University of Toronto St. George: Where To Eat, Clubs & Fitness
University of Toronto St. George: Where To Eat, Clubs & Fitness
Apr 30, 2010 Lori Bosworth
New students of the University of Toronto will feel in awe as they walk among and study in the expansive 19th century buildings that embody Romanesque and Gothic Revival architecture. In order not to get lost on such an enormous campus, students will feel more comfortable once they know where to eat, study, and work out on the U of T campus.
Becoming a student of the University of Toronto St. George Campus is a proud moment because the institution is steeped in tradition. Built in 1827, University of Toronto alumni include former Prime Minister Paul Martin, former UN special envoy Stephen Lewis, Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff, former Chief Justice of Ontario Roy McMurtry, former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, and author Margaret Atwood.
Where to Eat at U of T
Affectionately called "Fort Book" in the past, Robarts Library is the main library on campus and is located right in the center of U of T at St. George Street and Hoskin Avenue. While lacking in the ambiance that other U of T libraries have, Robarts does have the most comprehensive selection of resources for U of T students to grind out that essay or class presentation and is a one-stop spot to eat and to study. There is a cafeteria on the second floor that serves fast food favourites, as well as sandwiches and salads.
Situated at the top of King's College Circle, University College is one of U of T's oldest colleges. The lawn south of UC is known as the front campus and is the center of the university. University College has its own library on the second floor with a somewhat austere ambiance for concentrated study, and one cafe, Diablo's. Located in the Junior Common Room (the 'JCC') at the northwest corner of UC, Diablo's is one of the best U of T places to eat with surprisingly good food such as fair trade coffee, wraps, samosas, and hot entrees, although the JCC can be a bit noisy for studying.
U of T Faculty of Arts and Science students will have many of their classes at Sid Smith Hall, located about a block south of Hoskin Avenue, on the west side of St. George. On the main floor of Sid Smith is a Second Cup, as well as a large common study room which is a good place to study as it is fairly quiet. In the basement, there is a large cafeteria, which is a great place to eat between classes. Food served includes pizza, hamburgers, hot entrees, sandwiches, fruit, and salads.
University of Toronto Clubs, Fitness
Hart House is the social hub of U of T, and contains an athletic centre with track and pool on the lower level where many fitness classes are offered for free or for a small fee. Home to the Hart House Theatre that has performed Shakespeare productions, as well as musicals such as Jerry Springer The Opera, Hart House has a cozy wood-panelled library on the second floor to read that great classic novel, as well as couches where many students enjoy a snooze after a night out at a bar or concert.
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Hart House also other recreation activities such as a vinyl library, pool tables on the main floor, the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, and is home to many of U of T's clubs such as archery, camera, debating, jazz choir, investment, and chess. Sammy's Student Exchange, on the lower level, is a great place to eat, with a licensed cafeteria that includes a nutritious multicultural and Halal menu with vegetarian options, and live music in the evenings.
Convocation Hall U of T
Located on the southwest side of King's College Circle, Convocation Hall is where many students begin and end their university days. Due to the large seating capacity, Con Hall is used for many 100-level classes such as introductory psychology and sociology courses. With any luck, Convocation Hall will also be the last building students enter during their university days as it is the building where graduations occur.
Convocation Hall is also the location where many high-profile guests lecture. In the past, visiting lecturers have included David Suzuki, Margaret Atwood, and Stephen Lewis, as well as professors from Harvard and Princeton universities. These lectures are usually free for U of T students.
Attending the University of Toronto is a thrilling experience because the St. George campus is rich in tradition. Knowing the best places to eat, study, enjoy club activities, and work out will provide students with confidence. Students will enjoy spending time at University College, Robarts Library, Hart House, and Convocation Hall as they feel the collective presence of former students, many of whom have gone on to achieve greatness.
Copyright Lori Bosworth. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.