Life @ Toronto

Cost of Living:

1) information from student housing office (ranges of rental prices for various accommodations, + costs for utilities, transportation and internet)
2) information from CITA website , comparing Toronto against other US major cities
3) figures compiled by OSAP (note: this includes tuition for undergrads),
4) a figurative list compiled by our graduate students (soon to come).

All our graduate students receive a full financial support package of $18,000 + tuition. This gives you roughly the same purchasing power as $18,000 US dollars, while the quality of life (multi-ethnic/multi-culturalism, low crime-rate, high education level, universal health care, job opportunities...) exceeds that in most US cities. We are located in down-town with many housing options within walking distances. The public transport system in Toronto is mature and convenient. Down-town Toronto is vibrant and safe, and many of our faculty and students take residence in this area. They walk, cycle or take public transport to work.

International Students:

A large body (~ 50%) of our current graduate students are international students, coming from a diverse list of countries. They find Toronto an exciting place to live and work. Toronto is commonly known as an open-minded city that welcomes all visitors. Its residents have come to Canada from 170 different countries and speak more than 100 different languages. In recent years, the United Nations named Toronto as the most ethnically diverse city in the world.

We have not heard reports of difficulty in obtaining a student visa. Moreover, spouses of graduate students are allowed by law to work in Canada.

City Life:

Toronto's vibrant and varied communities (with many ethnic neighbourhoods, here is a map) create a multicultural mosaic of restaurants (>5000), shops, and entertainment. Toronto restaurants are as ethnically diverse as any city in the world. Within walking distances of the campus lie Chinatown, Little Italy, Portuguese village, Koreatown, Kensington Market, Annex village...with many ethnic restaurants offering authentic and affordable cuisines. Within easy public transit, one can find Little India, Greektown, Cabbagetown, Roncesvalles (eastern European)...

Toronto hosts non-stop summer festivals, holds the famous Toronto International Film Festival (September) and the International Festival of Authors (October) that draw huge crowds, and has a theater scene rivals that of London and New York. Fans of classical music, ballet, modern dance (and other tastes) can find many choices of picking. See Now, What'sUp, and Toronto.com for current on-goings.

Weather in Toronto:

Annual Toronto climate; Check current Toronto weather

Toronto is at the same latitude as Cannes on the sunny Riviera and just slightly — one degree — north of Boston. In fact, Lake Ontario serves to moderate Toronto's weather to the point that its climate is one of the mildest in Canada. Generally speaking, spring and summer temperatures range from 15 C (60F) to 25C (80F). During winter months, the average daytime temperature, with the exception of January, the coldest month, hovers just slightly below freezing and a snowfall of more than 10 cm (four inches) is unusual.

Graduate Student Activities:

Check out the GASA webpage. University of Toronto boasts many first-class athletic facilities. The Hart House is another focal point of student activities. Our volleyball teams and soccer teams always welcome new players.

Outdoor Pursuits:

Toronto is a good base for many outdoor sports: kayak, canoe, sailing, cross-country skiing, down-hill skiing, hiking, back-packing... Get a taste from the list of clubs & associations in Toronto