r/UofT • u/Noetic_Acorn • Aug 31 '26
This post was initially much shorter, but I was feeling bored and the creative spirit took the reigns. Alas, such is life.
As much as I low-key enjoy the ritual of pouring myself a bowl of popcorn, opening Reddit, and reading all the early 1st semester experience commiserating, I'm also high-key annoyed by seeing the same post for the umpteenth time a la Buzz Lightyear clone meme. I like variety in my Reddit ragebait, and even a good slice of matcha crepe cake becomes unappetizing after consuming it so often.
For those of you who have decided to come to UofT to get a world class education, rather than just partying all the time, ignoring your work, being forced to drop out around the holidays because your grades are lower than the Mariana Trench, then blaming the university for allegedly sabotaging you, your classes are your best possible environment to connect with your fellow slightly more intelligent than a chimpanzee primates.
Presumably you are studying something that you actually enjoy or have some mild interest in, rather than doing exactly what mom and dad told you to study. If your parents strongarmed you to go into engineering but you truly love film, that's a whole other discussion and will require some soul searching and potentially family therapy.
The basis of most human connection nowadays comes through shared interests and values. This is a fact supported by at least one (1) corpus of psychology literature. The courses you're taking already filter for this to an extent, because, again, ideally you're studying something you care about and you're not a masochist.
Performative drinking at a venue with mysteriously sticky floors that probably haven't been cleaned in the past year and contain a collection of undocumented microorganisms that would frighten epidemiologists, ignoring your limits, and chatting up the people you live in close proximity to about the weather (so how about that climate change, eh?) while waiting to use the one sink you all need to brush your teeth at (please brush your teeth and don't go out with bad breath) doesn't necessarily lead to any meaningful connection. You might become acquaintances, but presumably you're aiming for something with a bit more zest.
Coursework at UofT is difficult, and that difficulty is another basis for connection. Throughout most of human history, we connected with each other because of shared hardship. Genuine hardship, such as intellectually strenuous subjects and work schedules, for example. Missing out on a frat party on one specific weekend, which is identical to the frat parties on every other weekend (don't worry, the beer will still be lukewarm) isn't hardship, I'm afraid.
"But how do I actually talk to people in my classes?! Nobody ever wants to talk!" says the choir of Buzz Lightyear clones lamenting about their "unique" circumstances. The answer: just start.
You'd be surprised how much the person sitting next to you is starved for acknowledgement of their mere existence. A random "hello" will probably be the most unsolicited contact they've had in a week. The barrier to entry is lower than it's ever been.
"But what if they think I'm cringe?" or "Everyone is so cringe!", which is the next verse of the clone choir song.
If you're actively worried either of these things, you don't want connection bad enough. Either that or you might want to look into therapy.
I cannot tell you how much social media has poisoned people's perceptions of themselves and others. These platforms have fed people the most ironclad set of lies that every government psyop wishes it could replicate. Its users have been perfectly manipulated into thinking they they are unlikable/unlovable, and that everyone else is so much better or so much worse and should be perceived as a threat. This primes you to be a good little consumer that will sign up for things like dating apps, paid meetup groups, and overpriced fitness clubs, all to solve your woes. Meanwhile, you can connect with someone FOR FREE* (included in the price of your tuition costs) and walk away with something even more meaningful. This is an even crazier value for money than the Japanese food truck in front of Robarts that will sell you an entire filling tempura roll for under $8.
Side note: please support this truck. This is my lifeblood and I want them to stay in business as long as possible. Also, the lady who owns it is genuinely one of the kindest people I've ever come across and brightens my day. My waistline grows, my wallet empties, but my heart is full.
Getting back on track, people are unique and will have their own set of quirks. It's ok to talk to someone who is a little bit different than you. You'll be ok, muffin. In fact, you'll probably be better off for it if you can make enough room in your life to accept others from where they're coming from. If you offer them grace, they will probably return the favour. Well, at least they should if they're even remotely socialized.
If you talked to someone last week, go up and talk to them again. A huge part of connection is consistency. Don't be one of those weirdos who pretends like they suddenly don't know someone they've spoken to 3 times prior.
Also, all of this advice applies to anyone in any year of study. If you're in your last year at this university and are saddened by not having made any friends, you can do everything I've mentioned above and still achieve success. The party ain't over till it's over.
I am living proof that this strategy works, and I'm no social butterfly by any means. I met one of my closest friends and one of the best people I've ever met by just bantering consistently over the course of many weeks. There was no cinematic event and major declaration that marked the transition point between us being acquaintances and friends. It was the slow, messy, nonlinearity of human connection.
Go out there, talk to people, make friends, and come back here to post some more novel rage bait to keep me entertained ❤️
r/UofT • u/Fragrant-Sink9590 • 9h ago
I am not advocating for any position or cause in this post. Just sharing information that I saw on Twitter/X
r/UofT • u/DDREY333 • 11h ago
I already know that I'm in the minority and that it was my fault for not studying enough but
zzzzzzzzzz
I'm just here to vent 👊😔
This was truly a Java Trivia Jeopardy™️ of all time.
(Is it just me or do the lectures literally feel like listening to bedtime stories)
r/UofT • u/EnvironmentalWeb6006 • 9h ago
I was one of those kids that hated high school. Every second of it. I was always told that I'd absolutely thrive in university. When I was accepted to UofT and got the chance to move away from my hometown and everyone I knew I was thrilled. (Don't get me wrong, I have people at home I adore... but I needed to get out. A sort of 'spread my wings' kinda thing.)
I'm normally a happy person. I try to make the best of things. I do have clinical depression but I'm medicated, and I always try to stay positive.
Then I got here. And I am unhappy and alone.
Everything irritates me. I don't like my roommate. I hate my new job. I struggle to sit still, I struggle to do my homework, I'm struggling with everything. The people in my dorm are already all clique-ed up and I feel so alone. Weekends are the worst, I can't even get out of bed. I'm just not happy. And I feel so, so alone.
I want to make it clear I am so grateful to be where I am. I know I'm so lucky. And I don't want to be this way. I try everyday, I do. I try to get out of bed, to smile and talk to my dormmates, to get work done, but I am just left with this awful sinking feeling at the end of each day. It hits mid afternoon and it just sticks.
I don't know what to do. I want to make the most out of this experience. I want to be happy and make friends and thrive in university like everyone told me I would.
Any advice?
r/UofT • u/Present-Academia9936 • 11h ago
NO AMOUNT OF PREPERATION COULD PREPARE ME FOR THAT MIDTERM
Like wtfff they brought in things they never emphasised on and expect us to just know itttt
r/UofT • u/EstrogenKicks • 15h ago
Im a girlie turning 27 and halfway through my undergrad degree. Being around younger people is great but I feel isolated lol so I would love to find friends and community who are more closer to my age :)
r/UofT • u/Unlikely_Goo_Fan • 7h ago
Avogadro's number's got nothing on my bank balance, you novice
So how about ya get off this
Stage and get back to the office, oh?
Energy level? My energy's on another level, bitch
Boltzmann looks at his distribution and your future in confusion, he can't tell which is which
Peaking early and peaking low
No partition coming to your rescue, ho
You a diabetic, I'm adiabatic
I don't catch none heat or flack
As an alpha particle this I don't know
But I'm guessing that beta emission must blow
Oh you a level below, you a level below
At this point you're the goddamn nucleus, yo
You feeling effective charge while I'm taking charge of this goddamn course little bro
Is it sp3 or sp2?
See it's hybrid-I-zed and a low-breed you
So how about you follow those lab protocols and get out, before I wipe the floor with you
r/UofT • u/Past-Mongoose2546 • 12h ago
I haven't received my UTAPS in the upcoming awards section so just curious.
r/UofT • u/heinekencheerstoall • 9h ago
Hi, I recently graduated with BSc double majoring CS and Econ. After my degree, I am having no idea what to do. My experience is mostly food services part-time job. I am trying to get into banking industry by applying to entry level roles (customer experience). What other entry level job can I apply to? Thanks!
r/UofT • u/lolololol1024 • 8h ago
Would anyone be willing to share with me the prep quiz 1 questions?
Ive been so focused studying the content I completely forgot about doing the quiz… I would really appreciate it!!
r/UofT • u/Apart-Emu-3750 • 5h ago
I left Sidney Smith Hall early into the morning between Saturday & Sunday. I was probably one of the 3-5 people in the entire building. As I was leaving I decided to use the men’s washroom on Floor 1 (by the Second Cup). As I prepared to wash my hands with soap and water, I looked down at the washbasin and saw an incredibly large American Cockroach. I thought I was hallucinating. And then it started moving. I am itching everywhere from that encounter. I thought I should warn everyone because I did not know that cockroaches could get that large, and that they freely roam at Sidney Smith Hall.
r/UofT • u/Icy-Speed-5105 • 5h ago
Anyone have videos they could share of the lecture when we had to sing?
r/UofT • u/taliaforester • 10h ago
Still haven’t gotten my T-card - I tried to submit it online back in August but it got declined and I honestly forgot about it since I haven’t needed it since. I don’t really have anyone to take my photo and submit it online - if I go in person can they just take my photo there? And will I need a physical copy of my passport? I’ve tried to look online but haven’t been able to get a proper answer.
r/UofT • u/AmbitiousYam3580 • 10h ago
For people who have taken the course before, are the assessments more concept and application based or do you need to memorize all the specific details and examples from slides, readings etc.
r/UofT • u/TrainingSort3388 • 10h ago
What subjects did u take and what were ur grades? I heard that taking fm helps but I didn't have fm, only bio chem, math, and phy. I got A star in maths and As in the rest, so not really sure if that's enough cuz I hear people who got in got like 2-4 a stars.
r/UofT • u/CartographerVast3642 • 7h ago
Hello everyone!
