Student Life
At university, you can explore your interests, inside and outside of the classroom.
You will have opportunities to attend social events or join a student club. You might also like to play extracurricular sports or, if you live on campus, become involved in your residence community.
In this section, you will learn more about student life at York.
Read more about campus life at York.
Orientation Week
York’s Orientation Week offers a wide variety of programming for all new and incoming students. It is a great way for you to meet new people, discover resources on campus and learn all about your degree while making a smooth transition into university.
The Centre for Indigenous Student Services hosts an Orientation Day for Incoming Indigenous Students and a Welcome Social for all Indigenous students.
Clubs and Societies
General Clubs
York is home to more than 300 student clubs and organizations that fall under various categories, including:
- Academic
- Advocacy
- Charitable
- Environmental
- Faith-based
- Hobby
- Political
- Professional
- Sports
View a list of student clubs at YU Connect.
Indigenous Students Clubs
There are 2 Indigenous student organizations on campus:
- Indigenous Students’ Association at York for undergraduate students
- Osgoode Indigenous Students’ Association for Indigenous law students
Student Government
York University has more than 36 student governing groups across all campuses.
The York Federation of Students is the central undergraduate students’ union and represents more than 54,000 full- and part-time undergraduate students. The Graduate Students Association represents 6,100 full- and part-time graduate students.
Athletics
Varsity Athletics
York is home to the York Lions varsity sports, which range from basketball, cross country and rugby to hockey and wrestling. The Lions participate in both Ontario University Athletics and Canadian Interuniversity Sport.
Read more about York’s varsity athletics.
Recreation and Intramurals
York offers recreational sports and intramural leagues that you can participate in regardless of your skill level. Recreational sports include hockey, basketball and more.
Joining a team is a great way to meet other people and stay active, whether you are continuing to play a sport or starting a new one.
Student Services
Counselling and Disability Services
If you have a disability that requires academic accommodation and support, Student Accessibility Services is available to help. It is important that you reach out to the office as soon as possible to ensure the appropriate supports are in place for you at the beginning of the school year.
Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (REI)
The Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion provides free services to current York students, faculty and staff. REI strives to build a respectful, equitable, diverse and inclusive community by advancing, promoting and upholding human rights at York in accordance with provincial human rights legislation and the University’s policies.
Child Care
Students with children and families are part of the York community. Child care and day care services are provided by the Lee Wiggins Childcare Centre and the York University Co-operative Daycare Centre on the Keele campus. Visit these websites to reserve a spot for your child.
Security
York is committed to keeping its campus safe for everyone. York’s Security Services provides you with a number of safety resources around campus, such as:
- Crime prevention services
- Emergency phones
- Walk-home programs
