ASKme Anything! FAQS

Get answers to your top questions about U of T.
Note: (SL) indicates the service is part of Student Life

Where do I get a…?

Get step-by-step instructions on getting your TCard.

Drop by the TCard Office (*note location changes in the following lists) to pick up your TCard. Before going to pick up your TCard, be sure to have uploaded all required documentation and your photo, and received an approval!

Staff and faculty can get their TCard at the Reader Registration Desk in Robarts Library.

TCard Pick-Up Locations:

  • Before August 22: 800 Bay St., 5th Floor
  • August 22: Closed
  • August 24, Open at Exam Centre for residences only! (12 – 4:30 p.m.)
  • August 25 – August 29 and Sept. 2 – September 5: Exam Centre – 255 McCaul St. (weekdays only, Closed September 1)
  • Beginning September 8: 800 Bay St., 5th Floor

TCard Hours of Operation:

  • Now through August 21: Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
  • August 22: Closed
  • August 24 – Residences Only: 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • August 25 – August 29, Exam Centre, 255 McCaul St., Room EX200: Mon – Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • September 1: Closed (Labour Day)
  • September 2 – September 5, Exam Centre, 255 McCaul St., Room EX200: Mon – Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • September 8: 1 – 4:45 p.m.
  • Beginning September 9: Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
  • Closed on all Statutory Holidays.

International students can access and print their UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) Card online by creating a Cowan Personal Account with their UT+mail, last name, first name, date of birth, and member ID as indicated on the benefits cards emailed by Cowan. Follow the steps on the Print Your UHIP Card page.

U of T Interactive Map: https://map.utoronto.ca

Download the U of T Map App on the App Store or Google Play. You can also pick up a physical map at the ASKme booths from August 18 to September 8, weekdays plus Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24.

U of T offers both virtual and in-person tours of all three campuses. Learn more and find other forms of campus tours (i.e., self-guided, virtual, VR).

Check with your registrar, students’ associations, or one of the following locations:

Area cellphone providers include Bell, Chatr Mobile, Freedom Mobile, Koodo, Lucky Mobile, Public Mobile, Rogers, Telus and Virgin Mobile. It’s best to visit their websites for full details and to compare plans in advance.

On campus, the U of T Bookstore sells cellphone plans from Bell, Virgin and Lucky Mobile.

Where is the closest…?

The Multi-Faith Centre provides a list of worship spaces on campus.

Closest to Koffler and King’s College Circle

Closest to Sidney Smith and Robarts Library

Closest to Victoria College

Closest to Koffler and King’s College Circle

Closest to Sidney Smith

Closest to Victoria College

Aside from bank locations, there are multiple ATMs on campus:

  • BMO: Goldring Student Centre at Victoria College
  • RBC: Athletic Centre, Hart House, Student Commons
  • TD Canada Trust: Robarts Library, 2nd Floor

Closest hospitals with an Emergency Department:

Call 911 if you have an emergency.

  • The Post Office in the bookstore is permanently closed.
  • The next nearest post office is at Starbank, 340 College St., M5T 3A9
    • At College and Augusta, WEST of Spadina
    • Hours of Operation
    • M – F: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Sun: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Another nearby location is the Shoppers Drug Mart at 360A Bloor St. W, M5S 1X0
    • At Bloor and Walmer, West of Spadina
    • Hours of Operation
      • Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday: 12 – 5 p.m.
  • On the East side of Campus, there is one at 663 Yonge St. (Charles and Yonge) and 465 Yonge St. (College and Yonge)

Programs and Services

Undergraduate Students

  • Browse Orientation events on the new Start with Student Life website and Folio for orientation events and activities hosted by Student Life!
  • Check the website of your College and/or Faculty to learn more.
  • • Sign up for Starting Point, a flexible year-round orientation program. Learn what U of T has to offer and get involved.

Graduate Students

  • Check out Gradlife (SL) Events Calendar on Folio!

