Getting Started
Welcome to U of T! This page is designed to help you get set up in Canada, Toronto, and at U of T. View it as a sort of “checklist” that will help you on your way to feeling comfortable and connected in your new home. Click on the boxes below for more information.
On This Page
Before You Arrive
Congratulations on your acceptance! Here are some ways you can start getting set up before you arrive on campus.
Welcome to Toronto
Toronto is Canada’s largest and most multicultural city. Whatever you’re into and wherever you are from, you belong here.
Welcome to U of T
Keep exploring…
Enrolment & Registration
What’s the difference between registration and enrolment? To register, you pay your tuition and incidental fees, or make an arrangement to register without payment (fee deferral). To enrol, you add yourself to courses.
Enrolment
Most graduate units allow you to enrol in courses through ACORN, but some graduate units require you to fill out a form. Consult your home graduate unit for detailed instructions and the SGS Sessional Dates for course enrolment deadlines. Most course enrolment starts in July, so check with your Graduate Unit to find dates and handy online tools.
Fee Payment
Check out the SGS Sessional Dates for recommended tuition fee payment deadline for students registering or starting their program in the fall session. To register on time, pay your tuition and incidental fees, or make an arrangement to register without payment (fee deferral) by the deadline. Detailed instructions on how to pay tuition fees, including making a fee payment from outside of Canada, are found on the Office of Student Accounts website. To find out how much you owe, check your invoice on ACORN. For information about service charges, click here.
Fee Deferral
You may request to register without payment (fee deferral) through ACORN if you have no outstanding fees from a previous session and are the recipient of one of the following which exceeds the minimum payment to register amount on your invoice:
- Ontario Student Assistance Plan (OSAP) loan
- Other provincial government loan
- US government loan
- University funding package (major award, research stipend or teaching stipend)
Late Registration
If you register after the final date to register without financial penalty, you’re required to pay a late registration fee of $44. This is done online by filling out the Late Registration – Fee Payment form, available through the SGS Portal. For more information, contact SGS Student Academic Services. If you don’t register by the deadline, your enrolment in courses will be cancelled and further enrolment will be blocked. After the deadlines, you must provide proof of payment and register at the SGS Student Academic Services office.
For more info, please visit the registration & enrolment page.
For International Students
Please also be aware that if your legal status changes while you’re studying at U of T, you may be eligible for the Status in Canada fee exemption, permitting you to pay domestic tuition fees. Click here for more information.
The stage you’re at in your program when your legal status changes may impact the minimum degree fee you’ll be required to pay. For details, please consult the Fees section in the SGS Calendar.
Need help financing your education? Check out your financial options.
Do you have funding questions related to COVID-19? Check out the financial support & opportunities available.
Questions? Email SGS Student Academic Services or call 416-978-6614.
My Accounts
If you’re a new student, get connected with your JOINid, TCard, UTORid, UTmail+, and more.
Before You Arrive
- The University of Toronto issues a JOINid to applicants so that you can access key online services before coming to campus and getting your UTORid. You should have received an email with your JOINid and instructions for enabling it at uoft.me/enable. If you’ve lost the email or didn’t receive it, please contact us at admissions.sgs@utoronto.ca.
- Before arrival, you can use your JOINid and existing email address for residence applications and to access your student account on ACORN.
ACORN
ACORN stands for Accessible Campus Online Resource Network. It is your student web interface to enrol in courses, check fees and finances, and perform registration tasks such as updating address and contact information. It provides a convenient, personalized, and guided experience for using U of T’s online services.
Check out the video below to learn about ACORN.
TCard
Your TCard is your identification for academic purposes. It includes your photo, UTORid, student number (or personnel number, for staff and faculty) and a barcode. It provides access to services and facilities such as libraries, athletic facilities, exams, meal plans, online learning portal, printing services, and more. Click here to learn how to get your first TCard, use your TCard, and replace your TCard.
