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EDI-Related Groups

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As incoming students, you have an incredible opportunity to create positive change within U of T Engineering and the broader community. Over the last few years, the University of Toronto has committed to implementing EDI-related actions from several task force reports.  

U of T Engineering and EngSci are working toward achieving these goals. You can help us get there!   

EDI Resources and Initiatives

Below are some of the U of T services and faculty-wide initiatives that aim to create a healthy, creative, and productive university experience for all.   

The EngSoc Equity and Inclusivity Director promotes awareness of equity and inclusivity across the Skule™ community. They collaborate with student clubs, university services, and the Ombudsperson to foster meaningful dialogue, connect students with support, and respond to the evolving needs of the student body.  

EngSci has a grassroots initiative called the EDI Working Group consisting of faculty and staff in the Division of Engineering Science. For more information on updates and upcoming initiatives from this group, check out their webpage.  

The EEDIAG’s goal is open to everyone at U of T Engineering. It creates spaces for conversations about equity and diversity issues and implements initiatives that promote inclusion on campus.   

The EEDIAG hosts Open Discussions and other events open to the entire U of T Engineering community for learning, sharing experiences, and discussing ideas for new initiatives together. If you have any suggestions, questions, or would like to join EEDIAG, please email  eng.equity@utoronto.ca.   

The ARCDO team offers excellent free training workshops for any University member wanting to learn more about their roles and responsibilities, and strategies for advancing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. These include workshops on allyship and events for racialized community members.  

First Nations House provides culturally relevant services to Indigenous students for supporting academic success, personal growth, and leadership development. They offer learning opportunities for all students to engage with Indigenous communities at U of T and beyond.  

Student Community Groups

In addition to EDI resources and initiatives offered by U of T Engineering, there are a lot of student groups on campus that create community for underrepresented groups. Join them to advocate for change and see the impact of your involvement. 

[Source]

The Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) aims to serve and represent the needs of Muslims on- and off-campus. As the first MSA to be established in Canada, it has grown to be U of T’s largest student club at the forefront of social justice, community service, as well as academic and faith-based support. It has a membership of over 1,500 students, faculty and staff.   

NSBEHacks Organized by the U of T Chapter of NSBE [Source]

NSBEHacks Organized by the U of T Chapter of NSBE [Source] 

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) U of T Collegiate Chapter is dedicated to the academic growth and professional development, as well as the personal growth, of its club members. This club focuses on marginalized groups within the U of T space and continually partners with different companies in STEM to provide students with the opportunity to connect and network with them. Of equal importance, NSBE values building a community amongst its members to create a strong support system and build lasting friendships as we navigate the ever-changing social and professional world. Every year, they host NSBEHacks: “The first student-run hackathon dedicated to the experiences of Black individuals in technology and engineering.” 

Pride Parade Organized by Engineering Positive Space [Source]

 From the Engineering Positive Space website:  
 
“Founded in 2010, Engineering Positive Space is an informal group of students, staff and faculty who work together to make U of T Engineering a place where everyone in our diverse community can feel at home. The group meets a few times each year to discuss challenges and plan for events like Pink Shirt Day and Toronto Pride, which have become U of T Engineering traditions.” 

QueerSphere is a part of the Engineering Positive Space initiative. It’s the LGBTQ+ group here at Skule. Getting people involved in and aware of the LGBTQ+ community to make engineering at U of T a more welcoming and inclusive place for all is their goal. Throughout the year, they run socials and fun events such as Pride parties and Gingerbread Bridge Building and run EDI training modules for F!rosh Week and EngSoc – and they’re hoping to do even more this year!  

WISE National Conference 2026 [Source]

U of T’s student chapter of Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)  is a community of advocates for gender equality in STEM. Through their mentorship initiatives, high school and community outreach programs, professional development workshops, and National Conference, they hope to empower women, 2-spirit, and non-binary individuals in STEM by building necessary leadership skills and confidence to achieve their full potential in any future ambitions!      

EWB U of T Chapter [Source]

EWB’s U of T chapter invests in people, providing learning opportunities and ownership of projects to nurture their growth as leaders in a community that makes an impact on global development and social and systemic change. They’re committed to challenging our own ideas and misconceptions. They expose members to the realities of poverty and privilege. The chapter experiments, fails forward, and adapts to make meaningful progressive impact for sustainable and equitable change in Toronto and the world. 

