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.

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.

Since all classes in the Fall Term are being offered online (for updates on this, please refer to the latest updates from the Dean of U of T Engineering), the University recommends 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. A personal computer will also allow you to access any software required for your classes. Please visit www.uoft.me/techspecs for recommendations.

When on St. George campus, the Engineering Computing Facility (ECF) provides 24/7 in-person and remote access to computers 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 20, 2020. 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.

You can also find updates regarding campus residences in the University's COVID-19 Information for Students Applying to Residence for Fall 2020 FAQs.

A: The University of Toronto’s Centre for International Experience (CIE) has a number of pre- and post-arrival resources 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.

We also encourage you to read emails sent to you by your First Year Advisor, Intercultural Learning & Experience, including our International Student Welcome Guide.

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 early with Accessibility Services to ensure you can access academic accommodations in a timely fashion if you need them. In order to receive automatic accommodations for the 2020 Fall Term, submit your registration package by July 17, 2020.