Activate your UTORid and UTMail+
Your UTORid (with password) is your key to a number of U of T services including: UTmail+, campus wireless, ACORN (your student information service), Quercus (U of T’s academic technology toolbox, powered by Canvas, where you can access course content, view your course progress, and submit assignment files), library services, UTAlert, CLNx (U of T’s career and co-curricular learning network), and more.
To learn how to activate your UTORid, click here. If you have any questions about your UTORid, please visit the UTORid website or contact the Information Commons Help Desk.
Check out the video below to learn how to activate your UTmail+ email address.
Quercus
Quercus the University of Toronto’s academic technology toolbox, powered by Canvas. You can access course content, view your progress in the course, and submit assignment files. You can also join SGS Virtual Orientation via Quercus. Click here to log into Quercus and download the app.
Mentorship
Are you an international student? Check out International student experience ambassador program!
Are you new to Accessibility services or to U of T? Check out Access Us peer mentorship program!
Are you a student who identifies with a minority group? Check out the Access & Inclusion Peer program!
Check out more mentorship programs on the Enhancing Your Degree page of this GradHub.
Want to ask an expert about U of T? Check out these events on Facebook.
International Students
We know moving to a new country, city, and starting graduate school at the same time can be an overwhelming transition. We got you. Check out this page with everything you need to know before you arrive in Canada and get familiar with these U of T campus offerings.
Grad Step Up
Grad Step Up orientation is for all incoming international grad students. It is a full-day event to help bridge the transition to graduate studies at U of T. For details, check this out
UHIP
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is a mandatory health insurance plan for all international and exchange students enrolled in an Ontario university. UHIP helps to cover the cost of hospital and medical services you may need to maintain your health while in Canada. Click here for more information.
Working in Canada
Click here to see if you’re eligible to work in Canada. To work in Canada, you also need to get your SIN (Social Insurance Number) card. Check out this page for more details.
Immigration Resoures
The Center for International Experience provides many immigration sessions. You can also book an appointment with an immigration advisor
For more information relevant to you, check out the SGS International Portal.
Accessibility Advising for Graduate Students
Graduate students with a documented disability, whether ongoing or temporary, have unique needs. That’s why the School of Graduate Studies has a designated accessibility advisor who can discuss accommodations for all kinds of graduate-specific contexts. Whether you’re working in the lab or doing field research, preparing a dissertation or completing your final oral exam, support is available.
Register early with Accessibility Services to request a referral. For information about the Accessibility Advisors at other campus locations, click here.
For more accessibility resources including library accessibility and more, please check out the Resources & Support section of the GradHub.
Travelling
Subject to public health guidelines around COVID-19, you will find U of T “welcomers” at Terminals 1 and 3 when you land at Toronto Pearson International Airport (Pearson for short). Check out the video below to learn more.
Whether you’re coming by car, public transit, bike, on foot or by any other means of transportation, here are some tips on finding your way to our three campuses.
SGS Virtual Orientation
To help you discover and navigate the many offerings and supports available at U of T during these uncertain times, we designed the SGS Virtual Orientation Site as a course on Quercus, U of T’s online teaching and learning environment. Although we were excited to meet you in person, this new format will give you a chance to explore and get familiar with using the platform before classes start and allow you to continue to access the orientation materials in your own time. Check out the Grad Step Up orientation program for international students, the Sexual & Gender Diversity Office (SGDO) Queer Orientation, and more. Click here for more information.
Indigenous Welcome
Statement of Acknowledgement of Traditional Land
We wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.
The Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement recognizing the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. Click here to learn more.
Learn more about the Indigenous history in Toronto with the First Story Toronto App.
University of Toronto’s Indigenous Gateway
This website provides an overview to the Indigenous community, initiatives, services, and academic programs on all three U of T campuses.
