Janelle Johnson, a CivMin MEng student, shares her experience with searching and applying for her U of T MEng program. Janelle travelled from Jamaica to attend school in Canada.
Janelle Johnson, known to friends as JJ, began her CivMin MEng experience well before her September 2025 start in Toronto. We chatted with her to gain some insight into her experiences as an international student exploring graduate studies at the University of Toronto with the Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself as an introduction?
My name is Janelle Johnson. I am a first-year MEng student in the Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering at the University of Toronto. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Jamaica, where I studied Environmental Biology. That was a great foundation, but I wanted to expand my capacity and create solutions with an interdisciplinary approach, so pursuing environmental engineering felt like a natural next step for me.
What attracted to the you to the University of Toronto?
I’ve always wanted to attend U of T since my undergrad days. It had really good offerings that attracted me, plus the interaction with the staff and the professors. During the admissions period, I had questions they were really receptive to. I felt like I was at home. I got the responses I needed. That’s what drew me here.
As well, all the online info sessions were very informative. When you’re at the info session, you already know what is going to be said, because all the information is on the [CivMin] website. That’s another good thing – you can find everything on the website, so I really love that. When students are asking some questions, I’m like, it’s on the website!
The admissions team members were responsive to every email. I asked a question about what could I do to prepare to transition into an engineering program. Miss Lyndsay [Vair] suggested reaching out to professors – she recommended a specific one. You could also email your professors and get a quick response. My professor was a coordinator of environmental engineering, so I reached out to him to speak with him before the first session, and he responded. We had three question-and-answer sessions. I always have a lot of questions.
How was the application process for you?
The application process was pretty smooth. What’s amazing was how quickly I got my acceptance. I was totally surprised because it was just two or three weeks after applying. I was wondering if it was real because the application period didn’t close for a few months. I actually emailed the admin staff to confirm that if it was real, so crazy. Ms. Pauline Martini responded pretty quickly and said, “Yes, if you are qualified, then you get admitted to the program.” I thought that was exceptional!
You had to move from Jamaica to Canada, making your way to Toronto. How did that go for you? Was there a visa process or any hurdles there?
I wouldn’t call them hurdles when you plan well. It’s just steps that you follow through. After getting my admissions, you say whether or not you’re coming, and then they give you a [conditional acceptance] letter.
Then you have other requirements to get the visa at the embassy, so you apply. I got it in April and that’s practically it, until you’re preparing to move here. And then at the Canadian Embassy, I received my study permit as well. I travelled from Jamaica to Florida, spending a couple of days there, then we went to New Jersey to meet another family member, then drove to Toronto.
What about finding a place to live?
I got accepted to campus residence in June. After you confirm that you will be attending U of T, you apply on the U of T housing website when applications are opened. They were great at answering all the questions I had. I arrived in Toronto on August 30 and my family helped me move in on August 31. It was better than I expected; the transition was very smooth for me. I’m comforted by that.
You’re now in downtown Toronto, in one of the most multicultural cities in the world. What’s your perception of Toronto?
The good thing about being here is I don’t feel isolated. I’m feeling at home, it’s weird because it’s my first time here, but for now I feel good. You know, Jamaica is a melting pot and Toronto looks like a melting pot as well. So it sort of reminds me of my lovely Island, Jamaica.
The city is walkable, which is amazing! Right now, the weather is pleasant, so it’s nice to walk around with new friends and see people. I don’t have a specific place that I love going to as yet, but just walking around and seeing the city has been good.
How about the process, or bureaucracy, of setting up your life in Canada?
To be honest, everything has been easy for me thus far. Being at the bank, it was smooth. Getting your new student bank account, the new phone service, the social insurance number, it’s all been easy for me. I know it might not be the same story for everyone. Everyone’s experience is unique, but I just list the things I need to get done and tackle them, bringing all the necessary documents that the websites request or info from the call in advance with any question of uncertainty.
Are you a very organized person by nature?
Yes, I try to be organized. It is necessary for me; it makes me calm knowing the next steps. So, whatever I’m doing, I get a bit analytical, researching to see what I need to do and how to get it done, then do it. If possible, I try to approach every task with a backup plan.
The first step is research. You research what you need to do, and as much as possible, attend the info sessions. Create your to-do list and prioritize the essentials. If possible, don’t wait until later. Don’t sit back and say, “Oh, I have time to do it.” Yes, you might have the time now, but it goes by quicker than you notice. Also, take things one step at a time. If you start early, you’ll have time to manage the things you have to do.
I got all the major tasks done in the first two weeks of getting to Canada, so it’s pretty possible. Research first, check out the international student’s website and the civmin website. Attend the sessions, all if possible. Ask questions. Talk to the admin team, the professors, past students, and manage your time well.
Before coming here, I considered the weather, things I might need to be comfortable and listed the things I needed for the transition.
Before arriving to campus I did the following:
- Sent in my photo for my TCard (student identity card)
- Activated my UTORid around late July (unique login identity for email, U of T systems, etc)
When I arrived this is what I did in Toronto:
- collected my TCard on campus
- went to Service Ontario for a photo ID (so you don’t need your passport for ID)
- went to Service Canada for social insurance number (SIN), if you want to work
- opened a bank account
- got a new phone plan (for mobile)
Was the Centre for International Experience (CIE) helpful?
Yes, indeed, on their website they tell you, once you’re here, how you can settle in. That includes information about getting the Ontario ID, social insurance number (SIN), bank account and the phone plans that you can choose.
Is there anywhere on campus you like visiting?
I’ve been to Robarts Library. It’s massive. I got lost. It’s massive. It’s resourceful. I also went to the Engineering and Computer Science Library for a study session. The campus is huge, there’s a lot of places I haven’t been to yet, but it’s on the agenda.
Do you have anything that you look forward to doing here in Canada that’s new for you?
I am looking forward to skiing and ice skating. I’ve only been ice skating once. Canada is a place to do more of it, right? I signed up for intramurals games; we’ll see how that goes.
For new students, do you have any suggestions?
Okay, so moving into a new place, you’ll feel alone, especially if you don’t have family here. I suggest being open to building friendships and taking your time to build your community. You’ll need it, it makes life easier.
There’s a myriad of student groups here at U of T that caters to different interests. For example, I joined GradSWE, Graduate Society of Women Engineers. That team has been a blessing so far, they are welcoming and host multiple social and educational activities. I’ve also joined a church, lovely people. I recommend going to events that the department [CivMin] hosts to network and build professional relationships as well. The Civmin Graduate Student Association [CivMin GSA] hosted this lovely welcome event out at Toronto Island, I met two of my friends there, so happy to have them.
Finally, plan as much as possible, it can get pretty overwhelming when things are a blur and you’re all confused. Ask for help, ask questions. Yes, read what’s on the website, but it’s totally fine to ask question to confirm. Everything won’t be perfect, just take it one day at a time. You’ll be fine, you got this!
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Watch Janelle’s video: