| rev:text
| - University is what you make of it, and UToronto is no exception. If you want to graduate on time and live a long life, this place is not for you. However, if you want to be rigorously challenged and walk in the footsteps of famous alumni (Margaret Atwood, etc.), you might like it here. UofT will teach you the #1 lesson of adulthood which is this: no one gives an actual f*** whether you live or die, so you are 100% responsible for yourself.
This review comes from a #LIFER who's seen it all. I did my undergrad in English Literature at UofT and am now back for the doctorate. Here are my thoughts.
The undergrad: 2/5
First couple years suck, because UofT makes $$ from over-enrolling students and then weeding them out. SOC101 will take place in Con(victs) Hall alongside a thousand(?) others, and you'll spend the semester wondering what your prof looks like 'cause you sat too far. However, the world is your oyster in terms of course selection. Thanks to my flexible degree, I got classes in Jungian psychoanalysis, medieval theology, and more. The sweet spot is a major in English/a more respectable-sounding field and minors in cool stuff like Art History and Semiotics (which low-key existed back in my day).
Years later, you make it to upper-year seminars that don't suck anymore because they're taught by the best professors in the department. This is where things get interesting, 'cause world-class academics actually know your name now. Milk this opportunity. Go to office hours and learn as much as you can outside of class. You'll do fine.
-3 stars because most people have lost too much humanity by the time they graduate.
The doctoral: 3/5
*Will be adjusted throughout the course of my degree* If you must study at UofT, grad school will give you more for your overly-high tuition. Remember that amazing prof from SOC101, whose face you never really saw up close? Well now, you get to WORK with him, and you might even get an academic job later on. At this stage in the game, having "fun" doesn't matter as much anymore, but feeling a sense of professionalism and getting networks in your field do. The intellectual challenge is mostly worth it. Meeting like-minded people with the drive to succeed will do wonders for your lazy a**. It's all about who you meet.
-2 stars so far because my department won't give a s**t whether you live or die (like the rest of UofT).
Extra curriculars: 4.5/5
For what UofT lacks in academic support, you'll find a wide range of activities and opportunities for friendship that are unparalleled everywhere else. During my undergrad I was a frosh leader, got involved in various writing groups, did swing dancing/tango, joined a million Christian groups, practiced karate, etc. Their athletics classes and resources are endless (head over to my review on the Athletic Centre!). Artsy types can flock over to the AGO, the ROM, Roy Thomson Hall--the best parts of Toronto.
Libraries: 4/5
As a doctoral student I'm now reaping the benefits. UofT's library system is seamless. Need an obscure text on eucharistic practices in 1130CE? Fear not, UofT will have it in multiple copies. You'll also never run out of libraries to study in. Despite its ugliness, Robarts is super functional and there are always enough seats for everyone. Gems include the Knox College and Emmanuel College libraries.
Food: 3-5/5 (depending on location)
I used to complain about the rip-off cafeterias in Victoria College, Trinity, etc. but at least they exist, so you won't die of hunger. Plus, everyone knows you can just head over to Chinatown/the Annex/Yonge & Bloor where the food options are endless. Again, the best that Toronto has to offer!
THE VERDICT: Ultimately no regrets and I'll be here for the next million years. The proximity to the city means you'll learn as much outside class as you do within, and that's the crux of UofT. From a living standpoint, its buildings are truly beautiful, and you'll find everything you need on campus in functioning order--health services, printing, groceries. Also, like with all things in life, a place is made by the people in it. UofT's given me friendships that go above any number rating. #Blessed
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)