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Fund your future: three ways to access financial aid as a mature learner

A college education is an investment in your future, but returning to school may feel overwhelming. We are here to help ease any financial concerns or questions you may have and help you navigate all the financial support options available to students and set you up for success.

Apply for OSAP

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program. It is available to full-time students as well as part-time students who are enrolled in an OSAP-approved program. More information about how to apply, deadlines to apply and options for part-time student, is available online.

Access scholarships, bursaries and awards

There is a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and awards available to help students fund their education. Scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved academic or personal excellence or both. Bursaries are based on financial need. Neither require repayment.

Criteria for bursaries vary and students may qualify for some bursaries without receiving OSAP. Students can apply for all bursaries and awards using the General Bursary Application form. For students starting in January, applications open in the second week of January and close February 20. For more information about applying, contact Financial Aid.

Get hired on-campus

Whether it’s working part-time during the school year or full-time during the summer, on-campus jobs are designed to support students in financial need while providing career-related opportunities.  Options include the DCWorks program for domestic students who show financial need, IWorks for international students, summer employment programs and Peer Tutoring for students who excel in their programs.

Students who work on campus receive a competitive wage and valuable work experience. They must apply and go through the hiring and interview process to be selected for a job. Email DCstudentemployment@durhamcollege.ca with any questions about on-campus employment.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to the Financial Aid and Awards Office and take the next step to achieving your educational goals.

Spread holiday cheer with some help from Durham College

The holiday season is a special time. But with meals to cook, parties to plan and gifts to buy, it can also be stressful.

We hope the holidays are safe, restful and enjoyable for our Durham College (DC) community. If you need a little help making that happen, our DC experts have offered some ideas.

  • Get active

    The holidays are a great time to get active according to Kelly Webdale, Recreation & Leisure Services program coordinator.

    “Create some fun crafts or cards and walk to your nearest retirement home or long-term care home to spread some cheer to the residents,” she said. “Go for a walk to see some holiday lights and decorations. If there’s enough snow, get out the toboggan.”

    There are few activities more synonymous with the holidays than skating on a frozen sheet of ice. The Campus Ice Centre (CIC) hosts stick and puck as well as student skating, Monday through Friday from 12 – 2 p.m. Please note there will be no ice time on December 18, and the CIC closes for the holidays from December 22 to January 8.

    When it’s time for some shopping, she suggests choosing the farthest parking space, using the stairs instead of elevators and escalators, and doing extra laps of the mall (bonus points for doing it after you’re laden down with gifts!).

  • Give the gift of DC

    Whether you’re in Whitby or Oshawa, the Campus Store has great deals for everyone on your shopping list. The hottest selling item is the crew neck with appliqué and embroidery at $35 (available in forest green, black and athletic grey). Department hoodies are always popular at $49.30. For those with a sweet tooth, gift mugs with chocolate are $19.99.

    Other great options include knit beanies ($15), work slippers ($8) and tumblers ($15).

  • Treat yourself

    It’s important to find some private time for yourself. The DC Spa is a great place to do just that, and a little gift shopping too. Right now, customers receive a gift with the purchase of a gift card valued at $30. You can also purchase a customized spa gift basket for a peer, colleague or loved one. While you’re there, you can beat the rush and make a reservation for a winter semester booking.

    On Friday, December 15, you can drop in for a free lip application tutorial with cosmetic student beauty advisors, and get 25% off all cosmetic lip products. Limited spaces are available for short appointments like brow waxing, tinting, and wellness manicures. The Spa will close for the holidays after December 15, but you can still purchase last-minute spa gift certificates by email.

  • Eat, drink and be merry

    If spending hours in front of a hot stove doesn’t appeal to you, why not let someone else do the cooking? Bistro ’67 recently launched their winter menu, highlighted by the grilled hanger steak with green peppercorn sauce, celeriac purée, and winter vegetables from the DC fields. Other delectable options include vegan gnocchi with alfredo sauce, as well as a gluten-free chocolate cake with local coffee company Stock and Crown-infused pastry cream, dulce de leche, and chocolate ganache. For the Bistro fan on your shopping list, there’s a holiday bonus of 20% on all gift cards purchased before December 23.

