Life Science at University of Toronto (St. George)

Christina (Year 3)

What did you wish you knew before going to your university? What made you choose this institution over all others? What are advantages and disadvantages of your institution or campus? List any advice for incoming first-year students about your university.

I chose this university based on location and its various opportunities towards my path for medicine. They have great research opportunities which would do me great for my application. Although it provides many opportunities it is very competitive and you can get lost in academics and it is very overwhelming. They are many resources but you have to search for them and they aren't openly within the average reach.

What did you wish you knew before choosing your specific program? What are the advantages and disadvantages of your program? List any advice for incoming first-year students about your program of study.

I wish I knew more about balance. In first year I was engulfed in work as I didn't change my studying habits from high school which caused me to fall behind. Labs are time consuming and I learnt that the hard way. I would change how I approached my studying techniques and also making use of the resources on campus. The bright side to all of it was that I was able to recapture myself and got back on track and by second semester I was able to excel.

What was your favourite university experience?

My best experience at university is frosh week. It is truly amazing. I lost my voice and I met a lot of great friends who were in my program and shared the same interest as me.

What was your least favourite university experience?

My worst experience was crying at 2 am in my room because I simple couldn't handle the pressure at one point as it became overwhelming. I cried a lot and I still do — some courses take a while to register in my mind and it becomes frustrating.

What is the hardest part about your program and what were the steps that you took to overcome any difficulties?

The hardest part of my program in all honesty is between either writing up labs, papers or grasping certain concepts. I dealt with all of this by teaching the material as if I was teaching it to a kid in simpler terms which made it easier to understand. I would constantly remember random information and elaborate on it. Study groups and tutoring are my best friend. I also use youtube and google because there is always a second way to do or explain a topic.

If you were able to take electives, what was your favourite elective? If you were not able to take electives, what was your favourite course and why?

My favourite course would be chemistry because its amazing and my professor makes it easy to understand. When selecting courses keep in mind that you're going for your interest, so pick something that you would love and you have an interest in because if you pick a course you do not like, you will do the work or you will give up easily.

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