George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
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!
First tasks to do list
Pay your fees
Don't get a late fee! This is critical if you haven't done so by the start of your semester.
Be sure to pay your fees by the deadline date stated in your registration letter and invoice. You can also check our Important Dates page. Typically, the deadline is a week or two after classes start.
A non-refundable tuition deposit is required by the due date to hold your place in the program. If you are anticipating receiving OSAP and Better Jobs Ontario funding, the funds are typically released after the start of classes, so you may need to pay this deposit before you get your OSAP funds. Late payments will be subject to a non-refundable late fee of $150 CAD.
Check and pay your fees in STU-VIEW
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 courses, your timetable will be available online immediately.
To view your timetable:
1. Log in to your STU-VIEW account
2. Select the Course Registration & Timetable card. (If you don’t see this card, you can click on the View All Cards at the top of the screen and select the card from the list.)
3. Select the 'View Detailed Course Schedule and Timetable' link.
4. Ensure that the correct term has been selected under Term on the Look up a Schedule tab.
5. Click on each course in the Schedule tab to open a pop-up window with further details such as the course day(s)/time(s), location, instructor, course description, and more.
It is important to check your timetable on STU-VIEW frequently, particularly the week before classes begin. Circumstances may require us to make changes to your schedule. Those updates may also be communicated to you via email or Brightspace.
Get your textbooks
Unless your program has shared your required book list in advance, wait until the first day of your class to find out what textbooks you will need.
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 eTexts, while others are hard copies. eTexts can be downloaded after purchase.
You can also get more great items at the Campus Store like equipment, uniforms, computers and tablets, and GBP swag to show off your school spirit!
Download software
As a George Brown student, you have free access to a lot of software you need for your studies! Just make sure to use your GBP account to sign up. (Typically your student ID number @georgebrown.ca.)
If you didn't download software before the semester, now is the time, so you don't have any delays with your courses.
You'll need to install 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.
Find out how we can help you
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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.
A sense of belonging, for you and your peers
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 George Brown 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 George Brown introduction to the ideas, language, concepts and discourses related to race, racism and anti-racism. You'll learn more about our 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.
Take care of yourself
Health benefits plans
The George Brown Student Association offers health and dental insurance to all full-time students. The student health and dental fee plan is mandatory and included in full-time student tuition fees. However, you do have the option to opt out of the coverage by a specific deadline.
Any inquiries about health plans should be directed to HealthBenefits@sagbc.ca.
Healthy food options
It's easy to get caught up in the hectic start of a semester, but it's good to try to eat as healthily as you can, because what you eat affects your mental clarity and physical energy. At GBP, we have some options to help you with that!
Don't miss any updates
The Portal
The Portal is your virtual George Brown 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 George Brown 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