All students interested in coming to York University on an exchange are strongly advised to read through the following information. It is presented in alphabetical order for ease of use. This information has been compiled based on our experience with respect to what Incoming Exchange Students need to know.
Besides this information, Incoming Exchange Students should also read the York & You - International Student Handbook. Please note that this handbook was prepared for degree seeking “international students” (foreign students that are completing their entire degree at York University). However, a lot of the information is extremely handy for Incoming Exchange Students.
2. Campuses
5. Course Information - Credits and Grades
6. Course Information - Choosing
7. Course Information - Enrolling and Dropping
8. Dates – Academic and Holidays
9. Directory of York Staff, faculty and departments (York Atlas)
11. Employment
13. Events, York International
14. Fees
16. Health Insurance Information
17. Help a Future Exchange Student
18. Identification Card (YU-Card)
19. Internet/E-mail
21. Maps
23. Payments
26. Support Services at York University
28. Textbooks
29. Transcripts and Course Evaluations
30. Transportation - Airport to where students will be staying
31. Transportation (Public Transit) - Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
32. Transportation (Public Transit Pass Tax Credit and Calculator)
Temporary Housing (http://international.yorku.ca/intlstud/new/shortterm.htm)
This is a list of some hotels and hostels available for temporary stays while looking for more permanent off campus housing,On-Campus Housing
Undergraduate exchange students must be enrolled in a minimum 9 credits per term for the academic year (or 12 credits for either the fall or the winter term) to stay in on-campus housing.On-campus housing at York is divided into undergraduate residences/dormitories and graduate apartment housing. The distinction pertains to the student’s age and not their level of study. Students under the age of 20 that are interested in on-campus housing must apply for undergraduate housing only. Students 21 years of age and over that are interested in on-campus housing must apply to graduate housing.
York International must receive requests for either undergraduate or graduate on-campus housing by the deadlines listed under the application process page.On-campus housing arrangements are made through York International. LIMITED SPACE IS AVAILABLE. We can not guarantee space in a particular building.
The following information pertains to students registering for undergraduate on-campus housing:
- Students will be assigned a single room in undergraduate housing.
- Students will not be placed in Calumet or Bethune Suites
- All students in undergraduate housing are required to purchase a meal plan (except students placed in Pond Road housing).
- Meal plan rates are $1400, $2000 or $2400, depending on the plan students choose. Please visit the under-graduate on-campus housing website for further information.
- Students need their own bed linens, towels and related items within residences. Information on rentals of these items is available on the Housing website. Items may also be purchased from local stores upon arrival, but students should bring sleeping bags for use during the first few days.
- Undergraduate housing costs vary depending on residences. For information purposes only, a list of residence costs are available at:
http://www.yorku.ca/stuhouse/undergrad/rescontracts.htm- Please note that access to each residence differs, students should verify the access rules pertaining to their particular residence
The following information pertains to students registering for graduate on-campus housing:
- All the information pertaining to Graduate Housing can be found on their website at: http://www.yorku.ca/stuhouse/yorkapts/
- This website contains information such as layout plans, the application form, rental rates, information about what is supplied to students and what they should bring with them
Off-Campus Housing
York University has an Off-Campus Housing Service where students are provided with information about how to look for accommodation, their rights as a tenant and listings of available accommodation. There is no charge for this service. www.yorku.ca/och.
The website also provides links to additional housing resources including websites where students can look at vacancies. Off-Campus Housing Service has information about the Tenant Protection Act, lists of what students should know before they rent, and a checklist of things they should consider when looking at various options. They also have information on short-term accommodation, in case students need a place for a couple of days while they look for accommodation, or if they are in the process of moving between apartments. They are located at N200 Student Services Center and can also be reached by phone at 416-736-5141.
