Other than courses, there are a few other things you have to do this summer before classes begin. Plan your budget by taking into account tuition, housing or residence and other costs. The financial planning calculator on ACORN is a great place to start planning your finances.
You should also get your U of T email address and get set up on U of T’s online platforms. See below for resources you can use to get ready for your first day in Arts & Science.
PLAN YOUR BUDGET
There are many ways to support your financial needs. From student loans and grants to U of T's Indigenous Tuition Initiative, check the financial aid resources available to you.
You can also apply for awards and scholarships. The Award Explorer is an easy way to research scholarships you may be eligible for upon accepting your offer. Also check the scholarships offered by the Faculty of Arts & Science and your college.
GET YOUR TCARD
After you've activated your UTORid, you can submit your documentation for your TCard, U of T's student card. TCards provide access to various on-campus services and facilities and can also be used for physical identification when writing exams, voting on campus and for student discounts.
Visit the TCard website for instructions on how to activate your UTORid and get your physical TCard on campus.
ACCESS COURSE MATERIALS ON QUERCUS
Quercus is your learning management portal. This online tool helps organize your courses in one place and allows you to connect with your classmates and instructors online. Quercus is where you will go to find course syllabi, assignments, online readings and also participate in group discussions. You need your UTORid to access your Quercus profile. You won’t see all of your courses in Quercus right away, but don’t worry! Your professor will make your course available closer to the start of classes.
Take a Virtual Tour
Get ready for your amazing student journey by exploring a virtual tour of the St. George campus and the seven colleges or book an in-person tour. Check out some of the classrooms, buildings, residences and study spaces that will shape your experience here.
SET UP YOUR TECHNOLOGY
There are many technology resources that you have access to as an Arts & Science student.
Software: Your U of T email account gives you full access to desktop and mobile versions of Microsoft Office for your personal devices.
Adaptive Technology: An adaptive technologist can help you identify ways that technology can support you. You must be registered with Accessibility Services to access this service.
Campus Internet: Your UTORid credentials will give you unlimited access to free wireless internet across all three University of Toronto campuses and access to internet services while visiting other university campuses worldwide.
Computer Facilities: The University of Toronto libraries have over 700 computers available for use on campus. Your UTORid credentials are required to use computer services.
EXPLORE THE SIDNEY SMITH COMMONS
The Sidney Smith Commons is an incredible online resource and a physical space dedicated to supporting the academic needs of undergraduate Arts & Science students. The online Sidney Smith Commons (or SSC) is a one-stop shop where you can find resources and answers to common questions in one place. The Sidney Smith Commons is an informal learning space located at 100 St. George Street, where students can work individually, or in groups with access to programming, bookable spaces and collaborative learning technology.
PAY YOUR FEES
Fees can vary depending on your college, program and year of admission to the Faculty. Fees for registration consist of academic fees as well as incidental fees and ancillary fees. Your current fees will be reflected on your Financial Account on ACORN. Learn more about fees.
Note: Students admitted into the Computer Science and Rotman Commerce streams pay higher tuition starting in their second year. Learn more about deregulated fees.
After enrolling in courses, you have to pay at least the minimum first installment of your fees or officially defer your fees by the deadline. If you have not enrolled in any courses and/or have not arranged your fees by this date, you will have to contact your College Registrar's Office to re-register for the session.
Failure to pay your tuition on time will result in removal from all your courses.
Residence fee payment deadlines vary – make sure you review your residence occupancy agreement carefully to see when they are due.
After you have paid or deferred your fees, keep the confirmation number in case there is a delay in processing your payment. If you pay after the deadline, make sure you get proof of payment with the date you paid, and share it with your College Registrar's Office as soon as possible. Your proof of payment should also show your student account number.
To confirm that your payment has been received or your deferral has been processed, check ACORN. In the “Academics” box on your ACORN dashboard, you’ll see your registration status for the Fall/Winter Session:
- Registered – Your registration is complete; no further action is necessary.
- Invited – You risk being removed from your courses. Check your status again in a few days to make sure your payment or deferral request was successfully received.
You will find more details about paying or deferring your fees on the Future Students website.
