Welcome back to Seneca York!

Students are “getting used to being back on campus” after the summer break

By Giulliana Micheletto

  The fall semester started on September 3rd at most colleges and universities all over Canada. At Seneca College’s York Campus, students are back on the school’s headquarters on Monday, after weeks of no classes. 

  For those who didn’t take summer school, their last time at the North York Campus was in the beginning of May, so getting back on track can be “tough”, according to Ganga Kathri (21), a chemical technician student finishing her second year at the college. 

  On her first day of classes, Kathri got lost twice and just like any student's biggest fear, she walked into the wrong classroom, an episode she described as “embarrassing” and "unforgettable". Despite having a stressful start to the semester, she emphasized that the staff at the Student Hub (where students can go to for information and academic help at the York campus) was of great help, as they assisted her with her schedule and with finding where the courses she's taking are being taught.

  As for Jasmine Kaur, who’s both a Seneca student and one of the coordinators at the SSF( Seneca Student Federation), the first week back to work was “very exciting”, because of the many activities her and her team were in charge of. From puppy therapy (most students favourite event) to bingo and a grilled cheese themed afternoon, the first week back on campus was focused on welcoming new students, hearing their stories and concerns, as well as introducing them to each other. According to Kaur, the ultimate goal with these activities during orientation week is to offer a distraction to students and staff who are feeling overwhelmed with being back to school. 

   More than a third of Seneca’s students and working staff are international, meaning they were not born on Canadian ground. According to the SSF, it’s important to make these people feel comfortable and seen, embracing their heritage and making them feel as “at home” as possible. Which is why, during the next few weeks, events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month are happening almost daily at the York campus. 

  As students are settling back into their routine, Jasmine hopes they find the time (and energy) to stop by at the Hive, located on the second floor, where most events are held at the campus, and "take advantage" of the resources available at Seneca.