If students plan on looking for a place once they arrive to Canada please note that there are places at York University and also other areas in Toronto that provide short-term housing. For a listing of short-term housing options please visit:
http://international.yorku.ca/intlstud/new/shortterm.htm
York University has two primary campuses, Glendon and Keele. Keele is York University's largest campus, located at the intersection of Steeles Avenue and Keele Street. When selecting courses keep in mind that the Glendon campus is separate from the Keele Campus. It takes from 45 minutes to one hour to get from one campus to the other. A free shuttle bus is available for students to get between the two campuses. The availability of the bus is limited. The bus schedule is available at: http://www.yorku.ca/trnsprt/shuttle.htm
|
Beth Alaksa – Coordinator International Mobility Programs |
Address: |
York International |
Phone: |
416-736-5177 |
Fax: |
416-736-5176 |
E-mail: |
|
Websites: |
http://international.yorku.ca/exchange/incoming/incoming.htm - Information for Incoming Exchange Students |
(Based on 2005-06 estimates)
Estimates for students attending both the fall and winter semesters
Item |
Cost (in Canadian Dollars) |
Books and Supplies |
$1000 |
Housing* |
$4154 |
Mandatory Meal Plan for Undergraduate On-Campus Housing* |
Prices vary depending on which meal plan students choose |
Miscellaneous |
$2000 |
Recreation Centre* |
|
Mandatory UHIP* |
$352 (for 8 months) |
One of the Following Insurance Plans* |
Price depends on which insurance plan students are automatically enrolled in |
- These items are explained in depth later on this page
5. Course Information – Credits and Grades (http://international.yorku.ca/exchange/incoming/subjects.htm)
Types
There are 3 main types of courses at York:
1. Fall courses (F) run for the fall semester only (dates previously mentioned)
2. Winter courses (W) run for the winter semester only (dates previously mentioned)
3. Year courses (Y) run from the beginning of the fall semester until the end of the winter semester.
If a student is coming to York for the full year, he or she can pick from any of these 3 types of courses. If the student is only coming for one semester, he or she can only choose courses running in the semester that he or she will be at York.Some lectures are groups of 200-300 students and therefore smaller organized sessions are created called tutorials. A tutorial is usually between 10-30 students where key topics, concepts and ideas are discussed with the tutorial leader. Students are expected to attend the lecture and a tutorial. Enrolling in a tutorial enrolls the student in the lecture attached to it.
Credit System
The majority of courses offered at York International are valued at 3.0, 6.0 or 9.0 credits per course. The number of credits each course is valued at is indicated by the number which follows the four-digit course code number. Normally courses that run solely for one semester (either the Fall or Winter semester) are valued at 3.0 credits; these courses usually have one lecture per week. There are more rigorous one semester courses that are valued at 6.0 credits, because they meet 2 times per week.
Full year courses (commencing at the beginning of the fall term and ending at the end of the winter term) usually are valued at 6.0 credits. Full year courses that are very rigorous and that often require more work are valued at 9.0 credits.Number of Courses to Take
Exchange students must be registered as full-time students during their studies at York, defined as registered in a minimum of 3 courses or 9 credits per semester or term, but students should also be aware that 24 credits per year are required to stay in on-campus housing.
Note that 30 credits per year is the normal workload for degree students who want to complete their degree in 4 years. We advise students to check with their home university to determine the credit load required while on exchange. York does not require a particular credit load other than the ones listed above.Grading System
Grade |
Grade Point |
Percent Range |
Description |
A+ |
9 |
90-100 |
Exceptional |
A |
8 |
80-90 |
Excellent |
B+ |
7 |
75-79 |
Very Good |
B |
6 |
70-74 |
Good |
C+ |
5 |
65-69 |
Competent |
C |
4 |
60-64 |
Fairly Competent |
D+ |
3 |
55-59 |
Passing |
D |
2 |
50-54 |
Barely Passing |
E |
1 |
Marginally Below 50 |
Marginally Failing |
F |
0 |
Below 50 |
Failing |
DEF |
|
|
Deferred Standing |
P |
|
|
Pass |
6. Course Information – Choosing
Please note: Prior to enrolling in courses online, be sure to have a list of courses you wish to take along with the correct course number, course title and catalogue number.
You can find a list of courses here.
- Select the subject you are interested in and scan through the courses; when you find a course that you wish to take, note down the correct course number and course title
- Click on the Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Course Schedule link
- After carefully examining the schedule note down the lecture Course Catalogue Number (Cat#). Please note, if the lecture has tutorials (meaning the lectures are divided into different sections/tutorials), then please select the tutorial you wish to take and write down the Catalogue number (Cat#) listed for the tutorial.
