Title: Justin’s Wild Adventures at York University and Toronto's Nightlife

Moving to a different country for higher education is an exciting experience providing opportunities for personal development, learning, and self-discovery. However, it presents distinct concerns, particularly in terms of mental health. As an international student at York School of Continuing Studies, I've encountered the same challenges every student does, such as being away from home, managing academic responsibilities, and maintaining mental health while adjusting to a new culture in a completely different environment. 
My experiences with ADHD and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) shaped my life path. These conditions, along with the acute stress of adjusting to a new nation on your own with little emotional support, were not easy and frequently appeared overwhelming. Nonetheless, with a little bit more time, patience and trust in the process and the help of several mental health professionals, I've learned ways to survive and thrive, maybe they can help you too. 
Mental health is vital, particularly for college students, and if you are an international student, all hail Mary. According to the World Health Organization, one in every five college students suffers from mental health disorders like anxiety and sadness. Furthermore, the American College Health Association says that approximately 40% of students experience depressive symptoms that make it difficult to operate. Alarmingly, suicide is the second greatest cause of death among college-aged students, emphasising the critical need for good mental health care and services. These numbers highlight the significance of prioritising mental health, especially for those of us dealing with the extra stress of studying abroad.
This blog aims to share my journey, and the support systems I've found, and offer advice to future international students on managing mental health effectively. 

Introduction

Ever dreamt of studying abroad? Let me tell you, it's an incredible mix of excitement, culture shock, and figuring things out on the fly. That's exactly what my experience at York School of Continuing Studies in Toronto has been like. My experience at York in Toronto has been no exception. Right from the day I landed in Canada, I have been on a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and a lot of surprises. In this blog, I will share my experiences and provide advice for future students who are about to start their journey.

Deciding to move abroad for studies is a significant decision, filled with excitement and challenges. In this blog, I'll share my journey as an international student who left her home country to study at York School of Continuing Studies in Canada. Buckle up; it's going to be an insightful ride!

Survival Tips for International Students at York School of Continuing Studies.

Relocating for higher education to a different nation is an enormous move that is packed with chances, difficulties, and enthusiasm. I'm excited to talk about my experiences and provide prospective learners with advice after my transforming experiences as an international student at York SCS.

Alt Text: Inside view of the York University SCS campus where students are either going to join the class, sitting in the dining hall or leaving the class. 

If you are an aspiring international student, or about to start your days in your dream university in a few months, you have landed in the right place. Being an international student, studying in one of the top universities of Canada, and living independently is like juggling many balls at once. It can be super overwhelming from outside, but once you enter this hustle, you get introduced to the most interesting aspect of life: figuring out everything on your own. And, icing on the cake is resuming studies after a long break, which was my story while I enrolled at York University. However, since it was the school of continuing studies, I used to find comfort in the fact that I might not be the only one who has nearly forgotten how a classroom looks. And here we are, almost at the end of the program, all set to be called York U Alumni soon. Let's dive into a sneak peek at my journey of the past 8 months with some hidden tips for the upcoming students.