First Nations House/ Indigenous Student Services
Provides culturally relevant services to Indigenous students, as well as opportunities for all students to engage with Indigenous communities within U of T and beyond. Resources include academic support, financial assistance, Indigenous community, and meetings with Elders and traditional teachers. Click here to learn more.
Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement (SAGE UT)
Operating out of the Centre for Indigenous Studies at the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus, this graduate student-led group plans workshops, presentations, meetings and other events promoting the academic and personal development of Indigenous graduate students. Click here to learn more.
UTM – Indigenous Centre
Take part in a Learning Circle, a seminar, or other experiential learning opportunities. The Waawaahte Northern Lights Initiative provides many ways for students to engage with various traditional Indigenous cultures. Click here to learn more.
UTSC – Indigenous Outreach Program
Indigenous programming, engagement and outreach at UTSC includes traditional teachings by the Indigenous Elder-in-Residence, leadership development workshops and experiences, educational and cultural events, and community outreach to the significant Indigenous population residing in the East Scarborough area. Click here to learn more.
Life in Toronto
Looking for general information about living in Toronto? The City of Toronto has a helpful website about Moving to Toronto for newcomers to the city. You can also read this general introduction to living in Canada provided by the Government of Canada.
U of T’s Student Life team has written several sets of notes on living in Toronto to help you enjoy the city:
- Winter facts (PDF)
Get answers about study or work permits, international travel to and from Canada or learning abroad during COVID-19.
Did you know with your TCard, you can get discounts? Check them out!
Housing
Graduate House
The only residence at U of T reserved exclusively for graduate and second-entry professional faculty students. Provides accommodation for single students sharing same-gender, three and four-person furnished suites. Please see the GradHouse website for more information or take a virtual tour of the residence.
Student Family Housing
A family-oriented residence reserved for U of T students in a full-time degree program with partners and/ or children, located near Yonge and Bloor. Please visit the Student Family Housing website to learn more.
Housing Services
If you need to find housing, the staff at Housing Services can help. Use your UTORid to log in to the off-campus housing finder for more than 10,000 listings near U of T campuses with pre-approved landlords looking for student tenants. If you need a roommate, check out the Roommate Finder to meet other students looking for shared housing. You can also access the buy-and-sell board. Please visit the website to learn more about the services provided.
UTM – Student Housing & Residence Life
Bachelor apartments for grad students feature Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and close proximity to all the facilities and services on campus. Check online for eligibility and application information, and important dates.
UTSC – Student Housing & Residence Life
Only undergraduate students can apply to live in residence at UTSC, but graduate students are encouraged to visit the University of Toronto off-campus housing listings Student Housing & Residence Life website. They can also get advice and support at the Student Housing & Residence Life office. Please visit the website to learn more.
Transportation
Check out some tips on transportation here and a guide to getting around campus here.
Discover more ways you can move around in Toronto:
- UTM Shuttle Bus – For travelling between the St. George and Mississauga campuses.
- Bikechain – A not-for-profit cycling organization providing DIY services, affordable repairs, educational opportunities and a welcoming community of staff and volunteers.
- Bike Share Toronto – Toronto’s bicycle rental service has stations on campus and around the city.
- UTM – Bikeshare – Offers free 48-hour bicycle loans, as well as bike-related events throughout the year and group rides.
- TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) – Route maps and schedules, closure notices and service advisories.
- Discounted TTC PRESTO cards – Visit the PRESTO website to learn how to register and load your PRESTO Card with a post-secondary student monthly metropass.
- GO Transit – Bus and train service for travel around the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario.
- UTM – MiWay (Mississauga Transit) – Public transportation for getting around Mississauga, with connections to TTC and GO Transit. Schedules, maps and Student PRESTO cards are available online.
- UTM – Parking & Transportation Services – Buy parking permits for the UTM campus, get maps and directions and access alternative transportation options.
- UTM – U-Pass – This student transit card allows unlimited fare-free rides on MiWay, Mississauga’s transit system.
