As Canada’s largest city, Toronto offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, navigating the logistics of daily life can be overwhelming for international students who may not feel adequately prepared without proper guidance. For this reason, we have put together this brief guide for international students living in Toronto that will provide some places to explore further. This list is not exhaustive, but is meant as a starting point to get you thinking about what questions to ask and what to research and investigate further.
And don’t forget, our dedicated Admission Coordinator is always available to answer any of your questions and provide extra support and guidance!
Living in Toronto
There are several options available for international students moving to Toronto and looking for living accommodations. Here at Keystone, we recommend the two following options, and we are committed to working with students and their parents to secure living space for them and assist them with this process every step of the way.
- Homestays: We highly recommend this accommodation option, where international students live with a Canadian family. This provides cultural immersion and support in adapting to local life, as well as a unique opportunity to practise English in realtime.
- Residences: Residence buildings are scattered throughout Toronto, and several are within a short commute from our campus. They provide greater independence to students, but can also include meal plans and community spaces as well. Note, however, that students must be 16 years of age or older to live in residence.
Getting Around Town
Toronto has a public transportation network, and it is crucial that independent students learn to navigate the city in this efficient and cost effective way:
- Subway/Metro Service: The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) operates buses, streetcars, and subways across the city. Students can purchase a discounted Presto card for unlimited travel at any of the subway stations.
- Train Services: For commuting to suburbs and neighbouring cities, GO Transit offers trains and buses. Discounts are available for students. Travelling further outside the city into the rest of the province of Ontario and elsewhere in Canada can involve taking the Via Rail service.
- Cycling: Toronto is bike-friendly with designated lanes and paths. Many students cycle, especially in warmer months.
Life Essentials
- Healthcare: International students are required to obtain health insurance before travelling to Toronto. Here at Keystone, we provide health insurance to students as part of their tuition and fees.
- Banking: Opening a bank account here in Canada is extremely helpful for international students who may need to access to pocket money or who may be required to make certain payments. Major banks like TD Canada Trust, RBC, Bank of Montreal and Scotiabank offer accounts specifically for students.
Sports, Recreation, and Green Spaces
Toronto offers ample opportunities for staying active, enjoying nature and getting involved in the fandom of the city:
- Out to the Ballgame: International students who enjoy sports can get involved in supporting local teams like the Toronto Raptors (basketball), Toronto Maple Leafs (hockey), Toronto Blue Jays (baseball) and Toronto FC (soccer/football). These games are exciting cultural experiences, especially for students who may not have access to particular types of sports in their native country.
- Go Green: High Park, Toronto Islands, Evergreen Brickworks, and Edwards Gardens are some examples of parks and greenspaces in Toronto that can afford international students a retreat from the urban hustle. They’re perfect spots for picnics, jogging, or simply unwinding with an ice cream and a good book!
- Clubs and Community: The YMCA centres offer fitness classes, pools, and social activities to students of all ages, and there are various locations throughout the city. Community centres also host events and workshops to encourage community engagement, and local libraries are excellent spots to find study buddies and research other groups and extracurricular opportunities.
Cultural Celebrations
Toronto hosts festivals year-round, celebrating diverse cultures. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Caribana are highlights, as well as Toronto’s acclaimed Pride parade each June.
Moving to Toronto as an international student is a transformative experience, but the transition will only be made that much easier if you prepare yourself by coming up with a list of items that you want to research further. Just remember to embrace the diversity, explore the neighbourhoods as much as possible, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry that Toronto offers as often as you can!