Example:
Women and the Law - AS/SOSC 1350
Click here to enlarge image. Click back button to return.
Course Title: Women and the Law
Course Number: 1350
Term: Y = year (Fall and Winter)
Catalogue Number: J59E02
7. Course Information – Enrolling and Dropping
Choose your courses beforehand (See 'Course Information - Choosing' above)Note: Be prepared with alternatives as your first choice in courses may be full or have restriction. This is normal practice for York University.
Step 1: Go to the Current Students page: http://www.yorku.ca/yorkweb/cs.htm
Step 2: Click on Add/Drop a Course, this is the first thing under the Courses & Enrolment heading (which is the first one in the centre of the page)
Step 3: Click on the New Student Sign Up link (on the right hand side of the page near the bottom).
Step 4: Fill in the required fields (student number and date of birth) and follow necessary steps to create your passport York which will allow you to enroll in and drop courses online.
Step 5: Go to the Current Students page: http://www.yorku.ca/yorkweb/cs.htm
Step 6: Select Add/Drop a Course (under the Course and Enrolment heading).
Step 7: Enter your created Username and Password.
Step 8: Select FALL/WINTER 2009 UNDERGRADUATES from the drop down box.
Step 9: Click Continue.
Step 10: Select the ADD A COURSE button. You are asked to fill in the COURSE CATALOGUE NUMBER (Cat #)
Step 11: Enter the Cat# in the field provided.
Step 12: Click the ADD COURSE button. The system will tell you whether you have successfully added the course.
Step 13: If you want to drop a course, go back to Step 13 and continue, but this time selecting the DROP A COURSE button.
Step 14: Select the course you would like to drop and then select the DROP COURSE button. The system will tell you if the course has been dropped successfully (in most cases there are no problems here).
NOTE: You do not need to know the Catalogue Numbers of courses you want to drop, only for courses you want to add. DO NOT FORGET TO LOG OUT WHEN YOU ARE DONE!
8. Dates – Academic and Holiday
There are 24 weeks of classes in an academic year and 4 weeks of exams at the end of each term. Check the Important Dates website for specific dates. Sometimes the word “semester” is used interchangeably with the word “term.”
9. Directory of York Staff, Faculty and Departments (York Atlas)
York Atlas is a searchable online database of e-mail addresses and phone numbers of York faculty, students, staff and departments. To access York Atlas please visit:
http://starcraft.ccs.yorku.ca/atlas/servlet/atlas
York International in collaboration with the Office for Persons with Disabilities works to assist exchange students with disabilities settle in both socially and academically. Students requiring this type of assistance should include details with the exchange application. For further details, please visit: http://www.yorku.ca/opd/default.htm
Full-time exchange students holding a Study Permit are eligible to work on campus only. In general, York University defines a full-time student undergraduate student as one who is registered in the equivalent of 18 credits or more in an academic year (meaning 9 credits or more per term for students that are here for only 1 term). Students do not need a special work permit, but do require a Social Insurance Number. Information on the SIN and directions for applying for one are available here (http://international.yorku.ca/intlstud/employ/sin.htm ).
ESL 1000
Students who do not speak English as their native language are eligible to take the ESL 1000 course. Registration for this course must be directed through York International. Students should not list this course as a course they would like to take without approval from York International. The 2005/2006 academic year shows the following description for this course:
This course develops the linguistic/academic skills of students from English as a second language background, using themes such as language and communication, culture and identity, the immigrant/refugee experience, multiculturalism, Canada's aboriginal peoples and Quebec. Varieties of course activities develop course themes and language proficiency.English as a Second Language – Open Learning Centre
The ESL Open Learning Centre (ESL-OLC) offers support to English as a Second Language (ESL) students registered in credit courses at York University. The Centre is open to ALL York students, registered in degree programs, and is FREE of charge.
