York University’s residence application deadline is approaching fast, which means it’s time to talk about residence life! Growing up in Ottawa, I didn’t know what to expect when I moved into residence in my first year. Now, after living on York U’s Keele Campus in Bethune Residence in a twelve-person suite and then Pond Residence in a two-person suite, I’m here to offer you a unique perspective on some of the many benefits of residence life!
Before we begin, I recommend you take a look at the #YUBlog’s “The First Year’s Guide to York U Residence” post featuring a breakdown of each of the York U undergraduate residences, suite styles and the steps for residence applications. Students admitted directly from a full-time secondary school program who apply for their first year in residence by June 1 are guaranteed a room.
If you miss the due date, don’t worry! Residence applications can be submitted after June 1, but you may be placed on a waiting list due to limited availability. Submit your residence applications online today through MyFile!
Why Choose Residence Life?
Location
Living on campus is extremely convenient—instead of commuting every week, your classes could be steps away! Choosing to live on campus can also be practical: international students, out-of-province students and even students who live in cities outside of the GTA are likely looking to live somewhere close to York U.
Take a look at the campus maps below to see where York U residences are situated in relation to the rest of campus!
Living on campus is like living in a small city: in York Lanes alone York U students have access to a dental and medical office, a printing centre, multiple coffee shops and restaurants, a grocery store, a Shoppers Drug Mart and the York University Bookstore!
Plus, when you live on campus, you have easy access to many student resources. Learn more about some of the student resources available to you with the #YUBlog’s “Your Top 10 York U Resources” blog post!
Meal Plan
One of the best things about having a meal plan is the flexibility. The Keele Campus meal plans and Glendon Campus meal plans offer 4+ meal plan options in increasing value from Bronze to Platinum. If you are living in a suite-style room, you can also pick the Suite/Convenience option for a smaller meal plan. Take your time to select the best meal plan for you!
Don’t feel like cooking at the moment? No worries! York University offers 40+ food service locations—find the perfect place on YU’s dining directory.
Success Tip: YU’s meal plans come with a wide array of deals and discount options—look carefully, because your favourite campus restaurant could be on there!
Community
Residence life provides a sense of community. You get to know your neighbours and your Don (senior student mentors) through events, trips and house meetings! York U also supports first-year residents’ transitions into university with their First Year Experience Program. This program offers the opportunity for first-year residents to develop lasting connections with the YU Community, your Dons and your residence. Lean more about residence Selection & Placement on YU’s Housing Services page.
Residence is also a great way to meet your classmates! Since each building is affiliated with a YU college, each residence is a hub for specific programs—a great opportunity to find and befriend future study buddies!
All in all, as an out-of-city student, residence life was ideal for me. In residence, I was close to campus, I had the flexibility of a meal plan, and I got to know countless people in my residences and colleges and the YU Community through events, trips, clubs and associations. Apply for residence by June 1—we hope to see you living in the YU Lions’ Den soon!
Share your residence life experiences with us by commenting below or tweeting us at @YorkUStudents!
Lauren Dick
Lauren Dick graduated in Spring 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Professional Writing and a Professional Certificate in Marketing. She loves to curl up with a good story and a warm cup of tea (only English Breakfast, mind you), and she hopes her blog posts will continue to encourage current and incoming students to learn more about York U and its community.