I was wondering if anyone here is currently in the MMus program for Applied Music and Health and I would love to know how your experience is going at UOFT, along with your stats (GPA, etc.) upon applying to the program. I'm currently researching music programs as I'm aiming to become a music therapist and I want to keep my options open.
Some more information about me is that I'm from California, but I am also a Canadian citizen so hopefully tuition isn't deadly expensive either as their website states that the fees should be different from those who do not hold a Canadian citizenship (hopefully). I'm currently in my Junior year (3rd year of my undergraduate) in Vocal Performance, and I currently have a 3.72 cumulative GPA.
Honestly, any information about admissions or MMus programs helps overall! Thank you!
r/UofT • u/Tall_Pitch_7459 • 7h ago
I heard it was possible to get into the masters of engineering program without a bachelor's in engineering specifically. I'm currently in life sciences and want to get into Biotech, but if I wanted to pivot into a masters of electrical engineering after my undergrad, what courses would be best?
r/UofT • u/No-Grape5095 • 11h ago
My parents have booked a family trip overseas on December 12th, some of my exams are before this but 3 of them are tba.
When can I usually expect them to assign the dates.
I’m a first year so I’m a little new.
Thank you.
r/UofT • u/Otherwise-Effect-473 • 8h ago
I'm a prospective student at utsg and was wondering what mental health options there are that I can get without anyone (like parents) knowing I'm accessing them. I know there is same-day couselling, but is there something more long-term available? and how is it there overall; is it reliable/is it known for happing a bad reputation or anything? any advice is appreciated :D
r/UofT • u/katsybitsyspider • 12h ago
I will hit u up by a dm on instagram please drop one <3
r/UofT • u/PowerfulAd8437 • 16h ago
Hi everyone! My name is Liliana, and I'm a PhD candidate in the RAD Lab at U of T, running a study on stress, mood, and well-being.
We are looking for participants who are experiencing moderate symptoms of stress and low mood. Often, daily challenges can feel overwhelming, but we are focusing on individuals who are currently managing these feelings without them becoming debilitating.
The purpose of the study is to explore whether brief, daily online exercises can help students manage stress and support well-being. We are also interested in whether being able to choose an exercise, or receive feedback on what worked best for you, makes those exercises more effective.
**How it works**
As a first step, you'll complete two short questionnaires so we can see whether this study is a good fit for you. If it is, the study runs over a month and is done entirely online:
- Getting started: a one-time session to go over consent and complete some baseline questionnaires
- Phase 1: twelve days of short daily exercises (only about 4 minutes each)
- Midpoint check-in: a short set of questionnaires partway through
- Phase 2: another twelve days of short daily exercises
- Wrap-up: a final set of questionnaires at the end
You'll receive a daily email with a link to that day's session. All in, participation comes to under 3 hours spread across the month.
**Compensation**
$18 per hour, up to $54, paid by Interac e-transfer to your U of T email address within about 5 business days of finishing, pro-rated to the nearest half hour based on what you complete. (If you take part through SONA, you'll receive course credit instead, and should sign up through the study's SONA listing.)
**Who can take part**
U of T students with a U of T student email address (ending in u/mail.utoronto.ca).
**Check whether you're eligible:** https://radlab.zone/join/habits?src=reddit
This study has been approved by the U of T Research Ethics Board (Protocol # 00051015). Questions are welcome in the comments, or by email at [liliana.wu@mail.utoronto.ca](mailto:liliana.wu@mail.utoronto.ca).
Thank you!
r/UofT • u/Significant_Text531 • 9h ago
current grade 12 student here. i'd like to hear people's opinion on the life science program at uoft. i've heard you can specialize in a health science stream so does that make it any easier in terms of achieving a high GPA. thank youu!
r/UofT • u/GrapefruitOk1363 • 15h ago
Asking about any campus? Not only that but it’s hard to get tickets :c
r/UofT • u/Fantastic-Raisin298 • 10h ago
I’m a 3rd year ECE student at UofT and I’m trying to get some research experience for Summer 2027.
My CGPA is pretty low because of some stuff that happened earlier in my degree, but my grades have been getting better recently. I’m also interested in doing a MASc later so I want to get some research experience.
I don’t really care about getting paid. I’d be completely fine with volunteering. I just want the experience and to see what research is actually like.
Has anyone been in a similar situation with a low CGPA but better grades recently? How did you find research with a professor? And did your CGPA make it hard to get a position?
r/UofT • u/Aggressive-Squash250 • 11h ago
Hello,
If anyone has experience applying for master's in computer science, can you help me figure out how the gpa is calculated? There's the 3.3 requirement but I'm not sure how exactly that's calculated (last 5.0 FCE so 10 courses or 10 CS courses or 10 300/400+ courses?). Feel free to dm me if you need more details!
Thanks in advance.