7 hidden gems on campus for your next study session
Crisp air, amber leaves and hurried strolls — fall is here, and the Toronto Metropolitan University campus is thriving in the first fully in-person semester after three years.
The scenery has made fourth-year me a little nostalgic, as I remember being a wide-eyed Grade 12 student coming to campus for the first time in 2018 — also on a November day. While I had no clue which building had what, they all looked towering and dazzling!
Although the landmark Student Learning Centre on Yonge Street had the most lasting impression on me then, I soon figured out that there are so many more study spots on campus once I officially enrolled.
Let this article help you with exactly that as we explore seven corners of TMU, recommended by our very own International Student Ambassadors! From truly hidden gems to novel ways around cult favourites, there’s a pretty good reason to check out each entry on the list.
Daphne Cockwell Complex (DCC)
288 Church St
This modern multipurpose building hosts both academic spaces from floor 1 to 7 and residence apartments from floor 8 upwards. You can sit in the open space beside gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows providing ample natural light. The cherry on top, though? DCC was designed with ergonomics in mind, paying special attention to soundproofing — making for a study environment free of other noise disruptions.
DCC third floor. (Jennifer Nguyen/TMU)
George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre (ENG)
245 Church St
This spacious building has four floors (one on the lower ground, if less lighting works better for you!) with tables of different shapes and sizes that are fantastic for speed breaks between classes nearby. It’s also a great spot for people-watching students rushing in and out of lecture halls throughout the day, so you can really soak in that bustling on-campus ambience. If you happen to be around at sunset, don’t miss out on a gorgeous view from the top floor, just outside the Sears atrium.
ENG third floor. (Jennifer Nguyen/TMU)
Eric Palin Hall (EPH)
87 Gerrard St E
Many students could go their entire four-year program without ever having a class in this rather lowkey building. If you didn’t already know, EPH hosts some community health courses as well as the two-storey Sally Horsfall Eaton Centre — home to the joint nursing program between TMU and George Brown College. Needless to say, less traffic means the tables are often empty, especially on the first floor — so come find one for yourself!
EPH first floor. (Jennifer Nguyen/TMU)
Library Building (LIB)
350 Victoria St
While the library is directly connected to the iconic Student Learning Centre, it always seems to be not as packed for some reason — so you can count on faster elevators and more study spots here, surrounded by shelves and shelves of books. There’s also a great variety of individual cubes, group tables and private rooms for everyone. The building has 10 floors, though our favourite at the moment has to be the lush and vibrant eighth floor.
LIB eighth floor. (Jennifer Nguyen/TMU)
Empty classrooms
Now this is a slightly more creative yet tried-and-true solution. In the more than 10 buildings across our downtown campus, there ought to be a few free classrooms at a given hour, when tutorials aren’t taking place. Or better yet, you might even come across empty lecture halls. Our International Student Ambassadors recommend searching in roomy Kerr Hall or the more intimate Rogers Communications Centre (RCC) if you have the time for a little exploration. A schedule is posted outside the room in some places, which can be very helpful in knowing exactly when it’s unoccupied and you can come back.
A classroom on RCC first floor. (Jennifer Nguyen/TMU)
Pitman Quad (PIT)
160 Mutual St
When you’re looking for a breather in nature, the quad outside Pitman Hall is an option. It’s smaller and can be less crowded than the Kerr Hall quad. There are bench seatings and steady access to wifi outdoors, so it’s possible to do some reading or go through your emails in the sun. Plus, the dining hall is right behind if you need a snack, which can be purchased with money on your OneCard even as non-residence students!
Pitman Quad. (Jennifer Nguyen/TMU)
Page One Coffee + Bar
106 Mutual St Unit #8
Just less than a five-minute walk away, Page One is an accessible retreat from campus. This independently-owned cafe with a patio is open as early as 7 a.m., known to many TMU students as the perfect place for winding down next to a hot drink and a slice of fresh pizza. Treat yourself to a study session with good music in a cozy atmosphere here after your next class!
Page One Cafe. (Jennifer Nguyen/TMU)