Seneca to York University: My Canadian Continuing Studies Journey

Join me as I embark on a transformative journey from the vibrant hallways of Seneca College to the scholarly ambiance of York University through the lens of a continuing studies student in Canada.

Introduction

Landing in Canada in December 2022 was a whirlwind of new experiences. Fresh off the plane and eager to explore the academic landscape of my new home, I started my journey with the Business Analytics course at Seneca College last year. Today, I'm continuing my educational odyssey at York University's School of Continuing Studies, enrolled in their Content and Digital Marketing program. This blog post chronicles my contrasting experiences at both institutions, highlighting the unique strengths and considerations for prospective students like myself.

Seneca College: A Social Butterfly's Paradise

My time at Seneca College was marked by a vibrant student life, thanks to an incredibly active student council. Seneca College pulsated with student life. The incredibly active student council organized frequent trips to iconic Toronto must-go spots at unbelievably affordable prices. For just 30–40 bucks, I got to:

• Scream my lungs out at Canada's Wonderland
• Feel fancy on a boat cruise from Harbourfront
• Get soaked (in a good way) at Niagara Falls
• They even had a Blue Mountain trip, but sadly, I missed that one. These trips fostered a strong sense of community, allowing me to explore the city and bond with fellow students.

The campus was like a non-stop festival. The college calendar was always brimming with exciting events – Holi celebrations, puppy therapy sessions (my personal favorite! ), free ice cream parties, and creative workshops like button making and tote bag drawing—creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. These activities offered a much-needed break from academic stress.

Another standout feature at Seneca was the inter-campus shuttle service, it was and still is so convenient. As someone living near Seneca Newnham, I still use this service to reach York University for my current classes, because York University is just beside Seneca York.

However, the educational aspect felt somewhat… lackluster. Due to the online format, interaction with classmates and professors was minimal. While project collaborations provided some connection, overall, the learning experience lacked the depth I craved. Academically, this wasn’t the college life I had envisioned.

York University: Where Knowledge Reigns Supreme

Continuing my journey at York University has been a mixed bag of experiences, particularly in comparison to my time at Seneca College. While Seneca's student committee was active and involved, York's student organization appears nearly non-existent. Although York does organize trips to places like the Blue Mountains, these events are poorly advertised, and the tickets are more expensive compared to Seneca. This lack of communication means many students miss out on these opportunities.

Events and Activities:

One of the most notable distinctions is the lack of events in York. During my time here, I only attended one event: my course orientation. Unfortunately, it was not an exceptional experience. The auditorium was crammed, and while all of the relevant information for a new student was shared, it was done in a monotonous way using a PowerPoint presentation that nearly put me to sleep.

The worst part was when I was served tuna in a sandwich after requesting a vegetarian option, which made me almost puke because it was my first time having any kind of seafood. But honestly, I don’t blame them because I said veg when asking instead of vegetarian, which they might not have understood.

Course Engagement:

However, where social life may be subdued, academics truly flourish. The Content and Digital Marketing program has been phenomenal. The professors are invested in our success, fostering a dynamic learning environment. One project, in particular, sparked a passion for content creation, pushing me to launch my own podcast! This experience not only ignited a dormant dream but also equipped me with valuable editing skills, proving content creation is possible even with limited resources.

Having a side hustle as a YouTuber has always been a dream of mine since childhood. Although I always wanted to be a YouTuber, the challenges of video editing and the lack of equipment held me back. However, through a podcast project, I realized I could still create content and improve my editing skills without needing expensive equipment. Recording audio on my phone was a feasible option, even with limited space.

I attend classes regularly and have made many new friends in my course—friendships that I believe will last beyond the program. We have in-class activities in almost every class that make learning so much more engaging and creative. The professors are knowledgeable and provide valuable insights into the industry. Each semester, they organize guest lectures, which have been immensely insightful and have broadened my knowledge and industry understanding. While the lack of a Tim Hortons on campus might be a slight bummer, the abundance of knowledge more than compensates.

Beyond the Contrasts: Advice for Future Students

Both Seneca and York offered valuable experiences but catered to different needs. Here are some takeaways for future students:

• Embrace the academic intensity: York's not messing around. Show up, speak up, and soak it all in.
• Network like your life depends on it: Chat with classmates, and bug your professors (in a good way). These connections could be your ticket to your dream job.
• Hunt for those elusive student activities: York's not great at advertising them, so channel your inner detective and find them!
• Balance is key: Yes, studying is important, but don't forget to have a life outside the classroom.
• Use projects as your playground: Got a crazy idea? Run with it! That's how I ended up starting my podcast.
• Stay in the loop: Keep an eye out for university announcements. You might stumble upon a gem of an event or workshop.
• Campus resources are your friends: From career help to writing support, use 'em all!
• Brace for a different pace: If you're coming from a college, a university might feel like you've hit the turbo button. It's intense, but you've got this!
  
  
• Embrace the melting pot: York's super diverse. Take advantage of it and learn from people with different backgrounds.
• Be flexible: Whether it's online or in-person, be ready to adapt your learning style.

Conclusion

My journey through continuing studies has been an eye-opening experience. While the social aspects differed, both institutions equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge. By understanding your learning style and actively engaging in your academic journey, you can maximize your educational investment at either a college or university.

So, are you considering embarking on your own continuing studies adventure? Share your questions in the comments below!