University of Toronto

Table of Contents

Tours

  1. U of T St. George Campus Tour Map

    Welcome to your virtual tour of the University of Toronto St. George Campus! For other virtual options, visit future.utoronto.ca

    Stops

    1. Nona Macdonald Visitors Centre

      Welcome to the St. George Campus!

      Welcome to the University of Toronto's St. George Campus! Originally established in 1827 as King's College, the University is older than Canada itself. Based in downtown Toronto and home to 40,000+ undergraduate students, the St. George campus is also the most populous of the University's three campuses. The City of Toronto and the University of Toronto have evolved in unison—our histories, communities, and neighbourhoods have been intertwined from the start.

      St. George is home to five direct-entry academic faculties: Applied Science & Engineering; Arts & Science; Architecture, Landscape & Design; Kinesiology & Physical Education; and Music. It’s also home to many professional (second-entry) faculties, including medicine, law, education, social work, nursing and pharmacy.

      Nona Macdonald Visitors Centre

      Each year, the Nona Macdonald Visitors Centre welcomes 20,000+ visitors. Daily walking tours, virtual tours, and on-campus events help prospective students connect with current students, staff, and faculty.

      U of T Land Acknowledgement

      We wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.

       

    2. Convocation Hall

      Built in 1907, Convocation Hall hosts graduation ceremonies for all three campuses. It’s also our largest lecture theatre, where some of our most distinguished professors engage students with captivating talks. Along with lectures, courses typically include labs or tutorials of 15–30 students each, plus weekly office hours where profs and TAs work with students one-on-one. Small, discussion-based seminars are offered starting in first year—and will fill your final year. The majority of classes on St. George have an enrolment of 50 or fewer students.

    3. Medical Sciences Building

      U of T is a research powerhouse that attracts over $1.45 billion dollars in funding each year. Undergraduate students can get involved in research as soon as their second year through a Research Opportunity Program (ROP). They can also take independent study courses under a faculty supervisor and apply for dedicated grant money of their own. Learn more about our student research opportunities.

      The current site of the Medical Sciences Building is where Frederick Banting and Charles Best discovered insulin in 1921—and just steps from the Toronto General Hospital, where, in 1950, fellow U of T alumni Vera Peters discovered a cure for Hodgkin's lymphoma and W.G. Bigelow developed the first electronic pacemaker. With five partner hospitals in Toronto’s University Health Network, our Faculty of Medicine is one of the world’s most prolific research institutions.

      The Medical Sciences Building houses classrooms, labs, offices, a food court, historical exhibits, and a bamboo-forested atrium: a popular lunch-hour spot for students at every level.

    4. University College

      University College

      University College is one of the seven colleges of the Faculty of Arts & Science. Learn more about the college system at stop 17—Sidney Smith Hall.

      University College is the University of Toronto’s founding College. Established in 1853, it was named the Provincial College, with a charter to make education available to every student regardless of religion or social status. UC’s long and storied history is embodied by the University College Literary and Athletic Society—the oldest democratically elected student government in Canada—not to mention UC’s many ghost stories and vibrant co-curricular communities. University College is also a National Historical Site.

      The Campus and the City The City of Toronto is the fourth largest city in North America and one of the world’s most diverse cities, with more than half of Torontonians having been born outside Canada. Toronto's countless culinary, cultural, athletic, and arts scenes make it a great place to live and learn. The University of Toronto is older than the City of Toronto, which means the city's many neighbourhoods have actually grown up around the campus. This gives you the best of both worlds: an enclosed campus atmosphere and cozy community mood—right in the heart of downtown. 
    5. Hart House

      Commissioned by the Massey Family in 1911, Hart House was gifted to the University of Toronto by the Massey Foundation as a gathering place for students to partake in co-curricular activities. Hart House is open 365 days a year for students to study, network, perform, and explore. The building has 320 beautifully appointed heritage rooms—none of which are used for classes—including the historic Hart House Theatre, a fully equipped fitness centre, a multi-faith chapel, a debates room, a fine-dining restaurant (the Gallery Grill), the acclaimed Justina M. Barnicke Art Gallery, and the Great Hall. The Great Hall is a multi-purpose event space used for concerts, public lectures, award galas, student events, and even weddings!

