From public transit to music streaming services to CAD software, many companies offer free or hugely discounted services or products to university students that could help you save hundreds of dollars. It’s usually super easy to get these discounts – all you need is your University of Toronto email or TCard. Regardless of what you’re buying, always check for student discounts!
AutoDesk is a company that provides software for engineering, such as AutoCAD. To access these products for free, go to this AutoDesk page, select your desired software, and follow the instructions given.
U of T provides Microsoft 365 for free. This gives you access to programs like Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, and more, along with 1 TB of OneDrive storage. Once you’ve installed Microsoft 365 with your U of T account, you’ll be able to access these programs online and offline. To install it, visit the Microsoft support page.
Mathematica is like MATLAB for computer algebra instead of linear algebra; you can use it for numeric methods, symbolic computation, and more. By creating an account with your U of T email account, you get access to both Mathematica Desktop and Mathematica Online.
In programming, an integrated development environment (IDE) is a digital environment where you can code, with various features. JetBrains makes IDEs for different programming languages, including Python and C, which you’ll use in first year. To access their products for free, all you need to do is register your account with your U of T email.
Certain classes will provide you with licenses to obtain specific software for free. You’ll first encounter this in Praxis II; in the second half of the course, the teaching team will provide you with a license for Onshape (a cloud-based CAD software). Some upper-year courses with specific software requirements will give you licenses.
Engineering student design teams often provide software licenses for their members to use for free. Examples include Altium, Ansys, Fusion 360, SOLIDWORKS, and much more. For more information, reach out to your (sub)team leads.
ECF computers have extra software for student use. All engineering undergraduate students can access these computer labs 24/7 (in-person labs may be affected by closures, but remote access is always available). This will be useful in classes such as ESC190, where you might need to use certain software such as Valgrind (which can be very tricky to configure on your own computer). To access the free software hosted on ECF computers, go to the U of T Engineering remote access information page. Sign in with your UTORID and password, just like when you sign in to computers on campus. From there, you can see all the applications hosted on the computer and use them freely.
General Student Discounts
These products/services relate to daily expenses and recreation.
Public transit services often offer discounts for students. For example, the TTC Post-Secondary Monthly Pass offers unlimited travel on the TTC for $128.15 per month.
VIA Rail Discount
U of T students receive 7.5% off VIA Rail fares and can extend the discount to up to three accompanying passengers. Visit the UTSU website for the discount code before booking; valid student ID is required when picking up tickets or traveling.
Annual 30: $84/year (was $105) with unlimited 30-minute rides. Annual 45: $96/year (was $120) with unlimited 45-minute rides.
Some subscription-based services offer deep student discounts. To find which platforms might offer student discounts, read this article by Rolling Stone.
In addition to regular back-to-school sales, tons of technology companies (such as Apple) offer huge student deals on personal technology such as laptops, tablets, and more. Furthermore, check with your cellular provider to see if you can get a student discount on your phone plan.
Various restaurants and grocery stores will have student discounts; you just need to ask! They’ll probably ask to see your student ID, so make sure to always carry your TCard.
ROM: U of T students enjoy free admission on Tuesdays or 15% off admission anytime with promo code MUSEUM15.
AGO: The AGO Annual Pass provides unlimited access to the gallery and special exhibitions free for ages 14–25 and $35 for ages 26+.
Ripley’s Aquarium: U of T students can purchase Ripley’s Aquarium Express Anytime tickets for $32 (regularly about $50 + tax) at the Student Commons Welcome Desk.
TSO (Toronto Symphony Orchestra): Students and young adults aged 15–35 can sign up for TSOUNDCHECK to access symphony tickets starting at just $22.
COC (Canadian Opera Company): individuals under 30 can enjoy opera tickets starting at $28 through the Opera Under 30 programs.
Your physical and mental well-being are critical – both in general and to your success as a student. We encourage you to take advantage of the resources offered to all U of T students. For more information, visit the U of T Mental Health Care website, the Health & Wellness website, and the Engineering Mental Health & Wellness website.
Your Academic Advisor
Your academic advisors are amazing resources and supports who are available to you throughout your time at U of T. If you ever want to talk about your mental health, academics, or life in general, book an appointment with your advisor. EngSci has two academic advisors for Years 1 and 2. Stephen Johns, for domestic students (engsci12@utoronto.ca) and Irma Berardi, for international students (engsci12.intl@utoronto.ca). You can read more about Stephen and Irma in our Meet the EngSci Office post, and book an appointment with them through the Advising Portal.
U of T Health and Wellness
The Health & Wellness Office provides U of T students with medical and mental health services. If you’d like to meet with a doctor and/or sign up for a Health & Wellness program, please visit the Health & Wellness website. The campus doctor’s clinic is at 700 Bay Street, a 15-20 minute walk from Bahen.
Engineering Mental Health & Wellness
The Engineering Mental Health & Wellness website outlines all the mental health support specifically for U of T Engineering students. All the listed resources link to their own webpages, making it a great starting point for finding specific and personalized support within U of T Engineering.
Engineering students have access to a dedicated Wellness Counsellor & Coordinator during the academic year (September–May). Students can book counselling appointments through Health & Wellness by calling 416-978-8030 ext. 5 and requesting the Engineering Wellness Counsellor. During the summer months, support is available through the central Health & Wellness Office. U of T Engineering has a dedicated Student & Community Wellness Coordinator (SCWC) who may be contacted at wellness@engineering.utoronto.ca.
Health Insurance
Full-time U of T students get a very affordable health insurance plan. To take advantage of your plan, go to a participating office (many are close to campus) and fill out a form with your practitioner. For forms and further information visit U of T Student Care. For international students, remember that regular doctor visits are covered with a UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) card. Make sure to find medical clinics that accept UHIP. If you’re already covered by an equivalent health and/or dental plan (such as a parent’s or spouse’s employee benefit plan), you can opt out during the Change-of-Coverage Period, which is usually open during the month of September. You should determine which plan would be more affordable/effective for your needs. Refer to the Student Care University of Toronto Student Union Opt Out page for more information.
Navi – Mental Health Wayfinder
Navi is an anonymous virtual agent that’ll help you find mental health resources at U of T. Navi can be more effective than a Google search, as you’ll receive results tailored to U of T students. Navi uses a text chat interface which resembles texting a person, which can make the experience easier and less intimidating.
Find out more about Navi on the Navi Mental Health Wayfinder website. Keep in mind that Navi is not a person and should only be used to find information about U of T mental health services. Do not provide any personally identifying or health-related information about yourself or anybody else.
U of T Telus Health Student Support
U of T Telus Health Student Support offers immediate and/or ongoing confidential support and counselling for school, health and general life concerns at no cost for U of T students. You can call or chat with a counsellor directly from your phone whenever and wherever you are. Support is available in over 140 languages. The number to call for U of T Telus Health Student Support is 1-844-451-9700 (inside North America) and 001-416-380-6578 (outside North America).
U of T Mental Health Care
From their website, “U of T Mental Health Care provides a range of health services, including same-day counselling appointments, evidence-based group therapy, short-term intensive counselling or psychotherapy, and more. This is available to all full-time or part-time U of T students.”
We get it: things don’t always go your way. Maybe you’ve been sick for the past few days or you have two midterms and an assignment this week. Everyone’s been there. You can seek accommodations for certain situations, and petitions are one of the primary ways of doing so.
A petition is a formal request to the university for an exception to a rule, regulation, or deadline. It’s intended for situations where unexpected or unavoidable circumstances have made it difficult for a student to meet their academic deadlines or responsibilities.
There are three types of petitions. For up-to-date informationabout petitions at U of T Engineering, visit this site – About Petitions.
Term-Work Petitions are for term work such as graded homework, midterms, quizzes, assignments, and labs. If you missed term work due to illness, personal or family emergency, or other extenuating circumstances, you should discuss the matter with your instructor and academic advisor immediately.
Depending on the circumstances and the instructor’s decision, a submitted and successfully approved term work petition may lead to an extension that allows you to submit the missed work later. In other cases, the weight of the missed assessment may be redistributed to other course components instead of requiring that you complete the missed work. The specific outcome will vary based on the course and the assignment.
If necessary, submit a term work petition through the Engineering Portal.. The deadline to submit a term work petition and the accompanying supporting documentation (if required) is seven days after the assessment or the due date.
Note: U of T Engineering students may file one term work petition per term without documentation(i.e. self-declare their own illness) for term work valued at less than 15% through the Engineering Portal. The petition may not cover term work worth 15% or greater and cannot span a period longer than three calendar days.
Any final exam petitions and accompanying documentation should be submitted within seven days of the missed exam.
When deciding to submit a final exam petition, you should consider how well you feel at the time of the exam, whether you can obtain supporting documentation for the petition, and how prepared you may feel for a possible later examination date. If you’re having difficulties with a course, always speak with your professor/instructor. If they’re unable to answer your questions, consult with your academic advisor.
Special Consideration petitions can be submitted to request exemption from a faculty regulation. If you need clarification on any rules or regulations in the Academic Calendar, you should reach out to your academic advisor. Since you have to provide sufficient reasoning for the exemption, it’s also highly recommended that you discuss with your advisor before submitting a petition for special consideration.
Some of the reasons for submitting a petition are personal illness, illness or death of a close family member, personal or family emergency, and other extenuating circumstances. However, note that these are extenuating circumstances; petitions will not be granted due to personal carelessness.
Upper-Year Insights
Some of you might feel like you don’t need petitions or that petitions give you an unfair advantage. Of course, petitions should only be submitted when absolutely necessary, and by the end of the term, you’d have still submitted the same assignments and completed the same exams as everyone else (so a petition would leave theoretically leave more work for you in the future). However, you should never avoid petitions out of principle. Even if you have a 4.00 GPA, you can submit a petition; petitions don’t relate to your academic abilities. Your health and wellbeing always come first. If you have any questions about petitions, be sure to book an appointment with your academic advisors.
The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering offers students exciting opportunities to study and research abroad, with many different programs, destinations, and time frames available. Dean of Engineering, Chris Yip, has been moving towards creating global opportunities for all U of T engineers, with the goal to have every U of T Engineering student participate in an opportunity abroad before graduation.
“It really is about building a global community and experience for everyone,” says Dean Yip. As a founding member of the International Engineering Science Consortium (amongst schools such as UC Berkeley and National University of Singapore) living up to its motto of Engineers for the World (E4TW), there’s no better program for global opportunities than U of T Engineering Science!
But what’s the advantage of studying or working abroad?
Bangkok, Thailand, is one of many destinations for ESROP – Global students. Photo by Braden Jarvis on Unsplash
Traveling abroad will broaden your horizons, let you explore new locations, and give you different perspectives from around the world. It’ll almost certainly be out of your comfort zone – and that’s great! It’s the only real way to create meaningful change in yourself. Most students return from studying abroad with a new view of their education and their place in the world.
