Ever wonder what a typical day looks like for a York student? Let me walk you through mine!
When I first got accepted to York, I had a plethora of questions about what campus life would be like. Would I find my classes? Where could I eat lunch? How would I balance everything? Now, as an upper-year student at Keele Campus, I want to give you a look at what a day in my life really looks like; from my morning commute to late-night study sessions.
Morning: Getting to campus
My day on campus usually starts around 8 a.m. I drive to campus, which gives me flexibility with my schedule. York has plenty of parking, but if you want a parking permit for the year, you need to reserve early because spots fill up fast. Otherwise, you can pay for daily parking through the HONK app.
Pro tip: That said, many students find the TTC just as easy! With two subway stations right on Keele Campus, it’s a super convenient option for commuters. Or, if you’re heading to Glendon Campus, York offers a free shuttle service for students.
8:30 a.m. - noon: Classes and study time
My mornings are packed with lectures at the Schulich School of Business. Between classes, I love heading over to the Steacie Science and Engineering Library to study. It's one of my favourite spots on campus because it’s serene with individual study carrels where I can engage in productive and distraction-free work.
Pro tip: if you want to guarantee a quiet spot, you can book study seats or private rooms in advance through the Libraries website to save yourself the search!
noon - 1 p.m.: Lunch break
When it comes to lunch, Keele Campus offers an eclectic range of choices to suit any mood or budget. If I’m looking to sit down, the First Student Centre food court is a go-to for diverse international cuisines, or the The Break Room for comfort food. For a more budget-friendly bite, the Break Cafe in the Second Student Centre is a fantastic hidden gem.
When I'm in need of a caffeine hit, I usually head to the Tim Hortons in the Dahdaleh Building or the Starbucks at the Centre for Film and Theatre. That said, plenty of students bring their own lunch from home. Microwaves are readily available throughout campus, making it easy to heat up your meal.
If the weather's nice, I enjoy having lunch near the pond outside Vari Hall, which makes for the perfect mid-day break.
1 - 4 p.m.: Afternoon activities and Work/Study
Afternoons vary depending on the day. When I’m not in a lecture, I usually stay within the Schulich building or head to a nearby student hub to stay productive. It’s a great way to meet people outside of my major; I’ve had some of the best conversations with students from completely different programs just by sharing a common study area.
A couple days a week, I also work part-time through York's Work/Study program. Work/Study connects students with flexible on-campus jobs across different departments.
Work/Study has been a game-changer, since I’m able to gain valuable work experience, do work that makes a real impact on student life and meet other students, all without leaving campus.
Speaking of meeting people, getting involved in student clubs has been one of the best decisions I've made. Schulich has incredible clubs covering finance, marketing, consulting and more.
Beyond Schulich, York has over 300+ clubs spanning academics, cultural groups and hobbies. Don't sleep on student clubs!
Evening: Heading home
By 6 p.m., I'm usually wrapping up my day. Some evenings, I'll stay on campus later if there's a study group session or event happening. York consistently hosts a variety of events, from guest speakers and cultural celebrations to workshops and free food gatherings.
Pro Tip: Check out YU Connect, follow your Faculty's social media accounts, subscribe to student newsletters and keep an eye on digital screens around campus to never miss out on what's happening at York!
York can feel big at first, but it quickly becomes home.