Five (super fun) facts about being a Faculty of Arts student at TMU
After accepting my offer for the English program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), I spent some time researching all of the cool opportunities that are offered to Faculty of Arts students. I had no idea that there were so many fun and exciting faculty-specific resources, events and services that would be waiting for me. Once I entered my first year, I was relieved to see how much support was given to students like myself. So, if you’re considering applying to an Arts program at TMU, I’ve decided to make your post-secondary planning process a little easier by compiling five of what I believe are the most unique (and fun) parts about being a Faculty of Arts student. Remember — once you join TMU, you’ll gain access to these “VIP” services too!
1. Apply for faculty-wide awards
Depending on eligibility, you can apply to as many faculty-wide awards as you like.
As an Arts student, you’ll have the opportunity to apply to plenty of faculty-specific awards all year long. By creating a profile through AwardSpring (external link, opens in new window) , you’ll be matched with dozens of awards. Some awards require you to submit extra documents with your application, so make sure to keep a close eye on the deadlines so you have enough time to craft an awesome submission. This is a great opportunity for you to receive recognition for all of your hard work, whether that be for your academic or community contributions!
2. Participate in exchange or study abroad programs
You can learn abroad at universities all over the world by participating in an exchange or study abroad program.
Have you ever dreamed of spending a semester abroad in a country that you’ve always wanted to visit? Do you enjoy learning about new cultures? Luckily, the Faculty of Arts offers students the chance to participate in an exchange or study abroad program.
By going on exchange, students can apply to international universities that hold a formal arrangement with TMU, while the study abroad program allows students to study at international universities that do not hold a formal agreement with TMU. Students typically participate in an exchange or study abroad program during the winter semester of their third year. If you're interested in learning more about what specific options are available to Arts students, you can register for a Learning Abroad Information Session once you officially become a student at TMU.
3. Join student groups
You can expand your leadership skills by joining student groups like the Society of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (SASSH) or your Course Union.
At TMU, there are lots of opportunities for Arts students to join faculty-wide student groups that aim to heighten student voices, as well as strengthen their leadership skills. Through an election process, Arts students can join the Society of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (SASSH) (external link, opens in new window) , which represents all undergraduate Faculty of Arts students at TMU. Founded in 2015, the society seeks to create resources, services and events that aim to enhance the professional, academic and co-curricular experiences for all Arts students. Other leadership opportunities include joining your course union, which is responsible for ensuring that the voices, needs and concerns of students within a specific Arts program are being heard. As student-led organizations, these societies and groups are a great way for you to meet friends, build professional skills and help strengthen the Faculty of Arts as a whole.
4. Book an appointment with an Arts Academic Support Coach
Need help with an assignment? You can book an appointment with an Arts Academic Support Coach.
One of the best parts about being a student in the Faculty of Arts is that there are Academic Support Coaches always available for you to use at any time. Whether you’re looking to improve your writing skills or would like to chat about time management and exam preparation, you can book an online or in-person appointment with an Academic Support Coach (external link, opens in new window) of your choice. The coaches are all current graduate students (and have been in your shoes), so they know exactly what advice students need to thrive. These services emphasize that Arts students should never feel like they’re alone on their academic journeys, and if you’re feeling lost, there will always be someone available to help guide you along the way!
5. Hang out in the Arts Lounge!
I've saved the coolest fact for last! By joining the Faculty of Arts, you’ll gain access to the newly renovated Arts Lounge, which is only accessible to Arts students. Located in the Podium Building, you can use this space to complete an assignment, get some studying done, relax in between classes or hang out with friends. The lounge also has its own library, which allows Arts students to borrow a range of items such as books, citation manuals or games whenever they wish.
Get a sneak peek of the Arts Lounge by exploring our virtual tour:
That’s all from me! I hope this list has helped you imagine yourself as a future Arts student at TMU.
Until next time,
Claire