Housing

Housing and Residence, Student

laurie.bulchak — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 16:59:33 +0000

Housing and Residence, Student laurie.bulchak Sat, 07/27/2024 - 12:59

URL

https://future.utoronto.ca/university-life/housing/

U of T expands housing options for students via partnership with home-sharing platform

rahul.kalvapalle — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 18:41:27 +0000

U of T expands housing options for students via partnership with home-sharing platform

rahul.kalvapalle Mon, 07/15/2024 - 14:41

Cutline

From left to right: Jackie Tanner, SpacesShared’s chief experience officer, Rylan Kinnon, SpacesShared’s CEO, and Arlene Clement, U of T’s director, Housing and TCard services (photo by Sydney Maddock)

Topic

Subheadline

SpacesShared facilitates home-sharing arrangements between students seeking affordable housing near campus and older adults looking to earn rent from their spare rooms

As part of its efforts to provide more access to student housing, the ��Ƶ has added a unique option that also helps address a community need near its three campuses: matching students in need of housing with older adults who have extra space in their homes.

The innovative offering is the result of a partnership between U of T and SpacesShared, an online platform that facilitates home-sharing agreements using a combination of algorithms and dedicated support staff.

Based in Toronto, SpacesShared was co-founded by U of T alumni and helps with every stage of the home-sharing process – from matching students and hosts to providing a platform for secure communication, carrying out background checks and processing rent payments

The partnership will enable U of T students to use SpacesShared to search for housing options near all three campuses, with U of T Housing Services encouraging homeowners in the Toronto area to sign up and help students secure a comfortable living environment – all while earning rental income for themselves.

“We’re excited to partner with SpacesShared and expand affordable housing options for students as well as offer older adults a way to leverage a spare bedroom for some extra income, company and companionship,” said Arlene Clement, director of Housing and TCard services at U of T Student Life. “This is addressing a need that we see in terms of affordable, safe housing and community connection.”

She added that homeowners and students interested in signing up for the platform can do so on the SpacesShared website or contact U of T Housing Services for guidance.

The partnership comes as U of T continues to seek out new ways to help students find suitable housing. In February, U of T announced that it acquired a 20-per-cent stake in the CampusOne residence building located near the St. George campus in a deal that gives the university preferential access to as many as 890 beds.

The university has also made headway on a number of new student residence buildings including Harmony Commons, which opened at U of T Scarborough last fall; the Oak House residence on Spadina Avenue, which is currently under construction; and the Phase IX Residence at U of T Mississauga, which is expected to be open in summer 2026.

As for SpacesShared, the platform provides yet another housing option for students while fostering mutually beneficial intergenerational interactions. SpacesShared also offers students the option of receiving discounts on their rent in exchange for helping with specific household tasks and chores.

“Home-sharing allows us to use the capacity that already exists in the community,” said Jackie Tanner, co-founder and chief experience officer at SpacesShared, who earned her master’s degree at U of T’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. “Older adults get to put their spare bedrooms toward earning extra income and getting a little bit of extra help around the house, and students get to find safe housing close to campus.”

After being vetted, both students and potential hosts set up a profile sharing information about themselves, including interests, hobbies and expectations around use of shared spaces in the home, guests, dietary restrictions and other lifestyle preferences. When a student reaches out to a prospective host, the pair can exchange messages and have video chats on the platform, with SpacesShared providing a comprehensive discussion guide to help determine the best fit. If the pair agree on a home-sharing arrangement, SpacesShared drafts an agreement for both parties to sign. Students then pay first and last months’ rent as a deposit – with the amount only forwarded to the host after the student confirms move-in.

SpacesShared then follows up with regular check-ins, with both hosts and students able to contact customer service for support.

“By pairing up these two demographics who have so much to offer one another, our aim is to provide a new way to facilitate a very old concept – home-sharing,” said co-founder and CEO Rylan Kinnon, who earned an honours bachelor of arts with a political science specialist and a minor in philosophy and history at U of T.

“We’re excited to be working with U of T to create housing relationships that are beneficial to both students and older adults.”

‘Welcome home’: U of T’s on-campus housing offers more than a place to live

lanthierj — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:11:10 +0000

‘Welcome home’: U of T’s on-campus housing offers more than a place to live

lanthierj Thu, 10/05/2023 - 10:11

Cutline

Harmony Commons, a new, 746-bed student residence at U of T Scarborough, is part of U of T’s broader plan to meet the growing need for student housing across its three campuses (photo by Don Campbell)

Topic

Subheadline

The university expects to add 1,450 more spaces across its three campuses over the next several years

Zupaash Naveed arrived at ��Ƶ just a few weeks ago, but she already feels right at home.

