Mature Student

Frequently Asked Questions

The Basics

1. Are admission policies different?
   The admission policies are a bit different for mature students. A detailed overview of the admission requirements can be found in the admission section of the Ryerson website. For any additional information contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 416-979-5036.
2. What do I need to do before I arrive?
   Review the material you received from Ryerson. A detailed to-do list for incoming students is available at: ryerson.ca/firstyear
3. What are the important things to know in the first few weeks?
   Familiarize yourself with the campus and pick up a copy of the Ryerson Student Guide. The guide describes many Ryerson policies which may affect you, as well as listing the campus services available to you.
4. Are class times flexible?
   You will have some flexibility in setting up your timetable. Once the timetable is set up class times will be as stated. It is a good idea to get the contact information for a few classmates in case you miss a lecture and need to catch up.
5. I live away from campus. What are the best ways of getting to Ryerson?
   The Ryerson campus is located within a short walk from both the College and Dundas subway stations. For other modes of transportation visit www.ryerson.ca/maps/directions
6. I want to drive to school. Is parking available on campus?
   There are several parking lots located near campus. Student parking permits are available for the academic year. Applications are available during August and September in Room A1108, Jorgenson Hall, 380 Victoria Street. For a map of the parking lot locations visit www.ryerson.ca/maps/parking/

Academic:

1. How can I best prepare for university?
   The best way to prepare for university is to start with a good time management routine. If you are balancing work and school, try to work only on the weekends and dedicate most of the weekdays for schoolwork and studying. Time management workshops are available if you need some help. You can sign up at: www.ryerson.ca/learningsuccess
2. How many hours per week will I spend in lectures?
   A typical program will have six courses per semester. Each course usually had three hours of class time per week, so you can expect to spend up to eighteen hours in class each week.
3. How much studying will I need to do?
   The rule of thumb in studying for a course in university is 2 to 1. This means for every hour of lecture, you need to study for about 2 hours. On average, engineering and science major students will have a total of 26 hours of lecture/lab time per week. This means they should set aside at least 52 hours for studying.
4. How will I find enough time to study?
   Define priorities in terms of time, energy, and resources. This will be an ongoing process. The Learning Success Centre has seminars and tipsheets available, which focus on time management. Visit www.ryerson.ca/learningsuccess
5. How can I study more effectively?
   The Learning Success Centre’s website offers a collection of resources on effective study habits, note taking and test preparation. Visit ryerson.ca/learningsuccess and click on “tip sheets”.
6. How will I balance schoolwork with outside responsibilities?
   Balancing school work with the rest of your commitments can be a challenge. If you are feeling overwhelmed, Ryerson offers many services, such as the Learning Success Centre and the Centre for Student Development and Counseling, that can help you to manage. 
7. How do I know how well I’m doing?
   The marks for the midterm tests are generally the first indicator of how well a student is doing. Many courses also have quizzes and small assignments early in the semester that are helpful as well.
8. Who can I ask for help if I find the course too challenging?
   If you are having difficulties with the course material talk with your instructor to seek clarification. The Learning Success Centre has free seminars and web information which can help improve your study strategies. www.ryerson.ca/learningsuccess The Writing Centre provides student tutors to help you learn how to do essay writing. www.ryerson.ca/writing-centre
9. How do I make sense of the library?
   The library has an excellent website with its own FAQ section that should help you to make sense of all the library’s services and policies. Visit ryerson.ca/library
10. Where can I get access to computers?
    There are several computer labs on campus. For locations and lab hours please visit www.ccs.ryerson.ca
11. Where can I go for help with computers?
    For a comprehensive guide to computing at Ryerson visit www.ryerson.ca/acs/usersguide/
12. What kind of computing skills do I need?
    You will need to have some basic computing skills to be successful at Ryerson. If you are not familiar with word processing, using the internet and email it would be beneficial to take a short course on computing before starting at Ryerson.

Financial:

1. How much will it all cost? What additional costs should I take into consideration?
   The Money Matters section of the Ryerson Student Guide provides a table showing the tuition costs for all academic programs (http://www.ryerson.ca/studentguide/MoneyMatters.html).
2. Additional costs include textbooks and other course materials. Transit costs should also be taken into account.
3. What grants or loans am I eligible for as a mature student?
   Check out the Student Financial Assistance page (www.ryerson.ca/financialaid) or take a look at the web sites for the major banks. Most have student lines of credit that you may be eligible to receive.
4. Where can I go for help if I run out of money?
   If financial problems occur, contact Student Financial Assistance to determine if you are eligible for a bursary or other form of financial assistance. www.ryerson.ca/financialaid .
5. Are there any jobs available on campus?
   Over 200 students are employed annually in Student Services. There are many paid positions that are available to Work Study students and those who are not on Work Study. Many jobs are available during the day and can be fit into your class schedule
6. Where can I get a copy of my tuition tax receipt?
   You can find an online copy of your T2202A form on the RAMSS service. Go to my.ryerson.ca and click on the RAMSS tab. You can also get a copy from the cashier’s office.

Personal:

1. What if I feel I’m not coping well?
   If you are feeling overwhelmed or experiencing personal difficulties contact the Centre for Student Development and Counselling for free, confidential individual or group counselling by trained professionals. www.ryerson.ca/counselling 
2. What health coverage do I have access to? Is their coverage available for my family?
   The Ryerson Students’ Union provides health and dental coverage, which is included in the cost of tuition. You must be a full time student to qualify for the coverage. Coverage for family members is available at additional cost. Visit the Ryerson Students’ Union website at rsuonline.ca for more details.
3. Is childcare available?
   Ryerson does have an on site daycare centre, however, the waiting list is currently between one and a half to two years. For more information about childcare services visit their site at: http://www.ryerson.ca/ece/ELC.html
4. What if I am concerned about my personal safety?
   If you have any personal safety concerns you can talk with Ryerson’s Safety and Security (www.ryerson.ca/security), the Office of Discrimination and Harassment Prevention (www.ryerson.ca/equity/dhps.htm) or the Centre for Student Development and Counselling (www.ryerson.ca/counselling) or call 416-979-5195.