    A visit to Pantry is always a great idea, especially on Fridays. With the ongoing Fill-Your-Freezer Friday promotion, you can buy three items and get a fourth for free. Lots of festive treats suitable for entertaining are available, including vegetable samosas, spring rolls, and jerk duck firecrackers.

  • Keep everybody happy

    The holiday season is about bringing the whole family together. A reunion can yield great new memories, but it can also allow old resentments and quarrels to resurface.

    “Conflict during the holiday season can ruin your plans, destroy your expectations, and lead to an overall decline in holiday satisfaction,” said Dovanna Jones, a student in the Conflict Resolution and Mediation program. “But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are many ways to mitigate conflict and the stress associated with it.”

    A member of DC’s Campus Conflict Resolution Services (CCRS) team, Jones offered the following tips on how to keep conflict at bay this holiday season.

    • Get all sides of the story.
    • Remain neutral and avoid choosing sides.
    • Avoid personal attacks.
    • Set expectations and boundaries.
    • Show empathy, care, and concern for the members of your family.
    • You don’t need to agree with someone to understand their perspective.
    • Avoid saying “yes, but.” Saying “but” dismisses what the other person is saying.
    • Avoid a “you vs me,” or “us vs them” mentality. Address the needs of each person and create a win-win for everyone.
    • Find more ways to say “yes.” Using the affirmative makes people feel seen, heard, validated, and respected.

We hope you enjoy your holiday celebrations, and can’t wait to see you in 2024!

Bringing the workplace to the classroom: How DC students gain real-world experience before graduation

At Durham College (DC), gaining hands-on learning in your chosen field isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ – it’s a must. Offering creative and engaging work experience opportunities ensures you have the hands-on expertise required to lead the way in your career, and the options are impressive.

Check out some of the opportunities to work with and serve real clients and members of the public while offering benefits to our community as well. A true win-win.

  • Bistro ’67

    Students from the Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science have the opportunity to work collaboratively at Bistro ‘67, DC’s full-service, green-certified teaching and learning restaurant, which is also considered one of Canada’s most scenic restaurants. Here, culinary management students prepare flavourful dishes inspired by fresh ingredients from DC’s own gardens and other local suppliers across Durham Region. Members of the community who are looking for a unique field-to-fork dining experience can book a reservation at Bistro ‘67 online. 

    Culinary Management and Event Planning students also have the opportunity put their skills to use for special events on and off campus, as well as raising funds for a Faculty Classroom Led Abroad trip to Italy each January.

  • Collaboragency

    Students from DC's Faculty of Media, Art & Design have the chance to work together to serve real clients inside the college’s full-service communications agency, Collaboragency. From social media strategy development, creative advertising and brand strategy to media planning and promotion, future advertising and marketing professionals have a unique opportunity to put their skills to use in the real world while supporting local business owners through communications and marketing help at a reasonable cost.

    Interested in hiring the Collaboragency team? Schedule a free consultation online.

  • Dental Clinic

    DC’s Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting students gain first-hand experience working with clients in the college’s working dental clinic at Oshawa campus. The clinic is open to the public and accepts patients of all ages. Students provide dental hygiene care to clients under the supervision of registered dental hygiene faculty members and a licensed dentist.

    For a low one-time fee, clients can receive services including X-rays, dental cleanings, periodontal scaling, oral cancer screenings, topical fluoride treatments, an examination by a dentist, plus so much more.

    To learn more and to book an appointment, visit the Dental Clinic online.

  • Justice Hub

    The Justice Hub (the Hub) at the Durham Community Legal Clinic provides a field placement opportunity for DC’s Paralegal diploma and Paralegal Graduate Certificate students to offer legal services to members of the community who have limited resources, under the supervision of a licensed lawyer or paralegal. Students in DC's Paralegal Bachelor’s Degree program will have access to the Hub in 2026.

