Arrive Ready Peer Support

One thing about me: I am always happy to chat with folks about Star Wars — I’m a huge fan! I also greatly appreciate good foods from different cultures. I’m always open to food suggestions, so let’s give each other food recommendations.

In my studies: As a person who is interested in many different areas, computer science is something that unites my interests and offers a unique perspective on how to approach different fields. Studying computer science opened up so many doors and opportunities for me and I would love to explore them all some day!

Outside the classroom: I like swimming at U of T’s Athletic Centre; it’s always a good way to cool down my brain after a long day of studying. I also enjoy investigating cool theories and applications in the field of computer science when I have free time.

Favourite summer activity: Eating ice cream on a sunny day is always a pleasure.

Favourite spot on campus: The classroom MY150 inside the Myhal Building. It was my first lecture hall at U of T and by far the coolest.

One thing about me: I have a life-sized sloth stuffed animal. His name is Mr. Floppy Toes because his toes are floppy. I’d love to hear about your favourite stuffed animal.

In my studies: I find the intersection between language and technology, especially exploring computational linguistics, to be super interesting. Beyond computer science, my favourite course this year was Philosophy of Science for Physical Scientists in the Vic One program. I highly recommend exploring courses beyond your admission category.

Outside the classroom: Hackathons are such a fun place to make friends and try something new in a few days! I love picking a new coding language or topic to explore and diving right in for the weekend to build something fun. Volleyball with friends helps keep me in shape; same for all the walking around campus.

Favourite summer activity: The sunshine absolutely calls my name every summer, and I like to take time during the season to connect with all my friends and have a picnic. My personal faves to bring along are chocolate croissants and lemonade.

Favourite spot on campus: The Lester B. Pearson Peace Garden at Victoria College is a fantastic place to take a moment for yourself, especially when the tulips start blooming nearby. It’s a perfect spot to relax with friends, study and have some snacks!

One thing about me: I love clouds. Whatever the weather, I enjoy looking up at the clouds and admiring the beauty of the sky above.

In my studies: I love getting to build technology that creates positive change in my community.

Outside the classroom: One of my favourite activities is photography. Although I love taking pictures of everything around me, landscape photography is definitely my favourite. I also enjoy trying new restaurants in Toronto and listening to various genres of music.

Favourite summer activity: Summer for me means spending time outdoors. I love exploring different parks and cafés and soaking up the sunshine.

Favourite spot on campus: The Earth Sciences Library. It’s such a nice place to study and the building itself is very cool.

One thing about me: I will be working as a program don with University College for the 2023-24 Fall/Winter session. My second fun fact is that UC isn’t my college!

In my studies: Studying English, history and education, I enjoy seeing how my studies complement each other but have set me up to have amazing opportunities to develop close relationships with my profs and classmates.

Outside the classroom: Outside the classroom? I’m always thinking about the classroom because I execute a bunch of education clubs at Victoria College. If you’re interested in education-related opportunities, hit me up!

Favourite summer activity: I love going to a lush, green park and having picnics with friends. I personally think having bubble tea, some music and a good book can elevate one’s summer picnic experience.

Favourite spot on campus: Everyone should check out The Arbor Room at Hart House for an aesthetic study space and cheap-but-wholesome eats.

One thing about me: I was a competitive equestrian vaulter for ten years, as well as a figure skater and dancer! Although I don’t compete anymore, I do occasionally take a dance class or two to stay active.

In my studies: I enjoy learning about the different ways and places that English is spoken, as well as having the opportunity to read many different genres, from medieval literature to contemporary diaspora literature. I also love that I can learn completely different topics through my minors in Biology and Latin American Studies.

Outside the classroom: I work at the Athletic Centre and love to work out. I enjoy singing and crochet, and I also have been part of my sorority, AOII, throughout my four years at U of T. At home, I live with my two best friends and a cat that I am obsessed with.

Favourite summer activity: Going to the different food festivals around the city.

Favourite spot on campus: I love the coffee around campus. Check out Caffiends at Victoria College, Diablo’s at University College or the Second Cup at Sid Smith.

One thing about me: I love Iced Capps from Tim Hortons!

In my studies: I enjoy being able to learn about the world, its peoples and their histories.

Outside the classroom: I like to be involved in student politics, policy-making clubs on campus and the events of my course unions.

Favourite summer activity: Playing soccer or Spikeball with friends.

Favourite spot on campus: The Victoria College quad.

One thing about me: I’ve been told by my co-workers that I have a calming voice. But I don’t know 🤷‍♂️ you can check that out later. 👍

In my studies: I find it interesting to learn how different types of cells all undergo differentiation processes to ultimately contribute to our body’s functionality. It is also fascinating to see how our body’s immune cells work in various ways and strategize as if they are soldiers in an army. I enjoy incorporating different biological ideas to draw connections as a way of understanding concepts.

