York University
UniPath editorial interpretationA big, diverse Toronto university with its own subway stops.
This is York's Keele campus in the north of Toronto; the Glendon and Markham campuses are different. Two Line 1 subway stations serve Keele: York University station, on campus since December 2017, and Pioneer Village. In a 2023 case study, more than 80% of York's students, faculty and staff used alternative means of transportation to reach campus. Toronto's average one-bedroom rent was $1,761/month in CMHC's October 2025 survey. Our read: downtown is a long ride away, and community takes real effort if you commute.
Factual statements checked 12 Sep 2026. See the linked “What we checked” trail under the editorial ratings.
Daily life
What it’s actually like
The student experience at York
UniPath editorial interpretation · Sources reviewed June 2026York is the lowest-rated school in this group on RateMyProfessors (3.3/5, 784 ratings, Keele campus), with a flat profile and safety its weakest category (2.7). The Princeton Review highlights its scale and diversity (students from 170 countries) and a top sustainability rating. The read: a large, commuter-heavy, very diverse Toronto university where community and reputation are uneven.
UniPath editorial interpretation
Not a survey or official factOur read: varies widely by program, with a generally moderate, accessible academic pace.
Our read: hugely diverse and multicultural, but if you commute, making connections takes effort.
Our read: lots of clubs and a big student body, though campus quietens as commuters head home.
Two Line 1 stations serve the Keele campus (York University and Pioneer Village). Our read: it's still a long ride from much of the GTA and from downtown.
Our read: school spirit and campus traditions are fairly low-key.
Editorial ratings · facts checked against 5 sources, 12 Sep 2026
What we checked
Scores, “Our read” statements, the tagline and the best-for / not-for lines are UniPath editorial judgments — not survey results or official facts. Other factual statements are checked against the linked sources below.
Covers: Keele campus, Toronto. The Glendon and Markham campuses are not described here.
Living in residence
- Ontario high-school students who apply by June 1 are guaranteed a space; direct-entry students from other Canadian provinces must apply by May 1 for the guarantee. — York Housing: Keele undergraduate selection and placement (via UniPath residence data) (checked Jun 2026)
Commuting & getting around
- York University station on Line 1 opened on December 17, 2017, on the Keele campus near Ian Macdonald and York Boulevards; Pioneer Village station also serves the university. — Wikipedia — York University station (secondary) (checked 12 Sep 2026)
- A September 2023 case study reported that more than 80% of York students, faculty and staff use alternative means of transportation to reach campus. The figure covers staff as well as students and does not measure how many students live on campus. — pointA — Best Workplaces for Commuters: York University (Sept 2023) (checked 12 Sep 2026)
University-wide
- York's Ontario campuses are Keele, Glendon and Markham. — York University — About (official) (checked Jun 2026)
City & cost of living
- Average 1-bedroom purpose-built rent in Toronto: $1,761/month (CMHC, October 2025). — CMHC Rental Market Survey, October 2025 (via UniPath residence data) (checked Jun 2026)
A normal week
UniPath editorial interpretation · Sources reviewed June 2026Day-to-day here
Large commuter campus on Toronto's northern edge — many students travel in, which dilutes campus community.
Very diverse student body (170 countries); inclusion and support groups are a visible part of campus.
Campus amenities (York Lanes, Tait McKenzie sports complex) cover day-to-day needs at a middling level.
Safety is the recurring worry students raise about the area around Keele.
Toronto's attractions are accessible but off-campus; the wider city supplies most nightlife.
Campus map
The York campus
87 buildings on York University's campus in Toronto, coloured by what they are. Pan and zoom to get a feel for the layout — how far the residences sit from the lecture halls, and where the libraries and athletics facilities are.
Building footprints and names come from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Coverage depends on what volunteers have mapped, so some buildings may be missing, renamed, or categorised imperfectly — this is an orientation aid, not an official campus map. Check York's own site for the authoritative version. See credits & sources.
What you may like
Straight talk
UniPath editorial interpretationOften praised
Big, diverse community in Toronto; reviewers note "beautiful spots across the Keele campus."
Breadth of programs and a strong sustainability profile (top green rating in The Princeton Review).
Best RMP categories (facilities, clubs, internet, happiness, food, all ~3.4) cover day-to-day amenities adequately.
UniPath editorial interpretation of recurring themes in public review platforms and surveys; not submitted here. RateMyProfessors — York University, Keele (3.3/5, 784 ratings), The Princeton Review — York University, York University — About (official), York University — Global Rankings (official) · Sources reviewed June 2026.
UniPath editorial fit note: Best for: Practical, independent students who want program variety and value in a diverse Toronto setting.
What may frustrate you
Straight talk
UniPath editorial interpretationWorth knowing
Safety is the lowest RMP category (2.7) — the most consistent concern at the Keele campus.
Reputation rates low (3.1) and some reviews are pointedly negative.
Social and location both sit at ~3.2 — a commuter feel and a peripheral campus location weigh on daily life.
UniPath editorial interpretation of recurring themes in public review platforms and surveys; not submitted here. RateMyProfessors — York University, Keele (3.3/5, 784 ratings), The Princeton Review — York University, York University — About (official), York University — Global Rankings (official) · Sources reviewed June 2026.
UniPath editorial fit note: Not for everyone: Students seeking a tight residential community with big school spirit and campus traditions.
Residence versus commuting
Living in residence
- Ontario high-school students who apply by June 1 are guaranteed a space; direct-entry students from other Canadian provinces must apply by May 1 for the guarantee. — York Housing: Keele undergraduate selection and placement (via UniPath residence data) (checked Jun 2026)
Residence halls, costs and meal plans for York are listed on UniPath’s Residence page, checked against official housing pages (June 2026). See York residences →
Commuting & getting around
Getting around: In between · 3/5
Two Line 1 stations serve the Keele campus (York University and Pioneer Village). Our read: it's still a long ride from much of the GTA and from downtown.