      Hart House has a rich history, having hosted many international events and visitors from around the world: from European monarchs and Canadian and international political leaders such as John F. Kennedy.

       

    6. St. Michael's College

      St. Michael's College

      St. Michael's College is one of the seven colleges of the Faculty of Arts & Science. Learn more about the college system at stop 17—Sidney Smith Hall.

      Founded in 1852 by the Catholic Basilian Fathers and federated into the University in 1887, the unique traditions of St. Mike’s enrich the experience that students enjoy and the programs on offer from day one. St. Michael’s College is the largest college by surface area, with gorgeous green spaces and historic buildings spanning ten acres across the campus’s northeast quadrant.

      U of T St. George Residences

      Residence is guaranteed for all new full-time students entering their first year of university in an undergraduate program, provided you indicate your interest in residence by the deadline.

      Each Arts & Science college offers residence accommodations to its students, as well as to students in other academic faculties. The Chestnut Residence is another residence option that welcomes students from all colleges and faculties. Residences are also available for graduate students and for students with families. Accommodation styles vary, depending on the college or residence. U of T St. George offers apartment-style, dormitory-style, single rooms, double rooms, single-gender or all-gender spaces.

      While there are spaces reserved in residences for upper-year students, many choose to live off-campus in the university’s surrounding neighborhoods. Students are welcome to visit Housing Services, located in the Koffler Student Services Centre, anytime for guidance. Housing Services can help you find a suitable place (and suitable roommates) and understand your rights as a tenant.

    7. Victoria College

      Victoria College

      Victoria College is one of the seven colleges of the Faculty of Arts & Science. Learn more about the college system at stop 17—Sidney Smith Hall.

      Established in 1836 and federated into the University of Toronto in 1890, this tight-knit college’s traditions focus on arts and culture. It has groups (and accolades) for everything under the sun in the arts and letters: newspapers, journals, theatres and more.

      First-Year Opportunities

      U of T has many programs designed specifically to help first-year students transition to university. Students in the Faculty of Arts & Science can participate in First-Year Foundations Seminars and Ones Programs—small, discussion-based classes that have the feel of a senior seminar, but with engaging, introductory content. First-year engineering students work in teams to tackle real-world challenges, develop solutions, and build/test prototypes. Daniels students are matched with senior students in a first-year mentorship program. And at the Faculty of Music, first-year students take a required course on career strategies for musicians.

    8. Faculty of Music

      Faculty of Music

      U of T’s Faculty of Music was established in 1918 and is Canada’s leading institution for higher education in music. With state-of-the-art performance falls, large ensemble rehearsal rooms, studio spaces, and Canada’s largest music library, U of T Music is committed to preparing students to thrive wherever their careers take them—in music, in industry, and beyond. Each Music student enjoys weekly private lessons with an instructor. Students put on approximately 600 concerts each year, and admission is free for all U of T students.

      Professional and Graduate Programs

      U of T St. George is home to many postgraduate degree programs. Faculties such as Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Social Work, Nursing, and Education are all renowned at the University of Toronto—as are the 300+ programs available to aspiring researchers in the arts and sciences through the School of Graduate Studies. Learn more at each faculty’s website.


    9. Philosopher's Walk

      Philosopher's Walk and Taddle Creek

      Philosopher’s Walk is a scenic walkway connecting the St. George Campus to the wider Toronto community. Taddle Creek, which now runs beneath Philosopher’s Walk, was once a vital home, food source, and navigation route for the Mississauga people. Just as the waters remain flowing today as part of Toronto’s nourishing underground aquifers, we remain grateful to the many Indigenous people across Turtle Island who continue to call this land home.

      Campus Safety

      The University of Toronto’s top priority is to provide students with a safe, equitable, and supportive learning environment. To this end, the Campus Safety Special Constable Service have a number of programs designed to make U of T as safe and equitable as possible. Examples of these measures include: emergency call stations located all across campus; the Work Alone program, which offers regular check-ins to students and staff working late at night; and The Travel Safer program, which sends Campus Police chaperones to anyone who needs to walk across campus late at night. Toronto consistently ranks among the world’s safest cities.