The first-year computer science co-op student is part of the first cohort to live at Harmony Commons, a new, 746-bed student residence at U of T Scarborough that opened at the beginning of September.

The residence is part of U of T’s broader plan to meet the growing need for student housing across its three campuses, with 1,450 more spaces expected to be added over the next three years.

“It’s amazing. There’s so much more here than I expected,” says Naveed, a National Scholar from Oshawa, Ont. “The technology is great, the layout is modern and clean, and it gives me the opportunity to be fully immersed among my first-year peers.”

Zupaash Naveed is one of more than 10,300 students living in university housing this year across U of T’s three campuses (photos by Racquel Russell)

Reserved for first-year students, Harmony Commons has doubled the number of residence spaces at U of T Scarborough as part of the university’s broader strategy to provide more housing options for students. It is also one of the largest buildings in North America built to highly energy-efficient passive house standards.

Then there is the food.

“I love it,” says Naveed, pointing to the breakfast pastries and variety of international cuisines on the menu. She also appreciates the halal options and praises food services staff for being attentive to diverse dietary requirements. “They really take care of me.”

Naveed is one of more than 10,300 students living in university housing this year across U of T’s three campuses. Many are new undergraduate students – both domestic and international – who, like Naveed, qualified for the university’s first-year residence guarantee. Spaces are also available for upper-year and graduate students, as well as students with families.

Staff and volunteers greet new student residents at Harmony Commons on move-in day (photo by Don Campbell)

“Living in residence can be a transformational experience for our students, particularly in their first year as they navigate the transition from high school to university,” says Sandy Welsh, vice-provost, students. “Being far from family and friends, adjusting to the demands of university studies, and, for our international students, adapting to life in a new country can be challenging.

“Our residences provide a ready community and support system that enhance our students’ well-being and academic success.”

Demand for university housing is growing amid rising rents and declining vacancy in the Greater Toronto Area. While surveys suggest more than 55 per cent of U of T students live with family and commute to one of the three campuses, many others, particularly in their upper years, seek off-campus rental options – with U of T providing resources, education and support – or on-campus alternatives.

U of T is already a major provider of student housing, with several new buildings under construction. These include Oak House, a 500-bed residence on the St. George campus near Spadina and Sussex Avenues that is scheduled to open in 2024, and a new, 350-bed residence at Trinity College that is expected to be ready in fall 2025. Two more projects – one at U of T Mississauga and the other on the St. George campus – are in development and will provide 600 additional residence spaces.

“We are working hard to build more residences faster because we know how important they are to our student experience, and we are engaging with governments around policy changes that will help us do this,” says Scott Mabury, vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships.

The university receives no government support for student housing. U of T is advocating for new financing or funding mechanisms to help universities respond to students’ demand for housing, as well as continuing to work with governments at all levels on appropriate zoning frameworks that can lower barriers to adding new spaces.

“Students bring a lot of life and business to the neighbourhoods surrounding our three campuses. Building more student residences makes for a better academic experience for them and for more dynamic neighbourhoods in this city,” Mabury said.

Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop tours Harmony Commons a few days before the residence opened to students (photo by Don Campbell)

For Ana Divarzak, an international student from Brazil, living in residence provided a strong foundation for life at university and in Canada. Now in her third year of a biotechnology specialist and chemistry major, she arrived at U of T Mississauga in 2021 three weeks into the fall term due to visa delays and the then-mandatory 14-day quarantine for travellers entering Canada due to COVID-19. When she finally reached her residence she found a “welcome home” sign with messages from all her floormates that was taped to the door of her room, surrounded by a rainbow of candy.

“The support and welcome I experienced from day one in residence have made a huge difference for me, especially as an international student,” says Divarzak, who now works as a community assistant at U of T Mississauga. In that role, she supports eight residence student staff in Living Learning Communities (LLC), which group together students who share similar interests and areas of study.

Ana Divarzak (supplied image)

Divarzak chose to live in the life sciences Living Learning Community in her first year and credits it with enhancing her overall university experience. “It helped me make friends a lot more easily because we were in the same courses and we saw each other all the time in class, and we also had weekly community gatherings hosted by our residence LLC program facilitators and don that offered opportunities for social interaction and reflection.”

Back at U of T Scarborough, residence adviser Joshua Cloete says that in addition to acting as a resource for students on his floor, one of his main goals is to build an engaged and supportive community.

He says he can already see the difference Harmony Commons is making to the first-year experience.

“In the past month, I’ve seen more social interactions and bonding and friendships form than in my whole first year,” says Cloete, a second-year paramedicine student. “Everyone on my floor already knows everyone else.”

