The LA&PS International Student Peer Mentorship Program connects new international students with upper-year international students to help with the transition to York University.
The program is designed to provide new international students with support, engagement, community, and a welcoming space to connect with others. In September, LA&PS international students will be matched with upper-year Peer Mentors who have already gone through their first-year on campus.
How it works
You will be matched with a peer mentor and get tips on how to be successful at York.
There will be opportunities to connect with others, make friends, and be engaged in the York Community.
You will get invitations to social, professional and academic First-Year YU Sessions / Workshops.
At any time, you can book one-on-one appointments with an International Peer Mentor.
Throughout the year we will share information about available services and supports on campus.
First-Year YU International Prep Sessions
Are you a new International student? Register for one of the following sessions to learn about useful topics to help with your transition to university and to Canada! Come meet your international peer mentor team and make other international student friends.
Each session focuses on a different important theme and is followed by a Q&A period for questions about course enrolment!
First-Year YU Winter: Preparing for your Arrival
November 22, 2022 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. EST
Wondering about what to pack, how to set up a Canadian bank account or where to get a sim card? Wondering what you need to have to avoid any stress with immigration? Look no further, we've got you covered. In this session, we will take you through the necessary documents you will need, what to pack and how to get settled in Canada followed by a Q&A Panel. Bring your questions and we will answer them for you.
Expectation vs. Reality: Studying in Canada and at York!
June 9, 2022 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. EST
Join us at this session to learn about Canadian university culture, what the academic expectations are at York University, and to hear from upper-year peer mentors about what their experience at York has been as international students at the university.
Housing 101- Everything you need to know about on & off-campus housing
June 16, 2022 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. EST
Will you be living on your own for the first time while studying at York? In this session you will learn about the different housing options offered at and around the York campus, what you need to know before you move in, and tips on how to make the most out of your time living away from home!
Making Friends & Getting Involved at York
June 23, 2022 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. EST
Worried about making friends as an international student? In this session you will learn about the many ways you can get involved in York’s vibrant community by getting to know about the university’s clubs, councils, and residence social life. The LA&PS college presidents will be joining the session to speak about how to get involved in your respective college!
Wellness Supports at York (mental, physical, and emotional wellness)
June 30, 2022 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. EST
Are you feeling anxious about your upcoming year at York? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Join us to learn more about the various FREE wellness supports available to you at York. We’ll cover everything from health insurance coverage for international students to online counselling services and York gym memberships! This session will also feature a workshop from Student Counselling, Health & Well-being.
Starting Off Strong- University ABCs for academic success
July 7, 2022 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. EST
Are you feeling nervous about your transition to postsecondary education? Join us at this session to learn about what to expect from your first day of classes, how to communicate effectively with your instructors, and how to balance your courses with all the great new experience you will have in Toronto. This session will also feature a crash course on academic honesty from York’s HERO Ambassadors and Learning Skills Team.
Supporting Yourself Financially at York
July 14, 2022 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. EST
In this session, you will learn about the many opportunities York offers to help you support yourself financially while you are studying, from applying to scholarships and bursaries as a current student to obtaining on-campus jobs and paid research opportunities.
Job Hunting in Canada as an International Student
July 21, 2022 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. EST
Do you want to gain work experience and earn money while studying in Canada? Join our job-hunting session and learn about how to find a part-time on/off campus job, eligibility requirements, immigration restrictions and more!
Top Things to do in Toronto
July 28, 2022 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. EST
Are you feeling nervous about your transition to postsecondary education? Join us at this session to learn about what to expect from your first day of classes, how to communicate effectively with your instructors, and how to balance your courses with all the great new experience you will have in Toronto. This session will also feature a crash course on academic honesty from York’s HERO Ambassadors and Learning Skills Team.
Prepping for Your Arrival
August 4, 2022 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. EST
The clock is ticking, time to pack your bags and head to your new home away from home at York! Wondering what you need to have to avoid any stress with immigration? Wondering about what to pack, how to set up a Canadian bank account or where to get a sim card? Look no further, we’ve got you covered! In this session we will take you through the necessary documents you’ll need, what to pack and how to get settled in Canada.
HOW TO GET “A's” IN YOUR FIRST YEAR
August 11, 2022 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. EST
Nervous about starting your classes and adjusting to North American academic life? We are here to help! Join upper year international students to learn all the tips and tricks for you to feel confident about starting your classes in September. Learn about useful study hacks (skills), get to know what your professors expect, find out where all the resources are that you will need, and more!
Ask Me Anything Panel With Your First Year Professors
August 18, 2022 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. EST
Want to meet some of your first year professors? Wondering what they're looking for in their first year students? Join us for a panel session with professors from Communications, IT, Economics and ESL programs as they answer some key questions around expectations and tips for success in their courses. There will also be a Q&A section for you to ask all your burning questions!