Hey aspiring students, as an international student, embarking on a journey of continuing education at York University School of Continuing Studies has been both exciting and challenging. This blog post aims to share my journey and offer practical advice to future international students, helping them thrive during their time at York. Studying at York University School of Continuing Studies has been a fulfilling and empowering experience. The supportive community and the wide range of resources have helped me grow academically and personally.
Balancing work, life, and school can be particularly challenging for international students adapting to a new culture. Effective time management and organization are essential. Some strategies worked for me:
Create a Schedule: Allocate specific times for studying, working, and leisure. Stick to this schedule to maintain a balance, it is okay to take a break from time to time but make sure you spend a minimum of 4 hours apart from your classes.
I used an A to-do calendar near my wall and kept in check the importance of the task at hand.
Prioritize Tasks: Use tools like to-do lists and prioritization matrices to manage your tasks effectively, those distractions will look tempting but remember what purpose you had when you applied.
Just as any student does, I too tried to keep my studies on top, it is going to be excruciating and demanding to keep up but that “I'm proud of you” by your loved ones on your convocation day will be worth it.
Self-Care: Ensure you allocate time for self-care activities like exercise, hobbies, and relaxation to avoid burnout, and the ripples of pressure you feel from time to time will get easier to float on. Trust me.
Do what charges your battery up, for me, it's a simple Sunday brunch with my friends or a call to my long-distance best.
Cultural Adaptation: Engage in activities that help you understand and integrate into the local culture, explore the city on weekends not just CN Tower but places like Trillium Park, downtown streets, and my personal favorite go walk on trails.
The Support System at York
York University provides a robust support system to ensure student success, which is particularly beneficial for international students. Just as you enter the building you will see Our student services desk that will help you with every question that you might face in your student period.
Benefits:
- Personalized academic and immigration guidance
- Additional academic support
- Questions for current or next course
- A welcoming and supportive community for international students that helps not just current students but also alumni fam.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Goals
During my academic journey, I faced a few challenges such as time management, managing work and life and staying motivated. Refining time management skills and setting short-term goals helped me overcome these obstacles. Additionally, seeking help from professors and classmates provided me with new perspectives and solutions. Moreover, adapting to a new culture was initially challenging, but attending cultural events in the city and connecting with people outside the university helped me better understand and appreciate the local culture.
Advice for Future International Students
For those considering or about to start their journey at York University Continuing Studies, here are some tips to help you succeed first thing keep those coffee and tea cups handy:
Utilize Resources: Take full advantage of the resources available, including libraries, career services, and online platforms such as Ten Thousand Coffee and LinkedIn Learning.
Network: Attend workshops, seminars, and networking events to build connections that could be beneficial for your career, always check the social media pages, talk to people, and check Toronto blogs duh!
Stay Organized: Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and exams using digital tools or planners always keep a check on Moodle a god sent for us.
Engage in Extracurricular Activities: participate in community projects to enhance your university experience, quick tip, always check our website you might be in luck to attend some events at the university.
Seek Feedback: Do not hesitate to ask for feedback on your work. Constructive criticism is invaluable for growth. Professors will love nothing more than to see us succeed.
Embrace Cultural Opportunities: Participate in cultural events and activities to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the local culture, make the most of your student life remember what all those adults used to say enjoy your golden period it’s going to end soon, they weren't lying.
Key Advice:
- Maximize resource utilization
- Build a professional network (within your class and outside too)
- Participate in extracurricular activities
- Embrace feedback both constructive and positive
- Engage in cultural activities
- Stay open-minded and proactive in seeking support.
I would like to end by saying, that studying at York University School of Continuing Studies has been a fulfilling experience that has significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth. As an international student, I have found a welcoming and supportive community that has helped me thrive. By leveraging the resources, support systems, and opportunities available, future students like you all can make the most of your time at York and achieve your educational goals.
In summary, we international students face unique challenges when adapting to a new academic and cultural environment, but with determination and the right strategies, we can overcome these obstacles. York University's School of Continuing Studies provides a nurturing and empowering environment for international students to flourish and achieve their academic and personal goals. It's crucial to take advantage of the available support systems, engage in extracurricular activities, and remain open to new experiences and opportunities. By doing so, international students can make the most of their educational journey at York University Continuing Studies.
So future Lions of the York School of Continuing Studies welcome to the absolute best chapter of your life and set the stage for your future endeavors.