A day in the life of a TMU Image Arts: Film student
Hey, it’s Ido, your student ambassador! I’m in my fourth and final year of the Image Arts: Film program.
Behind-the-scenes shot from the set of the student film I directed last semester. Photo by Emily Chae.
There’s a lot I really enjoy about my program: getting practical experience making short films, taking elective courses in a variety of subjects and meeting amazing friends who I hope to continue collaborating with after graduation. The program balances theoretical, practical and professional learning, equipping you with a comprehensive knowledge of the industry you’re entering after graduation.
If you’re curious about what an average day is like for me as a fourth-year Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) student, let me try to paint a picture for you! Here’s what a recent Tuesday was like for me:
Wake up
After hitting snooze a couple of times, I rolled out of bed just before 7 a.m. After a wake-up shower, I got dressed and packed my bag. Out of compassion for my shoulders, I try to keep it light when packing — my laptop and charger, a reusable water bottle, a book and a snack usually do the trick.
Morning commute
When you’re a commuter, early classes mean early trains. For me, the half-hour train ride is the perfect chance to listen to the news or some music and check my schedule for the day.
Coffee from Oakham Cafe
Oakham Cafe, the campus café/restaurant, is a favourite among TMU students. The famous “Student Loan Special” is the all-day-breakfast staple of their menu. It comes with eggs, home fries, toast and some fruit, all for $8 plus tax. I also grabbed a latte to enjoy during class.
Class lecture
My first lecture, MPF 420: Capstone Lecture I, was in one of the auditorium rooms in the School of Image Arts. The room has a good audio/visual setup, ideal for screening film projects. In today’s class, our instructor helped us prepare pitches for our short film projects.
Editing suite
As an Image Arts student, you can book out equipment and facilities from the Technology Resource Centre. After class, I had to edit a project, so I borrowed a key to an editing suite. Each of the suites has a computer with editing software and speakers to review your sound mix. It’s like your own private office — not a bad place to get work done if you need to seclude yourself to be productive (I would know about this)!
Lunch
I grabbed some quick, cheap, delicious lunch from the shawarma truck on campus with some friends. There are a couple of other food trucks along Gould Street, plus a bunch of street food options at the World Food Market on Yonge Street, across from the Student Learning Centre (SLC). If there’s one thing that isn’t missing at TMU, it’s places to eat.
Studying at the library
After spending too much time procrastinating with friends, I got some work done at the TMU Library. The 10th floor is my go-to spot when I need to lock in on an essay. It’s a quiet space with a great view of campus, and it’s easier to focus when everyone around you is in study mode. I was able to make good headway on an assignment for my English elective, ENG 511: The Art of Writing Life.
Campus views from an east-facing window at the TMU Library.
Commute home
After wrapping up my work, I headed back to Union Station to catch my train home. The ride back is a good time to relax — I’ll usually read a book or listen to a podcast.
Wind down
I got home and threw together a quick salad for dinner. I tried to study a bit for my NPF 563: Directors and Composers midterm exam. I only got 10 minutes in, though, before deciding it would have to wait until the next day. I’d already gotten a lot of work done, and besides, the TV was calling me. After a half hour, I got ready for bed and hit the hay.
There you have it! That’s a pretty typical day for me as a fourth-year Image Arts: Film student at TMU — a mix of classes, school work and socializing. Studying film has ensured that I’m constantly thinking creatively and collaborating with peers on interesting projects. No 2 days are quite the same — and that’s exactly what I love about the program!
Until next time,
Ido, your student ambassador