University Student Transition Resources

This list of resources is meant to reinforce learning and the skills needed for academic success in university. The following programs are available to all students attending Ontario universities.

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, partly because universities regularly make adjustments to services.

Have questions or need more information? Contact the appropriate university directly.

Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) offers the following transition resources to incoming and new students:

First-Year Engineering Office

The First-Year Engineering Office hosts transition and orientation initiatives throughout the summer to promote the successful transition from high school to TMU Engineering.

  • Meet with upper-year engineering students from across all 9 Engineering disciplines to help guide students before the start of school.
  • Engineering Boost courses in Physics, Math and Computer Programming to introduce students to concepts taught in their first-year courses (not for credit).
  • Pre-orientation events and campus tours to meet and connect with fellow incoming engineering students.
  • Game nights, sports competitions, scavenger hunts and more — numerous social events offered throughout the summer and academic year.

Get Ready: Summer Jumpstart

Get Ready: Summer Jumpstart is a summer transition program that takes place between July and August for incoming TMU students that features 5 key modules:

  • Community Ready
  • Math Ready
  • Study Ready
  • Wellness Ready
  • Writing Ready

Get Ready: Summer Jumpstart’s main goal is to help all incoming TMU students feel confident and prepared for their first semester.

International Student Support

With students from more than 140 countries, International Student Support (ISS) helps the international community at TMU in reaching their academic, personal and professional goals.

ISS works to:

  • welcome and support newcomers in adjusting to life in Canada.
  • build a sense of belonging for the international community at TMU.
  • connect international students and newcomers to the TMU and Toronto communities.

Our team offers:

  • one-on-one personal development appointments.
  • group or one-on-one immigration advising.
  • programs tailored to community building, exploring and learning about new cultures.
  • health insurance for international students.

Learning Support

We offer a wealth of learning support services in written and oral communication, literacy, numeracy and academic skills through one-on-one appointments, group tutoring, peer support, workshops and events for all students at TMU.

You can access the following resources through Learning Support:

  • Math & Computer Science Support
  • Study Skills & Transition Support
  • Writing & Language Support
  • Graduate Student Support

Examples of programs include:

  • Our Academic Edge program will help you to build core learning skills and set academic and personal goals in an encouraging and supportive peer community.
  • Weekly English Conversational Groups to practice oral fluency and communication skills.
  • Supported Learning Groups for traditionally difficult first-year courses.
  • Peer Academic Coaches, upper-year students who deliver one-on-one academic skills support.

SHIFT: Transition Program for Incoming Students with Disabilities

  • Summer transition program for students with disabilities who are heading to any postsecondary institution in Ontario.
  • We provide information to students and parents/support persons about navigating Academic Accommodation Support (AAS).
  • You can connect with students with similar experiences, explore the learning strategy and assistive technology support resources available, and more.
  • Parent/support persons information sessions are also available.
  • Register on the SHIFT website.

Spanning the Gaps – Access to Post-Secondary Education

  • Holistic and innovative transitional programming with accessible pathways to postsecondary education.
  • Designed for adults and young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience postsecondary education.
  • Pathways build academic capacity through a strong community of students, staff and alumni, built on the principles of academic foundations, holistic support, diversity, inclusion and community engagement.
  • Programs that cater to learners who have the motivation, potential and stability required to be successful in postsecondary education but have educational gaps and/or lack the formal admission requirements.

Ted Rogers School of Management – Fit For Business

Fit for Business (FFB) is a transition program that helps first-year Ted Rogers School of Management students get connected, stay informed and become engaged. Making friends can feel daunting when starting your first year at university, and that is why FFB includes TedPacks.

  • In the first semester of university, first-year students are individually placed into a TedPack.
  • TedPacks are small groups of about 45 students that all share the same class schedule with one another, creating a community for you to connect and make friends from around the world.
  • You will have the opportunity to gain student leadership experience in your first year by applying to become a TedPack Leader for your own TedPack and receiving mentorship from upper-year students.