‘Beautifully designed and beautifully built’: U of T unveils new laneway, infill housing

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 22:35:54 +0000

‘Beautifully designed and beautifully built’: U of T unveils new laneway, infill housing

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 01/19/2021 - 17:35

Cutline

Two new laneway houses on the St. George campus were designed to animate a quiet alley near Robarts Library, providing a model for future residential development in a city where space is at a premium (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Topic

Three families have been given the keys to three brand new homes on the ��Ƶ’s St. George campus – two of which can be easy to miss.

The two hard-to-spot houses are built on a laneway and were designed to animate a quiet alley near Robarts Library, providing a model for future residential development in a city where space is at a premium. The third home is an adjacent infill on Huron Street.

Two student families with children and a faculty member and their family will be the first to live in the modern, eco-friendly residences.

“We have been working hard to enhance the university’s contribution to a broader city-building agenda,” said U of T President Meric Gertler during a tour of the homes before the holiday break.

“I can’t think of a more appropriate way to do this than through a project like this one. In a sense, we are city ‘re-building,’ and doing so in a way that is creative, and shows real leadership and innovation.”

President Gertler was joined on the tour by Professor Scott Mabury, vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships.

At the infill home directly opposite Robarts – a three-storey house with three bedrooms – the two senior administrators took in the view of the CN Tower and glass-fronted Robarts Commons from a third-floor balcony.

The two laneway homes, meantime, are located across a shared yard with a lawn. One is three storeys and 890 square feet while the other is two storeys and 759 square feet. A wooden fence separates the yard from the university-run Campus Community Cooperative Daycare Centre. As part of the project, the university relocated and built a new playground directly adjacent to the daycare.

“My first impression is that these are beautifully designed and beautifully built,” said President Gertler, who is also a professor of geography and planning. “I think any member of our community, whether faculty or student families, would jump at the chance to live here.”

In one of the fastest growing cities in North America, the idea of building homes in often under-used alleys is rapidly gaining ground. Toronto has an estimated 2,400 public laneways that could be converted into homes just a stone’s throw away from where people work or study.

The U of T homes are equipped with bike storage and a shared backyard. They have brightly lit interiors and open-concept kitchen-living rooms.

The first two laneway homes are a pilot project to test the waters for further expansion of the same type of housing in the neighbourhood, where the university owns enough property to build up to 40 more laneway houses.

U of T President Meric Gertler (right) takes a tour of the new homes with Scott Mabury (left), vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships, and Gloria Cuneo (centre), director of faculty residential and student family housing in ancillary services (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Brigitte Shim, a professor in the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design and principal at Shim-Sutcliffe Architects, described the U of T homes as a “positive step forward, reinforcing the fabric of the existing Huron-Sussex neighbourhood while supporting intensification in our urban core.”

Shim, a proponent of laneway housing for decades, lives with her family in an east-end laneway home that they built on an unused parcel of land.

“We are fortunate to live in a village in the middle of a large metropolis for close to three decades,” she said.

“The ��Ƶ students and faculty who will consider these new laneway houses as their new home will also benefit from living in a village in the middle of a vibrant university campus situated in the largest city in Canada.”

Laneway housing meshes perfectly with U of T’s larger “four corners” development strategy to build sustainably while enhancing the public realm, according to Mabury.

“We want to deliver a greater range of residential options for our university community and laneways are a part of that,” he said. “Wherever and whenever we can, these [low-rise] buildings will complement other kinds of options.”

The new U of T homes have brightly lit interiors and open-concept kitchen-living rooms. They are designed to be net-zero for energy consumption and carbon emissions (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

The university built the homes after extensive consultation with the Huron-Sussex community, gathering feedback from local residents. In 2014, a planning study laid the conceptual groundwork for the construction of laneway homes that would blend into the neighbourhood of mostly bay and gable, 19th-century homes. The laneway homes, the study said, would provide much-needed housing stock for the U of T community in a city with a tight and expensive rental market. The development plan also envisions a pedestrian-priority “living lane” running from Harbord Street to the Huron-Washington Parkette, with public art to bring life to the laneway.

Baird Sampson Neuert Architects designed the houses to be net-zero for energy consumption and carbon emissions by using super-insulated, prefabricated wall panels and windows and foundation insulation systems with on-site renewable energy generation. The houses are all-electric and don’t rely on fossil fuels, the architects say. Rooftop solar panels and a ground source earth-tube heating system generate equal amounts of energy to operate the house.

“We’re very, very proud of the environmental features here and the thought that has gone into the net-zero footprint that these buildings will generate,” President Gertler said.

Given U of T’s large population of student families, there is strong demand for suitable housing, according to Gloria Cuneo, director of faculty residential and student family housing in ancillary services.

For example, roughly 700 students and their families live in the U of T-owned high-rise residence at 30 and 35 Charles Street West.