Outside the classroom: I like to read books while sitting on the grass or enjoy the sunlight for my vitamin D production. I also like to work out and maintain my health because, as time goes by, your body gets old and you don’t feel that energy that you used to have.

Favourite summer activity: I like to walk around downtown Toronto to enjoy that vitamin D.

Favourite spot on campus: Everyone should visit the bamboo garden at the Donnelly Centre.

One thing about me: I’ve worked eight jobs and counting (not including short-term positions).

In my studies: I’m interested in a lot of different things, and I find that taking my major and minors in different areas enables me to explore a wide array of courses. Also, though my courses can be vastly different, I can often find intersections in the way they all relate to one another.

Outside the classroom: In my free time, I enjoy cooking, baking, listening to music and watching fun TV shows. Currently, my favourite show is Harlem on Prime video. I am also an executive member of the Nigerian Students’ Association.

Favourite summer activity: I love watching outdoor movies with my friends and family. I also love going to all the fun festivals Toronto has to offer; my personal favourite is Taste of Danforth.

Favourite spot on campus: The hot dog stand in front of Sid Smith called “Mama’s Best” that’s run by Stefan Penev. The food is inexpensive but super good!

One thing about me: In my third year, I had the chance to do a summer research internship in Austria. I also got to visit 10 other countries in Europe while I was working there.

In my studies: I am truly fascinated by how neuroscience and psychology can be applied to different areas like technology, economics and medicine. I love how almost every action and feeling can be explained at the physiological level. And the fact that we can manipulate one’s actions through science both scares and excites me!

Outside the classroom: I’ve had the chance to work in two neuroscience and psychology labs studying memory and perception. I’ve also enjoyed being a peer mentor for first-year students. Another group I was part of was the STEM Fellowship Association, a Canadian charity that creates mentorship and research opportunities for students from communities traditionally underrepresented in STEM. I had the chance to work as a graphic designer and director of marketing.

Favourite summer activity: I like to go out and explore the city with my friends. This summer, my friends and I are also planning to go to Canada’s Wonderland.

Favourite spot on campus: One of the most Hogwarts-like places on campus is the Trinity College quad. Make sure to check it out.

One thing about me: I’ve done research with the David Suzuki Foundation regarding the relationship between social, health and environmental injustices within vulnerable communities to understand the social attitudes of minority communities and the hesitancy to participate in movements.

In my studies: Studying Psychology and Health & Disease allows you to understand things that happen in our daily lives. I love learning about the microbiota and how it impacts almost everything from mental to physical health. In psychology, I love learning about interpersonal relationships and neurodevelopment through every stage of life.

Outside the classroom: I’ve been learning South Indian Classical vocal music and the veena (a South Indian instrument) since I was three-years-old. I also play the flute, piccolo and percussion and have attempted to play the ukulele and the bass guitar. I love listening to and performing music and am always interested in learning new instruments. I also love watching movies and shows in all languages and am always looking for recommendations. I also volunteer with the Future Possibilities for Kids and H2O Network and love learning from different perspectives and others’ experiences.

Favourite summer activity: Camping and hiking in the amazing parks around Ontario.

Favourite spot on campus: Devonshire Place has lovely green spaces to hang out away from the busyness of St. George Street. It’s a quiet walk on the way to Sidney Smith from St. George Station (Bedford Street exit).

One thing about me: I lived in Lahore, Pakistan until the age of nine before moving to Canada!

In my studies: I enjoy learning about the complexities of the human body and investigating the factors that influence health outcomes, paving the way for advancements in prevention, treatment and overall well-being.

Outside the classroom: I love playing volleyball with friends. I find it to be a great way to unwind, meet new people and enjoy some friendly competition.

Favourite summer activity: I enjoy going on mini road trips and taking leisurely strolls through scenic parks.

Favourite spot on campus: The University College Library!

One thing about me: I grew up on a Caribbean Island. ☀️🏝️🌊

In my studies: Bioinformatics & Computational Biology🧬 is at the intersection of biomedical and computer sciences, where I get to deal with Big Data 👩‍💻 to make a change. The field is always evolving, and we’re always learning new tools and techniques.

Outside the classroom: Recently, I’ve been learning to cook different foods.

Favourite summer activity: Hiking 🥾 ☀️ and exploring Toronto. I would highly recommend walking around Toronto during the summer. There are many activities going on — food festivals 🍿🍪🥞🍕🌮, amusement festivals🎡🎠🎢🎟️, pop ups and many more. The U of T campus and surrounding area is also a filming spot for many shows. Who knows, you may see some celebrities or film sets 🎬 while exploring Toronto.

Favourite spot on campus: One spot to check out on campus is Knox College.

