There is life beyond the classroom and the lab. Explore this page to find some ways to make the most of your graduate experience.
On this page
Get involved
Getting involved is a great way to meet people and build your skill set. Best of all, many opportunities can be included on your co-curricular record. Whatever you’re into, we’ve got a club for that. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, start one!
If I had to physically go to the campus and attend workshops / orientation sessions, I will only participate in those that I am interested in. But since some are offered online, I joined the maximum number of sessions and will be able to make very informed decisions about my concentration. So, participate in virtual sessions as much as you can.
Campus athletics
I took part in #UTrain exercise classes all summer. It was great to feel connected to the U of T community while pushing myself to stay fit.
Just for graduate students
Here are some graduate spaces, events, resources and opportunities just for you.
I have found an amazing community by participating in Gradlife events. I appreciate these inclusive spaces and the opportunity to connect with students outside of my home department.
Explore U of T
There are thousands (yes, thousands) of social media accounts, events, and channels affiliated with U of T. Discover new and interesting things about the university below!
I’m so glad that I follow and joined groups on social media. As a graduate student in engineering, I appreciate the opportunities to connect with scholars in other fields.
Beyond U of T
Toronto is Canada’s most populous, multicultural city and a world leader in business, finance, entertainment, culture and technology. Don’t forget to explore and connect!
As a Museum Studies student, being able to volunteer at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) was a dream come true. I have already made incredible professional connections and I feel assured that I am on the right path.
Explore the SGS GradHub
Student Organization Portal
Explore the diversity of student groups, events and opportunities from across U of T’s three campuses. With hundreds of options to choose from, there’s bound to be something for everyone!
Co-Curricular Record
Folio is a new system supporting the student experience at the University of Toronto. Folio can help you identify opportunities to engage in activities that align with your skills and interests, track your participation in those activities and reflect on your accomplishments and the skills you are gaining.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to explore different types of work and gain experience.
Centre for Community Partnerships (CCP)
The Centre for Community Partnerships (CCP) collaborates with students to advance community-engaged learning and research through building community, enhancing capacity and learning together.
Alternative Reading Week (ARW)
Join hundreds of University of Toronto students volunteering with local community organizations during your winter reading week. ARW offers both virtual and in-person opportunities, allowing you to build your network and gain valuable experience.
Varsity
Varsity Blues
U of T teams have won every major Canadian university sporting championship over the past century, from football’s Vanier Cup to women’s ice hockey. Varsity Blues swimmers have the longest running championship record of any swim team in Canada and several hundred members of Varsity Blues teams have qualified for Olympic Games and FISU (international university) Games, as well as Commonwealth and Pan Am Games.
The Varsity Blues teams are coached by one of the most talented, acclaimed and successful coaching staffs in North America, including national team and Olympic coaches.
Varsity Blues teams participate in two leagues: OUA (Ontario University Athletics) which oversees provincial university sports and U SPORTS, the body that oversees national university sporting competition.
Intramurals
As one of the largest intramural leagues in Canada, our leagues play a fundamental role in our students’ university experience. The University of Toronto offers a wide range of sports, so you are sure to find something that is right for you.
Visit U of T Intramurals for available sports, detailed registration procedures, and deadlines.
Fitness
Athletic Centre
With seven gymnasia, three indoor pools, a strength and conditioning centre, indoor track and field house, dance studio, squash courts, and more – the Athletic Centre has something for everybody! Visit the Athletic Centre online.
Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport
The Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport has been designed to welcome everyone from the university and local community who is interested in physical activity and sport. Visit the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport online.
UTM – Recreation, Athletic and Wellness Centre (RAWC)
Sport and fitness activities at UTM are based in the Recreation, Athletic and Wellness Centre (RAWC) in the William G. Davis Building. Visit the RAWC online.
UTSC – Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre (TPASC)
The Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre hosts athletics and recreation at UTSC. Programs include drop-in and registered fitness classes for all skill levels, aquatics, outdoor recreation and a tennis club. TPASC is also home to a 41-foot climbing wall, with multiple routes for varying levels of experience. Visit the TPASC online.