Queer Orientation (Sexual & Gender Diversity Office)

Moving Forward Orientation (Accessibility Services (SL))

  • Open to all students who self-identify as having disabilities. Find all sessions on Folio!

Transfer Student Orientation

  • Open to all incoming undergraduate students who are transferring from another post-secondary institution. Check it out on Folio!

UTM & UTSC

CLNx (Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network (SL)
Find Career Exploration & Education opportunities

Folio – Student Life Events and Services

Other

UTSU (University of Toronto Students’ Union)
UTSU represents full-time undergraduate students at the St. George campus.

APUS (Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students)
APUS represents part-time undergraduate students across all three U of T campuses.

UTGSU (University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union)
UTGSU represents and advocates for graduate students.

All students are automatically registered for an extended Health & Dental Plan in the beginning of an academic period based on your student status (e.g., full-time, part-time, undergraduate, graduate).

Visit the websites that correspond to your student status to learn more.

To learn more about disability-related accommodations, you can visit https://accessibility.utoronto.ca/, refer to the Accessibility Undergraduate Student Handbook, and/or contact their office.

Housing Services has an Off-Campus Housing Finder to search for rentals and find roommates.

If you are looking to live in residence (and are not already on a residence waitlist), contact each residence office directly to find out if they have any vacancies.

Residence vacancies and waitlists

Attend Housing events or meet with them in person to get help with your housing search and learn about your tenant rights. Visit the Housing website to see all available services! There is on-campus housing available for graduate students and students with families, too.

If you are unable to find temporary housing, stay with family or friends, or if you have any other issues that make it hard to find appropriate housing (short or long-term), Housing Emergency Support can help.

If you need help navigating government regulations and important paperwork, you can get in touch with International Student Immigration Advising at the CIE (Centre for International Experience) (SL)

The CIE also holds workshops and Q&A sessions online to help you understand your immigration responsibilities. There are workshop recordings available. You can also register for a live Q&A session.

Start your search for international experiences by visiting https://internationalexperience.utoronto.ca/global-learning/, https://learningabroad.utoronto.ca/ and https://summerabroad.utoronto.ca/. Learn about study, research and internship opportunities, and available funding.

If you’re interested in working on campus, visit the CLNx at https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ (SL). You will need an active UTORid and password to access the portal and find job listings. You can also consider applying for Work Study Program jobs, also available on CLNx.

If you are interested in volunteering, visit the Centre for Community Partnerships (SL) at https://ccp.utoronto.ca/. They have Community Engaged Learning Courses and Community Action Projects for students who are interested in engaging with community and local organizations. Volunteering opportunities are also available on CLNx.

When visiting a gym or fitness centre, you will need to scan your TCard or membership card for entry. If you have not picked up your TCard yet and would like to access the gym, please speak to the staff at the front desk who might ask you to show proof of enrollment such as a timetable. Some activities require registration and payments, visit https://recreation.utoronto.ca/ and each facility’s website for schedules and registration.

Transitioning to university can sometimes be overwhelming. If you want to talk to someone about your concerns, visit the Support when you feel distressed webpage. You can also contact the following:

Mental health distress

Health & Wellness Centre (SL)
416-978-8030 ext. 3 during university hours
* Ask for a same-day counselling appointment

Campus Safety
416-978-2222 for urgent issues

U of T Telus Health Student Support
1-844-451-9700 or web and app option at Telus Health Student Support

Good2Talk Student Helpline
1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868

Anishnawbe Health Toronto Mental Health Crisis Line
416-360-0486 or 416-920-2605 (Mobile Healing Unit)

Assaulted Women’s Helpline
416-863-0511 or 416-364-8762
24-hour telephone and TTY crisis line to all women who have experienced abuse

Black Youth Helpline
1-833-294-8650 or 416-285-9944 every day from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

ConnexOntario Helpline
1-866-531-2600
for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol and/or mental health

Distress Centres
416-408-4357

LGBTQ Youthline
Text 647- 694-4275

Toronto Rape Crisis Centre
416-597-8808

Equity offices and communities of care on campus

(Open during university hours)

Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office
416-978-1259
Provides assistance and manages confidential concerns and complaints of discrimination and/or harassment based on race, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnic origin, citizenship and/or creed.