One thing about me: I can play Billy Joel’s Piano Man on a harmonica (the harmonica parts, not the entire song).

In my studies: Although some of what I study is really theoretical, I love connecting what I learn to things around me. Sometimes, I even try to apply the things I learn to my own life.

Outside the classroom: I love sports, hiking and everything outdoorsy. You can almost always find me walking around Toronto with a coffee in hand.

Favourite summer activity: This is my first summer here in Toronto, so I’m still finding my personal favourite summer activity. So far, it’s been lying on grass.

Favourite spot on campus: There are many hidden gems on campus, but the one area that I think is really cool is the Cat’s Eye at Vic.

One thing about me: My secret talent is being able to move my ears without moving my head!

In my studies: I love having conversations with my professors. Being at university has given me the unique opportunity to pick the brains of some of the brightest minds out there. I’ve been able to have conversations with some very important researchers in the fields of econometrics and statistics, and talking to them has guided my career journey extensively.

Outside the classroom: My favourite activity outside the classroom is weightlifting. I love being able to concentrate on the sport when I am doing it, and it’s an amazing stress buster. Highly recommend! Apart from that, I enjoy cooking and eating. I’ve always had a huge appetite. I also enjoy scouting for coffee shops in the city, so please ask me any questions about coffee if you want to know where to get a great cup of joe.

Favourite summer activity: Hiking. I’m extremely afraid of heights, and I think hiking is a great way to get over my fear. I also want to get back to skating, which is something I haven’t done since I was a pre-teen.

Favourite spot on campus: Knox College.

One thing about me: I’ve done the CN Tower Edgewalk!

In my studies: Rotman is so diverse! It’s great to always meet new people from a variety of backgrounds in my classes.

Outside the classroom: I love sports. Outside the classroom, you can find me playing intramurals at the Athletic Centre.

Favourite summer activity: Centre Island in the summer is super pretty! There’s a beach, you can ride a boat and I love to bring my bike to go around the island.

Favourite spot on campus: The rooftop patio in the Rotman MBA building.

One thing about me: I love to play chess and am an active member of the Hart House Chess Club!

In my studies: I really enjoy the versatility that my focus offers. I’ve been able to build a solid foundation on corporate law due to my background in commerce, and I think that’s been the most helpful in preparation for law school.

Outside the classroom: I love being in a sorority! My sorority has given me so many opportunities for leadership and guidance both in times of academic uncertainty and personal conflicts.

Favourite summer activity: I love to go on cottage trips by the water with my best friends. There’s nothing better than reading a good book by the waterfront on a sunny day. 🙌🏽

Favourite spot on campus: The brown food truck in front of Sidney Smith Hall has the best poutine!

One thing about me: I love watching new shows, football (soccer) and exploring the city. I always talk about these things with a lot of passion, so you might be in for a friendly debate once in a while (about football 😅).

In my studies: Learning extensively about markets from professors at the top of their fields and delving into the micro- and macroeconomic factors that affect the big picture have only enhanced my passion for finance and economics.

Outside the classroom: You’ll often find me playing football with the Victoria College intramural team. Other than that, I’m usually out and about exploring new cafes and restaurants in Toronto.

Favourite summer activity: There are so many food festivals to check out in Toronto, which I am excited for. Other than that, playing sports outdoors and just soaking in the sun after the long winter is something I love.

Favourite spot on campus: Max Gluskin House (the Department of Economics) is such a cozy building on a gloomy day and very lively on sunny days. It’s a great place to meet faculty members and a nice study spot too.

One thing about me: I’m always motivated to learn languages when I live in a new environment or pick up a relevant hobby. For example, I spent three years studying Japanese so that I could play a video game without waiting for a translation. Although I can speak Mandarin, Cantonese, English and Japanese, I continue my passion for learning languages and understanding local culture by studying French.

In my studies: The process of learning economics enables me to understand theories and apply them to real-life situations, which cultivates different perspectives regarding worldwide circumstances.

Outside the classroom: I enjoy working out, so you’re likely to run into me at the Athletic Centre. Hitting the gym helps make my life balanced between work and study, which I consider an efficient way to relax and destress from studying. I also enjoy anime, reading and movies in my spare time.

Favourite summer activity: Having a picnic with my friends in different parks in Toronto allows me to experience nature and enjoy the fresh air. In particular, it makes me feel comfortable when there’s sunlight and I’m lying on the grass to read some books.

Favourite spot on campus: I recommend students check out the Robarts Common, especially when the weather is nice. The large glass windows allow sunlight to pass through, making the whole floor a cozy environment to read or study in.

One thing about me: My annual Goodreads reading goal has become one of my core personality traits, so I’m always looking for book recommendations.

In my studies: I love how my programs are so interdisciplinary; it’s really cool to learn how to approach a problem from so many different angles.