       

    10. Trinity College

      Trinity College

      Trinity College is one of the seven colleges of the Faculty of Arts & Science. Learn more about the college system at stop 17—Sidney Smith Hall.

      The smallest college by population, Trinity fosters close personal connections among students and through longstanding social traditions. Special academic support programs nurture a scholastic environment and Trinity takes pride in cultivating a distinguished community of mentors for students.

      Meal Plans

      Meal plans are offered by each of the five undergraduate colleges with dormitory-style residences, and are mandatory for all of their own residence students. Dining options include all-you-care-to-eat, declining balance, and a-la-carte meal plans. Students who are not living in residence can also purchase meal plans. At U of T, we manage our own food services, and cook all of our meals in-house, with the mission to nourish, bring the campus community together, contribute to Toronto’s culinary culture, and support the work of innovative and sustainable local food suppliers.


    11. Varsity Stadium

      Varsity Stadium

      U of T’s Varsity Stadium is the home of the Varsity Blues’ football and soccer teams—just two of our 40+ Varsity-level teams. The stadium is used year-round for sporting events and training, even in the winter, when it’s covered with a dome and enjoyed as a driving range and climate-controlled practice space. Varsity Arena is located under the bleachers of the stadium and is home to our hockey and figure skating teams. All events and games held here are free for U of T students, so you can cheer on the Blues with your friends at your leisure.

      Sport and Recreation

      If you would rather play than watch, we offer many athletic opportunities: from the Varsity Blues to the Tri-campus Development League to our friendly Intramural leagues. A Varsity athlete plays at a higher level of intensity and commits more time to their sport, as they represent U of T against other universities. The Development League is run through all three campuses, and offers Varsity-level competition without the same time commitment. Each college and faculty also offers intramural sports, making U of T’s intramural community the largest of its kind in Canada. Over 11,000 students across all three campuses take part in intramurals for some casual, spirited competition—and no shortage of postgame fun.


    12. Goldring Centre

      Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport

      The Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport is the newest of four athletic facilities on the St. George Campus. It boasts a fully equipped strength and conditioning centre, a 2,000-seat field house, a sports research laboratory, and U of T’s sports therapy clinic. Goldring is not restricted to athletes—in fact, all gym facilities on campus are open to all U of T students. Any student, at any level of skill, is welcome take advantage of Goldring’s new equipment and fitness trainers.

      Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

      The Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education is a close-knit community that offers a unique, rigorous and hands-on academic experience. KPE focuses on providing in-depth, interdisciplinary learning through benchwork and fieldwork, including cadaver labs starting in first year. Headquartered in award-winning facilities like Goldring and the Athletic Centre, KPE students put their knowledge to work every day under the guidance of leading researchers—in everything from biophysics to bioethics—not to mention Olympic-calibre coaches and champions-turned-scholars.

    13. Woodsworth College

      Woodsworth College

      Woodsworth College is one of the seven colleges of the Faculty of Arts & Science. Learn more about the college system at stop 17—Sidney Smith Hall.

      Founded in 1974 on principles of equity and accessibility, Woodsworth is the newest college and combines state-of-the-art student hubs with a diverse community. Woodsworth houses the Visiting Students program, the Transitional Year Programme, and the Summer Abroad program, which is open to all U of T students.

      Study Abroad

      International learning opportunities at U of T are boundless. Students can take part in Summer Abroad courses, semester- or year-long exchanges, and even research abroad programs. Summer Abroad courses involve travelling as part of a U of T class to a location that enriches the course content—for example, studying conservation biology in the Galapagos Islands. Exchanges allow U of T students to study with one of 150+ institutional partners around the world. Research abroad opportunities, often offered during fall and winter reading weeks, send students to conduct in-depth, in-person research under a faculty mentor’s supervision, and gain a unique skill set in fieldwork.


    14. Innis College

      Innis College

      Innis College is one of the seven colleges of the Faculty of Arts & Science. Learn more about the college system at stop 17—Sidney Smith Hall.