In an increasingly interconnected world, having some global experience is advantageous for your career. You can expand your network, meet with industry partners, learn cultural differences, work with different divisions of your company, and more.
The world is a huge place with countless natural wonders and urban communities to explore. Studying abroad lets you gain global competence – the ability to appreciate and understand different global perspectives and cultural diversity in a way others cannot.
Opportunities Abroad for U of T Engineering Students
If you have questions about exchange programs and research abroad, please contact Don Newton, Engineering Science Curriculum and Research Officer (curric.engsci@utoronto.ca).
ESROP – Global is a summer research opportunity at a university abroad and is unique to Engineering Science students. Successful applicants choose from one of many research universities around the world that are partnered with EngSci, then spend the summer traveling to this destination and conducting research with the university. From the midwestern United States to countries such as Thailand, ESROP – Global students have had incredible academic and travel experiences. To learn more, check out our Guide to Summer Research blog post or read ESROP Student Stories.
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is one of many destinations available for ESROP – Global students; there are multiple spots available for first-years! [Source]
Students who have secured their own research opportunities at any institution outside U of T can apply for ESROP – ExOp to help fund their summer research. To learn more, check out our Research Opportunities blog post or read ESROP Student Stories.
Internship opportunities can be found all over the world. Different countries specialize in different industries, so working abroad can expose you to diverse career paths and provide opportunities to collaborate with globally significant companies. During long-term internships, you’ll spend months abroad, which will allow you to immerse yourself deeply in other cultures and even become fluent in a new language!
Your four month-long summer breaks are a perfect time to seek out internships, as many companies have summer internship programs. Through company websites, platforms such as LinkedIn, and networking events such as career fairs or design team competitions, you can identify and apply for tons of internships across the world.
Your 12-16 month Professional Experience Year (PEY Co-op) is also an excellent time for an international opportunity. Many non-Canadian companies consider U of T PEY students when hiring for internships, so as a U of T engineer, you have the potential to take your year of co-op almost anywhere in the world. From big tech in the United States to aerodynamics in the United Kingdom to space robotics in Germany, EngScis complete amazing PEYs all over the world. .
Joining design teams is an excellent way to gain global experience. Design teams compete against universities from around the world at competitions hosted worldwide. For example, U of T Robotics for Space Exploration (RSX) competes in the University Rover Challenge (URC). In 2024, they were one of 38 teams to qualify for finals at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah out of 102 teams. In Utah, they competed against teams from Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, India, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Turkey, and USA.
For design team competitions, you can travel to different places and interact with diverse teams from around the world. As a result, you can learn a lot about engineering from a global perspective, while spending time in some cool places.
These competitions often attract large international companies as sponsors. Students who network effectively can sometimes earn themselves interviews for these top companies.
Note that while design teams try to take as many members to competition as possible (including first years), there is often a limit due to budget or other constraints. To maximize your chances of attending, make sure you invest time and effort into your design teamwork, and demonstrate your engineering and collaborative competencies through your interactions with your team leads. While at the competitions, be outgoing and interact with different teams and sponsors.
EWB is a Canadian non-profit organization focused on improving life in Sub-Saharan African countries. They tackle a wide variety of problems, from social injustices and business development to improving water and sanitation access for communities. As an undergraduate engineer, you can apply for a Junior Fellowship in EWB, which can mean helping with EWB work locally or traveling with the organization to Africa to cultivate development.
Even though you’ll still be in Toronto during this course, Praxis III is an engineering design course in which you will apply your learnings from Praxis I and II in a global context based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. You and your team will develop mechatronics projects to address global engineering opportunities. In 2026, teams developed projects to improve quality of life in Sub-Saharan Africa and communities in British Columbia.
The minor in Global Leadership will teach you how engineers can interact with global issues. The required courses focus on topics such as sustainability, social sciences, globalization, and policy. This minor requires an application which opens in March; information sessions will be held during that time to discuss the minor and the application process.
People often think international opportunities have to involve travelling abroad, but they can also be found right here on campus. U of T Engineering is home to a student body that is 30% international and represents more than 100 countries, giving you the chance to gain global perspectives by learning, collaborating, and building friendships with classmates from around the world.
Questions?
If you have questions about exchange programs and research abroad, please contact Don Newton, Engineering Science Curriculum and Research Officer (curric.engsci@utoronto.ca).
For up-to-date information on the various ESROP programs, please refer to the EngSci Info Hub on Quercus. You can access the Info Hub starting in September. You’ll also receive emails about ESROP from Don Newton, Curriculum and Research Officer, in the fall. To learn more about research opportunties in the program, join us at our fifth meetup on July 22nd.
As an undergraduate, you’ll likely be working alongside graduate students in research labs run by professors. It’s an incredible way to grow your professional network and gain technical expertise in cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence, regenerative medicine, autonomous robots, quantum physics, just to name a few.Even if the research relates to a field outside your area of interest, every research lab has tons of interdisciplinary responsibilities, and you may find yourself interested in new endeavors. From working on machine learning for a civil engineering lab, or autonomous robots for material discovery, research is all about exploring, keeping an open mind, and both personal and scientific discovery.
Kyle Hsu (EngSci Robo 1T9 + PEY) during his ESROP – U of T tenure at the Micro/NanoPhotonics Research Lab [Source]
A rover from Professor Jonathan Kelly’s Space and Terrestrial Autonomous Robotic Systems Lab (STARS Lab) [Source]
Research opportunities in labs are often posted similarly to internship opportunities. Postings include a project description, profile of the ideal candidate, and the details of the opportunity and the application process.
More importantly, we encourage you to talk to professors and teaching assistants to learn about their research and ask directly whether their labs have openings (Office hours are great for this!). Be proactive, since professors expect to be approached. EngSci hosts info sessions in the fall that’ll teach you how to write a “cold” email (i.e., writing to a person who may not know you), among other things.
Engineering Science is an academically rigorous program that explores various advanced concepts through its curriculum. EngScis are therefore well-equipped for careers in both industry and academia/research. Regardless of the field they ultimately enter, a lot of EngScis take part in research at some point during their degree.
Why Research?
Upper-year EngScis have spoken with Professor Arthur Chan, Associate Chair, Year 3 & 4 for the Division of Engineering Science. These were some of their takeaways about the value of research in Engineering Science.
By the very nature of a lab environment, you’ll be constantly learning. Often during research, you’ll be asked to read and summarize scientific papers or improve your understanding of a subject. This is unique, as typical student summer jobs don’t include as much actively learning besides just working. You’ll also become an expert in one specific topic: the subject of your research.
Although research and industry are presented as two distinct paths after graduation, they aren‘t. Both give you highly transferable skills that are valued broadly. Those with industry experience are valuable in research settings because they understand how innovation in a lab could be brought to market. In industry, those with research experience are perceived to be at the forefront of development in their field, and often as innovators; people with research experience are in high demand in many companies. Research will distinguish you as a curious, passionate, or ambitious student who’s excited about advancing your knowledge and abilities. EngSci is all about being multidisciplinary. It’s worth working in industry before you decide to pursue a career in research, and it’s worth trying research before pursuing a career in industry. You can easily get experience in both areas during your time at U of T.
How EngSci Prepares you for Research
In addition to EngSci-exclusive research opportunities (read more below), the program itself is designed to prepare you for grad school and research.
In EngSci’s specialized majors and coursework you’ll learn advanced, discipline-specific concepts that give you a foundation for graduate studies and research. The multidisciplinary curriculum exposes you to many different research fields, giving you a broad perspective and skillset.
All fourth-year EngScis are required to complete an undergraduate thesis. This is an independent engineering research project in which you conduct a deep investigation into a particular advanced field of interest. Your thesis will give you an excellent foundation for research.
You’ll have plenty of project-based courses throughout your EngSci journey. These projects will provide you with invaluable practical experience that can strengthen your grad school/research applications.
What are Research Fellowships?
Research fellowships are financial awards offered by organizations outside of EngSci (e.g. government agencies, professional organizations) that support undergrads doing research. You apply to them like you would for a scholarship, but instead of helping you pay for tuition, these awards specifically fund your research. They’re an important part of your research funding, with the rest typically coming from your supervising professor. Some professors require you to secure a research award before taking you on as a summer researcher.
It’ll be your responsibility to identify and secure labs/professors to work under. After that, you can apply for various fellowships with the approval of your professor.
Summer research fellowships usually span 12-16 weeks between May and August. Some labs will have part-time openings during the academic year (which may or may not be paid).
Non-ESROP Research Fellowships for EngScis
As a first-year EngSci, you can apply for many different research fellowships. The EngSci Info Hub and EngSci Newsletter will notify you of opportunities that’ll likely be of greatest interest to you. You can also view U of T’s Undergraduate Research Hub for a full list of university-wide opportunities; there are some other opportunities such as the U of T Centre for International Experience Summer Research Exchange Program.
Note: the exact details of some of these fellowships may be subject to change for the upcoming academic year. Please refer to the EngSci Info Hub for updated information.
Details: Support first years in their engineering research
Eligibility: Must be a first-year engineering student and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or visa student with valid student visa for the duration of the fellowship
Logistics: Applicant must first find a potential faculty supervisor for their research activities
Award: $7000, with further funding at the discretion of the supervisor
Application Components: ACORN academic history, resume, statement of personal research interests, project description (to be completed by supervisor)
Dates: Application closes around early March; applicants will be notified in April, research will occur between May and August
Details: Support undergrads in research projects that are co-supervised between two U of T faculty members, where at least one faculty member is from the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Eligibility: All domestic and international undergraduate students. International students must hold a valid student visa for the duration of the fellowship
Logistics: Applicant must first find two potential faculty supervisors for their research activities with at least one supervisor being from FASE
Award: $6000, with supervisors contributing an additional $2000, for a total of $8000
Application Components: ACORN academic history, CV, application form with project description (to be completed by supervisor)
Dates: Application closes around early March, applicants will be notified in April, research will occur between May and August
Details: Support undergrads in research projects related to natural sciences and engineering
Eligibility: Second-year students (and above) with a cumulative average of at least B- who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada
Logistics: Students must find a faculty supervisor from an eligible Canadian university, and then complete the NSERC application
Award: $6000, with the supervisor contributing at least $1500, for a total of $7500
Application Components: ACORN academic history (if applying with a U of T faculty member) or official transcript (if applying with a non-U of T faculty member) and applicant’s basic personal information. The supervisor will then be contacted to complete the rest of the application
Dates: Deadlines will vary based on the home department of the faculty member with which you are applying. Deadlines can range from January to March. Research will occur for at least 16 weeks between May and August
Details: Provide undergrads with research experience in the natural sciences and engineering, social sciences and humanities, and health and life sciences
Eligibility: Students with a cumulative average of at least B+ who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or visa students with a valid student visa for the duration of the fellowship
Logistics: Students must find an eligible U of T faculty member
Award: $5250, with the supervisor contributing at least $2250, for a total of $7500
Application Components: ACORN academic history, applicant’s basic personal information, and supervisor-completed form including details of the research project
Dates: Application closes around early March. Research will occur for 14 weeks between May and September
You might be interested in research opportunities offered at other institutions. Such opportunities may include other discipline-specific U of T Engineering research programs such as the TRANSFORM HF Undergraduate Summer Research Program, Acceleration Consortium Summer Undergraduate Research Program in Accelerated Discovery, machine learning research internships at the Vector Institute, or even programs at other universities such as a summer undergraduate Research Fellowship at Caltech
Some of these opportunities may be posted in the EngSci Info Hub on Quercus, but you may need to look for some of them yourself. Regardless, there are tons of other research opportunities tailored to various interests, and we strongly recommend you do your own searching!