Community Safety Office
416-978-1485
Responds to students, staff and faculty members of the University of Toronto community who have personal safety concerns.

Family Care Office
416-978-0951
Provides confidential guidance, resources, referrals, educational programming and advocacy for the University of Toronto community and their families.

First Nations House/Indigenous Student Services (SL)
416-978-1893
Provides culturally relevant services to Indigenous students in support of academic success, personal growth and leadership development.

Multi-Faith Centre (SL)
416-946-3120
Supports the spiritual well-being of students, staff and faculty and increases our understanding of and respect for religious beliefs and practices.

Sexual & Gender Diversity Office
416-946-5624
Develops partnerships to build supportive learning and working communities at the University of Toronto by working towards equity and challenging discrimination.

Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre
416-978-2266
Facilitates access to support, services and accommodations for students, staff and faculty members who have experienced sexual violence.

In case of an emergency on campus, please call 911 and then call Campus Safety at 416-978-2222

Campus Safety:
21 Sussex Ave. | 416-978-2222 (Urgent) | 416-978-2323 (Non-urgent)

Community Safety Office (tri-campus): 416-978-1485

TravelSafer: Download and use the U of T Safety App, or call 416-978-SAFE (7233)
Request a Building Patroller or Special Constable to accompany you to and from any location on campus and nearby TTC stations

Campus Emergency Phones (bright red or yellow poles with “Emergency”): Find one closest to you on campus and press the call button to connect to Campus Safety
Locate emergency phones on the U of T Map: https://map.utoronto.ca/?id=1809#!ce/48683?ct/45469,48686

Assaulted Women’s Helpline
(24/7 emergency off-campus): 416-863-0511

Toronto Rape Crisis Centre
(24/7 emergency off-campus): 416-597-8808

Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre
(non-urgent): Gerstein Science Information Centre (Gerstein Library), Suite B139: 416-978-2266

You can also visit https://safety.utoronto.ca for more on- and off- campus safety resources and services.

Emergency Alert

If an emergency or crisis occurs on campus, U of T has an Emergency Alert system that sends an automated voice call or text message with important information and further instructions. To receive these alerts, register your cellphone number and/or email address at https://www.utoronto.ca/alerts

Academic Inquiries

U of T has two major systems for students to manage their academic information: ACORN and Quercus. To log in, you need to activate your UTORid and password.

ACORN (https://acorn.utoronto.ca/) provides access to academic information (e.g., enrol in or drop courses, view your timetable, academic history and order transcript), manage your personal and financial information, and prepare for graduation.

Quercus (https://q.utoronto.ca/) is an online teaching and learning system, where instructors communicate with students and post course materials (i.e., syllabi, readings, assessments, grades).

To view your course schedule, log into ACORN and visit ‘Timetable & Exams’. If you have issues with modifying your schedule, contact your registrar or department (for grad students). Find your course location (i.e., two-letter building code) using https://map.utoronto.ca/.

Find course offerings and timetables on your faculty’s website, ACORN at Enrol & Manage, and/or the Timetable Builder at https://ttb.utoronto.ca/.

Academic advising

Connect with your Academic Advisor at your registrar’s office to receive academic advice and referrals. Learn more at https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/task/meet-with-your-registrar-academic-advisor/.

Academic skill-building

If you need support to achieve your learning goals, you can connect with Centre for Learning Strategy Support (SL) and access their programs and services (e.g., workshops, peer mentorship, learning strategists). A Learning Strategist can help you develop new study strategies, manage your time and stress, and improve your academic skills. Book an appointment. You can also meet with a Learning Strategist at your college or faculty.