      From its emphasis on one-on-one support to its student clubs and organizations founded on parity, Innis College exemplifies the warmth of a small collegiate community and countless ways to build bridges through peer mentorship programs, weekly Free Friday Films in an industry-calibre cinema (the Town Hall), a family-run café, and Canada's first university writing centre. A hub for environmental advocacy through its renowned Urban Studies Program, Innis College is also home to abundant greenspace, including the Innis Green courtyard and a rooftop patio.

      Sustainability and the Environment

      As a member of the University Climate Change Coalition (UC3)—a group of thirteen North American research universities advocating for reduced greenhouse gas emissions on and beyond their own campuses—U of T is committed to fighting climate change, building local resilience, and walking the walk in every way. We're achieving this with the help of faculty, staff, and student expertise housed in grassroots initiatives like Dig In! Campus Agriculture, the Geography & Planning Food Systems Lab, the Daniels Faculty's Green Roof Innovation Testing Laboratory (GRIT Lab), the Anthropology Greenhouse, the all-local Harvest Noon Café, and the student-led cycling co-op Bikechain. The University is also a living laboratory for sustainable infrastructure: home to rainwater cisterns and solar rooftops on a growing number of buildings, living walls, LED retrofitting across 100,000 fixtures, and 600+ unique sustainability courses—140+ of which have community-engaged learning components. 

    15. Robarts Library

      University of Toronto Libraries

      U of T’s library system is the largest in Canada, consisting of 40 libraries across all three campuses and offering over 12.5 million items in 341 different languages. Robarts is the largest library on campus, standing at 14 floors and containing over 4.5 million items. Students flock to Robarts due to its long hours of operation, convenient cafeteria, and numerous study spaces— including the adjacent Robarts Commons, a five-storey wing with 1,200 study spots. Enjoy a virtual tour of some of our many libraries to learn more.

      Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

      The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is one of five libraries contained within Robarts and is home to the U of T Archives and the Department of Rare Books. Surprisingly, the photos above showcase just 10 percent of the Rare Book Library’s holdings—the other 90 percent of its 800,000 volumes, including original Leonard Cohen and Margaret Atwood manuscripts and a Babylonian tablet dated to 1789 BCE, are stored safely out of sight.


    16. Sidney Smith Hall

      The Faculty of Arts & Science

      Sidney Smith Hall is home to many departments within the Faculty of Arts & Science—our largest academic faculty, offering 300+ programs and 4,000+ courses in arts, science, and business. Arts & Science students can mix and match Major, Minor, and Specialist programs to build a truly custom degree. Against a backdrop of unparalleled innovation in teaching and research, Arts & Science students learn from exceptional faculty and peers, taking courses in both state-of-the-art facilities and heritage buildings all over campus.

      The College System

      Each student in the Faculty of Arts & Science belongs to one of seven college communities. These colleges are your home away from home, serving as a setting for a more intimate social experience while providing access to the largest array of program offerings in Canada. The colleges vary in tradition, age, size and location, but there is no wrong choice—they all offer the same support and services such as academic advising, social and recreational activities, intramural teams, student government, newspapers, libraries, meal plans and residence. The other four direct-entry faculties do not require college membership, but their students may still live at college residences.

      Read more about our colleges, enjoy a video walkthrough from the comfort of your home, or take a virtual tour at each college's website.

      The Sidney Smith Commons

      Newly renovated and awash in natural light, the Sidney Smith Commons is an informal, accessible learning space where students can work in small groups—or study quietly while taking in the heritage skyline on St. George Street—with both scheduled and on-demand access to learning strategists, academic advisors, and more. A student-driven space just a few steps from the Faculty Registrar's front desk, the SSC offers study jams and peer mentorship sessions as well as bookable resources, collaborative learning technologies, and a whole host of online tools for students at every level.

    17. New College

      New College

      New College is one of the seven colleges of the Faculty of Arts & Science. Learn more about the college system at stop 17—Sidney Smith Hall.

      Known for its interdisciplinary mandate and for hosting programs with a focus on social justice, New College connects students from across the Faculty with its diverse student government, newspaper, and organizations spearheaded by influential alumni.

