Toronto Relocation for International Students
Toronto is one of the top cities in Canada to pursue post-secondary education. With four public universities and four community colleges, there are opportunities for students worldwide to pursue a high-quality post-secondary education in Toronto. Deciding to leave your home country to pursue education in Toronto is a huge transition, so it is essential that you get everything in order as much as you can before leaving. Whether coming from the USA or across the ocean from Europe, Asia, or Africa, you can enjoy a smooth transition to Toronto as an international student with some research and planning.
Learn About the Beautiful City of Toronto
If you are considering attending a university or college in Toronto, the first step after learning about your particular school is to research the city of Toronto. There are several areas that you might want to explore about Toronto:
Culture – Toronto is a city of 4 million people, of which 51% are foreign-born. That means Toronto has a wide range of languages and cultures represented. Canada is renowned for being respectful and friendly toward immigrants, so you can count on a smooth transition as an international student. Learning about Canadian culture can help you integrate with the locals more quickly, but you are free to display your own heritage as well.
Laws and Policies – No one is exempt from knowing their rights and responsibilities in Canada. Take some time to learn about Canadian laws, especially those pertaining to international students. For example, international students may not work more than 20 hours per week, which will violate your student permit conditions, and you may lose your student status.
Climate – Toronto is a city that has four distinct seasons. This will not be an issue if you are an international student coming from a country with a similar climate. Still, international students from tropical climates should be aware of Canadian winters and ensure they are equipped with the proper clothing to handle the cold temperatures and snow.
Get Your Paperwork in Order
One of the most important requirements as an international student is having the proper documents for a study permit in Canada. These will include:
- Proof of acceptance from your post-secondary institute
- Proof of identity, which includes travel documents like your passport
- Proof of financial support, which includes financial documents like proof of bank loans, or proof of paid housing/tuition fees
- A medical examination or proof of good health
- Police clearance or proof of no criminal record
Ensuring you have all the proper paperwork for your studies abroad will ensure a smooth transition from your home country to Toronto.
Navigate the Rental Housing Market
Finding a place to live is frustrating at the best of times, and it can be even more daunting as an international student. As the largest city in Canada, Toronto boasts 140 distinct neighbourhoods, so if you aren’t taking advantage of university housing, knowing where in Toronto you want to live before checking out rentals in the area is helpful.
The easiest way to find a rental as an international student is to look where your post-secondary institution is in the city. Many of them will have rentals within walking distance specifically catered to students. You can find room rentals, floor rentals, or even an entire house if you have the funds.
Looking for accommodations further away from your school is not a bad thing. Toronto has an exceptional public transit system that includes bussing and a subway system, so you are never too far away from anywhere you need to go. Some universities and colleges include a U-Pass as part of their tuition. If that is not the case, Toronto Public Transit offers discount rates for full-time university students.
Find Your Go-To Necessary Services
Once you get settled in your new home and are ready for classes to begin, you can start looking around for the essential services you need to feel at home in Toronto. These could include but are not limited to:
Utilities including internet. Utilities and internet may be included in your rental price, but if not, then you’ll need to get them set up. Internet is crucial for university and college students since many classes use online resources. Shop around for utilities and internet at different Toronto companies, and don’t forget to ask about special rates for students.
Healthcare providers. Toronto’s post-secondary institutions include basic health and dental insurance as part of their tuition and sometimes have professionals on campus. However, finding your own health providers, including a doctor and dentist you trust and who is located near you, is more beneficial. If applicable, ensure you get any prescriptions set up with a local pharmacy.
Stores close by for groceries and other supplies. One thing you can do to make yourself feel at home in Toronto is stock up with groceries that remind you of your family and home country. As a multicultural city, Toronto has an abundance of ethnic grocers, so there is sure to be one close by to where you are living.
In addition to the regular services for local students like health and dental coverage, Toronto’s post-secondary institutions offer special services for international students. Check with your school to learn about the accommodations that are available to you.
Enjoy Your International Learning Experience!
Toronto is home to spectacular learning institutions and a wide variety of attractions, including roller coasters, a huge shopping district, seven professional sports teams, and numerous parks and trails. There truly is something for everyone in the beautiful Canadian city of Toronto. Let RELO-TO help make your transition easier so that you can settle in comfortably for your education journey and enjoy your international learning experience.