Are you a first-year international U of T Engineering student? The First Year E-Buddy Program is here to support you with your transition to the Faculty and the University!
E-Buddies are upper-year engineering peer mentors who will provide support by answering questions about life at U of T Engineering, sharing their experiences, and providing information about campus resources. They will also provide informal programming and events to build community amongst international students, as well as provide support through structured workshops and events.
All first-year international* students are eligible to participate in this program. You should have received an email invitation to join the First Year Hub, which launched on Quercus in mid-June. We've gathered lots of great information in the Hub on Quercus to provide you with an overview of the supports and resources that are available to you as you navigate through your first year of studies as an international student.
The E-Buddy program is free for new U of T Engineering international students, and all workshops listed below are free for registration.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to connect with any of our E-Buddies! They can be reached at ebuddy@engineering.utoronto.ca
*If you identify as an international student but are a returning Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, you are also eligible to participate in the E-Buddy program. Please reach out to the First Year Office (firstyear@engineering.utoronto.ca) for more information.
E-Buddy Bios
Mehak Afzal, MechE 2T5
ebuddy@engineering.utoronto.ca
Hi! I'm Mehak, your E-Buddy for this year. As an international student, you're embarking on an exciting journey at U of T Engineering, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. I'm ethnically from Pakistan, grew up in the Middle East (UAE), and now I'm here in Canada pursuing my third year in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on mechatronics and a minor in Business. Honestly, the first year can be quite a roller coaster ride. It challenges you, helps you grow, and allows you to explore your engineering potential. Remember, you belong here, but your journey is unique to you. I'm passionate about engineering because it allows me to believe that I can solve any problem, challenge the status quo, and make a meaningful difference in our community. Besides academics, I'm involved in a variety of activities at Skule, ranging from the Engineering Consulting Club (UTESCA) to Design teams and Frosh week. Moreover, I enjoy playing tennis (though I'm still a rookie), watching K-dramas, sipping on boba, delving into philosophy, spending time in libraries, and indulging in plenty of coffee (it's a lifestyle). I'm incredibly eager to meet all of you, share our experiences, and create new memories together. See you soon!
Ahmet Sencer Aksu, EngSci 2T6+PEY
ebuddy@engineering.utoronto.ca
Hello everyone, I'm Sencer and I'm thrilled to be your E-Buddy this year. U of T Engineering is a fantastic experience for an international student and I cannot wait to take part in guiding you through this experience.
I'm an Engineering Science 2T6 + PEY student. Alongside that, I am also the Ultimate Frosh!, one of the skule spirit leaders, and the Electrical Subteam Lead in UTAT UAS SAE division. I always enjoy challenging myself with engineering concepts and especially high tech, flying stuff.
When I'm not an engineering student, I am an electro guitar player and a stand-up comedy enthusiast. I also independently tutor high school students in maths and physics.
I want to let you know that I am always there to help. I'm here to provide guidance, answer your questions, and create a supportive community for all of us. Feel free to contact me anytime you need guidance regarding being an international student.