How to get the most out of your Ryerson University experience

The university experience is more than just learning in a classroom. Whether you are a new student who needs help navigating the campus, a master’s candidate looking for extra tutoring, or someone who wants to connect with friends over a shared interest, there’s something for you at Ryerson. Here’s a handy guide that puts Ryerson’s services and supports at your fingertips.

For learning assistance

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of the classroom, or just need a little homework help, Ryerson has many resources to help you on your learning journey.

Student Learning Support (SLS) offers services and programs to teach academic skills and study techniques, with workshops, bookable appointments with tutors, and a range of online resources. SLS  focuses on math, writing, study skills, English language, academic accommodation, as well as support for graduate students pursuing master’s and PhD degrees. Coming to Toronto from abroad? International Student Support provides resources and community if you’re new to Canada. The office will guide you through the administrative process of visas, work permits, health insurance, and family visits, and help connect you with mentors and peers.

Looking to learn from a peer? The Tri-Mentoring Program (TMP) pairs first-year students with upper-year students in the same program to help ease the transition into postsecondary life. A truly cyclical program, TMP has seen first-year students return as mentors, and connects mentors with industry professionals.

For wellness and well-being

At Ryerson, we take mental health and wellbeing seriously. The Mental Health and Wellbeing website hosts resources for students, families of students, faculty, and staff, and information for 24-hour crisis services. Personalized counselling is available to deal with loneliness, stress, homesickness, mourning, and whatever you’re feeling. You can book an appointment at the RU Medical Centre, or you can even arrange cuddles with the RU Therapy Dogs. Student Care supports students who are dealing with challenging personal, academic and/or financial issues.

Student Affairs has also launched ThriveRU, an initiative developed to provide training and resources to Ryerson students, staff and faculty to teach skills associated with resilience, well-being and thriving in both an academic and personal context. To learn more about different program offerings – from resilience training and getting through a tough academic year to cultivating your happiness and well-being – visit ThriveRU.

Ryerson is committed to fostering a safe campus that is supportive of survivors. Consent Comes First—The Office of Sexual Violence Support and Education provides individual support for survivors and a range of workshops and events.

Staying in shape is a breeze at the Recreation and Athletic Centre and Ryerson’s state-of-the-art Mattamy Athletics Centre (MAC). These two recreation and sport centres have everything from personal training, recreation and group fitness to open basketball, soccer, hockey, swimming, and other activities.

For leadership

Interested in honing your leadership skills at Ryerson? Student Life has lots of options. They offer four different programs to help students realize their leadership potential.

The Lead Blue & Gold program tracks and recognizes student leadership activity both on and off-campus.

Volunteer Link connects students to volunteer opportunities at Student Life, enabling them to not only develop leadership skills, but add valuable work experience to their resume.

REACH is a peer-coaching program that matches students with trained student leaders to provide in-depth coaching.

For students interested in personal development, Level Up is a unique program that takes students through four different levels to help them discover their own strengths, explore their community, capture their experience and share their stories with others.

For your social life

Did you know that Ryerson has an Improv Club (external link) ? Or a Debate Association (external link) ? Or that there are groups for Filipino and Ukrainian students, plus dozens more countries.

Ryerson is home to more than 80 student groups where you can explore your passions while also connecting with like-minded peers. If you love what the written/spoken word can express, there’s Poetic Exchange (external link) . If you love the pop culture coming out of Asia, check out RU K-Pop (external link)  or the Ryerson Anime Club (external link) . If you love the sound and culture of rap, there’s the Urban Hip Hop Union (external link) . We could go on, but here’s a full list (external link) .

For Indigenous students, the Ryerson Aboriginal Student Services creates a supportive environment that balances academic learning with traditional teachings and culture. For queer and trans voices, RyePride (external link)  offers education, advocacy and support. The Centre for Women and Trans People  (external link) is an organizing space for issues ranging from reproductive freedom and sexuality to gender empowerment.

For your career

Whether you’re about to enter the job market, or just want to learn how to build your first LinkedIn page, Ryerson’s Career and Co-op Centre offers a constantly evolving slate of development programs tailored for each faculty. Its services include appointments with career education specialists and resumé/online profile advisors, career fairs, case competitions, and networking events all year long. It can also connect you with a diverse set of on-campus jobs, from administration to research to peer advising and more.

Follow us on @RyersonU (external link) , Instagram (external link)  and Facebook (external link)  to keep up to date on all the services and supports your campus is offering!

- with files from Will Sloan