      International Student Services

      With over 20 percent of our student population hailing from outside Canada, U of T offers a robust suite of international student services. The Centre for International Experience (CIE) is a hub for international students, fostering dialogue, connection, and countless ways to ease the transition to a new school and a new country. Students can seek help with logistical issues like immigration and health insurance, or meet other students through mentorship programs, or get support through counselling services like MySSP—a free, confidential phone service available in 146 languages.

    18. John H. Daniels Faculty of Landscape, Architecture & Design

      The John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design was founded in 1890 and was the first of its kind in Canada. At the undergraduate level, Daniels students can choose between two degree programs: an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Visual Studies. Many instructors are also practicing architects and artists. Students have opportunities to showcase their work at exhibits and events all across the city. Daniels is located at One Spadina—an unprecedented site for education, research, and public outreach at the nexus of architecture, urbanism, and the visual arts.

    19. Myhal Centre

      As Canada’s top school for engineering, the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering fosters innovation through a wide range of program specializations and state-of-the-art research facilities. First-year engineering students choose from three starting points: begin one of the Core 8 programs (Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial, Materials, Mechanical and Mineral Engineering); apply to the Engineering Science program; or take an undeclared first year known as TrackOne, where they can sample a bit of each field and determine their field of interest.

      Engineering students also have the opportunity to participate in a Professional Experience Year Co-op, where they undertake a paid 12-16-month work placement and gain crucial industry experience at an average annual salary of $52,800. Buildings like the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship, pictured above, are hubs for engineering innovation, allowing students to create, investigate, and experiment in stunning modern labs.

    20. U of T Students Union

      The University of Toronto Students’ Union advocates for undergraduate students at U of T. With representatives from each of the undergraduate colleges and faculties, the UTSU exemplifies the student activism that has driven change on and off campus for generations, uplifting the voices and concerns of every member, and winning new rights for new constituencies decade after decade. The UTSU also funds student clubs and activities on the St. George Campus.

      Volunteering with the Students’ Union is just one of countless ways to get involved in student life. There are 1,000+ clubs, committees, organizations, campus media, and student governance opportunities—truly something for everyone. Whether it’s your passion or just a passing interest, we’ve got a club for it, and a community for you.

       

    21. Koffler Student Services Centre

      Koffler Student Services Centre

      The Koffler Student Services Centre is a hub of services for students—academic, clinical, logistical, and professional. Health & Wellness provides medical treatment and counselling right on campus. Career Exploration & Education helps students find jobs and build careers during and after their degree. Koffler is also home to the U of T Bookstore and the TCard Office. And, while not located inside the Koffler building, services such as First Nations House and the Sexual and Gender Diversity Office work closely with Koffler’s many teams and units to make certain that all constituencies at U of T are supported, empowered, and cared for.

      Student Life Programs and Services

      U of T students have access to many services, all with the same mission: to help students learn at their best and equip them for healthy, successful, and impactful futures. These range from one-on-one and small-group counselling to guidance from learning strategists, career educators, international transition advisors, housing officers, and accessibility advisors. Many services, such as Academic Success and Writing Centres, are available through the colleges and faculties as well as centrally. Medical services are operated centrally and easily bookable online, by phone, or in person. U of T’s aim is to support all students throughout their academic journey—this commitment is reflected in our retention rate: 91 percent of first-year students move on to second year, higher than the provincial average.


    22. Next Steps

      Thank you so much for visiting the virtual St. George Campus! We hope you've learned some interesting tidbits about the University of Toronto. We have many more resources to help you connect with our communities.

      Get Your Questions Answered

      Sign up for information tailored to your interests, including exclusive event invitations, application tips, deadline reminders, sneak previews of new programs and facilities, and more. And don't forget to visit future.utoronto.ca for complete details on our direct-entry programs, admissions processes, financial aid, awards, and webcasts.

      Other Ways to Connect

      Register now for personal recruitment counselling or any of our many webcasts and webinars. Or, if you'd rather speak with a current student, sign up for an Ask Our Students Anything webchat or submit your question in our peer-to-peer inbox.

      Thanks again for stopping by—we look forward to reconnecting soon!