Recognized Study Groups (RSG) are student-led study groups of up to eight classmates enrolled in the same Faculty of Arts & Science course. RSGs are available to meet online or in person on the St. George Campus. You can apply to lead or join an RSG at the start of each academic term.
Fall 2023
- RSG Leader Applications open August 21.
- Applications to join an RSG open September 7.
Learn more about Recognized Study Groups
WHAT IS AN RSG?
Recognized Study Groups (RSG) are small, student-led study groups of up to eight classmates enrolled in the same course within the Faculty of Arts & Science. Students can choose to meet their RSG online through Zoom or in person on the St. George campus.
An RSG for a particular course is created by a student who volunteers to be an RSG leader. The RSG leader is trained and chooses the day, time and delivery mode (online or in-person) for their RSG. Once the RSG is created, it is opened for classmates to join.
An RSG leader is not a tutor – they learn alongside the group. All group members participate in the RSG by reviewing course material, asking questions and preparing for tests together.
In addition to your study group meetings, you will also get support from Study Group Assistants who help with study strategies and answering your questions.
WHY SHOULD I LEAD OR JOIN AN RSG?
By leading or joining an RSG, you can:
- Increase your understanding of course material
- Make friends in your course
- Prepare for tests and exams
- Stay focused while studying
- Learn valuable study skills
In addition, you will earn a Co-Curricular Record (CCR) credit by volunteering to lead an RSG or joining an RSG.
HOW ARE RSGS CREATED?
An RSG is created for a course by one student volunteering to be an RSG leader. Once the RSG leader is trained, the group is opened up for students to join. Here is how it works:
- A student applies to be an RSG leader.
- All student volunteers attend an RSG leader training session.
- After training, each leader can start an RSG by selecting the course and preferred weekly meeting time for their RSG.
- The RSG is posted to A&S Online Services.
- All students can join the RSG on A&S Online Services.
HOW DO I APPLY TO LEAD AN RSG?
You can apply to lead an RSG online.
No experience is necessary; you just need an interest in meeting new classmates and studying together. The upper-year Study Group Assistants will provide you with training to get your RSG started, and support you all term.
HOW DO I JOIN AN RSG?
You can join an RSG through A&S Online Services. In the Recognized Study Group section, select “Join a RSG” to see all RSGs available for the courses you are enrolled in. RSGs are only available in courses where a student has volunteered to lead it. If you don’t see an RSG listed for a course, check A&S Online Services back later or apply to lead an RSG.
If you have any questions, please email rsg.artsci@utoronto.ca or use the chat box to connect with us.
Meet the Study Group Assistants
Archi
Year: Two
Programs: Human Biology, Immunology and Physiology
College: Innis College
Hometown: Vaughan, Ontario
Get to know Archi
One thing about me: I love to read books, and you can find me reading a book almost whenever I am not studying! From mystery to adventure to thrillers, I love being swept away into a different world where characters fight for their lives or travel. One of my favourite authors is Daniel Silva, who writes novels about a spy who goes on missions across the globe.
In my studies: I really enjoyed biology in my first year and decided to understand further how it affects the body by taking human biology as a major. Additionally, I am very interested in learning how the body reacts to viruses and functions, and can’t wait to see how immunology and physiology explain these topics in more detail.
Outside the classroom: I am actively a part of initiatives that happen at Innis College and am one of the commuter representatives for the incoming year. One of my main goals as a commuter representative is to create and host events for commuter students to make them feel more at home and involved in the UofT community despite living off-campus.
Favourite summer activity: I love to bike around my neighbourhood in the summer and explore new parts of the city.
Ayanna
Year: Two
Programs: Health & Disease and Environmental Science
College: St. Micheal’s College
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
Get to know Ayanna
One thing about me: I love music! I currently have over 300 playlists on Spotify- my favourite artists include BTS, The Weeknd, Frank Ocean, and more! I also play the piano and played the flute for a while through school. .
In my studies: My favourite things about Environmental science include how its such a wide field of study and you can really personalize the degree to your interests/career goals. I love the Health & Disease major as well, as it is also quite interdisciplinary and provides students with an in depth understanding of the body and its relationship with disease.
Outside the classroom: I’m really involved with the St. Mike’s community! The people there are so welcoming and nice, it really feels like a home away from home. I’m currently a Commuter Coordinator there, and have been involved with Orientation and other clubs in the past.
Favourite summer activity: I love taking pictures of the city and exploring new places! Toronto is so beautiful in the summer especially, and it’s always fun to find new places to eat when the weather is nice, or take a walk through a park or a trail.
Cedar
Year: Three
Programs: History, Human Geography and Environmental Geography
College: Innis College
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Get to know Cedar
One thing about me: I am deeply in debt with the Toronto Public Library. I regularly take out books, even during finals season, that I know I will not have time to read.
In my studies: I study history and am fascinated with tracing historical trends and effects into the modern day, discovering how they manifest themselves now and how we view them.
Outside the classroom: In my free time I love biking and running. These are my main sources of exercise and also my preferred commute method. I genuinely believe that I am the best city biker in Toronto. This is obviously misguided but nobody has proven me wrong yet.
Favourite summer activity: I love swimming, camping and canoeing during the summer. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to travel to the Bruce Peninsula at least once a year, and it’s always a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, I burn in the sun like a vampire.
Mikayla
Year: Two
Programs: Physics, Astronomy and Math
College: New College
Hometown: St. John’s, Newfoundland
Get to know Mikayla
One thing about me: I am scared of deep water, but I love to kayak. Last year I kayaked at the Toronto Islands and I can’t wait to do it again this year.
In my studies: I love learning how the universe works! The more physics I learn, the more passionate I become. I am often amazed at how real life can be more fascinating than sci-fi.
Outside the classroom: I spend any spare time I have traveling both within and outside of Canada. Some of my favorite places I’ve visited are Japan, Italy, Thailand, and South Korea!
Favourite summer activity: Probably swimming, although I enjoy a lot of outdoor activities during Summer as it is my favorite season.