    The Hub helps the community reduce poverty and homelessness rates, improve clients physical and mental health, as well as increase collaboration between social service and justice agencies.

    Community members can apply for legal services through the Justice Hub by completing the online intake form. 

  • DC Spa

    Students in the Massage Therapy, Cosmetic Techniques and Management and Esthetician – Spa Management programs gain real-world experience in a professional working spa open to the public at Oshawa campus. Accompanied and supervised by trained professionals, students perform a number of treatments and services while clients benefit from a lower cost as DC Spa prices are set to correspond with the developing skill levels of student practitioners.

    Interested in booking a treatment? Visit the DC Spa online to explore a comprehensive list of services.

    At DC, we believe the best way to succeed in your chosen field is to immerse yourself in it. This will help you develop the skills you’ve learned in the classroom, network with others in your industry and gain real-world work experience to give you a competitive advantage in the workforce.

Discover the different types of experiential learning at DC online.

Prepare for exam success at Durham College

Fall has arrived, and it will soon be time for students to take their mid-term exams.

At Durham College (DC), we offer a wide range of services that can help you feel confident and prepared when you enter the exam room.

We’re here to help you succeed. Read on to ensure you’ll be ready when it’s time to put your knowledge to the test.

Access and Support Centre (ASC)

Accessibility is critical at DC. Students with an exceptionality, or who had an individualized education plan (IEP) in high school, can register with the ASC to learn about the resources available to them. At exam time, those resources include quiet spaces to study and assistive technology like screen readers and recording devices.

More information is available online and at the ASC office.

Campus Library

Whether you need to do some research or would just like a quiet place to study, the library is a natural choice.

For a great place to focus, try the Fireside Reading Room, or one of the silent study rooms. If you prefer privacy, group study rooms are available for booking.

You can also take advantage of The Learning Portal. Developed by College Libraries Ontario, it’s full of tools to help you maximize your studying efforts.

Student Academic Learning Services (SALS)

SALS offers a number of academic supports to students who are preparing for their exams.

Appointments with learning specialists are available, as are virtual workshops on test and exam prep. Students can also register for SALS ONLINE, where they’ll find a number of educational modules, including one all about preparing for exams.

Test Centre

If you need a quiet and comfortable place to write your exam, look no further than the Test Centre.  

Students registered with the ASC can make an appointment if they require accommodations that can’t be met in the classroom. Some examples of these accommodations include extra time to complete a test, a quieter location, ergonomic chairs, and readers and scribes who can read and/or write the test at the student’s direction.

Though primarily intended for students with ASC accommodations, exceptions can be made for non-accommodated students with the consent of a teacher.

Students at both the Oshawa and Whitby campuses have access to a test centre on-site, and must book their test time online, at least seven days in advance.

For more information, visit the website.  

Wellness Directory

To perform at your best in the classroom, you need to take care of yourself. Our Wellness Directory puts all of our wellness supports and resources at your fingertips. They’re organized by the eight dimensions of wellness: physical, occupational, social, mental, spiritual, intellectual, environmental and financial. As you prepare for your exams, the intellectual dimension will be particularly helpful, with its focus on goal setting, time management, study habits and more.

With all of these resources at your fingertips, you have everything you need to ace your next exam.

Five things to ‘check out’ at Durham College libraries

Beyond borrowing books, Durham College’s (DC) libraries are a hub of resources and services to help you excel on assignments and prepare for exams. From finding a quiet place to study to researching information to picking up loaned equipment like a laptop, the college’s libraries are ready to help you succeed.

Perfect study spaces 

The Oshawa Campus Library has four floors and boasts more than 700 study spaces with options ranging from private group study rooms to silent rooms for those concentrating on solo work. The Dixon-Alger Fireside Reading Room is a scenic spot to relax and focus, especially on a chilly winter day. The room features an electric fireplace and a two-storey glass wall overlooking Polonsky Commons and the reflecting pool.

