Your first year of university and the transition from high school to university can be overwhelming. There’s getting used to a new campus, meeting new people, and adjusting to a new workload. This First Year Guide is designed to help new students in the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) program at the University of Toronto (U of T) navigate their school journey with confidence.
From understanding course selection and using academic resources to finding the best study spots and getting involved in campus life, this guide covers all the essentials. At ECE, we are here to help you make the most out of your first year at U of T!
- Where do I go to ask questions as a first-year Engineering student at U of T?
- Are there academic resources or help available to me as a first-year engineering student?
- What are the best places to study on campus?
- Where can I find mental health and/or wellness resources?
- What is student life like in the engineering program at U of T?
Where do I go to ask questions as a first-year engineering student at U of T?
As you begin your first year of university, you’re bound to have a ton of questions. From where’s the library to how can I explore financial aid options? Here are your go-to destinations for any burning questions you may have.
Engineering First Year Office
The First Year Office exists to help you make your transition to the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering a successful one. Their goal is to give you the tools you need to make informed decisions during your first year of studies. If you’re unsure of where to go, who to speak to, what to do or why you’re even doing it in the first place, your First Year Office is a good place to start. You can visit them in person during their office hours.
Location: 222 College St. (The Fields Institute), Room 106
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
You can also email the office, and they can direct your message to the appropriate person. Send general inquiries with your student number to firstyear@engineering.utoronto.ca.
Navi Resource Finder
For specific questions, Navi may be helpful. Navi, short for navigator, is a chat-based virtual assistant. Navi can provide information on many topics, including admissions, financial aid, getting involved, careers, convocation and more. Additionally, Navi can provide more specific information regarding mental health resources.
Are there academic resources or help available to me as a first-year engineering student?
You had high school down pat – you knew how to take tests, write essays, and a quiz was no problem; but now, as a first-year engineering student, your workload is heavier than expected, and it’s more challenging than you anticipated. Don’t freak out yet. There are a number of resources to help you figure out your way to a successful academic year.
The Centre for Learning Strategy Support
The Centre for Learning Strategy Support is a university-wide resource that helps you identify and achieve your learning goals. Take advantage of workshops on how to best use AI tools, meet with a peer mentor or a learning strategist, or opt for a co-working group. The Centre provides multiple opportunities for learning in a number of different ways.
The purpose of the Engineering Communication Program (ECP) is to help undergraduate engineers build professional-level communication skills. They are integrated in courses across the curriculum from the first to the fourth year, they tutor one-to-one, and they offer elective courses in selected subjects.
Location: Sanford Fleming Building Room SFB670
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Contact: istep.academic@utoronto.ca
Quercus
Quercus is a learning management engine and is the University of Toronto’s central online teaching and learning platform. You can use Quercus to access course content, submit assessments, or take quizzes and surveys. Using Quercus, you can interact with your instructor and classmates, asking questions or giving input into a discussion.
What are the best places to study on campus?
ECE Club Room
The ECE Club (which all ECE students are automatically members of) has a common room available for all ECE students to use. A passcode (which is sent to students via email) is required to enter the room. Located at SF B650, the common room is a great place to hang out between classes. It’s quiet and private, making it a good place to catch a quick nap, do some reading or just chat with a friend.
Design Centre
The ECE Design Centre in SF B520 offers DE2 boards and other electrical equipment for student use. It is open from 9 am to 9 pm from Monday to Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays.
Computer Labs
The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering maintains several computer labs for ECE students. The ECE labs that are open 24/7 are found in BA 3128, GB 243, GB 251, SF 2201, and SF 2204. A passcode is required to enter all labs. To log into the ECE lab computers, use your UTORid and student number.
ECE Common Room
The ECE Common Room, located at BS 1120 requires your TCard for entrance. A larger room, it is a good option to study with a group of friends. You can also find couches and TVs there.
Where can I find mental health and/or wellness resources?
While there may be times of stress during your first year of university, rest assured, you’re not alone. If you find yourself in a position of needing help, there are many ways to find it and a number of services that may best fit your needs.
Navi
Also mentioned above, Navi is a chat-based virtual assistant. Navi is your source for multiple topics, including mental health resources.
Skule Mental Wellness
Confidential mental health and physical health services are provided by an interdisciplinary team of health professionals.
Location: 214 College St., 2nd Floor
Student & Community Wellness Coordinator (SCWC)
The SCWC supports student mental health and well-being by offering mental health programs and training, conducting research and offering best practice insights. Students can schedule a 1:1 resource navigation appointment to meet with the Student & Community Wellness Coordinator.
U of T Health & Wellness Centre
Students can see a counsellor during the academic year and over the summer at the Health & Wellness Centre.
Location: 700 Bay St.
Health & Wellness Peer Support Service
Chat with a trained University of Toronto student peer about whatever is on your mind, right away! Support is offered in a one-on-one, drop-in, non-judgmental, confidential and accessible space online or in-person.
Find more U of T-wide mental health support services. Explore all Engineering-specific resources here.
Medical Services for Students
There is also a wide range of medical services for U of T students. These services include routine health care services, such as sexual and reproductive health counselling, allergy care, nutrition consultation, and support with many other health concerns.
What is student life like in the engineering program at U of T?
While your school is important, your first year is also a time to make connections and start building relationships. Getting involved in extracurricular activities is important to your overall experience in ECE.
ECE Club (SKULE)
All ECE students are automatic members of this club. Club leaders are a team of student volunteers dedicated to all things student life and academics for undergraduate ECE students at the University of Toronto.
They organize events like the ECE Dinner Dance, run a mentorship program for lower-year ECE students, and manage spaces such as the ECE Club Room and Common Room. They also communicate with the ECE Professors on academic issues.
Office location: Sanford Fleming Building B640
Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
WISE Club
WISE stands for Women in Science and Engineering. It is a group of future engineers, scientists, doctors, leaders, programmers, researchers, and more who all have the shared goal of supporting women in STEM. They are a community that believes women should lift each other up and work together.
Office Location: Myhal CEIE, 55 St. George Street, Unit B034
NSBE
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports the professional development of collegiate and pre-collegiate students in engineering and technology. NSBE has chapters all over the world, and each chapter has the same mission – to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.
QueerSphere
QueerSphere is the LGBTQ+ student group within the Faculty of Engineering at the U of T. It exists to create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for queer engineering students and their allies. Through social events, advocacy, and outreach, QueerSphere helps foster visibility, connection, and belonging within Skule. Everyone is welcome—whether you’re looking to make friends, find support, or help build a more inclusive engineering culture at U of T.
IEEE Students
An IEEE Student Branch gives students a community of peers and a connection to faculty and industry professionals who drive innovation in countless technical fields. Student involvement in Branch activities, whether special projects, social and technical meetings, outreach programs, conferences, local Section or Regional opportunities, etc., can help develop a record of accomplishment and capabilities beyond the norm.
ECE Industry Days
The ECE Chair’s Office hosts monthly events where ECE students can meet and connect with industry leaders.
Follow the ECE department on Instagram for updates and upcoming events.
ECE Open House
ECE Open Houses invite ECE students to visit the Chair’s Office weekly to learn more about department resources — all while enjoying drinks and snacks.
Location: Sandford Fleming Building, SF1024
Check out the ECE Events page for details and a calendar.
ECE Ambassador Program
As an ambassador, you’ll impact key decisions, contribute to groundbreaking initiatives, and participate in exciting events. This is your chance to shape the ECE department while developing your skills and enhancing your post-secondary experience.