“There is enormous potential to grow our housing stock in the [Huron-Sussex] neighbourhood,” Cuneo said. “The relationship between the laneway housing and the existing properties is lovely, and it’s also an opportunity to activate the laneways in the area.”

Coronavirus and the City: Experts share insights on COVID-19 recovery via U of T School of Cities series

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 26 May 2020 14:27:28 +0000

Coronavirus and the City: Experts share insights on COVID-19 recovery via U of T School of Cities series

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 05/26/2020 - 10:27

Cutline

Leilani Farha, a U of T alumna and former United Nations special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, says universities and their researchers will be play a vital role in the COVID-19 recovery process (photo by Eric Piermont/AFP via Getty Images)

Topic

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Faculty of Medicine

Housing

Psychiatry

Canadian cities are facing a complex recovery in the wake of COVID-19 – and academic institutions like the ��Ƶ will be a vital part of that process.

That’s according to a leading expert on housing who recently participated in a unique initiative developed by U of T’s School of Cities called “Coronavirus and the City: One Question.”

“Conversation is key, understanding the beast and engaging diverse thinkers in this conversation is super important,” said Leilani Farha, a U of T alumna who is global director of The Shift, an international movement seeking worldwide recognition of housing as a human right, and a former United Nations special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing. “Universities play a huge role in crafting a body of evidence and knowledge base.”

The weekly series puts one question about COVID-19 to urban leaders from a range of disciplines and posts their written responses. At the first event, public health experts weighed in on the importance of clearly communicating early findings about the disease. Other experts have offered insights on work, transit, housing, neighbourhoods and how cities could emerge as more equitable places to live.

'Lost opportunity': Affordable housing needed in local development projects, U of T researcher says

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 14:33:21 +0000

'Lost opportunity': Affordable housing needed in local development projects, U of T researcher says

Christopher.Sorensen Fri, 02/14/2020 - 09:33

Cutline

Aerial view of The Strand, part of the Square One District development unveiled by Oxford Properties in Mississauga, Ont. (image via CNW Group/Oxford Properties Group Inc.)

Topic

Research and Innovation

U of T Mississauga

Mixed-use housing projects are based on questionable assumptions that increasing the supply of rental units will lead to more affordable housing – a problem ��Ƶ researcher Tara Vinodrai is highlighting after plans for a massive, 37-tower development in Mississauga’s City Centre neighbourhood were unveiled earlier this year.

Pointing to a study she co-authored in 2018 while at the University of Waterloo, Vinodrai says mixed-use developments like those favoured in Toronto and other municipalities actually decrease affordability and price out certain segments of the population.

She and her co-authors drew the conclusion after examining long-term change in Toronto, where mixed-use zoning is actively used, in the context of labour market changes.

“We’re seeing people priced out of the city,” says Vinodrai, an associate professor in U of T Mississauga’s department of geography and the director of the school’s new Master of Urban Innovation professional graduate program.

Part of the problem is the disappearance of the middle class, she says. Manufacturing is declining in favour of a growing technology-based economy with higher-earning jobs that require higher education. What is emerging is a division of the labour market, where people either have a lot of resources for housing or they have very few, according to Vinodrai.

Those in lower-earning jobs, she says, are increasingly unable to afford housing, particularly in mixed-use developments that are often in desirable locations with access to amenities and transit.

“Even in the mid-sized cities we’re starting to see a push on housing prices that makes it unaffordable, particularly for people in the lowest brackets.”

Tara Vinodrai, an associate professor in U of T Mississauga’s department of geography, says it’s ironic that many urban developments lack affordable housing units since they exclude the very people who need to be close to urban transit hubs or who work at local retail establishments (photo by Drew Lesiuczok)

In the case of Mississauga’s City Centre neighbourhood, the proposed 37-tower Square One District, unveiled by Oxford Properties in January, will include community buildings, green space, office space, retail, a transit hub and 18,000 residential units that are a mix of rentals and condominiums. There are no plans for affordable housing units that are priced below market rent.

Vinodrai calls this a “lost opportunity,” adding there’s an irony that these developments exclude the very people who need to be close to transit hubs or those who work at local retail shops.

One of the concerns Mississauga employers have is attracting young, bright minds because of the challenges they face finding housing. Yet, while the city’s newest development addresses an issue that helps with the labour market, Vinodrai says the city also needs housing for people who work lower-wage jobs.

“Without deliberate intervention, I don’t think you’re going to have a desirable outcome, which, from a planning standpoint, would be to ensure some form of equitable development,” she says.

Ontario municipalities already have planning tools at their disposal to address affordability, including density bonuses, where developers can build more units or taller structures than permitted if, in return, they set aside affordable or below-market housing.