Services include:
- A regular workshop series on topics related to the language needs of ESL students
- Small group English language learning
- Independent language learning using print and multimedia materials
- Individual tutoring on specific language needs
- Social interaction opportunities, such as weekly English movie nights
For further information please visit: http://www.yorku.ca/eslolc/keele/default.asp
YUELI
Pre-university English as a Second Language courses are available through the York University English Language Institute (YUELI) (non-credit, summer courses). For full details please visit: http://yueli.yorku.ca
13. Events at York International
International Student Events Calendar
York International runs special events for International students completing their entire degree here at York University. A lot of these events are open for Incoming Exchange students to participate in. For further information about these events please visit:
http://international.yorku.ca/intlstud/calendar.htmOther York International Events
During the year York International’s Incoming Exchange Facilitator prepares social events for Incoming Exchange students. Students are informed about these events via e-mail.
Tuition fees are paid directly to the student’s home university and not to York University. However, students are still responsible for any other academic fees such as course or material fees (for example, some courses have course fees of $15 or $70) and a mandatory UHIP premium and other insurance. It is the student’s responsibility to pay these fees.
York uses a centralized accounting system for academic and other fees called a “student account.” This account can only be viewed online, statements are not mailed out and it is the student’s responsibility to check the account regularly. The account can be viewed by visiting: http://www.yorku.ca/yorkweb/cs.htm and clicking on Money Matters, My Student Account On-line.
Mandatory UHIP, other insurance plans and residence fees (explained elsewhere on this site) are all charged upfront to the student account (in September or January).
York will charge tuition fees to exchange student’s accounts; however a fee waiver item will also appear on the account for each course offsetting the tuition fee.
A positive balance in the account indicates the student owes funds to York. A negative balance in the account indicates the university owes funds to the student.
Students should make sure that their student account has been paid in full prior to their departure. Transcripts can not be issued to students who have a balance owing to York University.
16. Health Insurance Information
Exchange students are charged for two insurance plans.
1) Primary health insurance plan - UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) is a mandatory primary care plan. It covers costs associated with visits to the doctor or a hospital.
Students are advised not to purchase health insurance from home as UHIP is a mandatory plan. Students may apply to opt-out of UHIP, however exemptions are only granted when the other insurance plan meets the same level of coverage as UHIP. Applications for exemptions are submitted to the insurance company with supporting documentation for review. The University does not have the authority to grant exemptions. Very few insurance plans meet the same level of coverage as UHIP, therefore in the majority of cases UHIP is mandatory, and referred to as such. Refer to the UHIP web-site for further details.
Students are required to pay their UHIP premium even if they apply for an exemption. Premiums are refunded only if an exemption is granted.
When students arrive in Canada, they must come to York International located at 108 Vanier College at the York Keele campus, to receive their proof of coverage.
For the 2008/2009 academic year the UHIP premium for 1 person is:
- 12 months - $756
- 8 months - $504
- 4 months - $252
Further important information about the plan is found at: http://international.yorku.ca/uhip/index.htm
2) Secondary health insurance plans (YFS, Atkinson’s Association Benefits and the Graduate Students’ Health plan) are also automatically charged to students. Students with proof of similar coverage may apply to opt out of the secondary plan. Generally the secondary plan can cover dental and non emergency medical care. Students should review the information on each plan carefully,
York Federation of Students (YFS) Health Plan
Thie YFS Health Plan offers supplemental health care coverage for undergraduate students (excluding students studying at Atkinson College, which has it's own plan). Benefits include prescription drugs. Every eligible student beginning their exchange program in the fall term is automatically charged for the YFS Health Plan on their student account at the start of the academic year in September.
Students beginning their exchange term in the winter semseter are not automatically registered for the Plan. Winter students enrolled in 15 credits or more may register for this health coverage, if desired. The coverage would then start January 1 (or the subsequent date of enrolment) and continue through to August 31. Enrolment is done at the YFS Health Plan Office located at 112 Curtis Lecture Hall (in the booth behind the elevator by the ramp), on York’s Keele campus. Payment can be made in the form of a cheque (which is preferred) or by cash.
Fall term or full year students are able to opt-out of the Health Plan if they meet the opt-out requirements. Students must have supplementary health coverage beyond UHIP to opt-out of the YFS plan. The opt-out date is usually the first Friday in October.More information about the YFS Health Plan and its payment details can be found at: http://www.yfs.ca/ Click on “Services”, then the “Health and Dental Plan” link.
