Experience in Montreal, Canada by Alexandra

What is it like to live in Montreal? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Montreal is fantastic. From its architecture to its restaurants, the city has many things to offer. Its diverse cultural background really makes Montreal special. Would I recommend visiting Montreal? Of course.

What is the student lifestyle like in Montreal?

Being a student in Montreal is great. Many students from abroad choose to come study here, which makes it that much more fun. Many bars, restaurants and stores have special offers for students. The schools also encourage students to participate in activities and outings. You can never get bored of being a student here.

How much does it cost to live in Montreal?

I would have to say that living in Montreal is relatively cheap. Rent can cost you about 300-700$ a month depending on your living situation. That usually includes electricity and hot water. Internet is usually separate. Transportation (STM) costs about 50$ a month, and allows you to use the buses and underground metro system. Everything is very close anyways. As for groceries, a few stores cater to budget-conscious people. If you want to go out, some places can be expensive, but most bars (especially student bars) can be relatively cheap. At my university for example, 3.75$ for bottled beer.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Montreal? Is there any advice you can give?

Finding an apartment in Montreal is pretty easy. It depends how picky you are as well. Our "high" season is July 1st, which we call 'moving day' (or Canada Day too!). During the rest of the year, it can become a bit more difficult. The renting system here is valid for one year which almost always starts on July 1st. Sub-leasing a space is also possible.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

In Montreal, we eat poutine. No matter where you go, the dish will always be present on menus. Just imagine a plate filled with fries, sprinkled heavily with cheese curbs and topped of with steaming hot gravy. After a night out drinking with your friends, it's an ultimate must to devour a poutine.

Montreal offers a wide variety of independent restaurants, and budget friendly too. We're pretty wacky and creative here, so eating out is always a great adventure (Manitoba, Tripes & Caviar, Liverpool House, Kyozon, Lawrence, just to name a few). We're big on coffee here too (Dispatch, Myriade, Café Replika).

What places would you recommend visiting in Montreal?

Just walking around the city enjoying the architecture. Neighbourhoods like Plateau-Mont-Royal have amazing house fronts. The Old Montreal is a beautiful place to visit no matter what season.

Art museums like the Musée des Beaux Arts de Montréal, Musée d'Art Contemporain and Canadian Center for Architecture are always a good bet. I love going to the Parisian Laundry for its expositions and amazing space.

La Place des Arts offers many activities and holds many festivals during the summer. Sunday at the 'Tam Tams', located at Parc Jeanne-Mance, is a definite must. Enjoy electronic music? Sundays at l'Ile-Ste-Hélène has the Piknic Elektronik.

If you want to catch a great view of Montreal, hiking the Mount Royal leads you to the Belvedere at the top. It's absolutely amazing!

Is it good to eat out in Montreal? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Eating out here becomes a part of you. Our speciality? Weekend brunches.

Is the nightlife good in Montreal? Where is good to go?

We have a ton of amazing places to relax and have a cocktail or get wild and binge on beer. Bars close at 3am here. Here's a few great places; Ludger, Bar sans nom, Voro, Benelux.

What advice would you give future students heading to Montreal?

It's amazing!

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