The Skule Mental Wellness Group is comprised of engineering students that’re strong advocates for mental health and wellness. They provide the Skule community with access to mental health resources and run events, workshops, and fun activities throughout the year to help relieve the stress that comes with being an engineering student.  

These are just some of the ways you can get involved in creating change within the Faculty. We can’t showcase all the amazing groups advocating for EDI in one blog post. A more comprehensive list can be found here. We hope you feel empowered to join any group that speaks to you. We’re excited about the future of engineering with all of us working together to make it a more inclusive space!  

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in EngSci

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Where do you call home?

U of T Engineering is home to students from over 40 countries! 

Each person brings a unique combination of culture, ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, socio-economic background, lived experience, and perspectives that make our community such a vibrant place. This fosters a wonderfully rich learning environment that’ll expand your horizons and make you a better engineer. After all, engineers design products and processes for people coming from different lived experiences and from wide-ranging circumstances. Thus, having diverse voices yields engineering solutions that support more people in the community.    

As you join the U of T Engineering community, you’ll begin to understand why this place is so important to so many people. Over the next four or five years, you’ll not only build a foundation for your career but also form friendships and memories that’ll last a lifetime. You’ll have experiences that you’ll recount years from now. You’ll join a global community of over 60,000 alumni who have graduated before you and have a strong emotional attachment to Skule™ for those same reasons.  

U of T Engineering students at the 2023 Pride Parade [Source]
Engineering Students at Godiva Week

We want every single community member—staff, students, professors, and alumni—to feel a strong sense of belonging and support. We want everyone to achieve their full potential through an environment of mutual respect for the dignity and worth of every person.    

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) are core values that we all embrace, promote, and put into action. For definitions of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, check out this page.  

You have an important role to play in achieving this goal! We hope this post will help you understand your role in helping U of T and EngSci create a unique and supportive community.  You’ll learn how our engineering student body has evolved, what it looks like today, and our goals for the future. 

History of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in U of T Engineering

Today, U of T Engineering is represented by a diverse student body, but this wasn’t always the case.   

Engineering has exclusionary origins. Historically, the engineering profession was primarily open to white males in the middle or upper class. The term “engineer” actually has origins in the military, which was, of course, a very male-dominated domain.   

As social norms changed, so did engineering schools in Canada, albeit slowly. The first woman to graduate with an engineering degree from U of T was Elsie Gregory MacGill in 1927. Our Faculty’s first female permanent academic staff was Marion Bassett in 1958. Students and academics from racial and ethnic minority groups also started to enter the profession. Since then, we have made progress towards gender equity and greater representation of many cultures and minority groups. Our first-year class is now approximately 40% women. It’s also culturally and ethnically diverse with about a third of students coming from outside of Canada.   

Photograph of the past Cannon Guard [Source]
Historically, the engineering profession was male dominated.
Women in the School of Practical Science [Source]
Gradually, more women enrolled & graduated from U of T Engineering.
Photo of U of T Engineering students at a recent Pride Parade [Source]
There is now a much greater representation of genders (binary and non-binary), as well as racial and ethnic minority groups within U of T Engineering.

What Is the Mission? Where Are We Going? And How Will We Get There?

Diversity is necessary in engineering.

It’s important to remember that engineers design solutions for real-life problems. Their work impacts everyone. If engineers don’t represent the lived experience of diverse populations, they’re unlikely to address everyone’s needs in their work, or even know what problems need addressing in the first place.      

In our view, there are three main reasons why diversity is essential to successful engineering.   

Access to fulfilling and lucrative careers should in no way be restricted by race, ethnicity, culture, sexuality, gender, religion, or any other identity factor, both visible and hidden. 

Opportunity and success should be a truly level playing field based on abilities and character.  

On the flipside, all communities should benefit from engineers who understand and address their specific challenges.    

Second, we need more engineers and should recruit the best talent from the broadest pool possible. Engineers are in high demand and we have not been educating enough engineers to replace those retiring, let alone expanding the field at large. Diverse groups must be welcomed into the profession for the benefit of society, the economy, and our collective human technological capabilities.  

