There are so many different colleges within U of T, it’s fair to wonder what functions they serve other than to exemplify U of T as the best Canadian contender for a real-life Hogwarts. Depending on whom you ask, some people might say they are for bureaucratic purposes, to sort and organize the thousands of students that attend this fine institution of learning – duh. Other answers might include the cool historical fact that the university is partial to British educational customs.
But as much as those answers are informative, is that all there is to the colleges at U of T? Just different ways of sorting the student populace at the university? Each college brings their own unique culture, style and specialty programs to enhance the experience of the U of T student life.
Victoria College
As one of the most historical colleges on campus, the halls of old Vic, Emmanuel College, and Burwash residence have been graced by some of the most prominent figures in Canadian culture. From the prize-winning novelist Margaret Atwood, to actor Donald Sutherland a.k.a. President Snow of Panem, Victoria`s alumni are quite reflective of the creative, artistic, and expressive trait of the college. Some unique programs that Vic offers to students are History and Philosophy of Science, and Material Culture.
Woodsworth College
One of the newer colleges at U of T, Woodsworth is perhaps best known for having one of the nicest residences on campus. (Right on Bloor street, apartment-styled) Home to the programs such as Criminology, and Employers Relations, Woodsworth is also known for its abundance of Rotman Students. Although the college itself isn’t directly tied to Rotman Commerce, the suites and skirts of future corporate and finance leaders hanging about the area makes Woodworth a business chic place to be.
Trinity College
The oldest, and by far the smallest college on campus, Trinity prides itself on some of its British inherited traditions such as formal high tables requiring academic gowns. Trin students are known to be outspoken, politically-aware and worldly. This comes as no surprise considering the college offers programs such as International Relations, E.L.S. (Ethics Law and Society), and P.C.J. ( Peace Conflict & Justice Studies). A good percentage of Trin students aspire to work in law, or with international organizations. Debates on personal philosophy before your first cup of coffee are not uncommon in the Trinity’s banquet-hall style cafeteria. Of Course, Trin students are more than happy to enjoy a cup of tea amidst the discussion.
St. Michaels College
Known around campus as more religious of the colleges, it’s not surprising that St. Mikes offers programs that delve intensively into medieval culture, history and theology. Juxtaposing the old with the new, St. Mikes also offers the popular Book and Media Studies heavily influenced by another Canadian great, Marshall McLuhan. Although St. Mikes students might work hard, they also party hard. There are also a variety of ways to get media-savvy at St. Mikes, whether it’s through its college newspaper, The Mike, or the special media collection available at the Kelly’s Library.
University College
The most iconic college at U of T, the U.C. building with its antique gargoyles is probably the most recognizable building facade on campus. Other than being the poster-child of U of T campus, U.C. also offers an interesting array of programs, such as Canadian Studies, Cognitive Science, Gender and Sexuality Studies. U.C. is also known around campus for its annual Cabaret, and Fireball, commemorating the great U.C. fire of 1890.
New College
Contrary to its name, New College is not the newest college at U of T. Established in the 60s, New College sticks out on campus for its interesting residence architecture, both new and old. Located right beside the Earth Science dept., New College is cozy, relaxed and somewhat confusing. The organic twist and turns of the old New College residence exterior complements the Earth Science department’s secret forest next door. New College is also home to complex and interesting programs such as, Caribbean Studies, Buddhist studies, Women and Gender Studies.
Innis College
Named for the famous Canadian media theorist Harold Innis, and fittingly home to the Cinema Studies program. Innis College provides a unique amalgamation of different programs along with Cinema Studies such as Writing and Rhetoric, Urban Studies. The College is also known for its futuristic student residence right on St. George St. As well as its free film Fridays exploring different genres of film, courtesy of CINSSU.