Academic integrity

If you have questions about academic integrity, ask your instructor, registrar, department and/or visit https://www.academicintegrity.utoronto.ca/.

Undergraduate students can get help with registration, academic concerns, financial aid and personal issues by connecting with your registrar’s office at your College or Faculty.
Learn more at https://future.utoronto.ca/current-students/registrars/.

Graduate students can contact your department for registration issues.
Learn more at https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/about/contact/.

See below for first-entry Faculties and Colleges.

Faculty of Arts & Sciences: https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current

Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering: https://undergrad.engineering.utoronto.ca/

Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education: https://kpe.utoronto.ca/

Faculty of Music: https://music.utoronto.ca/index.php

John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design: https://www.daniels.utoronto.ca/

Visit https://www.registrar.utoronto.ca/list-of-registrars-offices/ and https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/task/student-life-support-at-the-colleges-and-faculties/ for more information and second-entry professional faculties (e.g., Dentistry, Law, Pharmacy, etc.).

Find all U of T libraries at https://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca/visit and their library hours at https://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca/library-hours.

Popular Study Spaces on Campus include:

  • Robarts Library (Silent and quiet zones)
  • Gerstein Science Information Centre (Silent and quiet zones)
  • Robarts Commons, Sidney Smith Commons, Hart House Library and Reading Rooms
  • Libraries, reading rooms and study spaces at your College or Faculty
  • Virtual Study Hubs on Folio

Here’s how to gain access to and navigate U of T libraries!

Looking for a textbook or book? Try the following locations:

U of T Bookstore: https://www.uoftbookstore.com/

Discount Textbook Toronto: https://www.discounttextbookstoronto.com/
Address: 215 Victoria Street, Unit#101

BMV Books: https://www.bmvbooks.com/
Annex Address: 471 Bloor Street West
Downtown Address: 10 Edward Street

Second Bind: https://www.secondbind.com/

Facebook groups for book exchanges or Facebook Marketplace for sell/purchase.

Travel & Transportation

TTC & PRESTO

The St. George campus is surrounded by public transportation, such as subway stations, bus routes and streetcar lines, run by the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission).

The nearest TTC subway stations are:

  • St. George (Line 2; Accessible entrance on west side at Bedford Rd.)
  • Museum (Line 1)
  • Queen’s Park (Line 1; Accessible entrance on north side of College St. and at the MaRS Discovery District entrance).

PRESTO is the fare payment system used by the TTC and other transit agencies. You can also tap your debit and credit card. Current one-ride fare by Presto, debit or credit card is $3.30 (Cash is $3.35).

If you are an occasional commuter, you can purchase a PRESTO Ticket at a Fare Vending Machine at any TTC subway station. Current one-ride fare with a PRESTO ticket is $3.35.

If you are a frequent commuter, you can purchase an electronic, reloadable PRESTO Card at select retail stores (e.g., Shoppers Drug Mart), Fare / Ticket Vending Machine, or TTC Service Outlet. Learn more at https://www.ttc.ca/fares-and-passes and https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/presto-physical-card. You can now add your PRESTO card to your Apple Wallet and Google Wallet!

TTC Post-Secondary Monthly Pass on Presto is also available for $128.15. https://www.ttc.ca/Fares-and-passes/Fare-information/Post-Secondary-Students-Seniors-Youths-and-Children
Photo ID is required to use the Post-Secondary Monthly Pass. Get your photo ID at the Bathurst Subway Station Photo ID office (Cost is $5.25). https://www.ttc.ca/customer-service/TTC-Bathurst-Station-Photo-ID-Office

When you are parking on the St. George campus, visit https://transportation.utoronto.ca/parking-map-rates/ to locate parking lots and rates. Free parking is not available on campus.

If you are interested in purchasing a Student Parking Permit, learn more at https://transportation.utoronto.ca/student-parking-permits/ or contact Transportation Services

Bikechain is a non-profit campus bicycle shop that provides free bike and lock rentals for U of T students.