Finally, creativity is key to engineering innovation and diverse groups are more creative. Engineers are called on to design solutions to new, never-before-seen problems for diverse stakeholders every day. Creativity relies on one’s ability to draw connections between previously unconnected knowledge and ideas. Engineers from different backgrounds bring diverse skills, experiences, values, priorities, and knowledge to the table. The more unique the connections that can be drawn, the more creative we can be. And innovative and creative thinking is what engineering is all about. Anyone can read a manual; not everyone can write it. 

Diversity in engineering represents justice, progress, and success in allowing equal opportunity for all people, regardless of externalities. Canada needs diversity in engineering to generate the innovation necessary for effective leadership.  

Your Role

Student Participation in ESEC 2020 [Source]

No matter your background or identity, we are all responsible for treating each other with respect and support, and to speak up – whether in person or online – when we witness disrespectful behavior.  

Be curious and educate yourself through U of T Engineering’s cultural competencies toolkits. You’re going to meet people who are not like you or who are from places very different from your home community.  Use this chance to learn from them and about their experiences.  This’ll help you grow as a person and as an engineer, and will help you avoid misunderstandings, e.g., while doing teamwork. U of T Engineering has many ways for you to learn about the experiences of your classmates from different backgrounds. (E.g., check out the Black Cultural Competencies Toolkit (BCCT) or the Indigenous Cultural Competencies Toolkit (ICCT)). 

Familiarize yourself with the Student Code of Conduct.

The code covers not only the rules around academic integrity but also the expectations about respectful behaviour inside and outside of the classroom, including in online spaces.  It is your responsibility to know the rules.

U of T Engineering is a professional faculty. Your degree will qualify you to join the engineering profession.  You are expected to develop professionalism during your time here, which includes learning how to interact courteously with anyone you meet. 

Join student groups, technical projects or social initiatives that promote equity, diversity and inclusion. A great place to start is the Engineering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Group.   

Above all, be respectful, supportive, and inclusive of all your peers in engineering to help make this community even better. 

All of us play a part in calling out disrespectful actions. We encourage you to speak up. There are several ways you can make a confidential (and anonymous) disclosure about bias, discrimination, harassment, or unprofessionalism.   

Sharing this information helps us not only to address specific incidents, but also to better understand where there are recurring issues or gaps in education, or supports.  

The EngSci office encourages you to use any of the methods below to make a disclosure.   

If you experience or witness potential incident(s) of discrimination, harassment or harmful unprofessionalism in our community, you can choose your level of involvement:  

  1. Speak to a professor or staff member you feel comfortable with to disclose the incident.  
  1. Contact your academic advisor . They are knowledgeable and compassionate individuals who can connect you with the right supports.  
  1. Use one of U of T’s’pathways for raising a concern and/or getting support.

To learn more, visit the Faculty’s EDI page and EngSci’s EDI page. If you’re a member of an underrepresented group we hope that the resources highlighted in our other EDI post are helpful for finding community and support.  

Engineering Science Education Conference (ESEC)

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ESEC 2024 Speaker Raffaello D’Andrea and his audience [Source]

What is ESEC?

The Engineering Science Education Conference (ESEC) is a student-run, EngSci-exclusive annual conference held every January, mandatory for Year 1 and 2 EngSci students and optional for Years 3 and 4. The goal of ESEC is to let you explore the many opportunities available to you with an EngSci degree.  

You’ll hear firsthand from professionals from a wide range of career paths—broadly related to the subjects taught in EngSci, who will talk about their professional and personal lives after graduation.   

Details for ESEC 2027 will be posted in the Fall. You can view details on ESEC 2026 here. 

Follow ESEC on Instagram right now @esecuoft! That way you’ll learn about this year’s conference as soon as details are announced.