Located next to the Computer Commons on the Whitby Campus, the Whitby Campus Library is the perfect place to go when you need to collaborate with peers or finish an assignment. It has a mix of soft seating, open seating and study carrels ready to welcome you. 

Research and citation help

DC librarians can help you take your assignments to the next level. Simply use the askON chat for research help or help with using citation guides. Click on the ‘click to chat’ button on the library’s website or text 289.460.2275.

Subject librarians can also help students find resources specific to their program of study. Book an appointment online with a subject librarian or check out the research guide listing useful resources for each DC program.

Accessibility services

To support all individuals, Campus Libraries provide equitable access to a full range of services, resources and facilities. For example, our libraries offer more than 15,000 books through the Accessible Content E-Portal as well as access to adaptive technology including Kurzweil 3000 and Zoomtext in the adaptive technology workstation at the Oshawa campus library. There are also adjustable height tables in the quiet study zones. Visit the library’s Accessibility webpage for more information.

Digital resources

The library has a plethora of online resources that can be accessed any time of the day. Dozens of online databases are available to students covering everything from science to business to the culinary arts. Students can also access journals, ebooks and streaming videos via the library’s website. Streaming resources include more than 5,000 documentaries, animations and short films from the National Film Board of Canada as well as video and radio programs from the CBC Archives.

Equipment and course material loans

Forgot a phone charger? Laptop on the fritz?  Dabbling in podcasting? Head to the library. Cables, computer and recording equipment, headphones, 3D printing tools and even board games are among items available for loan from Durham College libraries. Loan times vary by item from three hours for a laptop to two weeks for podcast recording equipment.

Textbooks and other course materials are also available for one to three-day loans.

For more information about DC libraries visit us online.

Get in on the action at the Esports Gaming Arena

If you’re a gamer, Durham College (DC) is the place to be.

The Esports Gaming Arena is now open. Located in the Student Centre at the Oshawa campus, the arena is home to the DC’s Lords Esports varsity team, which competes against schools from Canada and the United States in the New England Collegiate Conference and the North American Collegiate Conference. Only the most talented gamers can represent the green and gold at the varsity level, but like any student athletes, they must prioritize their studies and maintain good grades.

Unlike more ‘traditional’ sports, gaming is open to everybody, no matter their age, gender or level of athleticism. Whatever your chosen game, if you’re good enough, there’s a place for you on the team.

“I call Esports the great equalizer, because it’s very inclusive. We encourage everybody to participate and be a part of the community,” said Esports general manager Bill Ai. “I want more students to understand what Esports and gaming culture is.”

Though tryouts were held earlier this month, Ai is always on the lookout for new talent.

“We want to field the most competitive team possible,” he said. “We always encourage people to keep practicing and keep trying, because we want the best.”

You don’t have to be an elite gamer to take advantage of the arena. All students are free to drop in, pick up a controller and have fun with their friends, Monday to Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Throughout the month of September, full-time DC students can play for free, while part-time students, employees and alumni pay $4 per hour (plus tax).

An extensive catalogue of gaming platforms and titles is available, including;

  • 30-plus gaming PCs with League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and more.
  • One Nintendo Switch console with Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Mario Tennis Aces, Mario Golf, Mario Strikers, Mario Party Superstars, Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack classic game catalogue.
  • Six PlayStation 5 consoles with PlayStation Plus Premium Game Catalogue and EA Play Game Catalogue.
  • Five Xbox Series S Consoles with Game Pass Ultimate Catalogue.

All students are welcome, whether they’re an experienced gamer or picking up a controller for the very first time. Booking inquires can be made to DCSAEsports@durhamcollege.ca, and drop-ins are also welcome.

10 campus spaces every student needs to know

Welcome to Durham College. School isn’t just about classrooms. Here, we have a vibrant campus culture, filled with ways to enhance your college experience. From cozy nooks to bustling social spaces and everything in between, let us show you some of our favourite spots on campus that make DC the place to be.