Pathways to Science has an incredible search portal for finding opportunities in any discipline (especially STEM) across the United States
Engineering Science Research Opportunities Program (ESROP)
ESROP is an EngSci-exclusive program designed to give EngScis the chance to participate in cutting-edge research early in their academic careers. Through ESROP, you can conduct research at U of T and renowned institutions around the world. It’s incredibly rare for a program to offer research opportunities at this scale for first- and second-year students. ESROP research opportunities occur during the summer after first, second, or third year. All you need is ambition, a passion for learning new things, and a strong written application to potentially secure an amazing research fellowship! Read more about previous ESROP students’ experiences and stories here.
ESROP – U of T and ESROP – ExOp (Exceptional Opportunities) are student-driven programs designed to support research opportunities for EngScis. To qualify for the programs, students in first and second year independently reach out to professors and researchers. Once students have found a research group that is keen to take them on for the summer (and willing to match the financial stipend from ESROP), they can apply to ESROP – U of T or ESROP – ExOp, depending on whether the research group is at U of T or elsewhere. Successful applicants will qualify for funding from EngSci in addition to compensation provided by the lab throughout the summer.
ESROP – U of T students work at some of the university’s finest research labs at the Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS), Institute for Biomedical Engineering (BME), Department of Computer Science, Robotics Institute, and much more. ESROP – ExOp students have worked at labs in Caltech, Harvard, University of Tokyo, University of Waterloo, and more. Note that there are many ESROP – U of T awards given out each year, but very few ExOp awards.
Julien Couture-Senecal (EngSci BME 2T0) during his ESROP – ExOp tenure at the Chung Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology [Source]
In ESROP – Global, students apply for research positions at specific host institutions partnered with U of T EngSci (information about the specific institutions, available research projects, and eligibility requirements will be posted on the EngSci Info Hub in November/December). Successful applicants are sent to their preferred research institution along with funding for their summer research. Destinations include top universities in Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, and more! Through ESROP – Global, students participate in cutting-edge research while getting the chance to exit their comfort zones and explore a new country and culture; international perspectives are very valuable as an engineer. Past students have had fantastic travel and research experiences. Here’s one ESROP – Global story from an EngSci!
“This summer, I had the opportunity to pursue research for ESROP – Global at the National University of Singapore. My work focused on enhancing the detection of atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition often misdiagnosed as other diseases due to its visual similarities. Our proposed solution was a technique called Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), which measures the skin’s resistance to alternating currents to provide a more accurate diagnosis. By developing mathematical models for EIS and learning to effectively present our findings, we aimed to give medical professionals a valuable additional tool for diagnosing skin conditions.
Beyond the research, Singapore’s location offered us a unique chance to travel. Following our supervisor’s advice, we worked on weekends and used some weekdays for exploring neighboring countries, taking advantage of less crowded travel periods and competitive rates for transportation and accommodation. This approach allowed us to experience diverse cultures, visit historic sites, and make the most of our time abroad alongside our work. My experience with ESROP Global was enriching both academically and personally, proving that sometimes, the most impactful learning happens outside the classroom!”
-Victor Weng, EngSci 2T7
E4TW channels the global nature of the EngSci program and allows students to participate in research projects related to the social, ethical, political, and human rights impacts of technology. Research projects are generally led by The Citizen Lab based at the U of T Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
Tips when Applying for Research Opportunities
For a complete catalogue of tips, view the EngSci Info Hub’s “Research” page. There’ll also be information sessions hosted in the Fall; read the EngSci Newsletter to stay up-to-date.
As a first-year EngSci, you probably haven’t narrowed down what specific research you want to do. This is completely okay, since undergraduate research is your opportunity to explore different research areas and identify topics which most excite you. The best thing you can do is to keep an open mind to various opportunities and gain some sense of your interests. Maybe there are some specific concepts you’d like to explore, such as genomics or fluid dynamics, or some fields/industries that interest you, such as autonomous vehicles or material science. While it’s important to know your own interests and articulate them well, it’s also valuable to have an open mind and be willing to explore a field you’d not previously thought of. You never know what surprising interests you might develop!
Much like with finding internships, you cannot expect the opportunities to magically appear on a golden platter; you need to do your own searching. The EngSci Info Hub will be an excellent place to start for U of T-related placements. If you’re looking for opportunities at another institution, the best method is to check that institution’s website. If you have a specific type of opportunity in mind but don’t know where to find it, look at the websites of some top research universities and see if their programs match what you’re looking for. Most importantly, talk to your professors to learn about their research! They all have connections to researchers and companies around the world, so ask them whom they would recommend for work in an area that interests you. Note that some universities will limit their program offerings strictly to students enrolled at that university, and programs in the United States might restrict programs to American citizens or permanent residents.
Reaching out to professors can seem intimidating but learning how to do this will greatly increase your chances of landing a summer research position.
University departments list their professors in faculty directories, often grouped by research focus. Once you’ve found research areas that interest you, read more about the work of each faculty member online. Read a couple of their publications to gain a stronger understanding of the type of work that they do so you can potentially identify specific research interests related to their work. You can also view a list of past lab members, which may or may not include undergrad researchers; feel free to reach out to them on LinkedIn or U of T Engineering CONNECT to enhance your understanding of the type of work you might do.
Remember that professors may have specific instructions that you must follow if you want to contact them for research (that could be as subtle as writing a specific email subject line), and always practice professionalism when reaching out to professors.
Emails to professors are like mini cover letters. They’ll typically include a brief introduction of yourself along with some of your research interests, and how your past experiences enhance your interests and make you an excellent candidate for the lab. You should also attach your résumé and academic history. If they don’t respond to your email after at least one week, send a follow-up; professors are busy and it’s not uncommon to receive no reply at first.
Sometimes when reaching out to professors or applying for research positions you’ll have to write a research statement; these differ from traditional cover letters in that they’re more academically focused as opposed to explaining how your past experiences make you a good fit for a job. When you reach out to professors, you might write a mix of a research statement and cover letter; other research internship programs may require a more formal document. There are tons of online resources in the EngSci Info Hub to help craft your perfect research statement.
Work experience is integral to a complete engineering education. As a student in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering (FASE), Students are required to have completed a total of 600 hours of acceptable practical experience before graduation (normally during their summer vacation periods). Satisfactory completion of the Professional Experience Year (PEY) Co-op Program will also completely fulfill the Practical Experience Requirement (PER).
The FASE’s Professional Experience Year (PEY) Co-op program can help you achieve your Practical Experience Requirement through an optional 12–16-week summer co-op work term after 2nd yearand a 12–16-month co-op work term after 3rd year. Outside of the PEY Co-op program, you can also do four-month “external” summer internships that will not count towards degree credit. PEY work terms and external internships are paid, professional, learning-oriented work experiences for students. This longer term allows students to take on greater responsibilities for larger projects and build closer connections with their colleagues/employers.
PEY Co-op students working in the Intel Lab, at the Intel, Toronto office [Source]
Through work experiences, you can earn a competitive salary, gain real-world industry experience at top companies before even graduating, develop practical skills related to your field of study and career goals, and place yourself at an advantage for return offers or higher salaries after graduation.
On top of the experiences and connections you’ll make during your work term, there are a lot of professional development activities provided to outgoing PEY students as they’re applying for jobs. The Engineering Career Center supports your transition into your PEY job by running mentorship events with industry alumni, hosting sessions to help you improve your resume, cover letter, planning practice interviews, and more. The ECC helps you prepare for your PEY and make the most of it while you’re working.
How EngSci Prepares you for Internships
EngSci’s multidisciplinary foundation years and specialized majors let you learn advanced, discipline-specific concepts that give you a foundation for internships. The multidisciplinary curriculum exposes you to many different fields, giving you a broader perspective and skillset; this can enable you to work in a variety of industries/roles. The advanced coursework also means that your labs and assignments (in addition to your theoretical knowledge) are technical.
Building strong practical skills is essential for getting and succeeding in internships. ESC180/190 and CIV102 involve major projects, and a lot of your upper-year courses will be project-based. These projects provide you with invaluable practical experience that you can discuss in your résumé and cover letters.
The expectations in Praxis II are high, but this leads to very cool projects and a lot of knowledge/skill acquisition. You’ll work with real clients on interesting projects; you can discuss the products of your work on your résumé, and the process/backstory behind it can make for compelling cover letters and interviews.
Register for PEY Co-op during your first year or before the second-year application deadline if you didn’t apply when you applied to U of T Engineering.
Complete online learning modules during your first and second years to prepare for the program and gain access to the ECC Job Portal.
OPTIONAL: During your second year, apply for a summer work term through the ECC Job Portal (and external job boards).
Prepare for the main recruitment cycle in your second year by exploring job postings and completing modules.
Apply for a 12- to 16-month work term in your third year through the ECC Job Portal.
Submit required work term deliverables, including self-reflections and reflection reports, to receive PEY Co-op credit.
To learn more about the program timeline, components, and requirements of the PEY program, please visit the Engineering Carrer Center Website.
External Job Search Platforms
Registering for the PEY Co-op program and completing the requirements gives you access to the ECC job portal, which contains exclusive job postings from various companies.
Regardless of whether you’re in PEY, you should search for positions outside of the ECC job portal, especially if you’re hoping to work in a specific role at a certain company/industry.
For engineering- and tech-specific job postings, you can use job boards such as Engineeringcareers.ca, MaRS, and communitech.ca. You may notice the same posting/companies on these job boards after a few search sessions, so once you have an idea what positions you’re interested in, it’s useful to set up job search alerts.
If you’re interested in a particular industry within the broader engineering sphere, you may need to do some extra research to find job boards that cater to that specific industry. Some examples include Le Spot (Aerospace), BioTalent Canada (Biomedical), or ECO Canada (Environmental).
Many big companies post their jobs on their own website rather than on external job boards. If you’re particularly interested in working for a specific company, here are some tips:
Regularly check the careers page on the company website.
Sign up for applicant accounts and/or set up job alerts, if available.
Follow the company on LinkedIn and keep an eye out for hiring related posts.
Upper-year tip: Once you have access to the PEY Co-op Resources Hub on Quercus, use the “External Job Search Resource” and the “Labour Market Research Sources” page for guidance on finding relevant job boards. And while you’re doing job search, use a job application tracker (template available on the PEY Co-op Resources Hub) to keep track of where you found a job posting, when deadlines are, etc.)
Job Search & Application Process
The following guide gives a general overview of the job search and application process. For more personalized advice, reach out to your ECC Co-op Coordinators during recruitment cycles. You can also talk to ECC staff outside of recruitment cycles or to upper-year students to get tips and learn from their experiences.
As discussed, after completing the requirements, you’ll gain access to the ECC job portal during the recruitment cycle where you can browse through job postings and apply.
Some tips to help you at this stage of the process:
Cast your net wide: Search the ECC Job Portal, company career pages, and other job boards.
Stay organized: Use an application tracker to keep track of deadlines and applications.
Network: Attend career fairs, employer events, and conferences to explore opportunities and connect with recruiters.
Apply strategically: Focus on roles that match your interests and qualifications, and tailor each application.
Typically, you’ll be asked to include a resume, a cover letter, and a copy of your most recent transcript in your job application. When applying for multiple positions, you’re strongly encouraged to tailor your resume and cover letter for each application based on the job posting.
Some tips to help you at this stage of the process:
Build a strong application: Tailor your resume and cover letter for each position, and include your latest transcript if required.
Highlight relevant experience: Include design teams, clubs, projects, hackathons, volunteer work, and technical skills.
Usually, you’ll go through two types of interviews: general and technical. In the general interview, you’ll mostly be asked behavioral and situation-based questions. In the technical interview, you’ll be given an engineering task related to the role which you’ll need to complete. Some tips to help you at this stage of the process:
Prepare for both behavioural and technical interviews: Review past projects, refresh key technical concepts, and practice common interview questions.
Use preparation resources: Complete the Interview Preparation module, practice on platforms like LeetCode or SOLIDWORKS, and review resources such as YNCN’s guide for software internships.
Practice with support: Book mock interviews with ECC staff for feedback.
For positions you found through the ECC Job Portal, you’ll be extended offers by an ECC Co-op Coordinator or by the employer directly. Some tips for accepting job offers:
Review offers carefully before accepting, as you’re expected to honour your commitment.
Complete next steps promptly: Notify the ECC Office, upload required documents, cancel remaining interviews, and complete any work term requirements.
This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I’d never met herbivore.
At U of T there are over 1,000 clubs about everything from bee keeping to vegetable eating. Joining a club can be a great way to relax and have fun while meeting new people and potentially developing new skills. There’s a club for everyone at U of T, and you can even start your own!
There are many musical groups that you can join as a U of T student, and the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering has a few distinct options for engineering students. Whether you’re interested in singing, classical music or songs that involve choreographed dancing, there’s a group for you!
Skule Nite is an engineering student-run musical theater production which performs in mid-March at the Hart House Theatre. This musical and sketch comedy is beloved by thousands, and watching it is a great way to de-stress before exams. Even better, as a F!rosh, you’re eligible for a free ticket! If you want to go a level further than watching Skule Nite, you can also get involved with the production:
Cast: Skule Nite features acting, singing, and dancing; by joining the cast, you can expect to be doing all those things on stage simultaneously! This is a great way to showcase your singing abilities and learn some cool dance moves. Auditions are held in the fall.
If you feel less comfortable on stage, there are other positions you can hold:
Band: If you play a musical instrument, you should consider joining the stage band. They play all the accompaniments to the acts and really help bring the entire show together.
Creative team: Skule Nite doesn’t write itself! They’re always looking for choreographers, vocal coaches, producers, and sketch writers.
Sets, costumes, props: If you want a lower-key commitment, this is a great way to get involved in Skule Nite and have your work displayed to the audience.
Stage crew: During the show itself, you’ll be managing the technical aspects of the whole production, such as audio and lighting. This behind-the-scenes role is crucial to the success of the production.
Yume Yamamoto EngSci 2T6 Robo. Currently working with robotic prosthetic, exoskeletons, and wearable medical devices
“I am a part of the lighting crew at Skule Nite. I joined since I used to do stage crew during high school, and I love having a place to do creative work outside of my usual engineering life. You’ll meet a fantastic and welcoming group of people in Skule Nite who don’t mind putting in hours for the show.”
“[If you get involved with Skule Nite], know and prepare for busy weeks ahead of time, have a supportive group of friends, and just be responsible for your work. You should have confidence that you can be academically successful and put on a great show at the same time – it is definitely possible and a lot of fun!”
The Engineering Drama Society (EDS) is a student-led theatre group founded by four Engineering Science students who wanted to create a space where engineering students could continue pursuing their passion for the performing arts.
Engineering Drama Society performance of Spring Awakening
Since its founding, EDS has staged Spring Awakening and Mean Girls and is now beginning work on its next exciting production, Come from Away. Whether you’re interested in performing on stage or working behind the scenes, there’s a place for everyone. Members can get involved as cast, crew, orchestra musicians, producers, directors, choreographers, set designers, lighting and sound technicians, marketing coordinators, and much more. Read more:U of T’s Engineering Drama Society returns with original production of Mean Girls – U of T Engineering News.
Stay up to date with upcoming productions and opportunities by following EDS on Instagram.
The Skule Orchestra
Skule Orchestra is a symphony orchestra of around 60 members based in the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. Their mission is to create an inclusive and collaborative space where students can explore and express their musical talents while building community. They rehearse weekly and present three major concerts annually, including our Pops, Chamber Night, and Boom concerts. They also organize social events and outings to local music performances to enrich their members’ experience. The orchestra’s repertoire ranges from fun orchestral pops to challenging symphonic works, allowing musicians of varying levels to grow together. Through music, they aim not only to foster artistic excellence but also to strengthen connections within the engineering community and beyond. To join them, you’ll need to pass an audition on the instrument of your choosing. For more information, check out their website here.
Fun fact: Skule Orchestra’s membership was over 20% EngScis last year!
Long supporting Skule™’s tradition of spelling-related tomfoolery, the Lady Godiva Memorial Bnad is a “musical” organization that brings the hype to (crashes) many Skule™ events! The best part about the Bnad is that you don’t need to know how to play an instrument to join. Although there are trumpets, trombones, saxophones, flutes, and other instruments in the band, there are also many cowbells, maracas, fire bells, washboards, bed pans, and wet floor signs with which you can make some noise! Anyone is welcome to join the Bnad, talent not required. In the Bnad’s own words, fun comes 1rd, music comes 2st.
Lady Godiva Memorial Bnad Performance
For those interested in singing, there are also acapella groups across campus. Chestnut Residence has an in-residence acapella group called “Chestnotes.” There are several other groups throughout U of T — they’re a fun way to meet other students and enjoy making music together!
You’re also free to join other musical ensembles across U of T campus. Many colleges on the St. George Campus hold yearly musicals. Auditions happen throughout the first semester.
If you have an academic interest in music, U of T Engineering offers the Engineering Music Performance Minor and the Certificate in Music Technology. These are valuable if you’re interested in learning more about musical techniques and theory, as well as the science and technology behind music. Check out the requirements on the Faculty website or speak to your advisor for more information.
The most competitive level of sports is the varsity level, forwhich you’ll either be recruited out of high school, or you can attend a tryout. If you have top-of-the-line athleticism and the competitive drive to perform at a high level, then varsity sports might be for you. A varsity sport will require a significant time commitment on top of EngSci. However, if you’re an excellent athlete and passionate about your sport, consider playing for the Varsity Blues; to make the team (if you weren’t already recruited from high school), you’ll have to excel in an open tryout. Our varsity teams successfully and proudly represent U of T at competitions against universities across Canada.
To help manage the demanding schedules of student athletes, the Varsity Blues’ Academic Support for Athletes Program (ASAP) offers services such as Blues Engineering. This program provides community and peer tutoring, weekly study sessions that align with practice schedules, and more, aiming to help student athletes achieve their academic and sporting goals.
Carter Buck (EngSci 2T5 MSF) U of T Varsity Blues Men’s Swim Team
“A typical week as a student athlete is a busy one. On top of a demanding academic schedule, I train for upwards of 20 hours per week, while also ensuring I put aside time for adequate recovery.”
“Outside of the classroom and pool I am a VP at the EQUATE Fund (a traditional and quantitative finance club at FASE), and a chair at Blues Engineering, which is a support group targeted towards engineering student athletes.”
“The support I receive from the EngSci office, [such as] planning with my academic advisor to build a schedule, enables my success both in the classroom and in the pool. The best experience so far in my student-athlete journey was winning USPORTS national championships this year, a goal of mine since coming to U of T.”
If you’re not ready for varsity but are still interested in taking your sport to the next level, check out U of T’s tri-campus league, in which students from all three U of T campuses compete against each other in fully officiated matches.
Finally, if you’re looking for a relatively casual experience through which you can have fun and stay in shape without an enormous time commitment, you should consider joining intramural teams. These teams offer a fun way to meet other engineering students and compete against other faculties and colleges at U of T. The Engineering Athletics Association (EAA) creates and runs all intramural teams for engineering students. They have over 20 teams playing ten different sports (including single-gender and co-ed teams). If you’re not interested in intramurals, check out the various sporting clubs like Skule Badminton Club and Skule Ski Club.
Iron Dragons deserves a special mention. ID is a co-ed dragon boating team consisting primarily of U of T Engineering students. They have competitive and recreational teams, and compete at – and often win — local, national, and international competitions. If you’re interested in an intense (or less-intense) athletic experience alongside an incredible and successful team, consider joining ID!
Whole team after winning 5 bronzes & 1 silver at Milton Regatta
Quote by Joseph Yeh (EngSci 2T7)
“I joined ID because I wanted to do something that was [unrelated to] school; I stuck with it because of the people and the sport. You create so many bonds with the fellow engineers on the team and become fitter than you’ve ever been before. Dragon boating [the sport] is amazing, and it’s organized in such a way that within a couple months of beginning, you can be on a world-class team! At first, I was apprehensive about trying out for the ID competitive team, but the coaches are great, and once you touch a paddle and ride on the water, you just can’t go back.”
“During the fall we have a weekly team gym session to stay fit. It’s not that serious [and is mostly about] having fun and keeping each other accountable (though you are encouraged to exercise on your own). ID [became an outlet, and] helped me maintain and improve my physical health as school got tough. During the winter we had tryouts and began indoor paddling, with the same time commitment as before. Being part of ID [helped me] keep my grades up because it allowed me to recharge my mental battery. In the summer, ID becomes your life, with 3-4 practices per week and competitions on most weekends. Although this seems like a lot, practices are scheduled to give you time for work and summer classes; even with ID, I [am doing] a summer research internship and a class, so don’t worry. Hope to see you in the ID gym!”
Professional Development
EIA is committed to designing and building pedestrian footbridges for rural communities in Africa and South America, which are geographically isolated due to obstacles such as rivers and ravines. From bridge design to construction, EIA members help improve the lived experiences of thousands of people through their engineering knowledge. They’ve partnered with other North American universities to construct nine bridges in communities in Bolivia, Eswatini, and Guatemala. To take your engineering design and building skills to the next level while learning about and practicing the positive global impacts of engineering, you should check out EIA. They’ve got plenty of opportunities from general membership to leadership and project management positions.
CUBE promotes biomedical engineering at the undergraduate level and was recently awarded the U of T Student Life “Program of the Year” for Promoting Innovation and Collaboration. The Toronto chapter is the oldest and largest club of its type and is open to all students with an interest in biomedical engineering. On the professional development side, CUBE hosts career fairs, information sessions and fireside chats for careers and research, mentorship programs (connecting undergrads with biomedical engineering alumni), and networking opportunities. CUBE also hosts biomedical-themed hackathons, wet and dry lab workshops, laboratory tours, and much more.
With numerous portfolios and initiatives, EWB provides leadership opportunities and projects to students that foster a community dedicated to social and systemic change. Some of their portfolios include Youth Engagement, Sustainability & Environmental Justice, and Cyber Ethics & Digital Rights. If you’re interested in any of the above topics, be sure to check out the club here.
SEA works to increase general interest and awareness about sustainability, defining the term as “planning our usage of resources in order to meet our future environmental, social, and economical needs.” With their many events, seminars, career fairs, and competitions, SEA educates students on the technical aspects of sustainable design and supports students to develop and implement their ideas.
UTNEA seeks to spark student interest in nuclear energy and build a professional network of experts in the field. They host lectures and workshops and connect students with professionals in industry and research to spread information and awareness of the latest innovations in nuclear energy.
Omar Shousha, EngSci 2T7 Chair @ UTNEA, Interested in Aerospace. Enjoys Nuclear Science, Propulsion, F1, and Tennis
“At UTNEA, we welcome students who are interested in nuclear energy and want to learn more from industry experts, expand their network in the nuclear field and work on exciting projects with collaborative teams. No prior experience is required, just a passion for nuclear science!”
“UTNEA mainly did guest lectures with nuclear experts in its founding year and as the club is growing, we are aiming to continue with our guest lecture format as well as potentially compete in design competitions, have networking events with industry experts, go on trips to nuclear power plants and companies, and contribute to research conferences”
The ASX’s main purpose is to educate and excite people about astronomy and space. ASX holds over 10 events each year with hundreds of attendees, with their biggest event being the Annual Symposium (which has attracted up to 500 people). ASX has invited many prominent professionals in astronomy and related fields as speakers, including Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield! You can find recordings of some of their past events here.
Looking to get your foot in consulting? UTESCA combines engineering design with the consulting industry to help provide solid solutions for local organizations, while engaging its members in mentorship and professional development events. UTESCA members get to work on real consulting projects, network with industry leaders and top companies, compete in case competitions, and much more. To learn more about how you can strengthen your skills in consulting and business alongside a talented group of peers, learn more about UTESCA here. If you’re interested in U of T’s main consulting club (not focused on engineering), check out UTCA here.
UTEFA teaches students about the financial industry through engaging investment activities. UTEFA hosts weekly meetings where you can learn about Capital Markets, compete in stock pitches, network and learn from experienced industry professionals, and more. To learn about their upcoming events, check out their schedule here.
Sarah Chen, EngSci MSF 2T6
“I initially joined UTEFA purely out of curiosity and eagerness to meet new people. I’ve always found financial markets intriguing and soon realized that there’s so much potential for people in quantitative fields to advance this industry. Upon joining the club, the exec team was incredibly welcoming and I found a supportive group of peers who shared the same passions and ambitions as me.”
“[…] This year, I’ll be the president of UTEFA and am excited to lead a group of extremely talented individuals. The exec team focuses on organizing various networking opportunities and workshops for engineering students interested in entering the finance industry. We are proud to have a vast network of alumni who are always happy to help the club grow and often come back for our events.”
“UTEFA invites alumni from different sectors to speak at multiple panels throughout the year. Our execs will also be hosting workshops on different asset classes, technical skills, and career growth strategies. Our largest event, however, is the Stock Pitch Superday, which execs help teams prepare for so no prior experience is required! This year we’ll be starting two new programs – an internship and a mentorship program – learn more about all of our events/programs on our website UTEFA”
Hobby Clubs
At Skule (and U of T as a whole), if you’re interested in something, there’s probably a club for it. If not, why don’t you go ahead and make one yourself?
If you’re a Minecraft fan, then SkuleCraft might be the club for you. They host Skule’s official Minecraft server, on which you can see some awesome builds, play some survival with friends, and network in their wonderful virtual world. For a preview of some of their activities, check out their Instagram page.
Culture and Identity Clubs
There is an array of clubs centered around a particular cultural/identity group, some of which are highlighted below. For a complete list, check out skule.ca.
The U of T chapter of Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) was established to empower cis and trans women in STEM fields (including two-spirit and non-binary individuals who feel comfortable in women-centered spaces). With over 700 members, WISE focuses on various professional development, mentorship, and outreach initiatives throughout the year, such as networking events, career nights, annual conferences, and much more. By being a part of WISE, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills, network with industry professionals, give back to the community, and inspire diverse opportunities in STEM. Beyond professional development, WISE is also a great place to build meaningful connections, form genuine friendships, and become part of a supportive community of students who share similar passions and experiences in STEM.
Sarvnaz Ale Mohammad, EngSci 2T6 + PEY, Analyst @ McKinsey Canada Conference Co-Chair @ WISE and Software lead @ iGEM | Winner of the McKinsey Canada Women in STEM Scholarship
“I joined the WISE conference team as a competitions director in my first year, panels director in my second year, and will be the co-chair this year. Being on WISE has been an incredible journey and a highlight of my last two (soon to be three!) years at the university. The WISE conference is an annual two-day event attended by 400+ delegates, featuring panels, workshops, competitions, a career fair and graduate fair, and much more. I’ve really enjoyed working with people from all across UofT to make WISENC happen. I find the fact that our events are entirely student-ran to be very inspiring.”
“On balancing extracurriculars with school, I would encourage all incoming students to experiment until they find a routine that works for them. Personally, though I highly value academics, I am never willing to entirely cut my most personally valued extracurriculars out of my day to day. Instead, I try to find balance holistically. I may spend some days only studying, and some days entirely focused on a club. As long as holistically across a week I have achieved most of what I was supposed to do for both, I am satisfied. I find that extracurricular involvement has also pushed me to become a more efficient student, since I am trying to find more time for things outside of school!”
The U of T chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) was founded in 1999 with the aim of increasing the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. Today, NSBE U of T is the largest chapter in Canada, hosting various professional development events such as the NSBE National Convention and NSBEHacks. By becoming a member of NSBE, you’ll not only get the chance to participate in all these initiatives but also become part of a network of diverse engineers and scientists, gain access to jobs, internships, scholarship opportunities, and much more.
QueerSphere is the U of T Engineering 2SLGBTQIA+ student group that hosts various social and fun events throughout the year. Their aim is to involve people in the LGBTQ+ community and make engineering at U of T a more welcoming and inclusive place for all. Some of their annual events and activities include Pride Parties, Gingerbread Bridge Building, Pride Float Building and attendance groups, LGBTQ+ event groups, EDI training modules for F!rosh Week and EngSoc, etc. Even if you are unsure about your time commitment, if you are passionate about making change and building an inclusive community, you can join QueerSphere as a general member, attend their events, volunteer, or apply to be on their executive team!
Students from across Canada attended the inaugural EngiQueers Canada conference, held in Toronto from January 27–29, 2023 [Source]
Engineering Society
In a category of its own, the Engineering Society (EngSoc) is the student government for engineering students at U of T. To learn all about EngSoc and the various ways in which you can get involved, check out their website at skule.ca.
Kennice Wong, EngSci 2T7, EngSci Year 1 Class Representative 2023-24
Intended Major: Biomedical Systems, loves listening to Huberman Lab podcasts, reading mystery novels and taking cold showers!
“I was passionate about hosting creative events, addressing student concerns, and making the class’ first-year eng sci experience as memorable as possible. I also wanted to find equally stimulating activities outside the technical realm of studying and design teams. Being a class rep allowed me to build a sense of community, talk to more students and profs, and help others and myself navigate our new engsci identities.”
“[… As a Class Rep] I acted as liasons between students and professors, addressing student concerns such as coursework deadline clashes and TA grading inconsistencies. On the fun side, we organized events exclusive to our EngSci class including a karaoke night with the talented Prof. Guerzhoy and a campus-wide capture the flag game. We attended regular meetings (with free food) and represented our class on the Faculty Council, Eng Sci Club Academic Portfolio and EngSoc, where we discussed course concerns, curriculums and student body bylaws.”
Example of a double room in Chestnut Residence [Source] (Sock monkey not included :v)
Many first-year U of T Engineering students stay at Chestnut Residence, although you might choos CampusOne, Oak House, Parkside, a U of T college residence, or an external apartment instead. Regardless, moving in will be one of the very first things you’ll do as a university student. Even though the experience can be stressful, it’s also very exciting.
Finding Roommates
Choosing roommates is important: you’ll be living with them for the next eight months, and a good roommate can enhance your experience as a student. But finding one can be a challenging task, especially if you don’t know anyone else attending U of T.
If you’re living at a U of T student residence, you’ll have access to the StarRez portal, where you can fill out a short personal profile and browse through the profiles of other students with whom you may be compatible. You can then message them and strike up a conversation.
We recommend you speak with multiple candidate roommates and select one based on sleeping habits, study preferences, shared interests, and how well you “click.” It’s very important to be honest in your personal profile about your habits – if you prefer studying late into the night, for example, you probably won’t enjoy living with a roommate who’s an early riser.
Once you move in, it’s important to establish some personal agreements and guidelines, such as noise limits and when the lights in the room will be turned off. Your Residence Don will help you through this process.
Overall, staying with roommates can be a great experience. Whether you’re outgoing or more reserved, you’ll find “your people” and make connections.
Room Tours
Some residences offer in-person and virtual residence tours throughout the summer.
