Things to do on Campus (Other than Class)

Student blogger Aliya.This blog is an archived post written by Aliya during her 3rd year in the Environmental Management stream.

 

 

 

With York being one of the largest commuter school in Ontario, many students come and go without even exploring all the wonderful things the school has to offer. On days when you finish class early, have a gap in between classes, or just have some free time, try doing some of these activities before you head on home for the day. Here are some things I think are great activities to do on campus when not in class:

Visit some of the many green spaces on campus

We are very fortunate to have many green spaces on campus. The four woodlots: Boyer, Boynton, Danby, and Osgoode, and Stong Pond all have many trees, shrubs, and wildlife. The Woodlots are used for research, recreation and as green space. Take a visit to one of these woodlots to explore, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Toronto and have a breath of fresh air. The Commons is also a great place to spend some time outside. It's located in the middle of campus, surrounded by Vari Hall, the Student Center, and Accolade East. It’s a great spot to take nature pictures and go for a walk to clear your mind. Bring your camera, a couple of friends and challenge yourself and see how many different types of wildlife you can find. The last time I was at the commons I saw 3 red-winged blackbirds and 5 sparrows! 

Go to the gym

The Tait Mackenzie Gym is open to all students who pay the annual fee of $15. It includes weight room use, access to squash courts and the pool. Students are also open to take free drop in classes that are offered every week. Check out the Tait Mckenzie recreational guide for more details. When I have free time on campus, I really like to attend drop-in classes at Tait gym. I usually attend the cardio kick classes which are a mixture of kickboxing and cardio like circuits or the one hour spin classes. I also like to go to the weight room to use the treadmills, where I run for about 30 minutes when it's cold outside. Going to the gym in my spare time helps me clear my mind, relieve stress, do something I enjoy and get in a good workout!

Visit your affiliated College

Depending on the program you are in, you are linked to a specific college. For example, in Environmental Studies our college is Founders college. Your college has a location, student space, and events you can attend. When I visit Founder’s college I often visit the Junior Common Room (JCR). It’s a space where anyone in the college can hang out, do homework, study, relax and just pass time. I also like to visit the lounge at my college. The lounge has a foosball table, video games, couches and chill vibes that keep you relaxed during long stressful days.

This is a picture of the Founder's Athletic Office

Founder’s Athletic Office where you can ask questions about intramurals

Visit one of the art galleries on campus

York’s Keele campus is full of art and things to admire. From poetry, to dance, sculptures and sketches, the Art Gallery of York University has some of the most creative pieces of work you will witness on campus. Located in the Accolade East building close to the subway, this gallery is accessible through all modes of transportation on campus. Be sure to visit the outdoor sculpture tour that meets on Wednesdays at noon, lasting for about an hour. The gallery opens from Monday-Friday at 10 AM, so it’s a perfect thing to do when you have a gap in between classes. Visit the gallery to be motivated and inspired to transform your visions into actions!

Study and review your notes

While having fun and relaxing at school is important, and we must all remember to take time for self-care, we must also make time for our school work. We are all trying to get an education and to make sure we are trying our utmost best, reviewing our notes and studying is imperative to achieving academic goals. I like to take 20-30 minutes each day to review my notes and study what I have learned. But of course, most students need a quiet and appealing work space. I like to study in Scott Library on the third floor at a table somewhere in the back or at the side facing a window. Some other places I like to study include the HNES (Health, Nursing and Environmental Studies) lounge, HNES computer labs and in Vari Hall on the third floor.

This is a picture of a study table at Steacie Library.

Favorite place to study at Steacie.