Why attend TMU open house: advice from an international student

When I was a Grade 12 student on my university search in fall 2018, I was very fortunate to already be living in Toronto. So when Open House season approached, even as a super introverted kid, I jumped at the chance to go visit my top choice — TMU!

I remember taking half a day to stroll across campus and marvel at the different buildings for the first time ever, completed with an intimate FAQ session by the Journalism program. I walked home that day with a lot of new knowledge, pamphlets, and most importantly extra confidence in my decision to apply!  

Now, if you’re wondering what Open House is — it’s a public event where an institution welcomes prospective students to explore campus grounds and learn more about its programs through organized activities. It’s very common at post-secondary institutions across Canada in fall and spring’s beautiful weather — and it’s certainly super helpful for applicants. 

At TMU, Open House usually runs one to two weeks. This year, it falls on November 18 to November 25, and will feature both in-person and virtual sessions catering to students all over the world.  

Because Open House was such a memorable experience for me when choosing TMU as an international student, here are a couple reasons why I think it could be worthwhile for you to attend, too.

1. Programming for international students, by international students

First and foremost, the TMU International Enrolment team understands firsthand the nuanced and unique challenges that come with going to school abroad. So, this Open House, we’re dedicating to you a series of sessions tailored to the international student experience, wherever you are in the world right now.

In-person: If you can travel to Toronto, don’t miss out on two days packed with exclusively international campus tours, Ask-Me-Anything sessions with current international students and recruitment officers, information and shopping fairs, plus fun social games with real winning prizes! 

Register to join us in the heart of downtown on Friday November 18 or November 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m EST.

Virtual: Tune in from the comfort of your home, as we bring the spirit of TMU and Toronto to your screen over Zoom with our webinars. Throughout November and early December, our international students are offering interactive panels on how they chose TMU, found their cultural home away from home, as well as a glimpse into their daily life downtown. 

2. See the best of our metropolitan campus on student-led tours

While TMU offers general campus tours year-round, Open House brings a special opportunity as tours are abundant and depart every 30 minutes! Ever wondered what the classrooms, gym or library at TMU look like? Let our resourceful current students lead the way and see for yourself an exemplary urban campus, spanning one block in the world’s most multicultural city (external link) . 

Register to join us in the heart of downtown on Friday November 18 or November 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Alternatively, take a self-guided tour at your own pace with the help of our packaged instructions on November 18 or November 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

3. Deep dive into program and faculty-specific sessions 

At this point in the application process, you may have narrowed down some top program choices for yourself — which is awesome! Open House is a fantastic time to get to know them even better through program-specific activities, presentations and current student panels. For example, students into Fashion can tour potential future lab spaces, Architectural Science applicants can get expert recommendations at a portfolio workshop, and anyone can participate in an introductory coding class taught by Computer Science students!  

If you only have a faculty of interest in mind for now, that’s completely fine as well — all six faculties at TMU (Arts, Community Services, Science, Engineering and Architectural Science, The Creative School, and Ted Rogers School of Management), plus the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, are hosting sessions where representatives are equipped to answer any questions about a future with their department’s degrees.

4. There’s something for everyone on every pathway

TMU recognizes that there are students of all ages and walks of life looking to attend university, and we’re prepared to support each and everyone considering joining us! 

Throughout Open House, you’ll find a series of sessions for grad school applicants, mature and transfer students, English language pathways and Chang School of Continuing Education offerings. 

Additionally, we are hosting a session on financial assistance that anyone looking for fundings like scholarships or on-campus employment wouldn’t want to miss out on. 

Lost about TMU? We got you at Open House!

I totally understand that everything covered so far has been a handful, especially if you might very well have just found out about us at TMU an hour ago or so from an online referral. But you surely found this blog post at the perfect time, as I can guarantee that Open House will truly be a comprehensive experience to learn all about us! 

We recommend starting with Toronto Met 101 on November 21 and November 23, as this session will cover all the basics about our undergraduate programs and their hands-on advantages. If you’re interested in living on-campus, there’s a housing and residence life presentation on November 23. And don’t leave just yet before learning about student supports available, as well as our renowned Zone Learning initiative, home of student start-ups. 

I hope you’ll have a productive yet enjoyable time at Discover Toronto Met: Open House this fall!