The school year got off to a harrowing start at York University on Tuesday after what police are calling an attempted murder/suicide following an apparent domestic dispute.

Investigators believe a woman distraught over a breakup turned violent at Vanier residence. Security people at York University called police and paramedics after a man turned up at a campus medical centre with a knife wound.

They found a young woman in her dorm unit with a more serious throat slash believed to be self-inflicted.

"It appears that two students were involved in a domestic dispute between themselves. Both appear to have suffered stab wounds and both have been taken to hospital," reveals York University Spokesman Alex Bilyk.

It was an unsettling start to the school year for many.

"It's just frosh week so I heard a little commotion and I didn't think anything of it," admits student Michael Kramolc.

"I've lived here for the last ten, eleven years and it's pretty quiet around here, so this is quite, you know, surprising for me. I'm told it's a domestic dispute," added Masters student Deborah Robb.

So far no charges have been laid and the woman is in stable condition.   The male party was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.