My favourite spots at TMU

Hey, it’s Ido, your student ambassador. One of the most exciting things about starting at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) 3 years ago was getting to discover a new environment. It took me some time to become familiar with campus. During my first week of classes there was quite a bit of ‘Google Maps-ing’ and asking fellow students on Gould Street for directions. After spending a few years exploring campus, I feel far more oriented. In fact, now when I get stopped for directions, I can always point out where something is (unless it’s a room in Kerr Hall — a notorious maze!). 

Beyond learning my way around, I’ve also been able to find the spaces on campus that I’m drawn to. From great study spots to the best floors to hang out on, here are a few of my favourite TMU places. 

DCC Rooftop

Located on the 8th floor of the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex (DCC), the DCC Rooftop is home to one of 2 TMU Urban Farms (the other one being on the roof of the George Vari Engineering & Computing Centre). Next to the plants growing on soil beds, there's a gathering area where tables and chairs are brought out during open hours. Throughout the summer, I worked a job through TMU’s Career Boost student employment program. During the sunny summer weather, the DCC Rooftop was the perfect place to take my lunch breaks.

The Image Centre

The Image Centre is a photo gallery situated off our campus’ main pedestrian strip, Gould Street. The gallery is Canada’s leading institution dedicated to the exhibition, research and collection of photography. They put on multiple exhibits year-round where you’ll find work from renowned and lesser-known photographers. The best part? Admission is always completely free. If you’re searching for a 30-minute activity for an artsy on-campus date, the Image Centre is one of the most interesting places you can visit at TMU without spending a dime.

Kerr Quad

Right in the heart of campus is the Kerr Quad, a greenspace surrounded by the 4 sections of Kerr Hall — North, East, South and West — where classes are held. Students play outdoor sports on the grass, hang out in between classes and gather for events like concerts at Orientation. In between classes, I love taking a stroll in the Quad to get some fresh air and clear my head.

Oakham Cafe

I didn’t know about Oakham Cafe, TMU’s popular eatery, until my second year. In retrospect, I have no idea how I missed out on it for so long! Oakham Cafe is known for its low prices and quick, friendly service. Whether grabbing some coffee and a muffin to go, or sitting with friends over the pasta of the day, Oakham Cafe is a staple of our campus. When I’m not in the mood to be secluded in the library, the vibes at Oakham make it a great study spot. To access Oakham, enter the Student Campus Centre and make a left up the stairs or ramp. When you get to a lineup extending out the door, you’ll know you’re at the right place.

SLC 8th Floor

Each of the 8 floors of the Student Learning Centre (SLC) offers its own unique environment. The top floor of the SLC, known as The Sky, is my favourite. It offers some of the tallest windows and best natural light on campus. With a mix of independent and group seating, it’s perfect for both individual studying and group projects. When I’m collaborating on a group project, and we’re in need of a whiteboard for brainstorming, I’ll book a Collaborative Group Work Room (CGWR). They’re offered on floors 5, 7 and 8.

Library 10th floor

Like the SLC, the library boasts different vibes — and noise restrictions — on its different floors. The 10th is my go-to, because it’s a silent floor. If the cubicles and artificial light seem boring, that’s sort of the point! When being in a noisy, busy space is too distracting, I’ll perch myself down at a desk at the TMU Library. Although a library has to be the most cliché of all university study spots, it’s cliché for a reason! Being surrounded by thousands of books, each hundreds of pages long, makes my 2,000-word essay feel much more achievable.

Those are some of the spots on campus I keep coming back to. Everyone’s got their own favourites based on aesthetic preferences, study styles and interests. You can start finding your future favourite spots by exploring TMU for yourself. Check out the virtual tour, register for a future student event or attend a campus tour. However you explore, you’ll start to discover how each corner of campus has its own character — and before long, you’ll find the places that feel like yours.

Until next time,

Ido, your student ambassador