University of Toronto Bars, Athletic Centres and Student Services

May 20, 2010
Lori Bosworth

Madison Avenue Pub - Madison Avenue Pub

The University of Toronto campus offers services to students including athletic facilities and health and career centres, and is close to many cool bars.

New students to the University of Toronto often get overwhelmed by the number of buildings on campus. But once they figure out where their classes are and where to eat at U of T, new students will want to know the cool places to drink and work out on the St. George campus, as well as where to go for health services, career counselling, or to buy books and supplies.

Attending the University of Toronto is more than just about academics. Because the U of T St. George campus is centrally-located in downtown Toronto, students have many options to spend their free time. This guide will explore on-campus services, as well as the off-site places to hang out after class.

U of T Athletic Centres

Whether looking to get involved in competitive Olympic training, lose weight, or de-stress with yoga or pilates, there are several exercise options on the U of T campus.

U of T Athletic Center, 55 Harbord Street, 416-978-3436, is the place where the jocks and serious weight-lifters go to pump iron, but the Athletic Center also offers many fitness classes including cycle fit, step, cardio box, Zumba, yoga, and pilates. Olympic weight lifting and personal training packages offered. The Athletic Center has a pool, running track, and squash and tennis courts.
Hart House Athletic Centre, Hart House Circle, 416-978-2452, is conveniently located in the middle of campus and is a great place to spend an hour or so working out before heading to nearby classes on King's College Circle. The Hart House Athletic Centre has a pool and a shorter running track located on the top level near the fitness equipment, as well as a very non-judgmental atmosphere.
Varsity Centre, 299 Bloor St. W., 416-978-6428, is home to the U of T Varsity Blues intercollegiate men's and women's teams, but the 5,000 seat stadium and eight-lane track are also available for recreational volleyball, jogging and ice time, as well as an indoor driving range. New U of T students will want to check out a game to round out their university experience.

U of T Bars

Many new students will want to find out the favourite bars that U of T students attend. Some of the most popular University of Toronto bars are only a few steps from campus.

Molly Bloom's, 191 College St., 416-916-6448, is right at the foot of King's College Road and is a favourite U of T hangout due to its cheap beer and food menu that includes burgers, wings, and salads. Molly Bloom's has a patio where students can study or get together with friends.
O'Grady's Tap & Grill, 171 College St., 416-596-0327, is a few feet east of Molly Bloom's, and is another popular U of T drink spot because of its proximity to campus. Typical pub fare includes chicken curry, fish and chips, and Irish stew, as well as cheap draught beer.
Madison Avenue Pub ("The Maddy"), 14 Madison Ave., 416-927-1722, is a destination for many U of T students and alumni due to its 12 bars, five of which are on patios, and four which are heated or covered, four fireplaces, dart areas, pool tables, giant screens, and over 50 TVs.
James Joyce Irish Pub, 386 Bloor St. W. (near Brunswick), 416-324-9400, is popular on big sporting event nights, as the pub is equipped with big-screen TVs and pool tables. The James Joyce Pub serves many imported draughts on tap and hosts live Celtic music many evenings.

U of T Koffler Centre

Knowing where to buy books and supplies, as well as where to find health services and career counselling will ease new U of T students' worries.

Health Service, Koffler Centre, 214 College St., 2nd floor, 416-978-8030, provides appointment and walk-in service for allergy care, birth control, diagnostic facilities and testing, men's and women's health, nutrition counselling, and immunization.
U of T Bookstore, Koffler Centre, Main Floor, 416-640-7900, stocks many undergraduate course books, school supplies, as well as U of T logoed clothing. (Students should check their Registration Handbook for a 20% discount coupon on U of T clothes and supplies.)
U of T Career Centre, Koffler Centre, 416-978-8000, provides resume clinics, job board postings, career fairs, career information days, employer panels, and interview techniques and career choice workshops to new and graduating students.

Attending the University of Toronto is a rich experience, not only because the academic programs are some of the most respected in Canada and the world, but because of the many recreational activities and services such as the U of T Career Centre or the U of T Health Centre available on campus. New students to U of T will round out their studies by spending their down time at popular U of T bars, or working out at the university's athletic centre.