Biophysics (Physiology Stream) at University of Toronto (St.George)
Tajrian (Year 4)
What did you wish you knew before going to your university? What made you choose this institution over all others? What are advantages and disadvantages of your institution or campus? List any advice for incoming first-year students about your university.
University is not like high school. In the very beginning it felt like there wasn't enough time to cover all the material. So, make sure you know how you learn the best from writing notes, listening to audio to reading textbook, etc. In university, work never ends, so make sure you know how to manage your time, make sure to take breaks! Self-discipline is very crucial here and no matter where you go.
What did you wish you knew before choosing your specific program? What are the advantages and disadvantages of your program? List any advice for incoming first-year students about your program of study.
If you hated a course in high school, it does not mean that you will feel the same way about that course in university. So, keep your options open. For example, I really did not like physics in highschool but in university it was a different story.
What was your favourite university experience?
Everyone used to tell me how scary and hard UofT is. However, it is more like hardwork pays off at the end. My best experience was from my peers and professors who would always make a positive atmosphere around me. Everyone is super nice.
What was your least favourite university experience?
My eating habits were terrible and I actually got sick from it too. So, eat healthy and don't skip your meals.
What is the hardest part about your program and what were the steps that you took to overcome any difficulties?
There was a lot to learn, but sometimes it was as if there was not enough time to do all the work. Study groups help me a lot to stay on top of my courses, so I am always caught up with my lecture materials. Also, writing down my notes and reading them out loud would help me a lot as I am not constantly zoning out. As well, I study way better in the library than anywhere else as the atmosphere puts me in the mood to study and be more productive. Always remember, not everyone is the same and study in a manner which is suitable to you.
If you were able to take electives, what was your favourite elective? If you were not able to take electives, what was your favourite course and why?
I really liked HMB203 and HMB303. The courses are very interactive. They were about economic, historical, social and cultural determinants of health and human rights, and how structural violence prevents progress towards human rights. Also there were case studies which gave me a framework on how to approach some global issues.