Norman Bethune College is named in honour of the famous Canadian physician and social activist who became a Chinese folk hero. Bethune College whose theme is “Science and Society,” is affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering. The college welcomes students from these disciplines as well as any York student who is interested in science and society, in our clubs and facilities, our intramural sports teams, our college council and our academic courses.

On the social side, the college houses a number of student clubs, including the Archery Club, Astronomy Club , Atmospheric Science, Biochemistry Association, Biology Biophysics Club, Chemistry Society, Computer Club (YUCC), Dragon Boat Club, Dental Association, Engineering Society (ES@Y), Engineers Without Borders, Free the Children, Go Players Association, Habitat for Humanity, Kendo Club, Kinesiology and Health Science Student Organization (KAHSSO), Legion Fencing, Physics Society, Pre-med Society, Rugby Club, Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), Students for the Protection of Animals, Ultimate Frisbee at York and the YAMA Anime and Magna Association.

The Bethune Athletic Council enters teams in both competitive and recreational sports for the York Torch award. Bethune’s College Council is a communal blend of elected and appointed students and representatives from the college's alumni, Fellows and the Master's Office. This council receives a portion of your student activity fees and uses it to fund social events, the college newspaper - The Lexicon, concerts, orientation events and a variety of worthwhile campus activities. We welcome and encourage student participation.

Bethune College also provides friendly and accessible student academic support and cocurricular opportunities - e.g. programs that can help you identify potential careers and professional paths. The college hosts a comprehensive academic orientation for new students as well as a week-long math review session before classes start. All new students are assigned peer-mentors, knowledgeable upper-year students who can help with the transition to university life. Bethune students are also served by the Student Ombuds Service (SOS), a walk-in office and resource centre, staffed by knowledgeable upper- year students who can assist you in all manner of academic and personal issues. The Bethune Writing Centre provides free one-on-one tutorial support, by appointment, to help you develop university-level critical writing skills. A free peer-tutoring service is available every day in the Life Sciences Help Centre. Bethune College's Fellows (faculty, staff and community members) are a diverse group who provide a wide range of skills and interests, knowledge and wisdom.

Bethune College offers academic (for credit) elective courses, including the First-Year University Seminars in Science course and an upper-year science writing course. In addition to courses, Bethune offers a rich mix of seminars, speakers, discussion groups and special programs of interest to students and faculty alike.

The residence has a mix of single rooms, double rooms and apartment-style suites. Save for one female-only floor all floors are coed. An in-house cafeteria offers a full menu of healthy and varied fare.