Or there’s the approach being taken by Montreal. Starting in 2021, developers in the city will be required to set aside 20 per cent of new housing units for social housing, 20 per cent for affordable housing, and 10 to 20 per cent for family-sized units – or pay compensation to the city in land or cash.

“Mississauga has an opportunity to show leadership in the GTA and beyond in terms of considering these types of policy and planning tools to address housing affordability, and it doesn’t have to be at the expense of attracting the best and brightest minds to the city’s downtown,” Vinodrai says.

“I would hope the city could push back either through regulation or some kind of deal, I would hope they could think about requiring that the developer set aside even a small proportion of units for below-market.”

U of T proposes 10-storey graduate residence on St. George campus

Christopher.Sorensen — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 14:21:12 +0000

U of T proposes 10-storey graduate residence on St. George campus

Christopher.Sorensen Thu, 12/19/2019 - 09:21

Cutline

The proposed residence on Harbord Street, next to Graduate House, would house over 200 graduate students and is designed to fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood (rendering by Michael Maltzan Architecture)

Topic

The ��Ƶ has unveiled plans for a 10-storey building on Harbord Street that would provide housing for over 200 graduate students and expand living, social and study spaces on the St. George campus.

With a brick exterior and unique window cutouts, the proposed Harbord Residence envisions a mix of dormitory-style and single-occupancy rooms that would help meet the rapidly growing demand for graduate student housing options.

The proposed residence – which has yet to be considered by Governing Council – would also feature a bridge connecting it to neighbouring Graduate House, with the two buildings sharing amenities including an event space, food court, lounges and study rooms. It’s being designed by Los Angeles-based Michael Maltzan Architecture and would be executed with Toronto’s architectsAlliance.

Anne Macdonald, U of T’s assistant vice-president of ancillary services, said the proposed building would be a welcome addition to campus since current demand for graduate student housing is more than double the number of available spaces.

“We have a ton of demand for graduate student housing,” Macdonald said. “We currently have thousands more applicants every year than we have spaces.

“This is a step in the right direction and will give us more spaces for graduate students who want to live on campus and be a part of campus life.”

The proposed Harbord Residence would be connected to neighbouring Graduate House by a bridge, with the two buildings sharing amenities (rendering by Michael Maltzan Architecture)

The upper levels of the proposed building would consist of residential space and smaller lounge spaces for the exclusive use of residents of both Harbord Residence and Graduate House. The second and third floors would host common lounges, meeting spaces, residence life offices and quiet study rooms. And the ground floor would accommodate a food court and retail space, acting as the interface between the building and the surrounding Huron-Sussex neighbourhood.

“One of the things we wanted the architect to do for us was to have the ground plane be a more welcoming place for the broader community – for our neighbours and other U of T community members to come in,” said Macdonald. “As you go up the building, there are different levels of community-building, with shared spaces and private spaces upstairs.”

Nine tips for getting the most out of your U of T experience

noreen.rasbach — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 04:00:00 +0000

Nine tips for getting the most out of your U of T experience

noreen.rasbach Mon, 08/26/2019 - 00:00

Cutline

(photo by Randy Landicho)

Isabel Armiento

Topic

Our Community

Back To School 2019

Centre for International Experience

Undergraduate Students

Varsity Blues

Between acclimatizing to roommates, searching for food on a budget, trying to make lasting friendships and rushing to get to your next class on time – all while carrying what seems like 20 kilograms of textbooks on your back – the first few weeks of life at the ��Ƶ can be intimidating.

But there’s no need to panic. Whether you’re a first-year student transitioning out of high school or a fifth-year student returning from a lavish four-month summer holiday, here are nine ways to make this year as stress-free as possible.

(photo by Diana Tyszko)

1. Figure out your campus route before school starts

U of T can be difficult even for long-time students to navigate – not to mention first-year students, especially those who have never been to Toronto. To avoid the confusion, explore campus before your first day of class. Plan your route using these interactive maps of the three campuses – U of T's St. George campus, U of T Mississauga and U of T Scarborough – which are brimming with helpful tips for new students, such as information on the nearest washrooms, food spots, recycling facilities and places to lock your bike.

Commuters should consider their transit options, whether you’re commuting to the St. George campus, U of T Mississauga or U of T Scarborough. If you’re still not sure where you’ll be commuting from, familiarize yourself with U of T’s student housing resources, including emergency student housing.

2. Create a list of go-to food spots for any occasion

You’ll be grateful you did when you need to grab a quick coffee near your 9 a.m. exam or when a new friend wants to go for an impromptu lunch date. Curate your own personalized list or check out this one from U of T News, so that, regardless of your budget and taste, you’ll know a place around campus that will satisfy that craving.

