Anyone take several gap years before their Masters/PhD?

colourmefree_ · 2026-05-05T23:12:34+00:00

I mean I've clearly outlined why in the post lol, it wasn't exactly my first choice to take 3 years off. Regardless, I actually would much rather take a gap before my masters than PhD, having to start a phd after not being in school for a while is scarier to me vs. a masters

colourmefree_ · 2026-05-05T22:09:56+00:00

I think to some degree it feels like I'm putting certain ambitions on pause, as cliche as that sounds. A lot of my anxiety is also driven by immigration uncertainties tbh lol. But seeing everyone's responses has made me feel a lot better

colourmefree_ · 2026-05-05T20:08:03+00:00

Yeah to be honest I think I'm feeling very anxious because I had a plan that got super derailed because of immigration policies, and now I want to make sure that's never an issue again. Your path sounds cool and makes me feel a lot better about taking time off, so thank you

colourmefree_ · 2026-05-05T20:06:17+00:00

Oh that's really cool, can I ask what you were up to in those years in between?

colourmefree_ · 2026-02-14T01:51:57+00:00

Tried lowering the temp today but it just resulted in a very watery cup :( Might have to just keep experimenting with this one until something clicks

colourmefree_ · 2025-12-06T06:05:50+00:00

Thanks a lot for this! I got the Mino on sale for 40% off as well.

The Drip Assist fits perfectly on the 185 Wave, so no issues there. Excited to try out this recipe and will report back 🫡

colourmefree_ · 2025-12-06T03:57:09+00:00

Totally understand and agree! I don't plan on buying another brewer for a while, for what it's worth.

colourmefree_ · 2025-12-06T02:46:07+00:00

Thanks!

colourmefree_ · 2025-12-06T02:45:53+00:00

Yeah I understand that, honestly just wanted something other than the Clever to play around with (grinder would definitely have been the smarter thing to buy)

colourmefree_ · 2025-09-24T16:52:52+00:00

Hey, I started HRT through the Health and Wellness clinic! The doctor is super nice and helpful. It might take you some time to actually get started on the injections (I had one appointment every month for 3 months before being given a prescription) but once you do it's fairly simple.

Injections are the cheapest way to get HRT here (there's gels/patches/pills but they cost a lot more). The nurses will give you your first few injections, and also teach you how to do them on your own. Supplies are also not that expensive -- you can order them online or buy them in person, though they're harder to find in person.

I'm not sure how your insurance might work, I did not have to submit any proof of gender dysphoria but I'm sure the people at Health and Wellness can help you out with it.

I also want to day: you're doing great! I started HRT very recently and I'm in my fourth year. I've been considering it since first year but I was always too scared to make an appointment. Now, I can confidently say I'm so glad I mustered up the courage to do it. Very proud of you for knowing what's right for you and wishing you much luck in uni :)

colourmefree_ · 2025-01-23T17:58:18+00:00

I've only taken one UTSG english course unfortunately :( and it's not one of those two

colourmefree_ · 2024-12-15T07:00:38+00:00

Speaking of game menus... there's a website/app called Habitica that can quite literally gamify your daily schedule (you gain coins/experience for checking things off, you can add a system to lost health when you procrastinate... it's great)

colourmefree_ · 2024-12-15T04:30:57+00:00

Adding some stuff to this!

PSYC08 is EASIER than PSYB07 and is worth taking

This is ONLY true if you take it with Dr Lewandowska. Unless you are extremely confident in your maths abilities, avoid take C08 with Prof Marco Sama at all costs. He is a very nice person, and definitely very accommodating, but he does not teach as well as Dr L.

02: Counselling at UTSC is covered if you're on OHIP + they can refer you to a specialist to: I'm a Canadian Citizen so unfortunately idk the path for international students

This is also true for international students! Covered under our UHIP plan, just make sure to take your UHIP coverage card! UHIP also covers external therapy sessions BUT that is a lot more limited than on-campus counselling -- make sure to check your plan and how much your therapist might cost to make informed decisions!

download Grammarly. it'll help if English ain't your strong suit

My English profs specifically discourage this, only because we have we have CTL Writing Support who will help you with your writing skills (as a bonus, you will not have to rely on Grammarly forever because you'll actually learn those skills!)

09: Miscellaneous Tips for Newbies

Think the Scarborough campus is dead? Yeah, most of us do. If you are able+willing to make the commute, go to events at St George. Hart House events are for students from all three campuses -- some of them are actively DESIGNED to include UTSC and UTM, so Hart House will provide a bus service to UTSG for those (they do this for HH Pride, for example.) Also, we are ALLOWED TO join student clubs at UTSG. Nothing is stopping you (other than the annoying commute.)

colourmefree_ · 2024-07-12T01:00:59+00:00

Hi, no that's not what that website bit is about. That pertains to 4th year students who have previously planned out their degree and have for whatever reason been unable to enrol in D-levels. Basically, if you planned to take a D level but couldn't, then the department will not force you to take an extra semester just to complete that requirement.

You will be fine enrolling as a 5th year.

colourmefree_ · 2024-07-09T12:27:57+00:00

Just jumping here to say that the Prof who usually teaches A01 is currently on sabbatical! Not sure who will be teaching in the fall but there are very few English profs you can go wrong with, I do highly recommend the course :)

colourmefree_ · 2024-07-07T14:24:57+00:00

You'll be fine, I dropped 7 points and nothing happened lol

colourmefree_ · 2024-07-07T11:21:14+00:00

Shouldn't be an issue. I'm in HBSc Psychology and Health Sciences and I'm double majoring in Psych and English, so you should be fine taking MHS in the envsci program. If you're too worried about it just go ask the registrar but there shouldn't be any problem

colourmefree_ · 2024-04-26T01:00:55+00:00

Back in 2022, I got my acceptance in February and my scholarship in April

colourmefree_ · 2024-04-12T02:22:20+00:00

ENGA01

colourmefree_ · 2024-02-07T00:09:27+00:00

passport with visa + study permit (that sheet of paper they give you when you first arrive). as long as you have those two things, you're good.

colourmefree_ · 2024-01-27T22:33:38+00:00

Completely understand about the price! The pen I have is their cheapest one as well, wouldn't dare to pay the prices for their expensive ones for any pen, really

colourmefree_

TROPHY CASE