- York University station on Line 1 opened on December 17, 2017, on the Keele campus near Ian Macdonald and York Boulevards; Pioneer Village station also serves the university. — Wikipedia — York University station (secondary) (checked 12 Sep 2026)
- A September 2023 case study reported that more than 80% of York students, faculty and staff use alternative means of transportation to reach campus. The figure covers staff as well as students and does not measure how many students live on campus. — pointA — Best Workplaces for Commuters: York University (Sept 2023) (checked 12 Sep 2026)
Academic information
Facts from named sources
Sourced fact · Sources reviewed June 2026York by the numbers
Standout undergraduate programs — UniPath editorial pick
This is UniPath's own editorial shortlist of programs York is known for, not an official ranking or an exhaustive list, and it has not been independently verified against the university's official program pages. See the Programs page for the full catalog and confirm specifics on York's official site before deciding. See credits & sources.
Overview
Toronto's second-largest university. Schulich BBA, Osgoode Hall law (graduate), and the AMPD (Arts, Media, Performance & Design) faculty are the standouts. Larger, more commuter-friendly than UofT.
Students here usually do best when they want a clear mix of academics, campus life, and future options after graduation.
York is especially useful for students comparing Engineering & Technology, Health Sciences & Medicine, Business & Commerce, and Arts, Design & Media in one place.
If you are trying to choose without living on official pages, the key thing to know is that York is less about one perfect brochure line and more about the day-to-day fit: workload, city, support, and where the degree can actually lead.
This page should give you the decision lens first, then the official site can be used later for final verification only.
Quick facts
Class size, cost of living, and the extracurriculars rating are UniPath editorial estimates, not official statistics. Tuition is an approximate base-program figure — your faculty and year may differ. The application deadline shown is the general equal-consideration date for direct-from-high-school applicants — many programs (Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Nursing, etc.) and applicant types have their own different deadline. Confirm everything on the official site before you decide.
Verify on official siteHow to judge this university
Decision guide
Best for students who want a mix of strong academics and a campus with momentum.
Strongest academic lanes shown on UniPath: Engineering & Technology, Health Sciences & Medicine, Business & Commerce, and Arts, Design & Media.
Hardest part of choosing York: deciding whether the location, intensity, and culture actually match how you like to work.
Reality check
What students should be honest about
Do not choose York only because the name sounds strong. Make sure the exact program, campus feel, and lifestyle fit are also right.
If you want a lighter, more guided, or more intimate experience, compare that honestly against what York is usually known for.
Use the official site later to verify deadlines and exact program structures, but you should already know by then whether the school itself feels like your kind of place.
Programs at a glance
Where this university is strongest on UniPath
Engineering & Technology: Lassonde School of Engineering
UniPath editorial estimate (school's overall average) — this program may differ: Engineering ranges move by discipline; software, computer, and biomedical routes are usually the most competitive.
Health Sciences & Medicine: Kinesiology / Nursing
UniPath editorial estimate (school's overall average) — this program may differ: Health science, nursing, and pre-med-style routes often add supplementary review or clinical prerequisites.
Business & Commerce: Schulich BBA / iBBA
UniPath editorial estimate (school's overall average) — this program may differ: Business programs may add supplementary applications, interviews, or leadership review.
Arts, Design & Media: AMPD — Cinema, Music, Theatre, Design
UniPath editorial estimate (school's overall average) — this program may differ: Creative programs may weigh portfolio quality more heavily than the grade range.
Sciences: Biology / Chemistry / Physics
UniPath editorial estimate (school's overall average) — this program may differ: Science ranges vary heavily by major; data science, life sciences, and neuroscience trend higher.
Social Sciences & Law: Osgoode pathway / Criminology / Psychology
UniPath editorial estimate (school's overall average) — this program may differ: Social science and law-pathway ranges vary by campus and may be writing-heavy after admission.
Computer Science & IT: Computer Science specializations
UniPath editorial estimate (school's overall average) — this program may differ: Computer science and software routes usually sit above the general university average.
Education & Teaching: Faculty of Education (BEd)
UniPath editorial estimate (school's overall average) — this program may differ: Education pathways often depend on teachable subjects, experience, and later professional admission.
Environment & Sustainability: Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change
UniPath editorial estimate (school's overall average) — this program may differ: Environmental routes range from broad science entry to more selective sustainability or planning programs.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about York
What is the admission average for York University?
UniPath's editorial estimate for York University's overall admission average is around Mid 70s to low 80s. This is not an official cutoff — it's a planning estimate for the school as a whole, and the real number depends heavily on the program. Competitive programs (engineering, computer science, life sciences, business) usually need higher grades than this estimate. See our program pages for sourced, program-specific admission ranges.
What programs does York University offer?
York University offers programs in Engineering & Technology, Health Sciences & Medicine, Business & Commerce, Arts, Design & Media. Most students apply directly to a specific faculty or program rather than a general "arts and science" stream, so program choice matters as much as picking the school.
Where is York University located?
York University is located in Toronto, ON, Ontario. Location matters more than students expect: commute time, cost of living, climate, and the local job market all shape your day-to-day experience.
Is York University a good university?
York University is a recognized Canadian university with established programs and a track record of graduate outcomes. "Good" depends on fit: program strength in your area, campus culture, support systems, and post-graduation pathways matter more than overall rank.
How do I apply to York University?
For Ontario residents, applications go through OUAC. For other provinces, you apply directly through the York University website. Plan your timeline: most application deadlines fall between mid-January and early February for September entry, with supplementary materials due shortly after.