In the past few years, U of T has been offering healthier, fresher, more sustainable and more diverse food choices – be sure to check out the on-campus selections, which go far beyond hot dog stands and fast food. Whether you’re at the St. George campus, U of T Mississauga or U of T Scarborough, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from.

(photo by Ken Jones)

3. Immerse yourself in the U of T community

U of T orientation week can be exciting, as well as overwhelming – campus is flocked by engineers dyed purple and someone just might whisk you away from your orientation group as part of a campus-wide scavenger hunt. Both fun and informative, orientation is a useful resource when it comes to campus life, from activities designed to make you an expert in all things U of T to your orientation leader’s helpful tips. Map out your orientation week and see what’s planned at the St. George campus, U of T Mississauga and U of T Scarborough.

First-years aren’t the only new students at U of T. International and exchange students should check out the Centre for International Experience for supports and resources – as should domestic students who are on the lookout for international opportunities.

(photo by Strategic Communications)

4. Check out U of T’s lit(erature) library scene

With more than 40 libraries, U of T’s library scene is a cache of hidden gems – for example, visit the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library to flip through unique items such as the world’s first gay magazine. Check out U of T Libraries for resources on research projects, or to borrow the latest bestseller – a cheaper alternative to parting with $25 at a bookstore. If you prefer your books brand new, visit one of U of T’s Bookstores and complement your purchase with U of T merch that’s sure to get you excited about the upcoming school year.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

5. Show your school spirit

With 44 Varsity sports teams and literally hundreds of clubs (more than 350 recognized by the UTSU), U of T is brimming with school spirit. Cheer on the Varsity Blues or join a club – from book clubs to beatboxing, there’s something for everyone. Stay up-to-date on events around campus for new ways to engage with the U of T community.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

6. Take advantage of every student discount you can

Attention all U of T students: Your TCard comes with a ton of underused perks. Skip the fees at your local gym and drop by one of U of T’s athletic centres, located on all three campuses: St. George, U of T Mississauga and U of T Scarborough. Registered students can use the space and equipment or can de-stress with a yoga class. If you want to learn a new skill while working out, try a discounted instructional fitness class, with diverse offerings like belly dancing and parkour. Hart House also hosts a variety of creative workshops at affordable rates, from Photoshop to puppetry.

U of T offers a number of free and cheap entertainment options for your much-needed free time: Stop by the Faculty of Music for a free concert, catch a flick on-campus (St. Mike’s and Innis College both offer free film nights during the year), visit one of U of T’s art galleries or purchase discounted theatre tickets with a student ID. These deals give U of T students the chance to experience Toronto’s cultural scene without breaking the bank.

(photo by Ken Jones)

7. Take breaks for self-care

Whether you’re out partying with new friends during orientation week or struggling through stacks of readings during exam season, self-care and wellness are tri-campus priorities. For physical and mental health-related needs, visit the health and wellness centres at the St. George campus, U of T Mississauga and U of T Scarborough.

U of T offers a host of accessibility services for students with disabilities. There are a wealth of resources designed to make students’ transitions to university life as seamless as possible, located at the St. George, U of T Mississauga and U of T Scarborough campuses.

Supplement these resources with a list of the essential supports and services provided by U of T.

(photo by Student Life)

8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Starting at a new school – and for many of you, a new city or country – can be daunting. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from those who’ve been there. During orientation week, reach out to anyone wearing an orange “ASKme Anything” t-shirt with any questions you might have. You can also check out the askastudent blog to consult upper years and alumni on anything from tips for choosing courses to advice on whether or not to live in residence.

9. Stay connected

There’s no better way to stay in the know than keeping up with U of T News. You can follow us on Instagram, Facebook and on Twitter: tri-campus, U of T Mississauga or U of T Scarborough.

U of T, Ryerson, York and OCAD address student housing challenges, solutions at StudentDwellTO symposium

Romi Levine — Fri, 03 May 2019 17:34:18 +0000

U of T, Ryerson, York and OCAD address student housing challenges, solutions at StudentDwellTO symposium

Romi Levine Fri, 05/03/2019 - 13:34

Cutline

Students at all four Toronto universities struggle with housing affordability, researchers say (photo by Ken Jones)

Topic

John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture

Ontario Institute for Studies in Education

Affordability has become a primary concern for Toronto residents – from the rising value of homes to soaring rents. But in conversations about affordable housing, one group is often left out: post-secondary students.

The presidents of Toronto’s universities – the ��Ƶ, Ryerson University, OCAD University and York University – are pooling their resources and expertise to address this fundamental issue faced by students through the StudentDwellTO initiative.

Since 2017, faculty and students at the four universities have been working together to conduct an extensive literature review, teach studio courses, hold focus groups with students, analyze data and look for solutions to student housing issues.

Their work converged this week at StudentDwell+, a two-day symposium held at York University where groups presented their findings and scholars from around the world shared their expertise.