Atkinson Students’ Association (ASA) Benefits Plan
This plan is automatically charged to exchange students enrolled in the Atkinson Faculty who are taking a minimum of 6 credits in either the fall or winter semesters.
If students have appropriate alternative coverage they can opt-out from the Plan.
More information about the ASA Benefits Plan and its payment details can be found at: http://www.gallivan.ca/studentnetworks/members/atkinsonGraduate Students’ Health Plan
Exchange students enrolled as full-time graduate students are automatically charged for the Graduate Students’ Health Plan. Students who have alternative coverage for drugs and dental can opt-out before the given deadline. Exchange graduate students must fill out the online opt-out form.
More information about the Graduate Students’ Health Plan and its payment details can be found at: http://www.yugsa.ca/?Health_Plan_Information
17. Help a Future Exchange Student
Leave things you bought in Canada but don’t need at home for a future exchange student. Pack items in a bag or a box and give them to York International, labeled with a completed copy of this form. Leave the items for a particular exchange student or for any incoming exchange student. Approved items that can be provided include coffee makers, kettles, irons, radios, tapes and cd players, pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, phones, bed linens, pillows and winter outer clothing.
We do not accept indoor clothing, textbooks, stationery, misc. kitchen items, garbage, detergent, food stuff etc.
18. Identification Card (YU-Card)
The YU-card (pronounced why-you card) is York University's official photo ID card. It is the only card you need to access services across campus. It can be used as photo ID for exams, as a library card, and as a meal plan card. It can also be used as a "student ID" card off campus for for student discounts.
Further information is available at: http://www.yorku.ca/yucard/
At York University the main way of getting information about policies and services is by Internet. It is very common for students to hear that they should check the website for information. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the www.yorku.ca and the http://international.yorku.ca websites.
Students should also check their e-mail regularly as this is the main means of contact from York International. Inform York International of any changes to e-mail addresses.
Students enrolling in an undergraduate or graduate program: If English is not the student’s first language, he or she should have proof of English Proficiency appropriate for study at the University level. The proof can be either an official TOEFL score (as outlined below) or a letter from the home university confirming appropriate language proficiency. If proof of language proficiency is a letter from the home university, the TOEFL scores listed below should be used as guidelines when assessing proficiency.
Acceptable Language Tests & Scores
|
TOEFL |
||
Minimum Score: |
Overall band: 1-5 |
Computer: 220 |
7 |
Minimum Score: |
Overall band: 1 |
Computer: 250 |
7 |
Minimum Score: |
Overall band: 1-3 |
Computer: 237 |
7 |
For more information about ESL support, see the item #10 English Language Support (above).
Students can find directions to various locations in Canada by visiting www.mapquest.ca. Maps of and directions to both York University’s Keele and Glendon campuses can be found at: http://www.yorku.ca/yorkweb/maps/index.htm
Orientation dates: Orientations are usually offered in late August/early September before classes start with a modified orientation offered during the first week of classes. Winter term students are offered an orientation in early January.
Where: Details will be e-mailed to students
Suggested Date of Arrival
Students should plan on arriving a few days prior to the start of class to attend orientation sessions, find accommodation (if necessary) and generally get adjusted to York and Toronto. Students staying in on-campus residence will be given information on specific move-in dates. Details may be available on the website, or will be distributed with contract information. Students participating in an exchange for the winter term only, should note the university is not open between Dec 25 and Jan 1.
It is not possible to use international debit cards at the point of purchase at York University, and may also not be possible at point of purchase in retail outlets elsewhere in Toronto or Canada. However, it is possible to use them at automatic banking machines to withdraw cash. It is also not possible to pay fees owing to York by credit card. Therefore, other arrangements will need to be made to pay York for charges such as residence and meal plans.
Prior to arrival students can arrange a bank to bank wire transfer to pay fees owing at York before arrival.
- International student can send a wire transfer to pay for course fees, residence, health care and UHIP charges only, print one of the attached forms and bring it to your bank for processing. Student Financial Services will only accept wire transfers that cover transactions on your student account. Print the document for Canadian funds wire transfer or US funds wire transfer.