If you’re able to visit in person, many residences offer tours that let you see your unit before move in. If you can’t make it to campus, many residences also provide virtual tours that’ll give you a good idea of what to expect when you move in.
Chestnut Residence holds afternoon in-person room tours until mid-August. They are a great way to see what your room will look like and determine some of the items you’ll need to bring. You’ll also see the building’s amenities so you can make the most of your residence experience. Chestnut also has virtual residence tours that can be found on their YouTube page.
Logistics of Moving In
You’ll be notified in late summer to book a date and time for moving into your residence. During this scheduled time, you’ll receive your room key and be permitted to bring guests (such as family) to help you get set up.
Living in residence has its pros and cons. While you’ll find stores, restaurants, and entertainment within walking distance, if you don’t have a car, travelling and moving large items may be difficult. Our advice is to bring as many items from home as possible to minimize the time and money spent shopping at the beginning of the school year. You might still need to buy some items after you move in. Make sure to do so before the semester starts!
Note: For those looking to attend the engineering F!rosh week orientation events, it’s important to plan where you’re staying for that week. Some residences (such as CampusOne) offer early movein, so be on the lookout.
Packing List
Residences are equipped with beds, desks, wardrobes, and pillows. Check with your residence for the list of what is included in your room. If you’re moving into an unfurnished apartment, you’ll need to provide all your furniture, kitchenware, and other items. Usually, furnished apartments will have necessities such as a bed and a desk.
You should communicate with your roommate(s) to determine if you’ll be bringing any common items, such as a minifridge or laundry detergent. In this case, you should decide who’ll purchase what and how to reimburse each other.
Mattress cover —goes over residence mattress (check your residence’s website for bed size information)
Bedsheets
Duvet or comforter and cover — main blanket
Pillow(s) if not provided by residence
Pillowcase(s)
Towels — body towels, hand towels, face towels
Toiletries — soap, shampoo, dental hygiene items, and any other products you may need
Laundry hamper/bag
Laundry detergent (liquid or pods)
Flip flops for shower if your residence has communal showers. Please DON’T wear flip flops in your room’s personal shower without first consulting your roommate, and please DO wear flip flops in communal showers!
Clothing! — we recommend you do not bring all your clothes from home; try to select some clothes that work for multiple situations! Consider weather, comfort, style, and utility (e.g. you might want some athletic clothes or formal wear)
For students who may not be familiar with the climate in Toronto, check out the pre-arrival page by the Centre for International Experience (CIE) to prepare for all four of Toronto’s (sometimes harsh) seasons.
Desktop computer/PC and/or Computer monitor – can be helpful for heavy duty 3D modelling or coding if you use a light laptop or iPad for daily work
Noise-cancelling headphones and/or earplugs – residence can be noisy, and you’ll want to focus while studying, so you might want to invest in these.
Food and snacks and storage containers – if you’re staying in residence, the dining halls will only be open at certain times during the day, so having snacks in your room can be extremely convenient and affordable. Be sure to keep them in proper containers to avoid attracting pests.
Minifridge – for storing your food and snacks. Although Chestnut Residence has common refrigerators for each floor, you might choose to keep your items separately.
Desk chair or ergonomic chair cushion– if you’re not a fan of the provided chairs
Books, hobby items, decorations – you might want to keep some fun items to use in your spare time and remind yourself of home!
Be sure to check with your residence for a more comprehensive list. Most residences at U of T will have a packing guideline on their websites outlining what furniture each unit has and suggestions for what to bring. A packing and moving-in guideline for students staying at Chestnut Residence can found on their website.
A dorm room in Morrison Hall at University College, U of T [Source]
Tips for Move-In Day
Move-in day is everyone’s first day, so everybody is as excited (and nervous) to meet new friends as you are!
Understand that people will be nervous and out of their comfort zones when they first get to university. You’ll also be meeting tons of new students from around the world and from all walks of life, so have a positive mindset and be accommodating. Take the first steps to build a great, inclusive community!
For now, focus on getting all your stuff in the room. Later, you can rearrange your furniture to make your room feel like your own.
Many students move in with their families and many students from out of Toronto move in on their own or with friends. There will be help available if you need extra assistance.
Tips for Life In Residence
Your residence room will be your home for the next eight months, so have some fun decorating it.
Given the choice between taking your meal up to your room in a box and eating downstairs, we recommend the latter. Eating in the dining hall is an incredible way to get a change of scenery and meet new people, and you get to knock out two birds with one stone by simultaneously eating and hanging out with friends!
Residence buildings offer a variety of services from gyms to music rooms. If you’ve never been to the gym before, want to try foosball, or have a downtown view while studying, the facilities and spaces in your residence can fulfill these desires.
Your floor don will probably organize a monthly floor-wide social, during which you can have fun and meet other people from your floor; attend these!
If you’re not from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), take advantage of your prime location in downtown Toronto and explore! There are tons of things to check out in Toronto, such as art exhibitions, basketball games, and restaurants. For more information, read the page about Having Fun in Toronto.
Make sure to keep in touch with your friends and family. Staying connected can help you feel supported, reduce stress, and make the transition to university life easier. Even if you’re busy and all you have to say is that you’re studying for an exam, give your people a call or fire them a quick message. Seriously, don’t skip out on this step!
Your Blog Admins’ Experiences Living in Residence
Amanda’s Experience
In first year, I lived at St. Michael’s College, specifically in Elmsley Residence. I found my roommate, Megan, on the StarRez platform over the summer after talking to quite a few people. I knew Megan was the one because we had similar stances on a lot of important residence things and we also both mentioned that we wanted to build a genuine connection with the people we were living with. What really sold it for me, though, was her talking about how much she loved cats in her StarRez bio.
We ended up living together really well, and I think that was because of the open communication we had from the beginning. On our first day, we talked about expectations and set some ground rules, but a lot of our habits developed naturally. For example, whenever one of us turned off the light, it was our signal that we were going to sleep, and the other person knew to keep the noise level down. One thing I also really appreciated was that Megan was in Humanities while I was in Engineering. It was nice having a close friend outside of my program because it gave me a different perspective and helped me branch out.
My biggest piece of advice would be to try to build a genuine connection with your roommate because it can make the whole residence experience so much more fun. Also, always wear your shower shoes in the communal bathroom. Trust me on that one. It was also helpful for me to get involved in the St. Mike’s community. This included going to monthly socials with my floor and college-wide events like the end-of-year gala. Eating in the dining hall helped me make a lot of friends during the first few weeks, and it made it easier to meet people from my program and find classmates to walk to class with.
Overall, I had a great experience in residence. If you have any questions about living on campus, things to pack, roommates, St. Mike’s, or anything else, please feel free to reach out. I’d love to talk more about my experience and share any advice I can.
Monika’s Experience:
For the past two years, I have lived in an off-campus student residence that is still mostly filled with U of T students. The place is called Tartu College, and it is located between St. George and Spadina subway stations on the north border of the campus — only a quick five-minute walk from Robarts Library. I ended up there because the building is owned by Estonians, so my family already knew about it before I came to Canada.
The building is also home to the VEMU Estonian Museum of Canada, where I have been working for the past two years. Because of that, it has been very convenient to work in the same building where I live.
I was lucky with the roommates I had during my first two years. After first year, we applied to live together again because we had built systems that helped us enjoy living with each other. For example, we had a schedule for washing the shared kitchen and bathroom towels, always had someone bulk-order toilet paper who we would e-transfer back, and were pretty open about calling people out in the group chat if someone was being too messy. We also celebrated Thanksgiving, birthdays, Halloween, Christmas, and other major holidays together since we were all away from our families.
I like that the residence has kitchen spaces in each apartment and that we are not required to purchase a meal plan, although I also really enjoy eating at Master’s Buffeteria, which is located on the first floor of the building. My biggest recommendation is to set up a room that makes you happy to spend time in and to organize your belongings well, so the space stays clean.
A design team is an engineering student group that works to design, build, and showcase engineering projects (such as autonomous robots, machine learning research papers, or space satellites) through global competitions, journal publications, and more. Design teams cover all areas of engineering and often require a diverse group of interdisciplinary engineers to complete all aspects of their projects.
Why Join a Design Team?
On design teams you’ll work on innovative projects, solve unique and interesting problems, apply knowledge from your classes, and develop significant real-world experience, all of which can help you land internships and research positions. Many engineering students join design teams to strengthen technical skills, explore a particular industry or major, meet new people from U of T and around the world, advance their career, and build cool things! You can visit this website to explore more of the clubs and design teams affiliated with U of T Engineering.
If you want to get a head start, be sure to attend the Club Fair meetups happening in person on August 12, 2026 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. EDT and online on August 13, 2026 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. EDT. The registration link will be sent through the EngSci Orientation Newsletter a week before the session. If you haven’t subscribed yet, it’s not too late. We hope to see you there!
U of T Engineering has over 20 design teams. With so many options, how do you pick the right one? Below are some of the design teams most popular with EngSci students. This is not a complete list, so we recommend you explore for yourself, attend club fairs and introductory meetings, and talk to peers and upper years to find the perfect design team for you. Remember: while it’s common for students to join design teams, it’s not mandatory; there are other ways to further your career and get involved at U of T. If you want to take some time during your first year to settle into university life, you can join these design teams at any point during your time at U of T.
Vehicular Design Teams:
Relevant majors: Aerospace, Phys, ECE, Robo, Energy Systems, MI
UTAT is an exciting, award-winning, and record-breaking design team comprising undergraduate and graduate students working on amazing design projects in the aerospace field. Watch there 2023 recruitment video here to see some of the team’s coolest projects:
Their divisions include:
Rocketry:builds and launches hybrid, liquid, and solid engineered rockets, capable of achieving tens of thousands of feet in altitude. In 2022, they launched the first experimental hybrid rocket flown in Canada. Their Defiance rocket achieved an apogee of 30,500 ft and top speed of Mach 1.4 at Launch Canada 2024, earning them second place in the competition. They’re currently developing their first-ever liquid propellant rocket called Discovery.
Unmanned Aerial Systems:builds aerial vehicles including autonomous multirotor drones (AEAC subteam), remote-controlled aircraft (SAE subteam), and autonomous racing drones (ADR subteam).
Aerospace Policy:researches the legal and societal implications of aerospace and paves the way to effectively navigate regulatory frameworks, developing methods to address technology gaps in these areas. They present at various conferences around the world and have various outreach initiatives.
In these divisions, you can work on a variety of sub teams and develop a vast repertoire of technical experience. If you’d like to join UTAT, attend one of their many recruitment events, or simply reach out to the director of the division/portfolio which most interests you!
