Every year, we ask girls from universities across the country to give us their best tips for living, studying, and partying on and off campus.

Journalism major Stephanie Maris is the Editor in Chief of the Ryerson Review of Journalism, a lifestyle blogger and a freelance magazine journalist. In her downtime, you can find her horseback riding, jogging, or enjoying a good book in Trinity Bellwoods park.

Best thing about your program:
I love how practical our courses are. Our journalism classes are dedicated to building a skill set that you’ll apply every day. I’ve chosen to stream in magazine, and I’ve learned everything from feature writing to page design.

Biggest challenge in your program:
Balancing a heavy course load, internships, extra-curriculars and a social life. Ryerson has so much to offer, it’s hard to say no to anything!

Favourite non-academic activity:
I love to run, horseback ride, and hunt for the best almond milk lattes in Toronto.

One really amazing memory from first year:
 In one of my first reporting classes, my instructor gave us some guidelines on how to conduct an on-the-spot interview (known as a “streeter,” to those in the biz). He then sent us off campus to conduct a minimum of three streeters and write a story for five o’clock — that day. They were my first interviews, and it was my first same-day deadline. It was the first time I really felt like a journalist.

What do you love about your school?
The amazing professors. We’re taught the industry by industry professionals instead of textbooks: they’re out in the field, and they bring that experience to class.

What would you love to change about your school?
How little interaction Ryerson Journalism has with the RTA program. We could learn a lot from each other!

Favourite…

Class: Magazine editing. This class, offered to 3rd and 4th year students, allows you to create your own magazine from start to finish. It incorporates advertising, page design, media mix — all you need to know to produce an issue of your own.

Bar: The Drake Hotel;  you must try the Drake Mojito, they add magic to their mint leaves! It’s the best cocktail in Toronto.

Place to study: I do my best writing in the many cafés that dot West Queen West. I love Tealish and Dark Horse for their frothy almond milk lattes and laid-back vibe.

Place to eat: I’m a regular at Fresh, a vegan chain that serves up grain bowls, veggie burgers and meal-worthy salads (not an iceberg leaf in sight, thank goodness). When only sushi will do, you can find me at Sushi Inn in Yorkville. Try their Salmon Salad roll; it’s like an avocado roll, but instead of being wrapped in rice, the veggies are wrapped in thinly sliced salmon.

Green space on campus: The Ryerson Farmer’s Market. I love stocking up on delicious local produce when the weather gets warm. The prices are great, and the vendors are always willing to share a recipe or two.

Off-campus hideaway: I spend a lot of time in Trinity Bellwoods Park. It’s great for people-watching, running with the pup or lounging with a good book.