  • The Library

    Location: Oshawa and Whitby campus
    Whether you're looking for a quiet spot, a group study room, or just want to curl up by the fireplace, DC’s Library is your place. Need help? Knowledgeable staff are available to answer all your questions.

    Learn more

  • Campus Store

    Locations: Oshawa and Whitby campuses
    If you need something DC-related, the Campus Store has you covered. Textbooks, supplies, DC clothing to show your #DCpride and lots of other awesome swag – it’s all there waiting for you.

    Learn more

  • Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre (CRWC)

    Location: Oshawa campus
    Have some time between classes? The state-of-the-art CRWC is where you can find your fit, with features like a fitness centre, dance studio, elevated indoor jogging/walking track and more.

    Learn more

  • Marketplace Lounge

    Location: Oshawa campus
    The newly upgraded Marketplace Lounge is the perfect place to kick back and chill with your pals. Plus, the cozy seating and chic décor create Instagram-worthy backdrops for all your selfies.

  • Computer Learning Commons

    Locations: Oshawa and Whitby campus
    Need a printer? Check. Private tutoring room? Check. Technical support? Double check because our helpful Service Desk staff have you covered.

    Learn more

  • Campus Health and Wellness Centre

    Location: Oshawa campus
    Find ways to keep healthy at the Campus Health and Wellness Centre, located inside the Campus Health and Recreation Centre. Benefit from your own support squad with DC’s comprehensive team of professionals including physicians, nurses, mental health professionals and wellness coaches.

    Learn more

  • Esports Arena

    Location: Oshawa campus
    Player 1 has entered the game! Try the latest games and consoles with friends between classes in the state-of-the-art Esports Arena.

    Learn more

  • DC Spa

    Location: Oshawa campus
    We all deserve some pampering once and a while. At the DC Spa, you can relax and recharge with a massage therapy treatment, makeup application or esthetic service and support student learning!

    Learn more

  • Pantry

    Location: Whitby campus
    With delicious, ready-made assortments prepared by DC culinary staff and students, Pantry is about to be your new favourite stop at the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food.

    Learn more

  • Outdoor Classroom

    Location: Whitby campus
    Who says learning has to be indoors? This interactive space inspires creative learning in the fresh air. Located alongside DC’s fields, its also a common area for meeting and social gatherings.

    Learn more

Ready to discover more of DC? Book an in-person or virtual tour today.

Have questions about student life at DC? Our student ambassadors are here to help.

Whether you’re starting a new educational journey or returning to school to boost your skills, you probably have questions about what life is like at Durham College (DC). To help, we’ve lined up a number of current students who can answer your questions about campus life, the best study spaces on campus, opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities, support services available to students or even academic workloads in different programs.

Our ambassadors offer valuable insights and guidance and can help you make an informed decision about your educational journey. By connecting with them, you’ll gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be a student at DC, discover the resources and opportunities available to you and get a sense of the vibrant and inclusive community that awaits you.

Who is it for?

The Student Ambassador program is for anyone considering DC. We understand that making a decision about your education involves multiple perspectives, so our ambassadors are here to provide authentic insights and answer any questions you may have.

Who are the ambassadors?

Our team of student ambassadors is made up of more than a dozen current students from various Faculties and programs at DC. They represent DC’s diverse student population and they are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and ready to share their unique perspectives and experiences with you.

How does it work?

Connecting with an ambassador is easy!

Step 1: Set up your account online.
Step 2: Choose an ambassador.
Step 3: Send a message!

Let us show you how you belong at DC. Connect with a student ambassador today!

You belong here: Accessibility supports that make DC safe, inclusive and accessible to everyone.

Diversity, inclusion, integrity and respect are foundational values that drive Durham College (DC) forward. The accessibility of each DC campus is critical, and we are committed to preventing and removing barriers for all students, faculty, employees and visitors so everyone can fully participate in our campus community.

Guided by our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, we are working towards creating a truly barrier-free campus. From mobility equipment charging stations to accessible learning resources and supports to accessible campus bus tours during Open House events – we are focused on providing a safe and inviting environment to support all members of our DC community.