Past Speakers

ESEC 2023 speaker Leila Kheradpir [Source]
ESCE 2025 speaker Dr. Robert Thirsk Canadian Astronaut [Source]

In the past, we’ve had highly accomplished speakers like Dr. Robert Thirsk (Canadian astronaut), Donna Strickland (recipient of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics), Anna Goldenberg (AI Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Chair and Senior Scientist in the Genetics and Genome Biology program at SickKids Research Institute), Geoffrey Hinton (Vector Institute, U of T and recipient of 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics), and Raffaello D’Andrea (EngSci ECE 9T1, co-founder of Amazon Robotics and founder of Verity, as well as a professor at ETH Zurich).   

Fireside Chats and Lunch & Learn

ESEC 2026 Fireside Chats with Alan Mackworth, UBC Professor Emeritus [Source]
ESEC 2025 Lunch and Learn [Source]

On top of inspiring talks, you are given opportunities to chat with the speakers and ask them personalized questions in informal settings. The first of these is Fireside Chats the night before the conference. The second is the Lunch & Learn session in the middle of the conference day.  

ILead ESEC Prep Workshop

If you’ve never attended a professional conference before or want to hone your skills for interacting with senior professionals, sign up for the ESEC Prep Workshop, organized by ILead specifically for Year 1 and 2 students! By attending the workshop, you can learn:

  • How to navigate new interactions with ease 
  • How to view “networking” as “relationship-building”  
  • How to prepare for a networking situation  
  • How to be a good listener  
  • The art of asking good professional questions at a conference or 1:1  

Keep an eye out for registration information on ESEC’s website and Instagram page (@esecuoft) once details for ESEC 2027 are posted this fall.

ESEC Student Executive Team

ESEC is run in part by upper-year EngScis, for younger EngScis! This student executive team works hard to find speakers for the conference and bring students’ perspectives to ESEC’s planning. Your ESEC 2027 student executive team is:   

Co-Chairs: Sara Parvaresh Rizi and Jessica Fu (both Year 3 ECE);  

Director of Operations: Perry Xu (Year 2);  

Director of Communications: Jiaxu Zhao (Year 2)  

Photo of the speakers, volunteers, and the executive team from ESEC 2026 [Source]

Fun Things to Do On Campus

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Academics can be fun, but you’ll want to make sure you spend time outside the classroom doing other things! A big part of the university experience is hanging out with friends and enjoying life in a new setting. Here are some (budget-friendly) fun things on U of T’s campus.  

Go to Hart House

Hart House is essentially U of T’s community center. Whether you want to catch a game of chess at U of T’s official chess club, play basketball, eat at a nice restaurant, see a play, attend Skule Nite, swim, or just admire some neo-Gothic architecture and ivy-covered walls, you can do it all at Hart House!  

To learn more about the Hart House Fitness Centre and other athletic facilities on campus, check out this blog post!  

Hart House Wellness Classes [Source]

EngSci Common Room

Yes, we’ve talked about the EngSci Common Room before, but it really is a lot of fun! From just hanging out on comfy chairs and chatting, to playing board games, competing in high-stakes foosball, or settling your differences in Super Smash Bros, Fortnite, or one of the many video games on the consoles there, the Common Room is where you can have some of your most fun moments as an EngSci.  

Play Sports

Studying hard is a sedentary activity, but U of T has tons of ways for you to stay active and healthy and reduce stress. In addition to just working out, the Athletics Centre offers drop-in sessions (i.e. no booking needed) for sports such as basketball, ultimate frisbee, and yoga. You can also book courts for squash, table tennis, badminton, and more. All of this is covered by your tuition!  If you don’t have the equipment, you can rent rackets and balls at the Athletic Centre equipment counter.  

Attend a Varsity Blues Game

Show your pride for U of T by cheering on the Varsity Blues with all your friends. The Varsity Blues play almost every sport you can think of, and their games are always free for U of T students – just remember your TCard! You can check their schedule online. Go Varsity Blues! 

Aerial view of Varsity Stadium [Source]
Basketball at the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport [Source]

Join Clubs and Design Teams

We’ve talked about these extracurriculars quite a lot, but we’re serious when we say that you can have tons of fun in clubs and design teams. In addition to engineering-specific clubs/teams, feel free to check out some university-wide clubs; U of T truly has something for every interest under the sun.  

