Getting Started

Welcome to the Graduate Studies Program! We've compiled a list of a few things to help you get started in your time with us. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask during Orientation or through the Graduate Administrator, Carrie Harber, any time throughout your program.

1. UTORID and Student Email
2. ACORN
3. Payment of Fees and Registration
4. Enrolment in Courses
5. TCard
6. Connect with the Peer Mentorship Committee
7. Connect with GradHub and Get Oriented to U of T Resources!

UTORID and Student Email

The UTORid is your digital credential at the University, used to access University systems and resources, including email and student accounts.

All applicants to the University’s undergraduate and graduate programs receive a JOINid, which provides limited access to relevant systems. Admitted students will need to convert their JOINid to a UTORid. Your UTORid uses the same name as the JOINid; the UTORid simply provides access to more services

Once the UTORid is set up, students can set up their Student Email. For further details or assistance click here.

ACORN

ACORN stands for Accessible Campus Online Resource Network and is the student web inter​face to the University’s student information system. Sign into ACORN to enrol in courses, check fees and finances, update your address and emergency contact information, and more. 

Payment of Fees and Registration

All students are responsible for paying their own tuition fees through ACORN. Students are informed of fees payable through the ACORN portal.

Students are considered Registered as soon as they have paid tuition and incidental fees OR have an approved Request to Register Without Payment (Fee Deferral).

Tuition fees can be paid at most Canadian financial institutions. Since it can take several days to process such transactions, it is advisable to obtain a receipt as it will not be possible to enroll in courses or receive stipend/award payments without showing proof of tuition payment. Please visit the Student Accounts website for further information on making payments, including how to pay tuition from outside of Canada.

All students are expected to regularly check their account on ACORN to monitor all account activity.

Enrolment in Courses

Graduate students will be automatically enrolled in the appropriate seminar course. Students typically will enrol in their other courses through the ACORN portal. In some cases, additional steps are required to access a graduate course. In these cases, instructions are given on the course page. 

TCard

New students will need to obtain a photo-ID card (TCard), as it serves as both student card and library card. Cards may be obtained at Robarts Library, Rm 2054 A. Two pieces of identification will be required: a photo-ID and a document indicating your student number (e.g. Offer of Admission Letter for new students or Fee Invoice for continuing students).

Go to the TCard website for further information on getting or replacing a TCard.

Peer Mentorship Committee

We encourage all incoming students to connect with the Biochemistry Peer Mentorship Committee. More information is available here.

Get oriented to SGS, GradHub, and U of T Resources!

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) oversees policies and procedures relating to graduate studies at U of T. They also provide a student-facilitated program GradHub which is a go-to resource for navigating SGS policies and resources from a student perspective. They have a helpful page on Getting Started which also helps orient graduate students to U of T beyond the department. Check out UTogether for your community guide to all three U of T campuses. If you are an international student, you may also find these resources helpful: SGS Information for International Students,Centre for International Experience (Pre-Arrival and Beyond), Understanding your UHIP health insurance.