Whether you are a new student to the campus, or a St. George student taking a course not offered downtown, UTM is a welcoming, picturesque place to experience university. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the campus.
Getting around
If you’re a full-time undergraduate at UTM, you receive a pass for unlimited travel on Missisauga Transit from September to April. Your TCard allows you free access to shuttle buses to the St. George campus and the Sheridan College. St. George and Scarborough students can purchase shuttle bus tickets at the Info Booth in the UTM student centre, or at Hart House downtown. If you don’t want to take a shuttle downtown, GO Transit and the TTC are both located a bus ride away from UTM. Take the 110 South to the Clarkson GO Station and then the 101 East to get to Islington subway station. Overcoming the commuter mentality to attend parties or venture downtown when the weekend hits is always a good idea.
Good times
Getting away from the tranquil UTM campus for a fun Friday night can be a challenge. Square One, the largest mall in Ontario, is located a few bus stops away and boasts over 300 retailers. There are also two nearby movie theatres and a Playdium. One of the newest and most popular Friday night hang-outs is the Erin Mills Pump and Patio located just a 10-minute walk from campus and offering delicious sweet potato fries.
What’s for lunch?
If you’re feeling famished after a long day of studying, the Blind Duck pub on campus offers a selection of tasty food and great music. Try the half-price wings on Tuesdays. For a faster meal, try Mike’s Dog House, a hot dog stand in front of the Communication, Culture, and Technology Building (pictured above), or the Instructional Centre’s Panini Fresco. If you’re on your way to class or between classes, head to the Temporary Food Court in the William G. Davis building or the Meeting Place for other options. The contract with campus food provider Chartwells was recently extended for one more year, while the Food Service Advisory Committee explores other options. Student groups are expected to advocate for cheaper, more diverse offerings on campus.
Work it out
The Recreation, Athletic, and Wellness Centre has provided UTM students with a place to reach their fitness goals since 2006. If you prefer working out solo, take advantage of the variety of machines, the pool, and the track. If you’re into workout classes, try Zumba, Pilates, or Yogilates. There are also intramural teams to indulge your competitive side. If you’re not a fan of the gym, stroll down Principal’s Road and explore a variety of nature paths that are great for walking, or enjoy a scenic run by the Credit River.
Time to study
Campus has several study-space options. The UTM Library has moving bookshelves, sofas, study carrels, and group study rooms. The Instructional Centre offers comfy hangout space on the first floor. You can also tuck yourself into a corner at Starbucks, or try studying outdoors near Davis. Finding space on campus is not always easy, however — as campus expands, some students have expressed a concern that creating more student space needs to be prioritized. Currently, the campus has densely packed study space, as well as limited multi-faith space and after-hours study space.