Play Board Games

U of T libraries offer tons of board games which can be loaned for two weeks at a time. For example, here you can find all the board games offered at the Engineering & Computer Science Library. The U of T library has classic games like Monopoly, Clue, and Sorry which are quick and easy to pick up, in addition to well-loved newer games such as Tokaido, Dixit, and Catan. Board games are an amazing way to connect with your university friends, and the fact that the library lets you access them for free makes it easy to host an awesome board game pizza party.  

Innis College Movie Night

Nestled right in the heart of U of T St. George Campus, Innis College hosts free movies every Friday night at 7 PM through their “Free Friday Films”. Their selection of weekly movies is posted in advance on social media. These movies tend to be acclaimed films that allow you to learn as you watch. To learn more about these movie nights, check out the Innis College Movie Night.  

Sign up for the Innis College mailing list to get updates on upcoming movie nights and events.  

Musical and Theatrical Performances

The Faculty of Music offers regular free live classical music concerts and recitals, both in-person and virtual (through a livestream on their Youtube channel). U of T also has many different musical theatre groups, such as Skule Nite, Trinity College Dramatic Society, Hart House Theatre, and the brand-new Engineering Drama Society, which is currently working on its production of Come from Away. As a student, you can get discounted tickets to their shows and also get involved with the productions. 

Skule Nite Crew at Hart House Theatre [Source]

Visit the U of T Art Museum

If you’re an art lover or just want to have a relaxing time looking at beautiful works, drop by the U of T Art Museum! The museum’s exhibits are in Hart House and University College. They run all year round with free admission and showcase the wide diversity of art and art history. 

Just Walk Around!

U of T campus is beautiful and unique. Take some time to just walk around and gaze at some of the impressive architecture, try to find a new study spot, check out some state-of-the-art labs, and more! There are lots of hidden gems like the courtyards in the colleges and quiet spaces in the many libraries.  

Check out Philosopher’s Walk, a beautiful, green path which extends from Hoskin Avenue to Bloor Street. Photo by Charles Birnbaum, 2014, The Cultural Landscape Foundation [Source]

Opportunities Abroad

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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

It’s Just a Cool Thing to do:

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.

Gain Professional Advantages:

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.  

Develop Global and Cultural Appreciation:

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.  

Mohit at Harvard [Source]

U of T’s Centre for International Experience (CIE) provides many opportunities for international exchanges, including the CIE’s Summer Research Exchange Program (SREP). Visit the Learning Abroad website to find information on available exchanges.

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).

Guide to Summer Research

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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.  

What is Engineering Research?

Engineering research involves development, optimization, and discovery in engineering fields. It takes place at universities, research institutes, and companies that are creating innovative technologies. Despite the term, engineering research requires both theoretical knowledge and excellent practical skills to put knowledge to use. 

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.

Faculty directories, such as that for the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering (MIE) pictured here, are a great starting point for learning about what kinds of research takes place at U of T and provides you with professors to reach out to

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. 

Guide to PEY Co-op

Posted on by orientation

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 year and 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.

PEY Co-op Program Timeline

[Source]

  • 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.  

Platforms such as U of T Engineering CONNECT, LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor and Job Bank (Govt of Canada) can give you a great starting point for exploring a broader range of companies and positions. 

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.

Job Search Process:

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. 

Job Application Package:

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.  
  • Book résumé/cover letter review appointments with Co-Op coordinators at the ECC office during recruitment cycles. 

Interview Process:

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. 

Job Offers:

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. 

Clubs

Posted on by orientation

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!  

We’ve compiled by category some engineering-related clubs that you might want to check out. This is NOT a comprehensive list, so check out the Engineering Society’s site for all Skule-affiliated clubs. The full list is available on the Student Organization Portal. 

Music

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. 
Photo from Skule Nite 2T6 Performance [Source]

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. 

Skule Choir [Source]

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.

Athletics

Sports teams aren’t the only way to stay active at U of T. Be sure to check out our Athletic Facilities page to learn about the gyms open to you as a U of T student. You also can get involved in a variety of other active clubs and groups including University of Toronto Outing Club, Skule Dance Club, and depending on your stance on esports being real sports: University of Toronto Esports Club.

The most competitive level of sports is the varsity level, for which 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.

[Source]

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! 

[Source]
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.”