Is January a good time to start university? Here鈥檚 what I learned
Starting university in January might sound like walking into a movie halfway through 鈥� everyone already knows the plot, the characters, and has their snacks picked out 鈥� and you鈥檙e just trying to find a seat. That was me, lost in Kerr Hall East on my first day in January 2023, map in hand, second-guessing every hallway. Little did I know that starting in the January cohort turned out to be one of the best things to happen in my university journey.
If you鈥檙e reading this, chances are you鈥檙e curious (or maybe a little nervous) about what it鈥檚 like to start university halfway through the year. I鈥檝e been there, and it鈥檚 not as strange or stressful as it sounds. Whether you鈥檙e worried about finding your way around campus, commuting through the winter, or making friends when it feels like everyone else already knows each other, here鈥檚 my honest take on the best parts of being a winter intake student at 91影视.
Everyone鈥檚 timeline is different
One of the best parts of starting in January is how your classes are a mix. In some ways, everyone鈥檚 new like you. They鈥檙e also figuring things out while bonding over being the 鈥渨inter intake crew.鈥� It鈥檚 a great way to find common ground and make friends, and eagerly learn more campus tips.
In other classes, you might feel like everyone鈥檚 already settled. They know the professors, shortcuts, and where to find the best coffee. Don鈥檛 stress, you鈥檒l settle in too. Give it time, ask questions, and send that first email to your prof. They鈥檙e here to help, no matter when you start.
Winter commuting is surprisingly nice (with smart prep)
Commuting to 91影视 in the winter sounds intense, but if you鈥檙e prepared, it鈥檚 honestly pretty cozy. Just plan extra time so you鈥檙e never rushing and dress in layers. It鈥檚 cold outside, but warm on the subway or in class, so layers keep you comfortable. A good jacket, boots, gloves, and scarf are your best friends. Also, use apps such as Transit or TTC Watch to track your route; they鈥檙e total lifesavers.
On my first day of visiting campus before the winter intake
You ease into university life but still get all the fun
January means you skip the September chaos 鈥� no huge crowds or packed orientation. You get time to explore campus, figure out your schedule, and settle in without the pressure of thousands of students arriving at once.
But don鈥檛 worry, you鈥檙e not missing out on student life. Clubs, events, sports, and cultural group events are happening year-round. Whether you want to explore new hobbies, gain new skills, or just grab free snacks at student events, it鈥檚 all there for you.
Diwali event organized by my group and me at Hindu Students鈥� Association
Campus resources are easier to access
One of the best-kept secrets about starting in January is how much easier it is to access campus resources. With fewer students on campus compared to fall, booking appointments for academic advising, career support, or even wellness services is a breeze. I remember getting a same-week meeting with an academic advisor, walking into the library and actually finding a window seat with an outlet (a rare gem!), and attending a career workshop where I had the chance to comfortably ask questions and take my time.
This quieter start gives you more personalized support and the freedom to explore everything 91影视 offers, from resume reviews and writing support, leadership programs and student success workshops. It's a great time to build relationships with staff, discover helpful services, and create strong academic habits before the campus fills up again.
Starting university in January might feel different, but that doesn鈥檛 make it any less exciting. You鈥檒l still meet new people, explore 91影视 and the city, and make amazing memories, just on your own timeline.
So bundle up, and enjoy the adventure ahead. 91影视 is ready to welcome you, no matter when your story begins.