Outside the classroom: In my spare time, you can find me baking, going on walks around different Toronto neighbourhoods or trying new bubble tea places.

Favourite summer activity: I love walking down to the waterfront in the summer with my friends and eating BeaverTails.

One thing about me: I was born in Beijing and lived there until the age of 10.

In my studies: I really enjoy the fact that my programs (other than Political Science) are very small. It helps with community building and allows you to get to know the staff well.

Outside the classroom: I’m an avid baker, restaurant explorer, TV show enjoyer and occasional biker.

Favourite summer activity: I’m coordinating Woodsworth Orientation 2023, so I’m very excited for the upcoming summer months of planning, as well as meeting all the first-year students who attend.

Favourite spot on campus: The University College Library is a gorgeous study spot.

One thing about me: I’m a transfer student to U of T.

In my studies: In political science, I love learning about how local, national and international systems shape our behaviour but are often not transparent to us. In philosophy, I love forming arguments with objections and replies when writing papers. Lastly, in anthropology I love learning about the diverse ways culture structures society, such as in decision making and healthcare.

Outside the classroom: I love anything outdoors! Hiking, swimming and kayaking are all up my alley. I also enjoy practicing yoga and working out at U of T campus gyms. In addition, I like writing poetry and journaling.

Favourite summer activity: In the summer, you can find me hanging out at a park soaking up the sun while reading a book. A summer event I’m looking forward to is the All Day I Dream music festival.

Favourite spot on campus: Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport is one of my favourite campus spots along with the fourth floor of Robarts Library.

One thing about me: Before deciding to attend university through Woodworth’s Academic Bridging Program, I worked a lot of interesting jobs. Animal hospitals, whale watching tours, making bubble bars for Lush — I’ve got a lot of weird and wild stories to tell!

In my studies: Growing up between the mountains and the ocean on the west coast has given me a first-hand perspective on how urgent a problem climate change is. Through my studies, I’ve been able to further my passion for helping humans have a better relationship to the environment.

Outside the classroom: You’ll find me exploring the city. I’ve been here a few years now, but it still feel like there’s so much to see. Thrifting has become a hobby lately, as I love how great it is for the environment. You’ll also find me going to concerts all throughout the year.

Favourite summer activity: Taking my dog on adventures to different parks and beaches around the city. He sits in the basket on my bike and loves it! Other than that I’m a big fan of picnics in the park.

Favourite spot on campus: I’m a big fan of any little quiet spot on campus, but most often I find myself relaxing in the Sir Daniel Wilson Quad. It’s a great, easy-to-access spot to sit down under a tree and enjoy the sun.

One thing about me: I fluently speak four languages: English, Hindi, Bengali and Mandarin. I am also learning my fifth language, Korean.

In my studies: I love the interdisciplinary nature of my coursework and its applicability to relevant aspects of life. My coursework allows me to step out of my comfort zone to explore perspectives and thought processes I usually would not. In addition, my studies have a great emphasis on discussions.

Outside the classroom: One of my favorite ways to destress is to cook with my friends. On days when I am too lazy to cook, you will find me at an Instagram-famous restaurant nomming away on delectable delights. My current favourite restaurant is Chat Bar!

Favourite summer activity: Biking around the city and taking in all the sun while I can.

Favourite spot on campus: The Trinity Quad is absolutely breathtaking, a picturesque spot on campus with benches, trees and space to set up a picnic.

One thing about me: I know some American Sign Language.

In my studies: I love how diverse of a field social science is, covering a wide range of subjects related to human behaviour, society, culture, economics and politics. It provides students the chance to explore new interests and create a tailored program.

Outside the classroom: I’m always trying out new restaurants in Toronto and the GTA, or channeling my inner warrior with some axe throwing.

Favourite summer activity: Going to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), also known as The Ex! I love checking out the crazy new foods and rides and getting the fair prizes. It’s a great way to spend the day with friends or family, plus the air show is a must see!

Favourite spot on campus: E.J. Pratt Library.

One thing about me: I’m a huge fan of Harry Potter. When I was 11 years old, I thought I was going to Hogwarts (which turned out not to be the case, apparently).

In my studies: I really enjoy applying what I’ve learned in class to real life, which is why economics is so fascinating to me. I’ve learned how to make rational choices, how markets work, how the Bank of Canada adjusts interest rates and so much more. Economics has allowed me to make sense of this complex world.

Outside the classroom: I’m a huge fan of music. I used to be part of a chorus, which made me wake up every day with passion. I also started learning to play the piano when I was young. Whenever I felt upset, I played the piano. Music heals me every time.

Favourite summer activity: Traveling! I love going on trips during summer vacations. I hope to go to Banff this year.

Favourite spot on campus: Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library on the second floor of Robarts Library. As soon as you enter, you will definitely feel that you have just apparated to Hogwarts.