Photo: Connie Tsang
At the heart of the New College experience are its student life programs. The College offers students extracurricular and co-curricular programming, experiential learning, community engagement and leadership development, all of which support students’ academic and personal success.
As a student at New College, you will have opportunities to take part in many enriching activities, like our pop-up programs, SPROUT mentorship events, field trips, and a variety of educational and social pursuits.
You can also get involved in the New College Student Council, the New College Residence Council, or one of the many clubs and groups housed at New College.
Living at New—Residence Life
The New College Residence, comprising of three buildings, provides a vibrant community for roughly 900 students. Residence is more than just a place to live; it is a home, a place to make life-long friends and an abundant resource of programs and services that support the student experience. We aim to extend learning beyond the classroom by providing a host of extracurricular and co-curricular activities to develop students’ understanding of the world beyond campus.
New College offers unique living environments catering to the differing needs of our student body. These include a variety of learning communities and single-gender as well as gender-inclusive (or all-gender) communities. New College also offers three room options for residents: traditional single and double rooms, as well as our economy double rooms. Each room comes furnished with a bed, desk, desk chair and wardrobe.
Check out New College’s Virtual Residence Tour for a peek into life at NEW!
Residence Dons
Dons are full-time students who work to support student activities and academics in residence. Generally senior undergraduate students or graduate students, Dons are able to draw from their own experiences as students to assist residents in navigating the University and any personal issues that may arise during the transition into first year. Dons provide leadership, support, academic referrals and advice to residents, and direct students for further support. They also help to organize social, educational and academic activities within the residence. The Residence Dons have an important role in maintaining order in the house and encouraging individuals to avoid behaviour that may negatively impact other residents.
Learning eXperience Assistants
The Learning eXprience Assistants (LXAs – pronounced “LEXAs”) are full-time students who work to support the learning experience in residence by providing intentional, fun, and student-centred programming. The LXAs accomplish this through ‘excursions’, a selection of programs designed for the New College residence community where students can immerse themselves in active learning experiences. These experiences broaden a resident’s engagement with their community and expand their knowledge of resources during and after their time at the University of Toronto.
First Year Experience @ NEW
The First Year Experience at New College is a suite of programs from June through April designed to support new students as they transition in and through their first year at the College.
These programs group all new students with upper-year New College student leaders who will stay visible and accessible throughout the year. The First Year Experience consists of three marquee programs: SPROUT E-Mentorship (Summer), New College Orientation, and SPROUT Mentorship (Fall-Winter).
For more information, please visit the First Year Experience programs.
Student Life & Wellness @ NEW
SWELL (Student Wellness, Engagement, Life & Leadership) services support students throughout university, including those navigating the unique demands of commuting, with three core goals:
- Navigating Transition & Development: orientation, practical workshops, leadership and career opportunities, community hours for commuters, and referral support
- Connection & Belonging: inclusive events, student organizations and governance, and peer network opportunities to build community
- Wellness & Wellbeing: wellness events and programs, 1:1 consultations and meetings, workshops, and mental health navigation support
Learn more about our programs and how to get involved.
Career Mentorship Program
For over 30 years, the New College Career Mentorship Program has connected students with alumni mentors who provide guidance to students who are beginning to explore career options after graduation. Coordinated by the New College Advancement Office and the Office of Residence and Student Life, the Career Mentorship Program matches second, third, and fourth-year students directly with alumni based on career aspirations and interests, leading to career advice, guidance, networking and friendship as well. Applications for this program open up in December.
For more information, please visit the New College Mentorship Program.
