Set yourself up for success
So, you've completed your pre-semester tasks and now classes have begun and you're wondering, "What should I do first?" A new semester can be a whirlwind of activity with new classes, professors, software, assignments, and more. You also need to remember to take care of yourself and take time to find your community. Here we have laid out your top priorities to ensure your success from the jump! You've got this!
Note important dates
Every semester has important dates and deadlines for students. You're responsible for keeping track of them for yourself. These include deadlines to apply for awards and scholarships, adding or dropping courses and organizing health coverage, as well as holiday and Intersession Week closures and more.
Learn your timetable
Once you’ve registered for your classes, you should have a good idea of what your semester's schedule will look. You can easily view your schedule in STU-VIEW and the GBC app; classes will be listed under each day of the week.
Make sure to check your timetable leading up to the start of the semester and especially before the first week of classes — sometimes class times and locations may change. Those updates may also be notified through your email or Brightspace.
Get your textbooks
Unless your program has shared your required booklist in advance, wait until the first day of your class to find out what textbooks you will need. As part of your tuition, some programs have included eText so make sure you investigate.
You can get your textbooks via the Campus Store. You can search by title, course, or course list on their website. But pay attention to the listings as some books are eText while others are hard copies. eText can be downloaded right away once you have completed your transaction.
You can also get more great items at the Campus Stores like equipment, uniforms, computers and tablets, and GBC swag to show off your school spirit!
Download software
As a GBC student, you have free access to a lot of software you need for your studies! Just make sure to use your GBC account to sign up. (Typically your student ID number @georgebrown.ca.)
You'll need to set up Microsoft 365 programs on your device(s) to use Outlook (for your email), Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams. You'll also get 1 TB of free space in OneDrive. We highly recommend you get this set up right away, as you'll also need to set up Multi-Factor Authentication.
For Windows users, a wide variety of useful specialty programs are available for free download through your access to AppsAnywhere.
You also will have free access to Zoom, which you may need to use for some of your classes and meetings.
Explore our services
You're supported at George Brown. We have many services to help you! From academics to your health to preparing for the workforce and everything in between.
Want to get your grades up or need help with an essay? Check out the Tutoring & Learning Centre and the Library Learning Commons. Need to talk to someone about anything going on in your life? Get in touch with a free counsellor or peer mentor. Want to strengthen your resume and interview skills? Talk to Career Services. Want to get active with your classmates? Check out what Athletics & Recreation has to offer. And there’s so much more!
Make sure to keep an eye out for our Services Fairs in Week 3 of each semester – there you’ll get a chance to meet our service teams and find out more information in-person.
Find your community
We know it can be daunting to come to school not knowing how to connect with your communities. Keeping up a social life is an important part of your mental and physical well-being, and we want to make sure you feel connected. So here are some specific groups at GBC and how you can get involved!
- Student Association (SA)
- Clubs and student-led networks
- Student Life and Volunteer Squad
- Black Student Success Network
- Indigenous Initiatives
- startGBC
- Recreational activities
Please know that if you're struggling with feeling a sense of belonging or having a hard time making connections, you can also reach out to Counselling for someone to talk to about it.
Complete our anti-racism e-course
All full-time students are automatically enrolled in a course in Brightspace called Doing the Work: An Introduction to Anti-Racism.
Doing the Work is a short self-directed course that provides a uniquely GBC introduction to the ideas, language, concepts and discourses related to race, racism and anti-racism. You'll learn more about GBC’s anti-racism principles and practices and what they mean for our vibrant community.
We strongly encourage you to complete this course as soon as possible. In completing the course, you will receive a badge of completion on your Student Experience Record, which can support your academic work, placements, and future career. You will also be able to add the badge to your LinkedIn profile.
Make healthy choices
It's easy to get caught up in the hectic start of a semester, but you must remember to eat as healthy as you can, which will affect your mental clarity and physical energy. At GBC, we have some options to help you with that!
The MyGBC Student Portal
The MyGBC Student Portal is your virtual GBC home base! Besides having all your quick links and tools in one spot, it's also your best source of student news, events, and opportunities. Make sure to bookmark it and check it regularly throughout the semester so you don't miss anything!
Follow us on Instagram
Instagram is your fastest source of GBC news, and the place for student-centred content, so make sure to follow official school accounts to stay connected!
Need help?
The Contact Centre specializes in information about:
- Applications and registration
- Student services
- Password assistance
- General information
- Directory assistance
Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fridays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tel: 416-415-2000
