We’re used to starting school in September; it’s what a lot of us have been doing since we were kids. But in College, things are a bit looser, and programs often have start dates January in addition to September. Not every Centennial College program has a January start, but many of them offer intakes that start right at the beginning of a new calendar year. These days, plenty of students opt for that January start instead. In fact, there’s a number of advantages to doing so. Here’s some reasons why you might want to skip the usual September start date, and wait until the New Year, starting your Centennial College program in January.

More time to prepare

For one thing, you might just not be ready for a September start, or be more ready if you give yourself more time. When it comes to admissions, maybe there’s a deadline you missed, or admission requirements you still need to fulfill.

If you’re an international student, the process for coming to Canada can take time, and you might opt to defer until January, rather than wait an entire year. You can make sure your documentation is in order, improve your language skills, or anything else you need to get in order. You could even take one of Centennial College’s academic upgrading courses, to make sure you’re ready. And while you’re waiting, you can use those extra few months of breaktime. You can work, save money, enjoy a break from academics, take a trip, or just make extra sure you’re ready to go when school starts, and you can give your full attention to your education.

It could be easier to get admission

Often, fewer students are applying to January programs, making them less competitive. So, if you missed a September intake, and don’t want to wait until the next academic year, you could apply to the January intake.

Smaller class sizes (which is a good thing)

Because fewer students opt to enrol in January, classes can be smaller. This is a good thing, because it gives you more opportunity to contribute, collaborate with classmates, and get personalized attention from your instructors. From the discussions you get to have, to the more supportive atmosphere, these smaller class sizes are what you want.

It’ll be easier to get help

Similar to the above, because the big rush to apply and start classes happens in September, if you’re starting in January, it means that there’s less of a crowd to navigate if you need help registering, have any questions, or just need to make use of Centennial College services.

It’s easier to make social connections, and begin building your network

Remember, you’re a more tightly-knit group of students, so it’ll be easier to get to know your classmates, especially if you’re not a fan of crowds, or huge classes. It makes for a simpler, quieter introduction to college life. There’s a more important element, too: both your fellow students and your instructors are the first links on your professional network, a set of connections that can benefit you beyond your academic journey, and into your career. And it’s easier to start it up in January!

A head start on the job market

Depending on the length of your program, it’s possible to also graduate at a non-traditional time, meaning your job search might also be easier, since you’ll be hitting the market at a time when there isn’t an influx of summer graduates looking for work. Finishing your program “off-season” will get you ahead of the crowd. Plus, at Centennial College, even if you graduate early, you’re still invited to the next convocation, so you’ll get the best of both worlds, graduating early, while taking part in the same ceremony as everyone else later on.

Don’t wait…unless you want to

Starting your Centennial College program in January’s just as good as a September start, and might even be better. Between giving you time to get your admission in order, the smaller class sizes, and the opportunity to learn and make connections in a setting that’s fit for it, it could prove to be a better path to your success.