Here are just a few of the campus features, services and supports available that make DC safe, inclusive and accessible.

  • Setting you up for success

    The Access and Support Centre (ASC) delivers professional and confidential services to students with an identified exceptionality or who need support. Services include peer and computerized notetaking, peer coaching, a dedicated test centre, as well as a social group to provide equal opportunities to everyone on campus.

  • Improving our campus environment

    At DC, we continuously make physical changes to our campuses to make our student and faculty spaces as accessible as possible. This includes improving interior and exterior spaces such as installing Tactile Walking Surface Indicators on curbs and stairwells, installing fire strobe lights in Whitby campus residential labs, ensuring accessible counter heights, updating braille wayfinding and purchasing new mobility device charging stations.

  • Offering accessible campus visits

    We want to meet you! Our campus tours and events are specifically designed to help you explore everything DC has to offer by providing accessible campus tour routes and accommodations.

  • Preventing and removing barriers to access

    Established in 2003, DC’s Accessibility Coordinating Committee is focused on creating a barrier-free campus for all individuals with disabilities or exceptionalities. The committee meets several times each year and includes members from across the college as well as community partners. This working group supports accessibility planning at DC and follows the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards.

To learn more about DC's accessibility efforts, goals and priorities, check out our 2021-2025 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.

Everything you need to know about living in residence at Durham College

Living in residence is a great way to meet like-minded people, build your campus community and experience all that Durham College (DC) has to offer. Whether you live far away or just looking for some independence, our residences include all the comforts of home in an inclusive and safe campus community.

Read on to find out more about what residence life looks like, the services and supports available, what opportunities there are to get involved, and how to apply!

All-inclusive residence suites

Both Oshawa and Whitby campuses include move-in ready, fully furnished double and triple suites. Each room includes high-speed internet so you can instantly connect with friends and family. Our affordable, safe, clean, and comfortable living accommodations also include kitchenettes and healthy meal-plan options to ensure you feel your best, mentally and physically. Compare suites online to find the perfect fit for you.

Each campus also includes additional residence amenities. At Oshawa, there is a games room and front desk 24-hour support. In Whitby, there are study lounges, a TV lounge for movie nights, and daytime front desk support – calls can be made to Oshawa campus during the evening if needed. Your safety is our priority, which is why DC campus residences feature secure swipe card access and 24-hour video monitoring.

Supports and services

At DC, we’re here to help you be successful both inside and outside the classroom. Our team of Resident Advisors (RA) who also live in residence, are available to support you during your transition to college life. RAs plan nightly programs and offer academic support. There are also Residence Outreach workers who provide confidential services to help support your overall wellbeing throughout the year. Visit our Wellness Directory to discover the wellness supports and resources available at DC.

Getting involved in residence life

Living in residence is fun and sure to be a memorable experience. Whether you enjoy social activities or helping others with their studies, there’s a place for you here. There are a number of ways to get involved, and DC residences include a community of like-minded people excited to meet you.

Residence Council

As volunteers, Residence Council members give back to the residence community by being active DC community participants. The Residence Council works with the Residence Life Staff to advocate the needs and wants of students in residence.

Welcome Crew

The Welcome Crew helps residence staff with activities during the move-in weekend. This is an excellent opportunity to meet a lot of new people and share your experience with new students.

Resident Advisor Events

RAs provide fun and engaging weekly events for you to participate in. They can range from games and activities to exciting trips off campus so you can enjoy what Durham Region has to offer.

Applying to residence

Did you know? First-year students who begin classes in September are guaranteed a spot in residence! You just have to meet the deadlines for accepting your offer of admission and the residence application deadline of June 1.

If you’re enrolled in January or May-start programs, you can apply to residence but it will be approved based on room availability.

To apply, simply fill out the online application.

Living on campus is one of the best decisions you can make to set yourself up for success at DC and to experience college life! Don’t just take our word for it, check out a number of student testimonials online. Have questions? Visit our online FAQs or drop by for a residence and campus tour! We can’t wait to meet you.