If you are still oblivious to the fact that
University of Toronto comprises of three campuses, well now you know! And
yes, Malaysian students do exist in the other two campuses, despite small in
number and are often shy away from the spotlight. (go easy on us, okay? hehe). One
of them is situated in Mississauga, just west of downtown Toronto. Some call it
Sauga, others nickname it as The Row, but we here like to call it Missi. So, this
time we’re going to see what’s it like to be a student at University of Toronto
Mississauga (UTM)!
1. Small lectures are really a plus!
Most of the lecture halls in UTM
hold approximately 300 students or less and we find it as a huge advantage! It
makes it easier to come up to the prof and ask questions during breaks or after
class. This is the chance to get to know the prof and hopefully they would acknowledge your
existence!
2. We get easily spotted on campus.
All of us here have had at least one
person randomly claimed that they “always see you around campus”, which is
usually responded with an awkward laugh. Due to the small-sized campus, we tend
to bump into the same faces every day. However, I guess being a hijabi and
having a “sawo matang” Pan-Asian look
make us distinctly recognizable amongst the sea of other races and colour in
UTM. This can be a blessing or a curse, depending on what type of person you
are. According to Nayli Farzana, it gives her a sense of belonging in the UTM
community, where everyone knows each other. But for others… well, let’s just
say that being easily recognized in public might not be at the top of the list!
3. Discovering home close to nature’s heart.
Oh, yes, serenity and peace greets you in this suburban neighborhood of The Credit Woodlands. Even the name
sounds like something you would’ve taken out of a Winnie the Pooh story book. As
an aesthetic nature-lover, Sakinah Kamal finds herself right at home here in
Mississauga. Unwinding session means a trip to the closest park and having
picnics with friends. Not to mention that UTM is literally surrounded by forest
and seeing a deer roaming around campus is pretty normal.
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| The mystical-looking bridge behind UTM campus. |
4. We got the best of both worlds (or cities).
Living in Mississauga does have its
own share of downsides. Besides the usual trip to Square One, there is a lack
of interesting things to do here. But fret not! UTM students are privileged
with free bus rides to and fro downtown Toronto, where all the fun stuff
happens! We get to experience the best of both cities!
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| The famous Marilyn Monroe building. |
5. Everyone seems nicer here. :)
Maybe it’s because of the friendly
homey vibe that this town has; we make friends with the locals everywhere we go!
Being one of the most diverse cities in Canada, you get to meet folks from all
walks of life. And if you ask politely enough, they would just love to share
their journey of making Canada their home.
So
there you go! A sneak peek on how it is here in Mississauga! Come pay us a visit sometimes or maybe consider taking up some
classes here. You are more than
welcomed!
All photos credit to Sakinah Kamal.
