6 Tips for After You've Been Accepted at TMU
So, you’ve been accepted to Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). CONGRATULATIONS! This is a very exciting time and you picked a great place to spend your university years. September may seem far away right now, but it will be here before you know it. Here are six tips for things to do after you’ve been accepted.
1. Accept your offer!
We’ve accepted you and now it’s time for you to accept us back! Check out the Approved Students page to see how to make it #official.
2. Plan out your finances
University is the beginning of a new chapter, but it also comes with a whole bunch of new expenses. Chat with your parents and supporters to figure out the best ways to finance your education. Take a look at our Scholarships and Awards page to learn more about entrance scholarships, as well as any other scholarships you may be eligible for. If you’re an Ontario resident, look into applying for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and seeing if you’re eligible. Also keep an eye on the Career Boost page to find out how you can work part-time on campus during your studies and make some extra cash. Finally, read my blog "The Best Student Discounts in Toronto for 2023" to see how you can even save some money while you’re in school!
You might need a pretty big piggy bank for your university expenses.
3. Check out residence
If you’re coming from outside of Toronto, you’re going to need a place to live or you might be facing some REALLY long commute times. The best option for first-year students is to live on-campus in residence. There are three residence buildings on campus, each with their own room layouts and cafeteria options. Research which buildings and living styles might be the best for you and apply for your spot. Residence applications are now open, so be sure to submit your application before the June 6, 2023 deadline. If residence isn’t for you, but you still want to live downtown, check out some housing alternatives.
Some room inspo for a single room in Pitman Hall. Mine did not look as nicely decorated!
4. Research the classes you can take
One of my favourite things to do the summer before I started university was looking at all the courses I could take. The number of different classes you can choose from is endless, and I would get so excited looking at all the possibilities. Look through your program’s undergraduate calendar to see what classes you can take. This will give you an idea of what you can look forward to and also help you explore pursuing a minor.
5. Figure out the best way to get around
Toronto is a big city and you’re going to need to find the best way to get around, especially if you’ll be commuting to classes. If you’re traveling within the city, the best way to get to campus might be using the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) (external link, opens in new window) and taking either the subway, streetcars or buses. If you’re going to be a regular rider, check out their TTC student discount (external link, opens in new window) ! If you live further from the city in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), taking GO Transit (external link, opens in new window) might be your best option. They also have a GO Transit discount for students (external link, opens in new window) ! As a student living close to campus, I find that the best way to get to my classes and other places around the city is just walking. It’s nice to get some fresh air after a lecture and also get your steps in. Don’t forget that if you’re new to downtown Toronto, Google Maps (external link, opens in new window) is your best friend.
As a commuter, you’ll get to know the TTC very well.
6. Find ways to get involved
One of the opportunities that comes with starting university is joining student groups. TMU has student groups (external link, opens in new window) based on personal interests and backgrounds, as well as intramural sports teams. Joining a student group when you start in the fall is a great way to make friends and find a community on campus, especially if you don’t know many people at TMU. I joined my program’s course union (external link, opens in new window) (the Creative Industries Course Union (external link, opens in new window) ) as the Vice President, Communications in my fourth year, and I wish I had joined it sooner! You can read my blog "My Experience Running for My Course Union" and maybe find some inspiration.
I was really excited to have a name tag with my name and course union position at an event this year.
Getting your offer of acceptance is, quite literally, just the beginning of your university life! Follow these tips to ensure you’re prepared for when it all begins. If you’re looking for even more advice, check out my blog “6 Pieces of Advice I’d Give to My First-Year Self.”
Until next time,
Jenna