Alt Text (Featured Image): A person walks towards a large, illuminated "YORKU SCS" sign inside a modern building with wooden ceiling panels. A Christmas tree stands to the right of the sign, adding a festive touch to the scene.
Ever stepped into a place and thought, “This feels right?” That’s what York University feels to me—a place where I belong. Coming from a different country, the new culture and life of Canada can be overwhelming and make anyone feel out of place, as was the case with me. But amongst this chaos, York University was the only piece of the puzzle that fit right; it was the only place that acted as my anchor and still continues to be one.
8 months ago, when I started my journey as a student of Post Graduate Diploma in Digital and Content Marketing, I didn't know this decision would change my life so much and for the BETTER!
All this boasting would make one wonder what’s so special about this place? Well to sum it up in the gen-z language this place is “bussin”, for all the millennials out there, this place is “lit” and for all the baby-boomers out there, you wouldn’t BELIEVE how cool the professors are these days. I mean, I am basically just trying out digital resources and typing out my experience FOR GRADES! How cool is that? Moreover, this university is a place of happenings, discoveries and adventures. This blog would be a journey of my experience with some pro tips from someone who survived the rollercoaster of this university. Let’s hop right into it.
A Green Oasis
From my very first day at York, I was captivated by the campus's stunning natural beauty. As I walked through the lush green spaces, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. One of my favourite spots became the little grove of trees near the library of the Main Campus and in the Continuing studies, where I often went to study or simply unwind. The university's commitment to sustainability is evident everywhere—from the recycling bins that dot the campus to the energy-efficient buildings that make me proud to be a student here. All this makes the students extra-conscious of the future and shapes us as responsible adults. Seems funny to think of myself as an adult but hey, what’s true is true.
Alt Text: A bright, sunny day on the York University campus, showcasing a wide expanse of lush green lawn framed by trees.
Global connections
Here is what university life has taught me, talk to people- make connections! It’s because of this that I became part of a snapchat community of York University and the campus of Continuing Studies that tells me about every event in the university no matter when. I specifically remember a Talent Show organized by YFS Local , wherein people from multiple countries showcased their unique cultural talents. This experience widened by cultural horizons to new and exciting limits. It has helped become a part of multiples events that have been truly amazing. Your career might depend on these connections. The good thing is, you do not just talk to people from your culture, you socialize with people from all cultures.
Alt Text (Image 1)- A fashion show at York University. The image captures a model walking down a runway set up in a crowded indoor area, decorated with various international flags hanging above. The audience lines the sides of the runway, eagerly watching the show.
Alt Text (Image 2)- A Snapchat community page for York University 2024. It includes options to share a story, view more stories, and create a new group chat with members of YorkU 2024.
Imagine sitting in a classroom with friends from every continent, each sharing their unique stories and perspectives. I have learned about festivals from around the world, tasted homemade dishes from different cultures, and even picked up a few phrases in various languages – “Je suis beau”. People who have seen would know it’s true. These interactions have broadened my horizons and gifted me with friendships that span the globe.
Alt Text- A group of Friends have colors on their face, celebrating an Indian festival of colors at York University Campus.
Mentors Who Care
The faculty at York University are nothing short of amazing. Would you believe me if I say that we celebrated the end of examinations by having a beer party organised by one of our professors in our university’s very own York University’s Timbers Lodge Social Grill? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, believe me or not, this happened! That day marked a significant stepping stone towards my social life at York: beer of course let me loosen up and be my real self rather than the shy Garvit Arora that everyone knew. This was just one example of the professors of SCS going above and beyond for their students. Inside or outside the classroom, the professors here taught me that the relationship between them and students does not always have to be one based on fear but could actually be based on healthy friendships. Sounds like a movie, eh?
Alt Text- A lively scene inside Timbers Lodge Social Grill in Toronto, Ontario. The image shows a group of people seated at a large wooden table, enjoying drinks and socializing.
My Advice to Future Students
While I might not be the most ideal student to give you tips, here are a few off the top of my head.
BLEND IN
York university School of Continuing Studies is a melting pot of culture. All you need to do is go there and talk to people! That’s LITERALLY all. The global exposure here is one that seems unreal. I mentioned earlier that these connections can go a long way in your life, don’t miss out.
LEVERAGE THE RESOURCES
With so many resources on hand, one would be a fool to not use them. SCS Resources ranging between fitness centre to food banks to multiple on-campus libraries, these services have had a huge positive impact on my financial as well as educational life making my life in Canada super easy!!
GROUP WORKS ARE WORTH IT!
Although group assignments might seem like a headache for obvious reasons, they show you the reality of the corporate world: a world where you deal with people of all kinds. They may be freeloaders, perfectionists, procrastinators or even worse simply UNBOTHERED. This opportunity to work as groups that York University School of Continuing Studies provides, allows you to experience this and still have all the work done before the deadline. It prepares you for your career and shapes the way you deal with people. Embrace this, the world outside of college throws much more challenging people at you, make sure you're ready to face them!
Wow, that was a lot: my entire journey summed up in a blog. Well, if you did make it to the end of it, I hope someday you get to say that you're a student here just as proudly as I do. Your life here teaches you that when life throws you lemons, you don't just make lemonade- you make Vodka. Learn, laugh and grow as you go through YOUR very own experience here. It's not easy, but it's so worth it!
