By Rosie Sadoquis
November 17, 2025

You may be familiar with the old saying, “the walls have ears” - so do the library stacks at U of T! At UTL, we've absorbed the secrets and worries of thousands of students over the years. Thankfully, there’s (usually) an answer for everything. We share some of the most commonly-overheard student questions (and lamentations) along with some quick-fix solutions, all found at Your UTL.

“My _______ (insert device here) is about to die!”

Did you know you can borrow cords and tech equipment on short-term loan at most libraries? If you need a charge, just stop by your nearest Service Desk to see what’s available. These items are in high demand, so if your library is out, try another location or check back later in the day.

“My online streaming subscriptions are draining my bank account!”

Good news cinephiles – at U of T, you can stream all your favourite films and you don’t have to spend a cent. With your UTORid, you can access thousands of digital streaming titles for free through services like Audio Cine, DocuSeek and even Criterion on Demand.

If you’re more of a physical media fan, check out the Media Commons Film Library, home to a wide range of hard-to-find gems from the Criterion Collection and other boutique distributors. And if you don’t have a DVD or Blu-ray player, don’t worry, Media Commons has those available to borrow too.

“This organic chemistry assignment is giving me a headache.”

Studying some of the tiniest building blocks of our world is not for the weak. The Chemistry Library has VR headsets you can borrow to take a break from your texts and screens and explore new realms of molecular visualization and design. You can borrow these on-site at the library – but be sure to reserve a study room space for your VR exploration, too.

“I have no idea what to expect on this exam!”

One of the toughest parts of preparing for a big test is knowing where to begin. Did you know U of T Libraries (through TSpace, the free and secure research repository) makes past exams widely available to support your studying? While we can’t predict what will be on your exam this semester, reviewing old exams is one of the best ways to check your knowledge and set realistic expectations.

“I hate how early it gets dark now!”

Many libraries have light therapy lamps available. While it may seem like a small thing to do, the evidence shows that spending some time in front of a light therapy lamp can have a positive impact on your mental health. Check in at a library service desk if you are having a hard time locating one near you.

“My playlist isn’t cutting it.”

Find fresh inspiration for your personal soundtrack at the Music Library, where you can explore everything from scores and recordings to streaming music archives from a variety of genres and countries. You can even request vinyl records and LaserDiscs for a nostalgic thrill, and listen to them on one of the library’s ten personal listening/viewing stations. Whether you’re studying music, looking for creative sparks, or just curious, you’ll uncover a trove of materials you won’t find on Spotify.

“I need a break from screentime – it’s driving me up the wall!”

Remember your library is here to support you in ways outside of academics. Many libraries have magazine collections you can use to learn something new and have a break without committing to a book or needing a screen. Check out the cool design magazines at the Architecture Library or take a brain break with their building blocks. You can also seek out an unStudy space, where librarians rotate fun activities like puzzles, origami, word searches and even crocheting!

Overheard at UTL: student questions and library answers

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Audiovisual streaming services for music

TSpace