Hiiiii, I’m Vic, and in this Doctoral Diaries vlog I’m taking you through what PhD orientation is REALLY like—aka my very first week as a PhD student at the University of Toronto. I’m figuring out the campus, meeting my cohort, and trying to absorb a million new pieces of information at once (while also lowkey processing the “wait… I’m actually doing this” feeling). It’s a mix of excitement, nerves, and those tiny moments of joy that make the chaos feel worth it. I share my first impressions of UofT, what orientation week actually looks like day-to-day, and the little adjustments that come with starting a new academic chapter—new routines, new spaces, new people, and a totally new rhythm. If you’re thinking about applying to a PhD, starting grad school soon, or you just want a realistic peek into the beginning of the journey at a top-tier university, this video is basically me bringing you along as I settle in and start building my “PhD life” from scratch.