The campus opened in 1967 as Erindale College,[6] set upon the valley of the Credit River, approximately 33 km west of Downtown Toronto.

The site of the Mississauga campus is the former estate of Reginald Watkins, which was acquired by the University of Toronto in 1963.

[1] In 2007, UTM celebrated its 40th anniversary, a milestone which was capped off with the grand opening of the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre on June 2, 2007.

The largest building was built as a megalithic structure, predominantly out of concrete, as was typical of the brutalist architecture style of the late 1960s.

Other buildings were added over the decades, and with the enlarged enrollment at the beginning of the new millennium, the pace of construction increased.

In September 2014, UTM opened Deerfield Hall, the first phase of the two-phase reconstruction of the North Building.

[14] The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) on whose traditional territory the campus now stands, recommended Maanjiwe nendamowinan (pronounced Mahn-ji-way nen-da-mow-in-ahn), a formally endorsed Anishinaabemowin name meaning “gathering of minds.”[15] A new CCT (formerly CCIT) building, designed by Saucier + Perrot, was opened in September 2004.

The new library and academic learning centre, designed by Shore Tilbe Irwin + Partners and named after former Mississauga mayor, Hazel McCallion, opened October 8, 2006, and the new Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre, also by Shore Tilbe, opened less than a month previous to that.

Students are able to share lectures and learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom through advanced technologies.

[17] In 2013, $1 million dollars was spent on constructing a large stone monument at the entrance way to the campus, along with general repairs to nearby sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, lighting, and electrical equipment.

Its most popular programs include Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Commerce, CCIT (Communications, Culture, Information and Technology), Computer Science, Criminology & Socio-Legal Studies, Earth Science, English, Environmental Studies, History, Management, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology.

This lab investigated the palaeomagnetic properties of rocks collected from the Apollo missions in the 1970s and was run by now professor emeritus Dr. Henry Halls.

U of T Mississauga's best-known president was Dr. J. Tuzo Wilson, a geologist and pioneer in plate tectonics.

With a focus on Canadian and independent music, students and community members are encouraged to apply for a show, as no experience is required.

[21] The main practice facility of the Toronto Argonauts football club was located on campus until 2014.

[28] The menu includes chicken wings, halal meats, vegetarian dishes, French fries and more.

[34] The Recreation Athletic and Wellness Centre (RAWC), attached to the Davis Building, expanded the Campus Rec Intramural Program in 2006–07.

In addition to these sports, the Centre offers organized classes in dance, martial arts, yoga, and swimming.

[42] The Eagles inaugural Varsity athletics program included badminton, cross country, and men's and women's indoor soccer.

[45] The Colman Commons located in OPH is the main dining facility for students living on residence.

The Blackwood Gallery on campus has used MiST on several occasions for receptions, conferences, and art exhibits.