Applying to university when you’re doing it on your own

I applied to a bunch of business schools with my best friend thinking that’s where I’d end up. But, here I am in my second year of Journalism at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). I wouldn’t have it any other way! In highschool, I was afraid of applying to programs by myself if I didn’t have my friends with me in the same boat. We always thought we would spend our early adult years going to the same school, just like we had been doing our entire lives. Regardless, I chose TMU, and here are three reasons why you should too.

I was so determined to follow my passion for writing while making an impact in the world, but attending school in the city was the “it” factor for me during my application process. In downtown Toronto, you can never get bored. City life is so much more motivating when there are bookstores, aesthetic coffee shops to study at and the CF Toronto Eaton Centre (external link, opens in new window)  right beside campus (at least for me).

I didn’t know anyone in my program in my first year. In between my classes, I started to discover new coffee spots to study at. Exploring the hidden gems of downtown allowed me to romanticize my experience more. It built my confidence and helped me be comfortable doing things alone — even if it was as simple as walking around the Eaton Centre by myself to pass time. Also, mainly because I just like going to Indigo in the mall to admire the books, but never actually buy anything.

As I said, I wanted to explore business as an option as well. I knew, when applying, that I had so many electives to choose from while also studying journalism as a focus. I ended up taking BSM 100: The New Business: From Idea to Reality. It gave me direction when it came to knowing what I wanted to pursue. The course was so engaging, but I found out that maybe studying business wasn't my thing. Not only that, but currently I’m taking RTA 956: Children's Programming, and I love it. I'm glad TMU offers electives and liberals that compliment my passions. 

TMU is community-oriented and offers resources to ensure the wellbeing of their students. I’m talking specifically about all of the events and clubs you can attend for free. You can find events by following your faculty or program’s Instagram page or through services and supports like the Tri-Mentoring Program (TMP).

Trust me, what gave me the confidence to start conversations and actually enjoy my time on campus was saying “yes” to everything that came my way. If you get kind of awkward when initiating conversation with strangers, try to think of it this way: what are thoughts if you’re too afraid to share them?

Now, don’t get me wrong — I am so lucky to have friends from highschool that attend TMU as well. Except, we’re all in different programs, making it challenging for our schedules to align and see one another. So, for me in first year, I felt like I really was all on my own. If this is you, apply to the programs you want to! Don’t feel pressure to do things because others around you are. 

Now over a year in, I’m grateful to say that I’ve fostered such a cool group of people and enjoy my time here at TMU because of them. You will make friends and learn to love what you’re a part of along the way, even if it’s on your own. Being at TMU makes the experience so much easier.

Bye for now,

Hadiqah

Thumbnail: Daniel Frese via Pexels (external link, opens in new window)