Multi-Faith Centre for Spiritual Study & Practice
The Multi-Faith Centre supports the spiritual well-being of students, staff and faculty through interfaith dialogue and other activities that help to increase our understanding of and respect for religious beliefs and practices.
Funding & Awards
In order to make informed decisions about your future, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the graduate funding landscape – an awareness of your program’s funding context and of the financial opportunities and supports available to you between admission and graduation.
If you’re a student in a professional master’s, flex-time or professional doctoral program, you’ll typically self-fund your educational expenses through a variety of programs including student loans, student lines of credit, savings and employment income. You may also be eligible for a limited number of graduate awards available through your graduate unit and various external agencies.
Most research-stream master’s and PhD programs at the University of Toronto offer a range of financial supports to offset the cost of a graduate education. The amount and type of student support varies among graduate programs; if you’re registered full-time in a research-stream program, your own graduate unit will outline your financial support in an annual funding letter. Your funding letter will also identify the sources of funding that you’ll receive (for example, teaching assistantships, awards, research stipends, and/or fellowships), along with a payment schedule to help you plan your finances throughout the year. On an annual basis, the School of Graduate Studies publishes base funding amounts and actual average incomes – in addition to average times to 28 complete a degree – for graduate units across the University. Available online, this information will allow you to compare units and divisions, and help you set expectations about your own program of study. For details, visit here.
You are also encouraged to explore the wide range of financial supports available to U of T graduate students in the form of scholarships and merit-based awards. Be sure to visit your home department’s and faculty’s website for funding opportunities and financial supports available to students in your program as well as the SGS Awards and Funding page for more.
Remember, if you’re thinking of applying for scholarships, awards and student loans, plan ahead! Give yourself enough time to:
- Review your budget using the U of T Financial Planning Calculator
- Explore financial aid & advising services offered by the School of Graduate Studies throughout your studies
- Visit the various external funding agencies’ websites to plan out the application process
- Research and apply for government student loans
- Take advantage of relevant information sessions. The SGS Graduate Awards Office offers these in early fall
- Register for workshops and courses to help improve your applications. The Graduate Centre for Academic Communication is an excellent resource
- Start thinking about reference letters
Rankings & Discoveries
You wanna see where U of T stands in the world? Check this out.
Here are some more quick facts for you about U of T.
Check out the great University of Toronto accomplishments and discoveries and get inspired!
Campus Athletics
U of T offers a range of facilities and programs for sports and recreation. You can be part of intramurals or varsity teams. Check out the GradHub’s Graduate Experience page to learn more about what U of T offers
LGBTQ+ Students
Check out resources available for LGBTQ+ Students below. For a more comprehensive check out this LGBTQ Student Organizations page.
UTGSU Queer Caucus
The Queer Caucus (QC) of the Graduate Students’ Union is a political and social caucus for University of Toronto graduate students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ)
Centre for Women and Trans People
The Centre for Women and Trans People is committed to providing a safe, harassment-free drop in space for all women and trans people on campus.
LGBTOUT
LGBTOUT is the oldest LGBTQ+ student organization in Canada and has served the U of T community for over half a century. Today, LGBTOUT provides a safe and inclusive space, resources, and programming for LGBTQ+ students at U of T.
Sexual & Gender Diversity Office (SGDO)
The SGDO offers a wide variety of programs and supports for students, including the annual Lead with Pride conference, Queer Orientation and the LGBTQ International Student Group.
Positive Space
The University’s Positive Space Campaign is a program that seeks to create and identify safer and more inclusive spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersex, queer, questioning and two-spirit (LGBTTIQQ2S) students, staff, faculty, alumni and allies at the University of Toronto.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Diversity, inclusion, respect, and civility are among our fundamental values. Outstanding scholarship, teaching, and learning can thrive only in an environment that embraces the broadest range of people and encourages the free expression of their diverse perspectives. Click here to learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
One University, Three Campuses
Learn more about U of T’s three campuses and life on the campuses.
