Samantha Maxwell is a mature transfer student in her fourth year at York University, completing a Bilingual BA in Psychology with a focus on Cognitive Neuropsychology. Her academic path reflects resilience and dedication, as she balances life’s responsibilities while deepening her expertise in the study of brain–behavior relationships.
When I transferred to York University, I assumed “transfer” meant sending transcripts and showing up. Instead, it felt like decoding a new country all over again, from Passport York logins, enrollment windows, credit assessments, eClass, and different advising lines. Oh, and all of this while juggling work, COVID-19, parenting, and commuting! It wasn’t impossible, but doing it alone was completely draining.
I didn’t know there was a whole transition ecosystem. I registered for courses at 2 a.m., rewrote assignments from scratch, and chased professors for clarity. Only later did I learn that YU START exists to walk you through enrollment, help you connect with classmates and staff, and surface key supports before you need them.
I skipped most of orientation because, in my head, it was simply pep rally fluff.
Pro tip: There are transfer and mature student-specific orientation sessions that explain credit mapping, campus systems, and where to go when something breaks. That info would have saved me weeks!
Finding my community
What finally stabilized me was finding York’s Atkinson Centre for Mature & Part-time Students (ACMAPS). And let’s be clear: it only came on my radar after my second year at York. Talk about a brutal awakening! They speak to real constraints, kids, long gaps from school and work-life balance.
Pro tip: ACMAPS offers transition coaching, workshops and a peer community that gets it. If you’re a transfer, mature or part-time student, make ACMAPS your first stop!
Smarter, not harder
On the academic side, I wasted nights “powering through” until Learning Skills Resources showed me smarter ways to study, like time-blocking, strategic reading and exam planning. Meanwhile, the Writing Centre didn’t “fix” papers, they coached me to structure arguments and write with confidence. You can book virtual or in-person appointments. My grades (and sleep) improved!
If you have a disability, chronic condition, ADHD or suspect accommodations might help, talk to Student Accessibility Services (SAS) early. Getting a plan in place meant I wasn’t begging for extensions mid-crisis; I had a roadmap and advocates.
Career panic also simmered (“Did I lose time switching schools?”). The Co-Op & Career Centre can turn your transfer into a strength by mapping prior experience to roles, helping you polish your story and connecting you to workshops and advising. Small, steady steps beat grand plans.
If you’re where I was, start here
- Attend the Mature and Transfer Orientation. They’re time savers.
- Email or drop in at ACMAPS and let them triage your next steps.
- Explore Learning Skills Resources and book the Writing Centre in week one, not the night before a deadline.
- If you need accommodations, contact SAS early.
- Keep Co-Op & Career Centre touchpoints running in the background for steady progress.
Additional resources and tips you shouldn’t miss
- Student Counselling, Health & Well-being (SCHW): offers counselling, mental health supports and crisis services.
- Academic Advising: Each faculty has its own advising office. Academic advisors help with transfer credit statements, course selection, program changes and more.
- Student Community & Leadership Development (SCLD): Joining clubs, organizations and campus events through SCLD is one of the best ways to meet people, build your network and stay connected.
- Libraries and research help: York has six libraries across its three campuses, and librarians are lifesavers for research, citations and academic writing.
- Scholarships and bursaries: Don’t leave free money on the table! Use the Financial Aid, Awards and Scholarships (FAAS) portal to submit applications.
- Work/Study and on-campus jobs: Apply early for York’s work-study positions through YU Hire. These are flexible, on-campus jobs that help you earn income while gaining relevant experience.
Transferring taught me this: you don’t earn extra credit for doing everything the hard way. Use the supports. You’re not starting over, you’re leveling up, and there’s an entire network at York built to help you succeed!