Your First Year: Frequently Asked Questions
Updated August 12, 2019
Here are some questions that the First Year Office is asked frequently:
FAQs about Math Self-Assessment Quizzes can be found here.
Q: How do I enroll for my courses in first year?
A: First-year students do not have to select any courses. You can simply view your timetable on ACORN in early August.
Q: Can I change my course timetable?
A: Unfortunately, we are not able to change first-year students’ timetables to accommodate personal preferences, as we must ensure that all newly-admitted students fit into their required class sections.
It’s also our aim to spread out enrolment numbers over all the sections as much as possible. The timetables students receive are the result of this balance, which, unfortunately, does not allow for personal schedule preferences.
However, if you have a conflict of a medical, religious, Varsity athletic, or other important nature you may complete our online request form to request accommodation. Requests from commuter students will also be considered (e.g. a six-hour gap between classes, etc.).
Q: How can I pay my tuition fees?
A: Please visit U of T Student Accounts for detailed information.
In our experience, for students within Canada, the easiest way to pay is through 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.
Deadline to register for the 2019-20 academic year by paying/deferring your tuition fees: August 15, 2019.
Q: It says in my Engineering Applicant Portal that I will be receiving a scholarship for first year – do I have to do something to receive this?
A: Congratulations! All University and Faculty scholarships will be automatically applied to students’ ACORN invoices during the fall semester. When making your minimum payment to register, you can subtract the amount of your scholarship from your payment.
Q: What kind of computer or laptop should I buy for first year?
A: Any current computer on the market will provide you with what you need. Students may choose the computer they prefer. It does not need to be loaded with specific software, or use a specific operating system.
You will also have access to the Engineering Computing Facility (ECF) so it is not absolutely necessary that you purchase a computer. As a student, you’ll even be able to remotely access any software you need for classes.
Q: Where can I find help with housing?
A: For information regarding on and off-campus housing, please visit the U of T Housing Services website.
Q: I’m an international student and this will be my first time studying in Canada. How can I prepare for arrival?
A: The University of Toronto’s Centre for International Experience (CIE) has compiled a very handy next-steps checklist for pre- and post-arrival.
Q: I’m an international student, where can I find information on study permits or work permits?
A: The Centre for International Experience, located at 33 St. George Street, provides services specifically designed for international students. The CIE has also prepared this helpful web page about applying for study permits.
Q: Do I have health or dental coverage?
A: Yes, included in your tuition fees is health and dental coverage. For domestic students, visit the University of Toronto Student Union (UTSU) website for more details. For international students, visit CIE’s web page on health coverage.
Q: I have a health condition that may impact my academic performance. Are there accommodations available to me?
A: Academic accommodations are provided when students experience disability-related barriers that prohibit demonstration of their knowledge and skills. Accommodations are provided through the University’s Accessibility Services office to level the playing field upon which students can establish their success.
We encourage you to register for this service as early as possible if you think this might apply. Find out more about registering with Accessibility Services.
Additional questions? Contact us at firstyear@engineering.utoronto.ca.
(Short link to this page: http://uoft.me/fyfaq)