Note that Student Financial Services does not mail receipts for payments. Your cancelled cheque, bank receipt/stamp etc. serves as your proof of payment or you can check your Student Account Online Statement to view recent transactions. Allow a few days for your payment to be applied to your account.
Most upper year courses (3000 & 4000 level) at York University will require students to have completed pre-requisites for the courses. Students on exchange may be exempt from this requirement, but it is imperative to have the sufficient background to handle material in the course.
Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies, Graduate level programs: These programs are not open to exchange students at York.
Biology, Graduate level: Courses at the graduate level in Biology (5000, 6000) are not open to exchange students. Students take courses as part of research projects at York and therefore, students not attached to a research project are not eligible to enroll in the courses. Therefore, exchange applicants interested in Biology at the graduate level should already be involved in a research poject at their home university and should submit an application including a summary of a research project. Undertaking this type of program while on exchange requires an appointed supervisor; therefore, York International will submit the summary to the appropriate representative in the Program for review and recommendation. Exchange applicants who have make independent contact with the department and already have a designated supervisor, should submit a letter of invitation from the York professor with his/her exchange application. Acceptance of the proposal is not guaranteed, but reviewed on a case by case basis and depends on availability of York professors willing and able to act as supervisors.
Business (Schulich School of Business): Courses at the Schulich School of Business are open only to students participating in official Schulich School of Business exchange programs. Students participating in exchange programs administered by York International may not pursue courses at Schulich.
Computer Science: Students meet with an advisor in the department upon arrival to finalize placement in courses; however students are advised to select courses prior to arrival, ensuring they review all pre-requisites for Computer Science courses, including any programming requirements.
Fine Arts: Spaces are limited in this Faculty and classes fill up quickly. Students from partner universities without a specifically signed departmental agreement will not be able to pursue production based courses. They may select courses identified as 'open for non-majors' only.
Law (Osgoode Hall Law School): Spaces are restricted to 1 or 2 students per partner institution. Students should have completed at least 2 years of study and have successfully completed a substantial number of law courses. Student may not enroll in first year law courses. A high GPA (Grade Point Average) may also be required.
Nursing (Faculty of Health): This program is not currently open to exchange students.
Political Science, Graduate level: Demand for space in the graduate political science is high and therefore, spaces are limited. Exchange students must exceed minimum requirements for entry into the program.
Translation, Glendon College: Program is restricted, prior discussion with York International required.
To use the Fitness Centre and/or have unlimited access to aerobics/cross training classes, York students must purchase a $10.00 shoe tag.
Sport Facilities include:
- Tait McKenzie Centre: fully staffed Fitness Centre with several cardio machines, selectorized machines and free weights, 4 gymnasia, 3 studios, 5 North American squash courts, 25-metre swimming pool
- Outdoor facilities: 9 tennis courts, 5 playing fields, a stadium, 4 softball fields
- Ice Gardens: 6 ice surfaces
- Toronto Track and Field Centre: indoor and outdoor track and weight room.
For further information please visit: http://www.yorku.ca/recyork/membership/index.htm
26. Support Services at York University
Faculty of Arts, Centre for Academic Writing
The Centre offers practical instruction in all aspects of writing to all students in the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Fine Arts, the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and the Schulich School of Business. Some tutors specialize in working with ESL students, and in working with students who have disabilities affecting language learning and language skills. The chief method of instruction is individual tutoring where sessions usually last 25 or 50 minutes. Electronic tutoring is also provided. Credit courses and a number of group workshops are offered that deal with the major elements of effective essay writing. Their website provides students with up-to-date information about the Centre for Academic Writing activities, and links to academic resources, such as style guides, dictionaries, an encyclopaedia, and an on-line writing center. For further information please visit http://www.arts.yorku.ca/caw/.Atkinson Essay Tutoring Centre
Tutors will assist students with essays and case analyses at any stage of the writing process. Typically students use one-to-one sessions to discuss drafts, or partial drafts of work in progress. Some students seek assistance with interpreting assignments, organizing research notes, getting started at writing, overcoming writing blocks, and learning proper documentation. An essay tutor is a faculty member who is an expert at teaching essay writing. In a fifty minute session the tutor will help students with organization and expression, working from a draft of their essay (whether or not it is completed). The goal of the tutoring session is to help students improve as a writer. The tutor is not an editor, or a proof-reader, but will help students write a better essay. All Atkinson students and students from the Consecutive Program (Education) are welcome to book appointments. Students from other faculties may see tutors for their Atkinson courses only. For further information please visit:
http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/Writing/tutoring.htmCounselling and Development Centre (CDC)
The CDC offers a range of services to students of York University including personal counselling, group development workshops, learning skills training, and support for learning disabilities and psychiatric dis/abilities. They currently offer Learning Skills Workshops related to: university success, reading skills for university, note-taking at university, time management, academic stress management and preparing for tests and exams. For specific workshop dates and descriptions being offered please visit: http://www.yorku.ca/cdc/lsp/index.htm. For further information about the CDC please visit: http://www.yorku.ca/cdc/Open Learning Centre (English as a Second Language support)
The ESL Open Learning Centre (ESL-OLC) offers support to English as a Second Language (ESL) students registered in credit courses at York University. The Centre is open to ALL York students, registered in degree programs, and is FREE of charge.
