Your First Year: Frequently Asked Questions

A: Welcome to U of T Engineering! At a minimum, we expect all incoming students to carefully read the Guide to First Year to understand your options, responsibilities and next steps.

You should also check your email regularly for important updates.

A: There are several opportunities you can take advantage of this summer to help you prepare for September; however, none of these opportunities are mandatory. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all summer programs will be offered online.

U of T Engineering Academy (UTEA): This free, optional, self-directed, not-for-credit program has been designed in consultation with current professors, curriculum leads and members of the First Year Office, as well as current high school teachers to ensure that key concepts for success are covered in the program's content.

Later in the summer, you can opt to participate in our First Year Foundations programs. Meet classmates, future professors and teaching assistants, while learning more about the social and academic aspects of university.

If you are eager to get started on your Fall courses, you can even take one of our early-start courses in July – August to ease your Fall Term course load and get a sense of university-level courses.

A: First-year students do not have to select their courses. You can simply view your timetable on ACORN in early August. Additionally, the Guide to First Year outlines which courses you will take in your first year of studies in U of T Engineering.

A: 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.

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.

A: Please visit U of T Student Accounts for detailed information. Tuition invoices will be posted to your ACORN account in July.

In our experience, for students within Canada, the easiest way to pay is an online bank payment. Your account number with U of T is on your invoice in the "Financial Account" section of your ACORN account. U of T does not mail invoices.

The deadline to register (pay or defer your tuition fees) for the 2020 – 2021 academic year is August 19, 2021. Additional information is available in the Guide to First Year.

A: For information regarding on and off-campus housing, please visit the U of T Housing Services website.

A: There are a few ways to make an appointment* with your advisor!

• Use our online booking system through the Engineering Student Portal.
• If you have any difficulty booking online, or you have an urgent inquiry and would like to see if a same-day appointment is available, you can also contact the First Year Office through Live Chat or by phone for assistance.
• Or, you can email your advisor directly with your availability.

*All appointments will be held through MS Teams or by phone until further notice.

A: The University of Toronto’s Centre for International Experience (CIE) has a number of pre-arrival and welcome services for international students.

The Office of the Vice-Provost, Students is also regularly updating an FAQ page for international students that addresses questions relating to immigration, travel, visas and other details that may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

You will receive further information via email from the First Year Advisor, Intercultural Learning & Experience, including a First-Year Engineering Welcome Guide for international students.

A: The Centre for International Experience (CIE) provides services specifically designed for international students.

The CIE has also prepared this helpful web page about getting your study permit.

A: Academic accommodations are provided when students experience disability-related barriers that prohibit demonstration of their knowledge and skills.

These accommodations are provided through Accessibility Services, which facilitates the inclusion of students with a wide range of disabilities into all aspects of university life.

If you are a student with a disability (including chronic or mental health conditions, sensory or physical disabilities, ADHD or ASD spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, concussion or brain injuries or temporary physical disabilities), and had academic accommodations in high school (e.g., extra test time, note-taking assistance, alternative-format textbooks), you may be eligible for similar support through this service.

We encourage you to register as early as possible with Accessibility Services to ensure you can access academic accommodations in a timely fashion if you need them.