Whether you're taking a course, working or just soaking in the sunshine, summer at York University offers a vibrant mix of academic, professional and social opportunities. While campus might feel a little quieter, there's still plenty to explore, learn and enjoy during the warmer months.
Here’s your go-to guide for making the most of summer at York!
Things to do on campus
Even in the summer, York’s campuses remain full of life — just a little more relaxed.
- Take in the green spaces: From the walking trails around Stong Pond to the hidden gardens near Glendon, York offers a refreshing environment for study breaks or weekend walks.
- Attend campus events: Keep an eye on York’s social media and newsletters. Many departments host summer workshops, speaker series and social events.
- Study (or chill) in style: Cool off at Scott Library or find a quiet corner in the Second Student Center. And yes, many coffee spots on campus stay open through the summer!
- Stay active: Tait McKenzie Centre remains open for students with gym facilities, fitness classes and recreational sports.
Services open in the summer
York doesn’t hit pause when the semester ends. In fact, summer can be the best time to access key campus services with shorter lines and more flexibility.
- Student Counselling, Health & Well-being: Services remain available for mental health support, wellness consultations and resources throughout the summer.
- Career Centre: Book 1:1 appointments, attend job search workshops and get your resume polished. It's the perfect time to prepare for fall recruiting season.
- Libraries and Writing Centers: Still running strong! Get research help, writing feedback and access to all databases just like during the academic year.
- Food and retail: Several food spots remain open on York’s campuses. Check the Food Services website for summer hours.
Summer jobs, co-ops and internships
Looking to build your resume while staying close to campus? York offers a number of ways to gain experience:
- Work/Study Program: Available in summer too! Keep an eye on the Career Centre job board for positions across departments, from research assistants to marketing support roles.
- YU Experience Hub: Explore co-op and internship opportunities through your faculty or the central Experiential Education team. Summer placements can give you a major advantage in your field.
Balancing summer work with life
We get it! Summer is short, and you want to make the most of it. Balancing a summer job or internship with rest and fun is key to avoiding burnout.
- Set realistic goals: You don’t have to “do it all.” Choose one to two priorities (e.g. work + one class, internship + weekend trips).
- Protect your downtime: Schedule time to be offline, even if it's just a walk or a weekend visit to High Park in the city.
- Use campus support: Whether it’s counselling or academic support, York has your back when things feel overwhelming.
Remember: building your future doesn’t mean skipping joy in the present.
Summer at York is a chance to explore campus from a new angle. Whether you're working, studying or recharging, there are plenty of ways to stay connected and make progress toward your goals.
So, grab your iced coffee, your planner, and maybe a blanket for that sunny patch on campus, and make it a summer to remember!