Services include:
A regular workshop series on topics related to the language needs of ESL students
- Small group English language learning
- Independent language learning using print and multimedia materials
- Individual tutoring on specific language needs
- Social interaction opportunities, such as weekly English movie nights
For further information please visit: http://www.yorku.ca/eslolc/keele/default.asp
General Campus ServicesFurther information about campus services offered at York University can be found at:
http://www.yorku.ca/yorkweb/currentstudents/campusservices/index.html
There is a limited tax refund program for visitors to Canada. Full detailed information is available at :
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/nonresidents/visitors/individuals/claim-e.html
York University Bookstore
This is the official place to buy texts required for students studying at York University. The Keele Campus bookstore is located in the east end of the York Lanes Shopping Mall. The Glendon Campus Bookstore is located on the lower level of York Hall. The bookstore website is: http://bookstore.yorku.ca/Other suggestions
- Visit bookstores around the city to buy textbooks at a discounted price
- Keep an eye out for posters around campus advertising books for sale
- Students should not buy books unless they are absolutely sure they will not drop the course since certain books and course kits cannot be returned. An option is to borrow books from the library for the first two weeks, if possible.
York University Libraries
York University has many libraries available to students. There are many quiet study areas and computers available to students. Group study rooms are also available and can be reserved online. To learn more about York University libraries and view their online catalogue please visit:
http://www.library.yorku.ca/ccm/jsp/homepage.jsp
29. Transcripts and Course Evaluations
Once students complete the exchange at York an original transcript will be sent to the home institution’s international office as long as no fees are owing to York University. If students require their own copy they must order it from the Registrar’s Office website, the link is: http://www.yorku.ca/roweb/services/everything/transcripts/
Please note that on York University transcripts marks are in letter grades. If foreign institutions require a number grade (percentage) or more detailed explanation of a students marks, students will need to have a course evaluation form completed before they leave York University. It is the student’s responsibility to check if his or her home institution requires a number grade. The course evaluation form is available here. Please note that this is not possible for Osgoode Courses (Law).
One evaluation must be filled out per course. Students should coordinate with their professors as to how and where the forms should be sent once completed. Forms can be given back to students in a sealed and signed envelope. Forms can also be sent back directly to their home institution, to the attention of their home university’s Exchange Coordinator. The student should let their Coordinator know that this will be sent to their attention. Please do not send the forms to York International.
30. Transportation - Airport to Where Students Will Be Staying
York University does not have a representative meet students at the airport. Students are responsible for their own transportation to York University. The fastest way to get from the airport to York University’s Keele or Glendon campuses or to off-campus housing is by taxi or limousine (limo). If students are living on campus, it will cost about $50-60 to get to residence.
If students decide to come to Toronto and directly look for a place to stay downtown Airport Express bus runs regular shuttles to many downtown hotels straight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to downtown Toronto. Fares as of June 2008 are approximately $18.00 one way per person. For further information please visit: http://www.torontoairportexpress.com/
31. Transportation (Public Transit) - Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Buses and subways the most convenient, environmentally friendly and least expensive way to travel around Toronto. Walking and biking are other options available to students.