Khang Nguyen (EngSci Aero 2T4 + PEY)
“Since my first year, joining UTAT-Space Systems has been a dream come true for me and many others who share a passion for exploring space. This incredible team has allowed me to work alongside a community of the brightest students at U of T, pushing the boundaries of innovation and contributing to the design of a spacecraft that actually goes to space. My favourite moment with UTAT was when the entire team came together to watch our first-ever satellite, HERON Mk II, launch aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket last November. That moment was a testament to our hard work, dedication, and the limitless possibilities of what a student team can achieve.”
Nat Espinosa Quintero
EngSci 2T5 + PEY (Aerospace), Aerodynamics Lead @ UTAT Rocketry
“I chose to join UTAT Rocketry two years ago because I was trying to figure out what I liked in the Aerospace Industry. I wasn’t sure what my passion and interests were so I joined hoping to learn more about them. As time went by, I realized that designing is my main interest and focus so getting involved by becoming part of the Aerodynamics Subsystem was essential for me to keep developing my knowledge and skills.”
“Being part of a design team will be challenging and time-consuming, however, it is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had during my first three years of university. Trying out different ways of organizing my time has been the key to figuring out what works for me and my lifestyle. It is always hard at the beginning, but you need to fail to learn and try again. Just keep trying, and as long as you give your best you are improving! Remember that nothing good comes easy.”
Relevant majors: ECE, Robo, MI
Founded in 2016, aUToronto is dedicated to building autonomous cars. With a Chevrolet Bolt EUV as the basis, the team has developed and implemented their own autonomy stack into the car, which consists of perception, planning, and control, and all the software and electromechanical aspects.
From 2016 to 2021, the team emerged victorious in the GM/SAE AutoDrive Challenge Round I, taking four consecutive wins. They then started working towards a Level 4 autonomous vehicle capable of complete navigation in urban driving environments to compete in Round II. Recently the team placed first overall at the 2025 SAE AutoDrive Challenge™ Round II. Their sub teams include Perception, Autonomy, Mechatronics and Infrastructure, and Operations.
Whether you’re interested in perception and artificial intelligence, control, electronics, or autonomous vehicles in general, apply to aUToronto. You’ll have the chance to work on the incredible challenge of autonomous vehicles, with world-class mentorship from industry partners and faculty. Even if you’re a first-year student, they’re interested in seeing your enthusiasm and commitment to learning; best of luck with your application!
Relevant majors: Aero, ECE, Energy, MSF
The Blue Sky Solar Racing team has designed, built, and raced solar-powered vehicles since 1995. The cars are highly optimized, weighing less than 1/3 the average F1 car while capable of reaching 100 km/h running entirely on solar energy! They compete in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, and consistently place highly amongst their competition – both for their engineering skills and their operational and strategic execution.
Whether you’re interested in the mechanical, aerodynamic, electrical, operational, or solar energy aspects of the vehicles, Blue Sky Solar Racing is a great place to learn technical skills and contribute to the future of sustainable vehicles. If you’re interested, attend one of their recruitment sessions. You can even see their cars on display in the Bahen Centre! Read more about their team on their website.
Ben Boyd, EngSci 2T6 + PEY Research Assistant @ Balloon Astrophysics Group, Blue Sky Mechanical Co-Lead and Aerodynamics Team Member
“Back in my first year, I was on the hunt for a design team to join for more hands-on experience outside of school and something to beef up my resume, but I found it tough to stick with a team and put in good effort. Then, at the start of my second year, I joined Blue Sky, and everything changed. I realized I needed more than just technical experience — I needed a team where I could really enjoy the work and the people around me. That’s exactly what I found with Blue Sky. It wasn’t just about the field I’m interested in; I genuinely enjoyed working with the team members.”
“A lot of new students worry about balancing schoolwork and extracurriculars. For me, when you really enjoy what you’re doing and have a great group of people to do it with, it doesn’t feel like work at all. It’s fun, and you learn a ton along the way. My advice to incoming EngSci students? Take your time to find something you love doing, and you’ll have an awesome experience!”
Relevant majors: BME, ECE, Energy, Phys, Robo
UTCV builds small vehicles powered by chemical reactions. Divided into the mechatronics, operations, power, and reactions subteams, as a UTCV member you’ll gain hands-on chemical lab experience and get to practice technical skills.
They compete in the American Institute for Chemical Engineers’ Chem-E-Car Competitions against universities from around the world; at their most recent competition in Orlando, they placed sixth out of 46 teams. Currently, UTCV continues to build their chemically powered electric cars, while researching how to scale them up into real, full-sized vehicles.
Relevant majors: Aero, Phys
Concrete Canoe transforms regular concrete into a strong, not-very-dense, and fast canoe! Their process includes material science as they find the optimal concrete composites, mechanical design for the canoe’s physical structure, and manufacturing with industry-grade tools and precision. You’ll engage with CAD, proprietary software for simulation, and CNC machining (and of course, some good ol’ fashioned elbow grease).
They compete in the annual Canadian National Concrete Canoe Competition, at which they’re evaluated based on their final product, technical report, presentation, and paddling race. The race categories include the men’s endurance, women’s endurance, men’s sprint, women’s sprint, and co-ed sprint. If you want to combine engineering design with athletic performance, get involved with Concrete Canoe!
Concrete Toboggan builds toboggans with fully concrete running surfaces. Their design subteam designs and manufactures the toboggan, including its concrete “skis”, carbon fiber superstructure, and braking and steering systems. Their spirit subteam focuses on the presentation, marketing, sponsorship, and aesthetic aspects of the team.
The U of T Concrete Toboggan Team with their toboggan.
[Source]
Concrete Toboggan competes against over 20 North American universities in the annual Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race (GNCTR), at which they’re evaluated based on their performance through a challenging course, design, technical presentation, and team spirit! They consistently achieve top placements, including winning first place overall at GNCTR Toronto in 2025. If you’re interested in anything from aerodynamics and manufacturing, to presentations, artwork, and wacky costumes, you should check out their team. You can also check out one of their toboggans in the Myhal Lobby!
Relevant majors: Aero, ECE, Energy, Phys
UTSM designs and builds extremely fuel-efficient vehicles. They’re currently developing a Prototype Battery Electric Vehicle, and an Urban Concept Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (with the only fuel being hydrogen and oxygen, and the only byproducts being energy and water).
In UTSM, you can expect to strengthen your skills in mechanical and aerobody design, gain a deep understanding of efficient vehicles and sustainable energy, and build some sleek-looking cars, one of which is on display in the Myhal Lobby. UTSM competes in annually in the Shell Eco Marathon Americas (SEMA) competition. Check out their team at the SEMA last year:
Relevant majors: Robo, ECE, MI, Aero
Robotics for Space Exploration is U of T’s Mars Rover Team. They design and build Mars Rovers for competitions such as the University Rover Challenge, European Rover Challenge, and Canadian International Rover Challenge.
RSX’s subteams resemble those of NASA Rover teams, and include CANSAT (designing a space probe), Science (developing the rover’s ability to perform research tasks while on “Mars”), Software (focusing on control, autonomy, and communications), Arm (creating a robotic arm), Mechanical, and Electrical teams.
In addition to competing in Rover Challenges across the world, RSX hosts their annual Space Exploration Engineering Kompetition (SEEK) and performs outreach at various Space Conferences. If you’re interested, make sure to check them out at a club fair or reach out directly! Look at their promotional video from 2024 to see some of their work:
Sunny Zhang, EngSci Robo 2T6 Hopes to pursue a career in surgical robotics
“I joined RSX’s Arm subteam because [coming into university], I knew I loved robots, but wasn’t sure which areas [most interested me]. The Arm subteam gave me opportunities to engage in all aspects of robot design, including mechanical, electrical and software, […]. I’ve learned valuable skills in PCB design and ROS, and designed the mechanics of the arm around the harsh environments and tasks in which we compete.”
Relevant majors: Aero, ECE, Robo, Energy, MI
Founded in 1997, UTFR is an award-winning team that designs and builds electric formula racecars and competes in various Formula Racing competitions around the world. Every year, their subteams develop the electrical, autonomous, and mechanical aspects of a new race car. UTFR members undergo extensive training in various technical areas and have plenty of chances to contribute to the car’s development. Take a look at the latest car that the team’s racing at competitions this summer:
Their 2024 model, UT24, placed first in the New Hampshire Formula Hybrid and Electric competition, and 9th at Formula SAE Electric Michigan. Their 2025 model, UT25 placed second in the New Hampshire Formula Hybrid and Electric competition. Read more on the team’s success on the Engineering News Page. Also be sure to check out their Instagram for some updated videos about their 2026 competitions.
If you’re interested in the team and want to contribute to future successes, keep an eye out for UTFR’s recruiting cycle.
HPVDT focuses on the design and construction of innovative, high-performance human-powered vehicles. Currently, they’re working on a speed bike and a human-powered plane. In recent years, their vehicles have broken world speed records! As a team member, you might work on mechanical or electrical computer-aided design (CAD), finite element analysis (FEA), embedded programming, vehicle aerodynamics, microcontrollers and microprocessors, or machining. If you’re interested in accelerating human biomechanics to a whole new level, feel free to sign up on their webiste!
Jaden Stanshall, EngSci 2T6 + PEY Electrical Design Intern @ Engineering Design Lab | Head of Electronics @ HPVDT
“Hello! I’m Jaden, EngSci Robo 2T6 and Head of Electronics at HPVDT. I joined HPVDT initially as a mechanical subteam member in September 2022, but I quickly redirected my focus to the electrical subteam when the magic electronics caught my attention. A unique aspect of HPVDT, and what initially drew me in, is the combination of an engineering and athletic competition; our projects test the limits of athletic achievement and engineering design, which to me is an appealing endeavour 👀. Above all, I’m beyond stoked to be working on a variety of groundbreaking projects with a close-knit team of passionate individuals, and I look forward to seeing many new faces in the workshop this coming Fall. Welcome to SKULE!”
Non-Vehicular Design Teams:
Relevant majors: ECE, Robo, MI, MSF, BME
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) is the world’s largest organization for the advancement of technology. IEEE U of T, while less of a traditional design team, provides plenty of opportunities in which students can build plenty of diverse, interesting projects and accelerate their technical skills.
IEEE hosts programming and interview workshops and tech talks and has recently started design teams dedicated to building Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Micromouse robots. Their Tech Team always builds fascinating projects through electronics and software. Most importantly, IEEE hosts huge hackathons such as NewHacks (a beginner-friendly hackathon), MakeUofT (Canada’s largest makeathon) and Hack the Student Life (an AWS-centered hackathon).
If you’re interested in developing both your technical and professional abilities, make sure to sign up for the IEEE U of T Newsletter so you never miss an event, and take the next step towards your career in tech!
