There’s no arguing that York and Seneca have been a top choice for many students looking to do their post-graduate studies in Toronto. In particular, York University takes pride in hosting modern infrastructure and technology to provide students with the best teaching experience.
However, outside of your daily classes and studying, the School of Continuing Studies lacks anything that makes student life exciting. Sure, you can grab a coffee from a robotic machine in the cafeteria but after a while even that trick gets old. It’s a common sentiment shared among students who want to do something fun or even sit and talk after class.
That’s where the red neighbors at Seneca step in. Almost contradicting the philosophy of York SCS, the institution thrives in providing a vibrant and exciting atmosphere. York SCS students probably start visiting Seneca just to grab a coffee from Tim Hortons, but many quickly absorb themselves in the exciting activities that take place on the regular over there.
I mean who’s going to say no to free food, drinks, video games, and more all in one place? But how does Seneca carry out these activities regularly, and why does it feel like there’s something fun to do for everyone here?
Seneca Student Federation (SSF)
The Seneca Student Federation plays a massive role in providing the best amenities to its students. The best part? As the name suggests, the federation is for the students, by the students and to the students. This works because the students know what their classmates want out of their campus experience.
On top of that, the president and board of directors of SSF are elected by students, meaning the SSF needs to keep classmates happy so that members can continue working with the federation. This democratic system ensures that the students get the most out of the Student Federation, where everyone has a voice.
I’ve seen potential presidential candidates for the Federation provide free food to let us listen to why they would be great as president. While I did have to mention I don’t have any voting power there because I was a York student looking to grab a coffee, they were welcoming and said we were welcome to try stuff out at Seneca whenever we have the time.
This positive culture feels beneficial for students on all fronts, amplifying the student experience at Seneca. I mean I even got to grab a snake one time I went there! This makes attending classes exciting as there’s always something to look for later.
On the other hand, York SCS doesn’t have a Student Federation at all. While students can write a mail to their professors or faculty, I think not having a federation creates a gap between the students and the institution.
This opens room for dissatisfaction because it feels like students lack a voice when it comes to trying to get more out of their student life.
York vs Seneca Curriculum Structure
Another big difference between York University and Seneca College is the difference in their curriculum structure. York divides their eight subjects into four semesters, each consisting of two subjects in two months. This curriculum structure is less overwhelming and stress-free, making it easier for students to complete their assignments on time.
My classmates have always praised York on this front, telling me how much of an improvement it has been for them after they came here for a second post-graduate course in digital marketing. As long as you’re consistent with doing assignments a few days before the deadline, you’re never going to have a bad experience with keeping up here.
Seneca Polytechnic provides a traditional approach, having five subjects in two semesters. While it is manageable, it’s more stressful than York’s curriculum structure. Unless you’re working on your assignments every other day, you might find yourself facing many deadlines at once.
Therefore, in terms of a peaceful learning experience, York School of Continuing Studies is the best place to go. While Seneca could improve, they have to follow the structure of the Ontario School Certificate, which means you have to take at least four subjects each semester to qualify as a full-time student.
Attending Classes at York University vs Seneca
York University SCS has a simple structure when it comes to classes. You attend four classes every week for three hours. In other words, you have two three-hour lectures for each subject every week. This allows for a more in-depth focus on each subject, making it easier for me and other students to spend their time learning something effectively.
This system has helped me have a consistent schedule (at least for the university), and helps me to plan for work I want to take and events I want to attend accordingly. On the other hand, Seneca provides a unique approach to their class attendance. They have classes for multiple subjects which students can schedule to attend.
In other words, you won’t have the same consistency in attending classes you would do at York University. However, Seneca gives you the option to attend classes online or listen to recordings if you’re not able to attend in person. York does not provide you with that open unless the professors themselves want to hold the lecture online due to reasons like bad weather.
Therefore, if you like attending classes in person, York provides you with a more relaxed studying experience. But, if you want more flexibility in your student life, Seneca isn’t a bad choice either.
Conclusion
All in all, there are benefits and room for improvement for both colleges. However, students are more likely to have good memories at Seneca. It provides an overall better student life and it’s probably because the institution loves to get students involved. On the other hand, at York University, I have a good and relaxed studying experience, but nothing outside of it.
The main takeaway I could give to York University SCS is to get students more involved in activities outside of studies. They should work on creating an atmosphere that allows students to do things outside of their classes and get involved in making York SCS a better place for everybody.
For students looking to study at York, it’s a good option and if you want to have fun at times, Seneca is just a street away. But if you want to get involved in doing things outside of studying, it’s hard to deny that Seneca Polytechnic might be a better option.
However, a lot can change within a few years and if York attempts to encourage students to provide a better student life experience, I believe the future is exciting.