Take a virtual tour!
Sustainability
Learn more about the countless staff and services that keeps U of T green.
You want to learn more about sustainability? Check out the Sustainability Course Inventory!
Student Life
Get the Student Life App and learn about different services and programs. It even has a graduate students section!
Ask Me Anything
ASK us anything about U of T! This September, upper-year students and recent alumni will be online and ready to answer your questions about U of T. Click here for more information.
Check out the Student Life App and Student Life Facebook and Instagram pages for more helpful information and resources.
Black Students
About the photo: U of T students Temisan Iwere, Kyra Stephen and Ayan Gedleh – executives in the U of T chapter of the National Society for Black Engineers (2019) – organized the first university student-run Black hackathon in the GTA. (Credit: Geoffrey Vendeville)
Checkout the resources available for Black Graduate students below. For more resource, check out the GradHub’s Resources & Support page or a list of resources put together by UTGSU
Black Students’ Association (BSA)
The Black Students’ Association remains dedicated to the education, experience and empowerment of the Black-Canadian and international community, aiming to represent and foster black culture through community interaction and outreach.
Black Graduate Students Association
The Black Graduate Students Association (BGSA) will engage in powerful discourse of local and international issues and experiences in the Black community.
UTGSU Race and Ethnicity Caucus
The Race and Ethnicity Caucus (REC) is committed to social justice, community building, and healing for self-identified racialized and/or graduate students of colour at the intersections of gender, ability, age, class, religion, and sexuality at the University of Toronto.
African Student Association (ASA)
African Student association creates events and opportunities for individuals in the African diaspora to be apart of during their university years.
National Society of Black Engineers: U of T Chapter
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), founded in 1975, is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports the professional development of collegiate and pre-collegiate students in engineering and technology.
Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO)
The Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office provides training and education, policy expertise, events and programs, dialogue facilitation, and other services in support of equity, diversity and inclusivity at the University.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office at UTM
In cooperation with its campus partners, the EDIO promotes an equitable and inclusive campus community, free from discrimination or harassment
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office at UTSC
The EDIO serves faculty, staff and students at UTSC. In cooperation with its campus partners, the EDIO promotes an equitable and inclusive campus community, free from discrimination or harassment.
Campus Safety
Feeling distressed? Visit the Safety & Support website for resources available to help you.
Campus Police
In emergencies, call 911, then Campus Community Police (24/7/365);
UTSG Police: 416-978-2222
U of T Mississauga Police: 905-569-4333
U of T Scarborough Police: 416-978-2222
U of T Campus Safety App
The official U of T Safety App is now available! Integrated with our safety & security systems to help you move more safely on and off-campus, it provides alerts, live chat, access to academic and mental health supports and more on all three campuses. Learn more here.
Community Safety Office
For personal safety issues, including stalking and harassment, bullying,
domestic violence, sexual assault, workplace conflict and volatile
behaviour, contact the Community Safety Office: 416-978-1485 (Monday
to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).
Free Escort
Walking or travelling alone between University buildings, parking lots and
transit stops near campus? Get a free escort:
UTSG: 416-978-SAFE (7233)
UTM WalkSafer: 905-607-SAFE (7233)
UTSC Patrol: 416-287-7022
Safety Abroad
Are you experiencing safety issues while studying abroad?
Contact the Safety Abroad Office: 416-978-1148 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).
For calls outside of these hours, contact the Emergency Hotline via
Campus Police: 416-978-2222 (Collect calls accepted).
Feeling distressed?
Call Good2Talk at 1-866-925-5454 for a free, confidential helpline with
professional counselling, information and referrals for mental health,
addictions and well-being, 24/7/365.
Call My Student Support Program (My SPP) at 1-844-451-9700 to access free, multilingual, 24-hour support. Click here for more information.
Click here for more support when you’re feeling distressed.
Need emergency shelter? Call 416-397-5637.