Vraj Prajapati, EngSci 2T6 + PEY MI Currently researching on how to make AI smarter through neuromorphic computing and hardware acceleration
“IEEE U of T [shares] similar values of technological progress and innovation, but we focus on empowering students with the skills and exposure needed to tackle the problems of the future. IEEE is not only for those who like computers; we want to instill the skills for students to truly get into the EngSci spirit of interdisciplinary engineering! This coming year IEEE will host all of its staple events, […] with some new additions […]”
“I joined IEEE last year as the Co-Director of the Tech Team. As someone who values practical experience, I learned so much from being hands-on and applying my learning through unique projects like a Pepsi Turret, and creating workshops for U of T Students! I can’t recommend enough for curious students to get involved with IEEE, especially through our unique First Year Associate program, to get mentorship and guidance from our amazing team.”
Relevant Majors: BME, ECE, MI, Robo
UT BIOME is a design team that develops medical devices. They select high-impact projects and undergo the complete engineering design process, including research, design, prototyping, and testing. Their recent projects have included a device for continuous bladder irrigation, and a modular leg prosthetic for children. Whether you’re interested in biology, software, or mechanical design, UT BIOME has a role for you.
Furthermore, they collaborate with other Canadian universities to present annual events such as the Canadian Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Conference (CUBEC), and MedSprint biomedical engineering design-a-thon. For more information, check out their Instagram page.
Relevant majors: BME, MI, MSF
iGEM is a design team focusing on synthetic biology. Every year since 2007, the team designs a synthetic biology research project and competes with other schools at the annual International Genetically Engineered Machine Grand Jamboree.
IGEM’s primary subteams include Wetlab (hands-on experiments bringing biology to life), Drylab (the digital tools of synthetic biology, modelling, bioinformatics, and machine learning), Hardware (creating electronic solutions for synthetic biology projects), and Human Practices (engaging with stakeholders and researching societal implications of the research).
Jacqueline Zhu, Intended Major: Biomedical Systems or Robotics Passionate about bioelectronics, neurorobotics, control systems, and public health
“iGEM Toronto excites me about bioinformatics, from cracking DNA codes to designing disease-fighting proteins. This year, my Dry Lab team is building machine learning models for plasmid generation and using sequence analysis to validate the ORIs. I hope to leverage these skills in designing biocompatible interfaces for my bioelectronics research.”
Relevant majors: MI, ECE, Robo, MSF
UTMIST is a team consisting of over 60 undergraduate and graduate students dedicated to clearing “the MIST around machine intelligence for the eager young minds.” Their Academics Department hosts lecture series on machine learning topics such as introductory PyTorch and Large Language Models. Their Engineering Department consists of subteams led by student directors, who submit proposals to recruit their own team for machine learning research projects in a six-month development cycle. If you want to immerse yourself in machine learning and gain academic and professional experience, check UTMIST’s website and get involved!
Relevant majors: Robo, ECE, MI,
Founded in 2004, UTRA has built robots for all kinds of purposes. Their teams include Sumo, RoboSoccer, Combat, Pacbots, Autonomous Rover, Robonars workshops, and an annual hackathon called UTRAHacks. Their most popular subdivision is the Autonomous Rover Team, which builds a fully autonomous rover to compete in the annual International Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition, while Sumo robotics is a beginner-friendly competition in which you can compete against your peers!
Robots are complex systems; UTRA members learn about the mechanical, electrical, software, and artificial intelligence systems that comprise various types of robots. Check out their website to learn more about their teams, and how to get involved.
Eshan Sankar (previous blog admin), EngSci 2T7 + PEY Intended Major: ECE/Robo (with potential minor in AI) | Interested in cool tech
“I joined UTRA to extend my hardware skills; as a member of the embedded systems subteam, I’ve had the chance to test and implement electrical systems, use electronic computer-aided design, and learn software such as the Robot Operating System. I’ve gained an invaluable amount of mentorship from the amazing team leads (almost all of whom are upper-year ECEs and EngScis)!”
“Along with some teammates, I attended the 31st IGVC, which was an amazing experience; it was great to engage in the fast-paced development of our rover, and witness that of tens of teams from around the world.”
Relevant majors: Phys, MSF
UTSD, comprised of engineering and architecture students, designs and builds an earthquake- resistant high-rise structure out of balsa wood. They design the structure and floor plans of the tower with CAD software and test their designs using industry-grade analysis software, custom-built simulation scripts, and real dynamic testing apparatuses at U of T labs.
UTSD competes in the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute’s Annual Seismic Design Competition. If you’re interested in physics, design, software, and construction, consider joining their team. Check out their Seismic Academy video series on their YouTube channel, through which you’ll learn the theoretical and applied math and physics behind earthquake-resistant buildings.
Relevant majors: ECE, BME, Robo
Spark builds interactive mechatronic displays that are placed around campus and at various events. These displays are often inspired by board games, video games, interesting experiments, art displays, and just about anything you may find at a science museum! Spark is divided into mechanical and electrical subteams; members learn about mechatronics design, human-machine interactions, and more, to design and build amazing technology that hundreds can have fun with. If you just want to see their builds, check out their list of projects, or find (and play with) an actual display on campus!
Relevant majors: MSF, MI
UTSPAN combines many mathematical fields to study and predict the performance of sports teams. The student group’s goals are to connect members who share a passion for sports analytics, organize and conduct research, and connect members to industry leaders in the field. UTSPAN is always working on cool projects involving math and machine learning, and they host many seminars about these topics. In the past, they’ve even worked with Canada’s national basketball team. If you want to combine programming, math, and sports, you can’t go wrong with this club. Fun fact: they won the NFL’s Big Data Bowl in 2023.
Relevant majors: Phys, MSF
After you complete CIV102 (Structures and Materials), you may want to do more bridge-building endeavours. The Troitsky Bridge Building Team incorporates engineering design and calculations to create bridges to withstand great loads.
The U of T division is divided into multiple teams. These compete at the annual Troitsky Bridge Building Competition at Concordia University and are judged based on their bridge’s performance under a hydraulic press, and a structural analysis report and writeup. For the last three years, the first-place prize has gone to teams from U of T!
Relevant majors: Aero, ECE, Energy, Phys
UTWind unites students across engineering and environmental sciences to design and build a small-scale wind turbine. Their subsystems include aerodynamics, controls, mechanical and manufacturing, power systems, and sustainability. They compete against universities from across the world at the annual International Small Wind Turbine Contest, held at the Hanze University of Applied Science in Delft, Netherlands. In 2022, they won first place overall! If you’re interested, feel free to drop in during a work session in the Myhal Arena!
Accessibility is the practice of making things available to and usable by as many people as possible. It’s based on ensuring equity among the student body by recognizing that everyone has different circumstances which require different support. An equitable environment allows everyone to access the necessary resources they need to thrive.
The deadline to register for the Fall 2026 Term is July 13th at 5pm.See deadlines here.
Peer Supports:
The Access Us Peer Mentorship Programpairs students who are new to Accessibility Services with a peer mentor and gives them access to a supportive community that includes
mentorship by an upper-year student
social events throughout the semester
academic workshops led by a learning strategist or other professional (e.g. time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking, etc.)
leadership, professional, and career development opportunities
The Peer Connection programs provide eligible students an informal space to connect and discuss topics relevant to their disability and identity. For detailed information on program eligibility and registration, check out the Accessibility Services page on Peer Connection programs here.
If you’re not registered with Accessibility Services, you may want to become a volunteer notetaker! As a volunteer notetaker, you’ll help contribute to others’ academic success and an equitable learning environment. All you need to do is sign up to become a volunteer (usually at the beginning of the semester) and then upload your class notes to a portal. Based on certain conditions, your volunteering may be eligible for a co-curricular record. To learn more, visit the Accessibility Services page on Volunteer Notetaking.
Academic Supports:
If you’re registered with Accessibility Services, you can meet with their in-house learning strategists individually or in small groups. These sessions help you develop personalized strategies for achieving your academic goals and addressing any challenges your disability may pose to your learning.
An adaptive technologist can help students with disabilities find ways in which technology can support them in their learning. If you’re registered with Accessibility Services, your accessibility advisor can refer you to an adaptive technologist for an assessment.
If you require accommodation for course assessments, such as quizzes, tests, exams, and online assessments, you’ll have to first register with Accessibility Services and request approval to write your assessments with accommodations. Once approved, you’ll register with Accommodated Testing Services (ATS). For more details on the process, check out the Accommodated Testing Services page here.
Other Supports:
This program is open to incoming students entering their first year at any post-secondary institution in Canada who self-identify as having disabilities. Moving Forward is a one-day program that supports students living with disabilities by:
helping you navigate academic accommodations at the post-secondary level
introducing you to online, hybrid, and in-person learning, lectures and note-taking
giving you strategies for managing life in and out of the classroom (including tips for virtual and hybrid learning)
teaching you university-level academic learning strategies and skills
connecting you with a community of peers and Accessibility Services staff
helping you transition to the next stage of your academic career
This program is offered several times throughout the summer. Moving Forward offers general programming for students at any study level, and specific programming for:
incoming students on the Autism Spectrum
incoming students who’re international/living outside of Ontario
In these sessions, you can get in-depth information on all the accessibility and accommodation services offered throughout the year, along with a series of workshops, panels, and strategy sessions. For detailed information on program eligibility and event dates, you can view the Moving Forward Program overview here.
Accessibility Services aims to provide a culturally supportive environment for Indigenous students with disabilities. If you’re an indigenous student who satisfies the eligibility criteria listed here, you can book a consultation with the Accessibility Services Indigenous Liaison, Erin Martin, to discuss available pathways, the registration process, and documentation requirements.
U of T provides an optional registration process for service animals to minimize the need for producing health documentation and allow seamless integration into campus life. Students can register their service animal to receive a TCard sticker that notifies others that their animal qualifies as a service animal under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). For more information about life on campus with a service animal, you can check out the Service Animals Guideline page here.
Note:There may still be circumstances where a service animal may need to be excluded from certain spaces. Please refer to the guidelines on the Service Animal Registration page here.
If you have any questions or concerns about registering with U of T Accessibility Services, or about the programs they offer, feel free to reach out to their office. Their friendly staff is here to support you with your transition into and time in university. To book an appointment with your assigned accessibility advisor, an adaptive technologist, or a learning strategist, please contact reception (contact information provided below and on the Accessibility Services webpage here).
Registration Deadlines 2026-2027
If you’re not yet registered with Accessibility Services and would like to have accommodation in place for the start of classes in Fall, the early registration deadline is July 13, by 5 p.m. To have accommodations in place for the Fall final exam period, you must register by 5 p.m. on October 9. For a regularly updated list of registration deadlines, please refer to the Accessibility Services Registration page here.
You can sign up for academic accommodations with Accessibility Services at any point during your time at U of T after you’ve accepted your admission offer and have your UTORid or JOINid. However, it’s essential to complete your registration by the deadlines specified above to ensure accommodations are available at the start of each semester and during exam periods.
