Staff Feature: Stephen Oliver, Program Advisor

As we get closer to the end of the semester, students tend to be under a lot of stress at the University of Toronto. For this reason, we talked to Stephen Oliver, our Program Advisor for some insight about this time of year as well as for some tips to succeed. We also took the opportunity to get to know him better and asked him some fun questions as well. Take a read below!

What is the most common mistake or challenge that IFP students face during their year?

I think the biggest challenge, or most common mistake, is underestimating the intensity of the IFP. This is an intensive program that aims to prepare students for not only the language requirements but also the academic skills requirements of post-secondary education. Therefore, there is a heavy load of courses, assignments, and homework in the fall term, and an even heavier load in the winter term. When students take this lightly or do not stay organized, they tend to struggle to keep up.

If you could eat only 1 dish for 1 full year, what would it be and why?

Easy: pizza. It is so versatile with the different toppings and crusts. I could have regular crust, thin crust, deep dish, whole grain crust, cauliflower crust, and then all the different cheeses, sauces, and veggies. The possibilities are endless! Even if I had to stick to one type of pizza, I could live off of cheese pizza and still be happy! Nothing is better!

What is your top advice for students who are struggling to keep up with their workload?

I think the best advice I can give is to get organized and come up with a time management plan. IFP students are intelligent and capable, but sometimes, like with so many first-year students, they lack the skills and knowledge to keep themselves organized and on track. I was the same way in my undergraduate studies, as I had never learned these skills and simply relied on being reminded by my professors what was coming up. This inevitably leads to forgetting about important assignments and tests and increased levels of stress. With a good time management plan, any student can ensure nothing is missed and plenty of time is spent on big assignments and studying for important exams, which ultimately leads to feeling more in control of your studies.

What is the most interesting place you have visited?

I have travelled to around 15 different countries, and my favourite at the moment is Iceland. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful country on Earth. The landscape is rugged and awe-inspiring. I couldn’t count the number of waterfalls I saw there, and I’m pretty sure my jaw was dropped for the entire trip. Also, the people and culture there are incredibly welcoming and friendly. It is one of the most inclusive and equitable countries in the world, which, combined with the beautiful scenery, makes for an amazing place to visit. All of this is coming from a person who prefers hot, summer weather to cold, winter weather.

If a student wants to get organized and set up a good time management plan, what should they do?

First, it is important to look ahead. Using course outlines, students should think about and start planning for course assessments more than just a few days ahead of time. I find it helpful to compile all of those important dates into a calendar or a document so that you can easily look at it each day to be aware of what’s to come. Additionally, I am happy to meet with students to talk about their schedules and plans and to help create something that works for them. Meeting with me could be a good first step in getting on track with the rest of their studies in the IFP and beyond.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Toronto?

It sounds cliché, but I love discovering new restaurants and food establishments. Especially as someone with a huge sweet tooth, finding a place that has unique donuts or cupcakes is exciting! Or a restaurant that makes authentic international or unique fusion cuisines. Eating new, delicious food makes my stomach and heart happy, and Toronto has no shortage of new places to eat at.

Connect with Stephen!

For anything that affects your academic journey, Stephen is your resource. Through one-to-one meetings, workshops, or quick chats, Stephen is happy to meet with you for any of your academic needs. Whether you need advising on study skills, time management and organization, or navigating your studies at UofT, Stephen can support you and provide guidance to help you gain the skills necessary for academic success in the IFP and your future full-time degree studies.

Stephen can help you with: