How to handle first month challenges of the new year at Seneca?

It’s officially September, which means a new school year and a new semester at Seneca Polytechnic.

For many students, it’s the start of something new. But for other students, it’s just beginning of another school year after a four-month long break. With it being post-secondary, you get students from various walks of life whether they are fresh out of high school, students starting another program to expand their education or trying out a new profession.

Whether you’re a new or returning student at Seneca, the first month of the year is the most challenging, especially in the first week. Challenges for new students include new professors and classes, meeting new people and getting themselves familiar with the resources.

One student said that getting familiar with IT services is one of the challenge they faced. If you’re a student who’s not sure how to access the IT services, they can be found at the Seneca Library. You can also reach out to them by email at servicedesk@senecapolytechnic.ca.

After talking to a couple of new students, the most common challenges they have shared are navigating their way around the campus and finding their classes. According to one first-year student he was lost for about 15-20 minutes trying to find the classroom. Despite the challenge, he eventually found his classroom. For students who don’t know their way around the campus and are not familiar with the other services the school has to offer, the Service Hub is available to support you in any way. You can also use the Seneca app to help navigate around the different campuses.

When it comes to returning students at Seneca, trying to get back into the flow of their program and school after a four-month long break was a common challenge they faced. One returning said that finding the balance between school and personal life is what makes it challenging. Returning acting student, Emma Charlebois said that she found making new friends to be tricky because for her program in the first two semesters, “we are in our own little group, and then we get switched up in the third semester.” It was hard for her to be mixed with a group of new faces at first, but eventually got into the flow of getting along with her new friends.

For students struggling to make friends on campus, the campus offers a wide variety of extra-curricular activities that will help you in engaging with other students from special events held by SSF (Seneca Student Federation) and various clubs. SSF will be there to make sure you make the most out of your college experience.

Whether you’re an old or new student who has questions about exploring the campus life, Seneca is always here to help to make sure you go through the school year smoothly.