during the day with either a good book or some friends is a great way to get some fresh air and sunlight between classes. The Wi-Fi reaches this outdoor area if you’d like to get some work done! You can also grab a drink from the nearby Balzac’s (external link, opens in new window)  coffee shop to really enhance your experience. Locals will sometimes walk their dogs in the quad and that is ALWAYS a bonus. Whether you’re filling a gap of just an hour or maybe a few more, there’s a lot to do on campus to keep you busy. Once you’ve done all there is to do on campus, maybe it’ll be time to venture off campus and see what awaits you there!

Until next time, 

Jenna