You can also rent city bikes through Bike Share Toronto at designated bike stations on the St. George campus. Learn more at https://bikesharetoronto.com/.

Students travelling from St. George to Mississauga can take the UTM Shuttle Bus. UTM students can use the shuttle bus at no additional cost. Non-UTM students may ride the bus for a fare (Regular ticket fare is $7.00)

Students travelling from St. George to Scarborough will need to take the TTC to UTSC. Learn more at https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/home/ttc-public-transit.

Finances

Website: https://www.registrar.utoronto.ca/financial-aid-awards/

OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program)

Students who reside in Ontario are eligible to apply for and receive a combination of loans and grants through OSAP (https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontario-student-assistance-program). Currently, the University Registrar’s Office (formerly known as Enrolment Services) does not accept paper submissions of OSAP documents. If you encounter any issues with uploading your documents online or have OSAP-related questions, contact osap.staff@utoronto.ca (416-978-2190).

Outside of Ontario

Students who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons, residing outside of Ontario can apply for financial assistance from their provincial or territorial governments. Learn more at https://registrar.utoronto.ca/finances-and-funding/provincial-territorial-student-aid-programs/

Part-Time Student

If you are a part-time student applying for OSAP, visit https://registrar.utoronto.ca/finances-and-funding/osap/part-time-osap/

UTAPS (University of Toronto Advanced Planning for Students)
UTAPS is U of T’s support program that covers the financial gap between a student’s actual education cost and the costs recognized by their provincial/territorial government student financial aid program. This program provides non-repayable grants to students to help cover this financial need gap, or unmet need. https://registrar.utoronto.ca/finances-and-funding/utaps/

Payment

To view and print your fees invoice, log into https://acorn.utoronto.ca/ and see Financial Account. To make a full payment or arrange for partial payments, see Make a Payment on ACORN. Learn more at https://www.registrar.utoronto.ca/fees-payments/tuition-fee-schedules/.

Deferral

If you are registered in a financial aid program, you are eligible for a tuition deferral and will need to defer your fees through ACORN before the registration deadline listed on https://www.registrar.utoronto.ca/fees-payments/tuition-fee-schedules/. If you wish to defer your fees after the deadline, speak with your registrar.

** Note: Non-academic fees (i.e., residence, meal plans) cannot be deferred.

For more information on fee deferral, visit https://www.registrar.utoronto.ca/fees-payments/fee-deferrals/ and https://www.registrar.utoronto.ca/fees-payments/payment-deadlines/.

Student awards (scholarships and grants) are issued based on criteria such as merit, financial need, community engagement, leadership, and athletic performance. Visit https://awardexplorer.utoronto.ca/ to explore awards at U of T. For more opportunities and information, you can also visit https://www.registrar.utoronto.ca/financial-aid-awards/awards-scholarships/, your College or Faculty website, and students’ associations (i.e., UTSU, APUS and UTGSU).

Food & Meal Plans

U of T Food Services: https://foodservices.utoronto.ca/

Food on Campus

Visit https://foodservices.utoronto.ca/where-to-eat/ for a food map. You can also download the Transact Mobile Ordering app to place an order ahead of time.

Microwaves

Most cafeterias on campus also have microwaves available, such as Robarts’ 2nd floor cafeteria (RL), and Sid’s Café (SS).

Meal Plan

If you want to purchase a meal plan and compare your options, visit Residence Meal Plans and Commuter Meal Plans at https://foodservices.utoronto.ca/, or contact mealplan@utoronto.ca, (416-978-1309).

Dietitian

If you have questions about nutrition, food allergies, intolerances or dietary restrictions, connect with U of T’s health professionals at the Health & Wellness Centre (SL).

T-Bucks

T-Bucks make it even more convenient to pay for your purchases on campus. Swipe your TCard and pay for food, textbooks, printing and photocopying.

