In photos: Students kick off a new school year across U of T's three campuses
Students from Victoria College participate in a cheer-off event organized by the U of T Students’ Union (photo by Polina Teif)
Published: September 8, 2026
For University of Toronto students, the beginning of a new school year is a series of firsts – from new dorms and roommates to classes and friends.
In recent weeks, students and their families across U of T’s three campuses were busy working with dozens of cheery volunteers to cart boxes, bags and suitcases into residence buildings, which will serve as homes-away-from-homes for the next several months.
Then, on the first day of classes, students and their professors got busy settling into, or getting re-acquainted with, their daily routines.
U of T photographers were there to capture all the action – and the many moments in between.
With staff and volunteers pitching in, U of T Scarborough students haul their belongings into Harmony Commons on move-in day.
Ace Irwin (right) had some help from his mother Meredith Scott (centre) and new roommate August Alvarova (left) as he carted his belongings into his new digs at Chestnut Residence.
From the small town of Morrisville, Vt., Irwin said he was looking forward to city life in Toronto. “I wanted to go somewhere that kind of had everything.”
Embracing new beginnings: Hundreds of U of T Mississauga students now call residence home – and each other neighbours and roommates – as they settle into the 2026-27 school year.
Back-to-school smiles: Students stop for their photo op by the U of T sign on the St. George campus.
Say cheese: the lobby of Harmony Commons was also a hub for photos on move-in day at U of T Scarborough.
Isabelle Hong was among the first cohort of students to move into the 357-bed residence that's part of the Lawson Centre for Sustainability at Trinity College – and carried on a family tradition in the process.
Her father, Simon Hong (left) helped shuttle two carloads of cargo in the rain. A Trinity alum himself, Hong said he was proud to see his daughter join his son, who is a Trinity student in his fourth year, at his alma mater.
He said he never told his kids to follow in his footsteps. They made the decision themselves based on his U of T experience.
“I told them about what benefits to expect if they attended,” he said. “A great education, networking connections and being able to set themselves up for the future.”
A U of T Scarborough student gets a helping hand and a welcoming smile while moving into residence.
Students represent the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design with pride in the cheer-off at Varsity Stadium on the St. George campus.
Marieke (left) and Beth Buckmaster (right) showed off their mother-daughter pride while waiting for the elevator in Chestnut Residence on the St. George campus.
Move-in day at U of T Mississauga brought several new roommates face to face, often with a little family support along the way.
From rowing to crocheting, more than 1,000 student clubs and organizations across U of T’s three campuses means there’s a fit for every interest – and a potential community for every student.
With backpacks on and spirit on full display, U of T students make their way across the St. George campus – and take another step toward their futures – on the first day of classes.
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