<p>"I am sorry to intrude on this thread, but fides et ratio do you think you would be able to post something about the different U of Toronto colleges, such as the student life there etc"</p>
<p>No problem. </p>
<p>I'm assuming that you want to know about the Arts & Science undergraduate colleges at U of T (there are several graduate-only colleges at the University -- Regis, Wycliffe, Knox, etc. -- but all undergraduate colleges have overlapping graduate deptartments). I'm just a first-year student here, thus my knowledge of my institutional surroundings isn't terribly deep, but I shall try my best. </p>
<p>Firstly, there are seven of them: St. Michael's College, Trinity College, University College, Victoria University, Woodsworth College, Innis College, and New College. Right off the bat, I know virtually nothing about New College and Innis, not even exactly where they are located (U of T has a gigantic campus). St. Mike's I have described, except for the fact that its library (the John H. Kelly Library) is absolutely fantastic if you're into theology, Scripture studies, philosophy, history, political science, etc. Great study space, friendly and knowledgeable staff. </p>
<p>Trinity is considered the "elite" college on campus by many people here, in part due to the fact that it is the most selective in determining who gets in. Until very recently, apparently, students living at Trinity were required to wear gowns to meals and other regular functions. I haven't spent a whole lot of time around the college, but based on a few study sessions at its library I can say this: the atmosphere reeks of elitism and snobbery. The library staff seem far snootier and less helpful than at other college libraries, and people look at you like you don't belong there if you have a couple days worth of stubble on your face and a baseball cap on. It is quite preppy and very... closed. Can't say I'm a fan.</p>
<p>University College is the bomb. The entire college is one enormous, old, gorgeous stone building with an absolutely beautiful courtyard situated in the very center, adorned with cloisters. Beautiful to the eye to be sure. The library isn't very big but is a good, quiet study space. The overall atmosphere is open and friendly. "UC" is apparently the best college for parties and wild events (I wouldn't know, personally -- I'm not a partier). Even students who don't have classes at UC hang out there often. I love it.</p>
<p>Victoria is another eye-catcher -- great old buildings adorned with ivy and a killer courtyard where students hang out, study, and sunbathe on the grass in the warmer months. The atmosphere is similar to UC; very welcoming and laid-back. "Vic," as everyone calls it, is big on English literature. It probably houses far more English majors than any other college; as such, its library is amazing for English lit. One funny thing I have observed is that you can generally spot a Vic student from a mile away throughout the larger U of T campus -- they just look like English majors. </p>
<p>As for Woodsworth, it is a smaller college and is mainly geared toward part-time students, mature students, and students coming in from other countries, although there are many "regular" full-timers there as well. It is hands-down the most open, friendly, and helpful in terms of academic tutoring. Woodsworth really makes it known that they want their students to do the best they can academically, and are there to help them achieve their goals any way they can. (I know this, because I was a Woodsworth student when I was in its Academic Bridging Program, last year. I switched over to St. Mike's when I got into U of T as a full-time student, but sometimes I think I made a mistake in doing so.) Overall, Woodsworth is a great college. It is sometimes looked down upon by students at other colleges, but I think it is one of the best for any student, for the reasons mentioned above. </p>
<p>Now that I've described the colleges, it is probably important to say a word about U of T's college system in general. The one thing to take note of is that the college system here is nowhere nearly as autonomous as it is at, say, Oxford. No matter what your particular college at U of T, everyone has classes all over campus and at other colleges, and all programs and courses are open to everyone, regardless of what your college is and what college sponsors those programs and courses. The system is very "free." For instance, I'm a student at St. Mike's, but I only have one course there (philosophy); my Greek, Latin, and political science courses are all at UC, and my Classical Studies course is at a non-college building across the way from Woodsworth. Thus, if you are not living on residence, your particular college membership is largely "honorary" in nature; it doesn't make a lick of difference in your life if you don't want it to. (If you are living on residence, obviously it makes a great deal of difference, simply because your college is where you live.)</p>
<p>What is good about the college system here, fundamentally, is that each college is a small campus/community within the mammouth U of T campus/community. U of T being as big as it is, it can be very imposing: it is easy to get "lost" (not just figuratively!) in the shuffle. What ones college provides is a home base in which it is much easier to make connections, and make friends, through the various groups, clubs, and events unique to each college. </p>
<p>Hope that helps!</p>