Back Campus Fields
The Back Campus fields are available for use by individuals and groups for physical activity and sport. The fields are comprised of two synthetic turf fields and provide state-of-the art outdoor facilities on our downtown campus. Learn more about Back Campus Fields.
Hart House Fitness Centre
The Hart House Fitness Centre is a place for every body. Whether you’re new to strength training, a cardio master, or trying to make holistic wellness a daily practice, this is fitness done your way. Visit Hart House Fitness Centre online.
Sport & Rec @ U of T
Sport & Rec is a division of the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education that provides sport and physical activity programs for U of T students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members at the St. George campus. Learn more about Sport & Rec @ U of T.
Event calendars
The University of Toronto is a busy place – every day offers new opportunities to explore, experience and learn about what makes U of T special. Here are just some of the upcoming events happening across our community.
Graduate student spaces
SGS rooms
Need to find on-campus space for your next graduate student group meeting? Consider booking one of the rooms available through the School of Graduate Studies. Reservations can be requested up to four weeks prior to your meeting’s date. Book a meeting room.
SGS Graduate Student Lounge – UTSG
A comfortable space to relax, read, or socialize while you’re on St. George campus located at 63 St. George Street, 1st floor.
Grad Lounge – UTM
The Graduate Student Lounge, located in Room 2068B in the Davis Building, is your space on campus to eat, hang out or meet other grads! All UTM graduate students can can gain access to the lounge at any time using your TCard. Learn more about Grad Lounge.
Graduate & Postdoc Lounge – UTSC
The UTSC Graduate & Postdoc Lounge is located in the Science Wing Building in room SW-524A (map) and is open to all University of Toronto graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Learn more about Graduate & Postdoc Lounge.
GradLife
Make connections and get support to navigate every stage of graduate school at U of T.
GradLife programming includes skill building sessions, conversational chats, social opportunities and other special events that are tailored for graduate students. Orientation programming is also offered in the fall and winter to help incoming graduate students transition to grad life.
Grad Life at Hart House
Find all of the Hart House events, workshops, opportunities and exhibits of particular interest to graduate students. Visit Grad Life at Hart House.
Opportunities
There are many fantastic opportunities to connect and get involved in Toronto. Check out professional organizations, mailing lists, meetups, and more to build your network and make the most of living in Canada’s largest and most diverse city.
Culture
Toronto is home to world-class festivals, galleries, museums, and cultural attractions. Check out the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, National Ballet of Canada, Canadian Opera Company, Soulpepper Theatre, OCAD U’s annual Graduate Exhibition, Nuit Blanche, Luminato Festival, and much more. And be sure to check for student rates!
There’s no off-season for creativity and fun here. Toronto and the entire GTA are packed with galleries, film fests, concerts, pro sports and hidden gems. Go for a skate under the stars, catch a Raptors game or join friends for an open-mic night. Every campus has its own cultural vibe with connections to a rich arts and recreation scene.
Business
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is Canada’s economic engine and a global centre for innovation. We’re home to world-class hospitals, 15,000+ tech companies and the second-largest financial centre in North America. At U of T, you’re always close to internships, research partners and career-building opportunities.
- Toronto’s Discovery District includes one of North America’s largest biomedical research clusters, with leading hospitals and research institutes
- Toronto is Canada’s tech hub and one of the largest in North America
- The U of T Entrepreneurship community consists of 12 accelerators across our three campuses
Technology
There’s no doubt Toronto’s tech scene is booming and there are fantastic ways to get involved, from joining a MarS Discovery District e-newsletter, plugging into U of T’s entrepreneurship network, taking part in a hackathon, and more.
Get to know Toronto
Big cities, wide open spaces. On our campuses, you’re never far from nature. Whether you’re biking through the city, hiking a forest trail or relaxing by the lake, it’s all just around the corner.
- Mississauga: Erindale Park, Lakefront Promenade
- Scarborough: Rouge National Urban Park, Scarborough Bluffs
- Toronto: High Park, Don River Valley Park, Toronto Island
Social media
U of T has countless social media accounts for whatever you’re into! Check them out in the Social Media Directory.