Discover crucial strategies to excel academically while studying abroad.
I started my journey as an international student in Canada at York School of Continuing Studies. I had just finished my graduation in India and decided to continue my studies further. After tons of paperwork, I landed in Canada in 2023.
And today I am completing 9 months in Canada. The journey was a great success because I was prepared enough to soak all the new learning without hesitation. I want to share my experience with future students so that they can be more confident to start their abroad studies.
You will get opportunity for development, education, and cross-cultural interaction every single day so be ready to rock!
Alt text - A sign board of York University
The York School of Continuing Studies has provided me with an amazing educational experience. I was made to feel at home and supported by the staff as well as my other students as soon as I arrived on campus. My educational experience was enhanced by the variety of the student body since I got to know people from different cultural backgrounds who each contributed their own viewpoints to our conversations.
Arrival and Initial Accommodation
After arriving in Canada, I stayed with my relatives for a few days. During this time, I began my search for accommodation near York University. While York offers on-campus residences that you can pre-book through their website, I preferred to live off-campus but still close to the university.
Finding Accommodation
My house search started on Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. This experience opened my eyes to the power of digital advertising and highlighted the importance of digital marketing. The process was enlightening and gave me a firsthand look at how pervasive and influential online platforms are in our daily lives.
Exploring the City
Once I settled into my new place, I began exploring Toronto. The city is breathtaking, no matter the season. Whether it's winter, summer, or rainy, Toronto has its own unique charm that makes each day beautiful. My explorations also led to some Instagram-worthy posts, capturing the city's essence. A huge shout out to TTC (Canadian Public Transport) ! It is the cheapest transport you can use to roam around the city.
Food and Dining
Being a self-admitted lazy person who dislikes cooking, I faced a significant challenge when it came to food. In my opinion, grocery shopping, cooking, and doing dishes are a waste of time and energy. Instead, I prefer eating out, which not only saves time but also allows me to enjoy a variety of cuisines. Chipotle quickly became my go-to place for satisfying meals.
Alt Text - A bowl with lettuse cheese corn tomato cheese
Stay Organize and Prioritize Tasks
Use planners or digital tools to keep track of deadlines and important dates, This helped me to keep track of all the deadlines and organize my study, meditation schedule. I literally didn't miss any deadline in York University as compared to other academic years and I am really proud of me for that! As International student, I often feel like there's a lot on my plate to focus on so I highly recommend priorities assignments first and break them into manageable chunks. Also, create a quarter wise goals, so that you can prioritize everything smoothly.
Utilize Campus Resources
University has a lot of free accessable things that can boost your academic excellence like library, tutoring centers, and study groups. I highly recommend to use these to the fullest. Also, don't forget to have some fun in the Reck Room! Don’t hesitate to ask professors or classmates for help if you’re struggling with a topic. Check out all the York Services & Support.
Social Life and Community
Making friends and building a support network is crucial. Join clubs, organizations, or sports teams to meet new people and immerse yourself in the campus community. Participating in cultural and social events can also help alleviate homesickness and make your time at York University more enjoyable. Eating well and staying active can improve concentration and overall well-being so cook at home or eat outside, or eat whatever but as my favourite says DON'T DO DRUGS! Stay Healthy!
Finding a part Time Job
Managing finances can be challenging. After almost a month after attending college and being familiarize to your surrounding area, start looking for a part time job. Mostly all the jobs require an online application. Again, it's not gonna be a smooth ride to find a job in this competitive market but you have to just apply blindly. Indeed and LinkedIn are the most useful platforms for job hunt. Finally, I started working for Loblaw as a part time personal shopper in the retail industry. I really enjoyed my time there getting to know the community better.
Special Advice
One important thing students should keep in mind that Part time job is not your final job! So do not go to work and miss college. I have noticed a lot of students bunk the classes and work extra shifts to earn extra pocket money, and this affects not only on their grades but also overall perspective of life. So stay focus and rock this new opportunity!
Other thing I want to highlight is Loneliness. Students often feel alone and that is completely normal. Overcoming this feeling is not easy but possible! Try doing different things like photography, gardening, journaling, painting or just binge watch series.
P.S. Ice cream and Netflix is also a valid option.
Reflecting on my journey, here are some final tips:
- Research thoroughly before arriving.
- Be open to new experiences and cultures.
- Take advantage of the resources and support systems available at York University.
- Stay organized and prioritize your tasks.
- Don't forget to enjoy the journey and make the most of your time as an international student.
My journey as an international student at York University has been filled with learning experiences and personal growth. The challenges I faced and the memories I made have shaped me into a more resilient and adaptable person. If you're considering studying abroad, I encourage you to embrace the adventure and make the most of every opportunity
Alt Text - a laptop with small notebook, pen in a classroom