See the results from StudentMoveTO

At the symposium, members of StudentDwell’s core team presented some of the initial findings from 26 focus groups conducted with 116 students on six campuses. They included concerns about: limited on-campus housing options; predatory landlords; high transportation costs; and limited ability to participate in extracurricular activities if students lived far away from their classes.

Students also said their physical and mental well-being had taken a toll because of housing-related stress, including feelings of isolation from not being able to participate fully in campus life.

In speaking with students and reading literature on student housing, it became clear that one of the key issues is that students are rarely consulted in the decision-making processes around student housing, said Shelagh McCartney, an assistant professor at Ryerson’s School of Urban and Regional Planning and a StudentDwell member.

“There's a lot of perspective from parents and from developers in these discussions, but there are very few from actual students,” she told U of T News.

When it comes to finding solutions for student housing challenges, it’s not about finding a silver bullet, but “trying to understand how you can leverage positive and negative things to actually come up with an opportunity to do something,” said Mauricio Quirós Pacheco, an assistant professor, teaching stream at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design who is also part of StudentDwell.

The StudentDwell team suggested ways for universities to get started on addressing students' housing needs.

Marcelo Vieta, assistant professor at U of T’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, said universities should look beyond developers to forge housing partnerships with non-profits, governments and co-operatives. He also said it was important to amplify student voices by teaming up with organizations such as student unions.

While design solutions are also being looked at, changing policy is also an important part of the equation, said Vieta.

“It's this unregulated private market with abusive landlords that's a major issue that's directly impacting [students’] education,” he told U of T News.

During the presidents’ panel discussion, President Gertler echoed these challenges.

“The status quo is clearly not working here,” he said. “We do need to find creative alternatives that depart from the standard private market model.”

One of the ways the U of T is doing so is through its “four corners” real estate strategy, according to President Gertler.

The strategy, which includes new residences like the proposed tower at Spadina and Sussex Avenues (left), focuses on “how we can utilize our land assets in particular in ways that generate value for the university and enhance our academic vision, and, at the same time, enhance the livability of everyone in the Greater Toronto Area,” President Gertler said.

U of T is in conversations with “socially-minded” developers who have a “shared goal of ensuring the continued dynamism of the city by ensuring people who live there are diverse in every sense of the word, including their socioeconomic position,” President Gertler added.

All four university leaders stressed the important role universities play in quality of life for Toronto residents and in addressing urban challenges.

“You see an increasing awareness of the importance of understanding the impact universities are actually having in bringing together multiple sectors, in bringing together not-for-profits or private industry to collaborate together and really leveraging individual strengths, and how to make a maximum difference or a maximum impact with a particular problem we're dealing with,” said Lenton.

In holding an event like StudentDwell+, Quirós Pacheco said those conversations between stakeholders can begin to take place.

“It's one of the few times where you really understand the breadth of the problem, but also the breadth of the expertise that are at the table and just how global the problem is.”

Cherry blossoms and black holes: Check out these May events

Romi Levine — Wed, 01 May 2019 16:14:22 +0000

Cherry blossoms and black holes: Check out these May events

Romi Levine Wed, 05/01/2019 - 12:14

Cutline

Cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom outside of Robarts Library (photo by Noreen Ahmed-Ullah)

Romi Levine

Topic

City & Culture

Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy

School of Cities

Art Museum

Cherry Blossoms

Daniels Faculty of Architecture

Faculty of Arts & Science

Rotman School of Management

Science Rendezvous

Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

U of T Mississauga

U of T Scarborough

April showers have brought May flowers as the cherry blossoms outside Robarts Library begin to bloom. But the Instagram-worthy foliage isn’t the only event getting people excited at the ��Ƶ this month.

May is full of fascinating events – from city-wide science, architecture and photography festivals to talks by a Nobel Prize-winning physicist and a researcher on the team who captured the first-ever image of a black hole.

Here is a selection of events taking place on all three campuses this month:

May 2

Kids can learn about what it’s like to work and study at U of T at Bring Our Children to Work Day. The annual event invites appointed faculty, librarians and staff to bring children in Grades 4 to 7 for an exciting day of activities. Registration is now closed but you can find out more about the events on the downtown Toronto, Scarborough and Mississauga campuses.

Faculty and students from U of T, York, Ryerson and OCAD have been working together on a research project exploring affordable student housing in Toronto. The group will be presenting some of their findings at StudentDwell+: Reimagining Student Housing, a two-day symposium held at York University.

Donna Strickland, Nobel Prize in Physics recipient for 2018, will be delivering the Welsh Lecture in Physics at U of T. She’ll be talking about her award-winning work on ultrashort optical pulses.

