Spend a day with Arts and Contemporary Studies student, Max
Hey everyone! I’m Max and I’m in my final year of the Arts and Contemporary Studies program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). With two semesters left, I’ve been savouring every moment on campus. From meaningful class discussions about the significance of zines for queer community organizations to exploring the best on-campus nap spots, I’m soaking it all up. Here’s what a typical Monday looks like for me — it’s pretty busy, but that’s how I like it.
5:30 a.m.
Wake up
I have an early class today, so I’ll wake up at around 5:30-6 a.m. (depending if I remembered to turn my alarm on). I think the best way to stay on time is waking up approximately 45 minutes before I have to leave my house.
My view in the morning.
6:30 a.m.
GO train
I’m a commuter student, so I drive to my local GO station and take the train to campus. My commute takes about 45 minutes, but I don’t mind because I tend to (mainly) nap, catch up on some readings, plan my tasks in my daily planner or play Among Us!
Getting a seat on the GO train is always interesting.
7:45 a.m.
Breakfast
After the GO train, I’ll take the TTC (external link, opens in new window) to Dundas Station and make my way over to Balzac’s (external link, opens in new window) for a sweet treat. Their oat matcha latte and butter croissant are my go-to's!
I always try to eat breakfast outside to get some fresh air.
8:10 a.m.
Class
Now I have one of my favourite classes — SOC 350: Queer Sociology with Dr. Megan Scribe. I’ve been trying to get into this class for the past two semesters, but it’s only fit into my schedule now. It’s seminar-based and there are student leaders each week to facilitate discussions on our readings.
My friend, Argo, led the seminar on this day!
11 a.m.
Low sensory study lounge
After class, I’ll head over to the low sensory study lounge on the fourth floor of the Student Learning Centre (SLC). It’s open to all students and has been a big help to someone who needs low-sensory spaces and breaks often. There were quiet snacks, dim lighting and candles, and I got to relax after class. I worked on my seminar questions and did some preparation for the following week.
12 p.m.
Lunch
It’s lunchtime! I went to IKEA with a friend. I love finding cheap and yummy food on or near campus, so I always have recommendations. As I was walking my friend to College Station, a TTC station close to campus, we saw this cute Halloween display at College Park. I love autumn, Halloween and everything spooky!
My go-to is the Swedish meatballs. My friend got the plant balls with pita and tzatziki.
Of course, I also had to take some pics of this display.
1 p.m.
BIPOC Faculty of Arts Peer Mentoring Session
After lunch, I went to the Arts Lounge for a peer mentoring session. I’m a BIPOC peer mentor for the Faculty of Arts through the Society of Arts, Social Sciences & Humanities (SASSH). As an upper-year student, it’s been super rewarding to provide guidance and support to a fellow racialized student.
2 p.m.
Working on social media posts for Arts and Contemporary Studies
I’m also my program’s Social Media and Communications Assistant (check out the @acs_tmu Instagram (external link, opens in new window) ). I decided to work on some social media posts. I’ve been involved with on-campus employment since my first year and have made so many connections with faculty, staff and fellow students. I recommend checking out Career Boost to learn more about on-campus jobs!
Guess what my next post will be!
2:30 p.m.
Work
Now onto my shift as a part-time supply Early Education Assistant Teacher at an after-school program for elementary kids. Fun fact: TMU’s Career, Co-op and Student Success Centre helped me with my application by reviewing my resumé and cover letter, and facilitating a mock interview. Thanks to them, I was successful!
6:30 p.m.
Commute home
Once I’m done with my shift, I’ll take the GO train home. Then I’ll spend some time relaxing and reading. Lately, I’ve been reading George Manuel’s The Fourth World: An Indian Reality (external link, opens in new window) , which explores Indigenous resistance from his lived experiences in the 20th century.
On my way to Union Station.
8 p.m.
Dinner
I had an early day today, so I got takeout from Burrito Boyz with chips and guacamole. I also always have something playing in the background (unfortunately, I’m an iPad kid). The Domingo song/Espresso cover from Saturday Night Live has been stuck in my head, so I’ve been looping it on my TV lately.
9 p.m.
Time to wind down and sleep!
Finally, I’ll start my night routine by tidying up the kitchen, enjoying a shower and winding down with a new hobby. I recently picked up painting, but who knows what I’ll start next week. I like being in bed by 9 or 10 p.m., and if I can’t fall asleep, I’ll play white noise with thunderstorm sounds — it knocks me out within five minutes!
Thanks for spending a Monday with me! I hope some of the TMU resources that I’ve mentioned have sparked your interest. Keep an eye on the blog to learn more about the day-to-day routines of other current students!
Max