Technology

To access Wi-Fi on campus, you will need your active UTORid and password. You can connect to either the “U of T” or “eduroam” network. Learn how to set up your specific device. If you encounter any issues, contact the Information Commons Help Desk or visit them at the main floor of Robarts Library.

Most libraries at U of T have computer spaces and workstations available. To log into the computers, you will need your active UTORid and password. Learn more about computer facilities.

Printing, copying and scanning services are available at some U of T Libraries, and at your students’ association (e.g., UTSU).

Vaccination Clinics (COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines)

Learn more about vaccinations available at the Discovery Pharmacy for members of the U of T community. Location: Leslie L. Dan Faculty of Pharmacy Building, room 332

Important Contacts & More

For service updates, hours of operation, and service delivery (in-person and/or virtual), be sure to check each department’s website!

The following list in alphabetical order includes important contacts of frequently inquired offices.
Note: (SL) indicates the service is part of Student Life

Accessibility Services (SL)
455 Spadina Avenue, 4th Floor, Suite 400
accessibility.services@utoronto.ca
416-978-8060
Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office
Health Sciences Building, 155 College Street, 3rd Floor (Faculty Offices, Room 356)
antiracism@utoronto.ca
416-978-1259
Association of Part-Time Undergraduate Students (APUS)
Sidney Smith Hall, 100 St. George Street, Room 1089
and North Borden Building, 563 Spadina Crescent, Suite 236
info@apus.ca
416-978-3993
Campus Safety
21 Sussex Avenue
416-978-2222 (Urgent)
416-978-2323 (Non-urgent)
Career Exploration & Education (SL)
800 Bay Street, 5th Floor
careerservices@utoronto.ca
416-978-8000
Centre for International Experience (SL)
Cumberland House, 33 St. George Street
cie.information@utoronto.ca
416-978-2564
Centre for Learning Strategy Support (SL)
800 Bay Street, 5th Floor
clss@utoronto.ca
416-978-7970
Family Care Office
215 Huron St., Suite 603
family.care@utoronto.ca
416-978-0951
First Nations House / Indigenous Student Services (SL)
Borden Building North,
563 Spadina Ave. 3rd Floor
fnh.info@utoronto.ca
416-978-8227
Food Services
229 College St, 2nd Floor
food.beverage@utoronto.ca
mealplan@utoronto.ca
416-978-1309
Health & Wellness (SL)
700 Bay street, 12th and 14th Floors
info.hwc@utoronto.ca
416-978-8030
Housing Services (SL)
800 Bay Street, 5th Floor
housing.services@utoronto.ca
416-978-8045
Multi-Faith Centre (SL)
569 Spadina Ave
multi.faith@utoronto.ca
416-946-3120
Nona Macdonald Visitors’ Centre
25 King’s College Circle
campus.tours@utoronto.ca
416-978-5000
Sexual & Gender Diversity Office
21 Sussex Avenue, Suites 416-417
sgdo@utoronto.ca
416-946-5624
Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre
Gerstein Science Information Centre, 9 King’s College Circle, Suite B139
svpscentre@utoronto.ca
416-978-2266
TCard Services (SL)
800 Bay Street, 5th Floor
tcard.office@utoronto.ca
416-946-8047
Transportation Services
FitzGerald Building, 150 College St., Room 102
transportation@utoronto.ca
416-978-7275 (voicemail)
UHIP Office (CIE) (SL)
Cumberland House, 33 St. George Street
uhip.information@utoronto.ca
416-946-5037
University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union (UTGSU)
16 Bancroft Avenue
info@utgsu.ca
416-978-2391
University Registrar’s Office
158 St. George Street (temporary location; they recommend submitting inquiries throught their service portal or by phone for quicker response times.)
416-978-2190
University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU)
Student Commons, 230 College Street, Room 164
hello@utsu.ca
416-978-4911

Other FAQ Pages and Useful Resources