Hear from Harvard University’s Peter Galison, a member of the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration, about what went into capturing the historic image of a black hole, at an event presented by U of T’s Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology.

May 3

Exciting news for the Robarts Library expansion – crews have begun to drill the concrete to connect the library with the new Robarts Common structure. Studying at Robarts may be a little loud, but you can ask staff at the ground floor information desk and second-floor Ask Us desk for earplugs.

Shutterbugs rejoice – Toronto’s Contact photography festival is back, with captivating exhibitions taking place on U of T campuses:

See the world through the eyes of an engineer at Ambition, Innovation, and Excellence: A Decade at Skule, which will feature photographs from current students and alumni, providing an intimate look at the faculty.
Director of the International Human Rights Program in the Faculty of Law, Samer Muscati, will be showcasing photographs from his visits to Rwanda 15 and 25 years after the genocide at Hart House and at U of T Scarborough. An event to commemorate the 25^thanniversary of the genocide will be taking place at U of T Scarborough this afternoon.

May 4

American artist Carrie Mae Weems will be speaking at U of T as part of the Contact festival. The MacArthur grant recipient, whose work has been displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, will also be presenting her work at U of T’s Art Museum and at locations across the city. Her lecture is sold out but you can join the waitlist.

May 5

Roll up your sleeves and join the U of T Trash Team for the annual Clean up the Don event, where you can do your part for the environment by picking up litter along the Don River watershed.

May 8

What makes a successful city? U of T’s School of Cities is hosting an event that will explore the challenges and opportunities faced by big cities around the world for the book launch of Perfect City: An Urban Fixer’s Global Search for Magic in the Modern Metropolis, by Joe Berridge, one of the world’s leading urban planners.

Ahead of the G20 summit in Japan, the Centre for the Study of Global Japan and the G20 Research Group of U of T are hosting a one-day symposium to discuss the evolving agenda of the annual meeting of global leaders. Officials and scholars from around the world will be attending the event held at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, including Takako Ito, consulate-general of Japan in Toronto.

May 11

Glowing bacteria, mutant flies, scavenger hunts and virtual reality tours are just a few of the displays and activities at this year’s Science Rendezvous, the annual family-friendly festival. Here’s what’s happening on the downtown Toronto, Scarborough and Mississauga campuses.

May 13

This is the last week to see the work of some of U of T’s talented artists at the Master of Visual Studies graduate exhibition and the Shelley Peterson art exhibition at U of T’s Art Museum.

May 14

Listen to captivating stories told by members of Toronto’s medical community at the department of medicine’s annual Story Slam, in partnership with the Annals of Internal Medicine.

May 25

Explore some of U of T’s most fascinating spaces at this year’s Doors Open Toronto. It’s your chance to admire the architecture in the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, explore One Spadina, and check out the new Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship, which will be hosting lightning lectures and interactive activities for kids.

May 28

Join urban thought leaders, policy-makers, planners, community advocates and business leaders to exchange ideas on ways to meet the challenges of governing cities in the midst of change at the Governing Cities in the 21st Century symposium. The event will feature experts including Michelynn Laflèche, vice-president of United Way Greater Toronto, Bill Peduto, mayor of Pittsburgh, and Richard Florida, University Professor at the Rotman School of Management. You can learn more and register here or watch the livestream.

May 30

Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic will be at the Rotman School of Management to discuss his new book, Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (And How To Fix It), which explores the flaws in a system that rewards arrogance and loudness over humility and wisdom.

Housing

Housing and Residence, Student

Tags

U of T expands housing options for students via partnership with home-sharing platform

‘Welcome home’: U of T’s on-campus housing offers more than a place to live

‘Beautifully designed and beautifully built’: U of T unveils new laneway, infill housing

Coronavirus and the City: Experts share insights on COVID-19 recovery via U of T School of Cities series

Read more about Coronavirus and the City: One Question at the School of Cities

'Lost opportunity': Affordable housing needed in local development projects, U of T researcher says

U of T proposes 10-storey graduate residence on St. George campus

Read more about U of T’s Four Corners development strategy

Nine tips for getting the most out of your U of T experience

1. Figure out your campus route before school starts

2. Create a list of go-to food spots for any occasion

3. Immerse yourself in the U of T community

4. Check out U of T’s lit(erature) library scene

5. Show your school spirit

6. Take advantage of every student discount you can

7. Take breaks for self-care

8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

9. Stay connected

Read more about Back to School at U of T

U of T, Ryerson, York and OCAD address student housing challenges, solutions at StudentDwellTO symposium

Read more about StudentDwellTO

See the results from StudentMoveTO

Cherry blossoms and black holes: Check out these May events

May 2

May 3

May 4

May 5

May 8

May 11

May 13

May 14

May 25

May 28

May 30