BY: LAETITIA DANDAVINO-TARDIF
Sometimes, we all need to relax, especially when the semester kicks in. It is important to keep a balance between your studies and your wellness. The University of Toronto’s St. George campus has wonderful and magical quiet places to study, relax or disconnect. You just have to know where to find them! Here are some of my favourite hidden gems around the campus where I like to escape as I am completing my Masters.
1. Terrence Donnelly Centre’s Indoor Bamboo Garden
160 College St, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2
The Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research building, opened in 2005, has one of the only indoor green spaces at the University of Toronto. The Bamboo Garden is the ideal place to go to find a moment of peace. There are benches on the various patio levels where you can relax, eat your lunch or chat with friends. The Bamboo Garden remains little known across the student body, so make sure to check it out!
2. University College’s Quadrangle
15 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H7
University College’s Quadrangle is a serene haven minutes away from the Faculty of Information. Surrounded by the beautiful medieval-inspired 1850s University College building, this green space is my favourite on campus as it feels like I enter in another era. I enjoy grabbing a coffee at Diabolo’s Cafe (as listed in my previous Grad School Guide article) and sitting in the Quad to eat my lunch, read a book or let my mind wander. As you are there, I recommend visiting the latest exhibition of the nearby University of Toronto Art Centre!
3. Rotman School of Management’s Rooftop Terrace
5th floor, 105 St George St, Toronto, ON M5S 3E6
You might have been wondering what is in that glass building in from of the Faculty of Information. The Rotman School of Management offers many services such as a coffee shop, a cafeteria and the Milt Harris Library. But my favourite part of this building is its green rooftop patio. Located on the same floor as the library, the patio offers you one of the best views of Toronto from campus. The only inconvenience is that the Wi-Fi is quite weak outside. However, why not enjoy some time really disconnected!
4. Philosopher’s Walk
Access on Bloor St W. through the Queen Alexandra Gates (between the Royal Ontario Museum and the Royal Conservatory of Music).
While Philosopher’s Walk is mostly used as a shortcut between Bloor St. W. and Hoskin Ave., away from cars, it is an ideal place to go reflect (as its name indicates). With many benches along the way, I enjoy sitting down there to read a book, and sometimes, listen to the music practices coming out from the Faculty of Music building, which is just beside! This park is as scenic throughout all seasons (Fall being my favourite one).
5. Innis Cafe's Patio
2 Sussex Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 1J5
Another neighbour to the Faculty of Information is Innis College. The Innis Café has a lovely hidden rooftop patio that is yet to be known! You, certainly, will not feel on campus when you head up there. This patio does not only have comfortable seating, but it is small, intimate and secluded. You can grab a lunch on the first floor or use the microwave to heat up your own.
BONUS: Hart House
7 Hart House Circle Road, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3
Hart House, as a whole, is my number one place on campus. This cultural hub doesn’t only offer many activities (such as Get Crafty or Board Game Cafe), workshops, theatre plays and fitness classes, but it is a beautiful building that makes you feel like in Harry Potter. It has so many rooms and quiet corners where you can go relax (and even take a nap!), such as the Reading Room and the Library. If you do not know what to do, there is always something going on or for you to do at Hart House, day and night.
As you can see, there is so much to explore around the University of Toronto. I hope these places may become sources of inspiration as you are completing various research papers throughout your degree. Also, to complement with your Masters of Museum Studies, I suggest learning more about the history of these sites as each and every one of them captures an essence of the University of Toronto. Finally, as this is only a handful of what the campus has to offer, I recommend wondering around to discover your own gem to unwind and let your mind escape.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.