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)This is Toronto’s main means of transportation for commuters. It is a public transit system linked by buses, streetcars and subways. Some TTC bus routes have stops right inside York University's Keele campus and on the street at the entrance to Glendon campus. Tickets, tokens and Metropasses can be bought at many convenience stores and all subway stations. At the Keele campus, TTC tickets are available at Ink Blotz in the York Lanes Mall. TTC monthly passes can also be purchased at Parking Structure 2 in the William Small Centre.
Popular Routes via TTC:
Keele Campus
- 35 B or E - Jane Station
- 41 B - Keele Station
- 60 C or F - Finch Station
- 106 - Downsview Station
- 107 - Downsview Station (Sept to mid-May only)
- 196 - Downsview Station - "The Rocket" Express
Glendon Campus
For further information about TTC routes, schedules, and fares, please visit: http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/
- 124 - Lawrence Station - "Sunnybrook Hospital" bus
GO Transit
GO transit is a convenient commuter rail and bus service to areas in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). At the Keele campus, GO Transit tickets are available at the Ink Blotz shop located in the York Lanes Mall. Tickets vary depending on the location traveled.
Students may apply for a GO student card which allows them to purchase discounted student tickets. Application forms for the GO student card are available at the Registrar's Office.
Popular Routes via GO:
Keele Campus Only
- Bus - (Table 46) - Highway 407 West GO Bus Service - Guelph, Hamilton, McMaster U, Oakville, Meadowvale, Streetsville, Square One (Mississauga), Bramalea, York U bus loop
- Bus - (Table 52) - Highway 407 East GO Bus Service - Oshawa, Durham College/UOIT, Pickering, Scarborough, Markham, Thornhill, York U bus loop
- Bus - (Table 64) - Newmarket-York U GO Bus Service - Newmarket, Aurora, King City, Maple, York U bus loop
- Train / Bus - (Table 65) - Barrie-Bradford Line Train and Bus Service - Barrie, Bradford, East Gwillimbury, Newmarket, Aurora, King City, Maple, York U GO Train Station (free shuttle service to/from Keele) / York U bus loop
For further information about GO Transit routes, schedules and fares, please visit: www.gotransit.ca
York Region Transit - YRT/Viva
YRT and Viva are the newest bus services which connect York Region with various GTA transit systems such as GO, TTC, and Brampton plus various TTC subway stations. YRT is a regular, frequent-stop system. Viva is a semi-express system.
No special ID card is required. Riders pay the driver directly (or show driver proof of fare) on the YRT system. On the big, blue Viva buses, riders commute under the honour system - which makes commuting much faster. Riders do not pay the driver directly, but are expected to provide proof of fare to fare inspectors and constables during random spot checks. No fare can result in a fine of over $150. Tickets can be purchased a the Ink Blotz shop located at York Lanes Mall or at the ticket machines at every VIVA stop and YRT/Viva Terminal. Monthly passes are also available at various locations.
Popular Routes via YRT/Viva:
Keele campus only (next to new archives building)
- Viva Blue - North/South - Yonge Street from Newmarket to Richmond Hill Centre (cinema & GO) to Finch Subway Station
- Viva Purple - East/West - Markham/Stouffville Hospital to Richmond Hill Centre (cinema & GO) to Promenade Mall Terminal to York U
- Viva Orange - East/West - Martin Grove to York U to IKEA and Downsview Subway Station
- YRT #20 - North/South - Jane Street - Vaughan Mills Mall Terminal to York U
- YRT #3, 3B - East/West - Don Mills to Promenade Mall Terminal (and TTC/Brampton Transit) to York U
For further information about YRT/Viva Transit routes, schedules and fares, please visit: www.yrt.ca
Transit at York
For further information about public transportation at York (including discounted monthly passes and York's FREE shuttle between Keele and Glendon campuses): http://www.yorku.ca/trnsprt/
32. Transportation (Public Transit Pass Tax Credit)
There is a federal public transit pass tax credit for those filing tax returns in Canada. Save your monthly transit passes and receipts. Complete information is available at :
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/whatsnew/items/transit-e.html and http://www.transitpass.ca/ (which includes a tax credit calculator).
