All You Need To Know About Living In Toronto

If you are an international student going to live and study in Toronto, being adequately prepared will help you settle into this beautiful city much faster. Toronto is a great place to live and there is plenty to learn about this buzzing city. Here are some of the important things any international student should know before moving to Toronto:

Climate

The climate in Toronto will definitely determine the type of clothing you pack up for your stay. The climate varies depending on the time of the year, the cold winter months can be as low as -20 degrees Celsius while summer is usually at a tropical high of up to 35 degrees Celsius. If you are travelling in summer, pack light, save up on luggage space and buy your winter clothing while already in Canada. Spring and fall is often rainy and cool, sweaters and waterproof coats come in handy at this time. As a student, you do not really have to dress in official clothing, you can keep in comfortable and practical with clothing that is climate appropriate and socially acceptable.

  
Housing

There are a couple of housing and accommodation options depending on how long you will be staying in Toronto. You can opt for a Homestay which is a popular option for exchange students staying in Canada for six months or less. Homestays are usually arranged by the university for international students as a fee. You get to live with a Canadian family and learn more about Canadian culture on a first hand basis.
You can also stay in campus hostels/dormitories within the campus grounds. These are often shared units and amenities such as toilets, bathrooms and kitchens are also shared.  If you prefer staying in off campus housing for YorkU students, you can go for shared apartments or studio apartments. These are furnished apartments often found near most university campuses.

Money management 

Proper money management is an essential part of living in Toronto as an international student. It is very important to stay financially wise in the money decisions you make during your stay if you want to live comfortably. Working with a new currency can be quite challenging, especially when you feel the need to constantly calculate everything in your original country currency. Taxes and tipping often add extra costs to a lot of purchases while in Canada. It is a great idea to speak to a financial advisor who can help you understand how to manage your finances better during your stay; there is a lot of information to cover including the potential tax benefits you may be legible for.

Transportation and safety

Canada has a pretty elaborate public transport system including trains, buses and taxis. You can choose the most convenient and affordable route to your college from the housing unit. Public transportation such as buses and trains are much more affordable than taxis which charge by the mile/kilometer.

Your safety and security depends greatly on where you choose to stay while in Toronto. Campus security is provided by the university administration. However, if you choose to live off campus, choose a well secured housing unit and avoid walking alone after dark, especially in lonely parks and roads.