Whether you’re a first-year engineering student learning how to manage your time or an upper-year student fine-tuning your study strategies, we’ve got you covered with this guide to building better study habits for electrical and computer engineering students.
From the best engineering study spaces to top study tips and academic resources, this guide will help you stay focused, organized, and ready for exam season.
- What are the best study spots for U of T engineering students?
- What are some study strategies I can use for academic success?
- Are there any academic resources for engineering students?
- Are there any key dates I need to keep in Mind?
Best Study Spots for U of T Engineering Students
At U of T Engineering, there’s no shortage of great places to help you get in the zone for your studies. Whether you prefer quiet corners or collaborative spaces, here are some go-to destinations for ECE students:
Engineering & Computer Science Library
Located on the second floor of the Sanford Fleming building (SF2402), this library is a hub for engineering students. You’ll find a variety of study areas, ranging from quiet zone spaces to group study rooms and librarians available to help with research questions.
Operating Hours:
- Monday through Friday: 9 am – 9 pm (6 pm on Friday)
- Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
Research Help Desk Hours: Monday-Saturday, 12 pm-5 pm
Gerstein Science Information Centre
Looking for a study space near King’s College Circle? The Gerstein Library is a one-stop shop to meet all your study needs. It offers spacious study areas, bookable rooms, and even a café! It’s perfect for long study sessions with plenty of natural light.
Location: 9 King’s College Circle
Operating Hours:
- Monday through Friday: 8:30 am – 11 pm (10 pm on Friday)
- Saturday: 9 am – 10 pm
- Sunday: 10 am – 10 pm
ECE Club Room
As an ECE student, you’re automatically part of the ECE club, which offers a dedicated study and hangout space in the basement of the Sandford Fleming Building (SF B650). The room is available for whatever you need – to study, take a break, or chat with some friends. A password (sent to your U of T email) is required for entry.
Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship
With bright open spaces and a Second Cup café for your caffeine fix, Myhal is the perfect study destination. The second and fifth floors offer tables for group work and individual study.
Operating Hours:
- Monday through Friday: 7 am – 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 am – 8 pm
The Pit
A legendary space for U of T Engineering students, The Pit, located in Sandford Fleming basement, is great for studying, eating lunch, or socializing between classes. It’s currently closed for renovations but will reopen in December – definitely worth checking out when it does!
- Location: 10 King’s College Rd, Basement
Academic Success & Study Strategies
Transitioning from high school to university requires adjusting your study habits. Fortunately, the University of Toronto has several resources to help you develop effective learning strategies. The Centre for Learning Strategy Support is a university-wide hub that helps students set and achieve their learning goals. Whether through workshops on time management, peer mentorship, or one-on-one sessions with learning strategists, the Centre provides tools to help you study smarter, not harder.
Here are some study tips you can use this midterm season from the Learning Career Centre’s Exam and Study Tips:
• Use time-management tools like an agenda and a calendar. Schedule tasks and note exam times and locations to avoid last-minute stress
• Work in short bursts (e.g. 25-50 minutes) with frequent breaks to maintain focus.
• Start with an easy task to overcome procrastination, then move on to more challenging topics.
• Get enough sleep, stay active, eat small and frequent high-protein meals, and drink lots of water.
• Study in a distraction-free environment.
Academic Resources for ECE Students
Navigating academic resources at U of T can be overwhelming, so here are a few key supports for ECE students:
Engineering Communication Program (ECP)
The Engineering Communication Program (ECP) helps students strengthen their professional communication skills – whether written, oral, or visual. You can book tutoring appointments to discuss assignments with Communication Instructors, who will help you solidify your ideas and concepts or generally improve your work.
GEARS (Guided Engineering Academic Review Sessions)
If you’re in your first year, GEARS sessions are a great way to get help from upper-year students. They are weekly drop-in sessions designed to help you succeed in your first year. Drop in to ask questions, review course material, or find a quiet space to study with peers.
SKULE Courses
SKULE Courses, hosted by the Engineering Society (EngSoc), is a repository of past quizzes, midterms, and course notes. It’s a fantastic resource to help you review key concepts and practice for upcoming tests.
Key Dates to Keep in Mind
Midterm season is a busy time — staying organized can make all the difference. Be sure to keep track of important academic dates and deadlines throughout the term to stay on top of your schedule.
For the most up-to-date information, refer to the Engineering Sessional Calendar for the complete academic schedule.
Study Tips from Upper-Year ECE Ambassador Nidaa
We asked ECE Ambassador and fourth-year engineering student Nidaa to share her top 3 study tips for surviving midterm season.
Here’s what she said: “My top study tip for exams is to prioritize sleep (7-8 hours the night before the exam). Staying up late to study rarely helps, even if you don’t feel fully prepared. A strategy that has worked best for me is reviewing material the same day it’s taught and preparing condensed notes. That way, I’m ready for the next lecture, and when exam season comes, I’m caught up on content. It also helps to clear up any confusion by asking questions early on and not having to cram everything just before the exam. Then, on the few days leading to an exam, practice is the best strategy.”
— Nidaa, 4th Year ECE Student