Guide to First Year
Preparing for University
You are about to embark on an incredible journey of learning and exploration.
Please review this section closely to ensure you’re prepared for the Fall Term.
summer prep programs
The Summer Prep Programs are online programs you can take over the summer to help you prepare for the fall. These programs are completely optional but are a great resource to get a head start.
Exciting new information about the summer prep opportunities is coming soon. Please check back in April 2023 for details on the program opportunities that can help you get ready for your start at U of T Engineering.
Two first-year courses — APS162 and APS164 — are also available online this summer for students who are ready to get an early start on one of their for-credit courses. Read more about APS162 and APS164 on the "Courses" page.
things to know
ACORN (Accessible Campus Online Resource Network) is U of T’s online student services platform. Use ACORN this summer to:
- Update your contact information (including emergency details)
- Use the financial planning tool
- View your course timetable
- View your financial invoice
Every member of the U of T community needs a digital credential called a UTORid. With your UTORid, you can access online services like email (UTmail+), course content on the University's Learning Management System (Quercus), library resources, Microsoft365 applications, WiFi on campus, and more.
Acquiring your UTORid is part of the process of getting your TCard.
Your TCard is your permanent U of T student card. It includes your UTORid and student number, and serves as photo identification for academic purposes. It's also your key to accessing campus activities, services, facilities, libraries and more.
You'll need your TCard daily to access spaces and to identify yourself. Funds can be loaded onto your TCard for U of T Bookstore purchases as well as food and printing purchases at participating locations
on campus.
As a new student starting in Fall 2022, you can submit your TCard documentation and photo online starting May 2, 2022 and plan to pick up your TCard on campus by appointment.
You will be permitted to use one of the following calculator models for your tests and exams.
Casio
FX-991 (EX recommended; any suffix is acceptable, including ES, PLUS, ES PLUSC, MS, MSPLUS2)
Sharp
Sharp EL-W516 (any suffix is acceptable, including TBSL, XG, XGB-SL)
Residence placements will be sent via email throughout June, July, and August. After you receive your residence placement, you will pay a deposit to secure your spot in residence. At that time, you can also indicate residence-specific preferences (e.g. building, room type, meal plan, etc.) if applicable to the residence where you are placed.
Your building, room and move-in information will be sent to you in July or August, after you have received your residence placement and indicated your residence-specific preferences.
While every student wants to ensure they have their textbooks in time for the Fall, you are not expected to have them for the first day of classes. On the first day of each course lecture, your professor will let you know which textbooks / digital materials you need. Please check online for details on how to purchase any necessary course materials.
U of T uses email as the official means of communication with students. For this reason, it is important the email address you have listed in ACORN is a University-issued email account (called UTMail+). Once you have activated your UTORid, you will be able to create your own U of T email address.
It is your responsibility to keep your email account current and check it daily. You will receive important emails from professors and staff about changes to your schedule or classrooms, upcoming events, marks, exam schedules and more.
If you plan to live in a campus residence, you will receive information about meal plans from your residence’s office. Meal plans are also available to students who commute.
The University recommends that you acquire a personal computer to support your learning needs. While a suitable system may be Windows- or macOS-based, a laptop can offer you additional flexibility. Please visit www.uoft.me/techspecs for full recommendations. You will also be able to access any software required for class.
The Engineering Computing Facility (ECF) provides in-person computer lab access when on campus, and is available 24/7 through remote access to computers and software within U of T Engineering. When you have paid your minimum required fees or deferred your fees, you will automatically receive an ECF account.
You can rent a locker in one of several locations across U of T Engineering. Rentals start in September and are primarily managed by the Engineering Society.
Key Academic Dates
2022
AUGUST 18
Last day to pay or defer your fees
LATE AUGUST
Engineering Welcome & Family Night
EARLY SEPTEMBER
Move into residence, if applicable
SEPTEMBER 5
Orientation begins
SEPTEMBER 8
Fall classes begin
NOVEMBER 7 – 11
Fall study break (no classes)
DECEMBER 7
Fall classes end
DECEMBER 9 – 20
Final examination period
DECEMBER 21
U of T closed for winter break
2023
JANUARY 9
Winter classes begin
FEBRUARY 20 – 24
Reading week (no classes)
APRIL 14
Winter classes end
APRIL 18 – 30
Final examination period
