Experience in Montreal, Canada by Kalthoum

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

Montrealers are very welcoming and are warm people. Also Montreal is a very multicultural city. Because of immigration in Canada the diversity is our strongest suit. We can see the diversity in the neighbourhoods like « la Petite Italie », « le quartier Chinois », where you can obviously find restaurants, bars, cafés, and little shops from those nationalities and much more.

Also the city is very animated during the summer;

« Le Quartier des Spectacles », « Parc Jean-Drapeau » are the best places to witness many festivals like Osheaga with international artist, and many festivities.

What is the student lifestyle like in Montreal?

Montreal is a very smart city, meaning technology helps getting your way around the city. Everything is accessible and at the tips of your phone. All our main universities are downtown and there are a lot of bars and restaurants in the heart of city. Also every student association always organizes parties in pubs downtown.

How much does it cost to live in Montreal?

Accommodation, food, transportation, aren't that much expensive for students.

You might find the alcool more expensive if you come from Europe.

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

Accommodation can be found on different web platforms. It's better to visit the appartements in Montreal because pictures can be tricky, and you'll wanna know the walking distance to the nearest metro station.

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

With all the diversity, you can find any kind of food in Montreal. I swear ANY, you just have to google it and you'll find it.

Of course you have to try the famous Québec's dish called Poutine.

What places would you recommend visiting in Montreal?

The botanical garden, the Olympic stadium and its surrounding for festivities, l'Oratoire Saint-Jospeh, le parc Mont-royal, le Belvédère Mont-royal for an amazing city view, the Old Port for all its architecture, terraces in the summer, and its nightlife.

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

Restaurants are really expanding in Montreal, you can find everything for any kind of cravings. From gastronomic to the cheapest food, Google is your best friends.

For people with the sweet tooth; you have to try the famous Juliette & Chocolat

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

Montreal is considered a sin city, so the nightlife is as good as it could be! On Saint-Laurent streets is where a big majorities of the bars and clubs are. Specially for my trendy, hipsters, young students. If you feeling more classy/fancy but still in that party life, the Old Port also has an animated nightlife. Through out the city the best days to enjoy the nightlife are from Thursday to Sundays. During the week its mostly handled by your student associations.

What advice would you give future students heading to Montreal?

Enjoy every trendy neighbourhood like Plateau Mont-royal, Rosemont-Petite-Patrie, Villeray, Mile-End, because they all have their own little particularities and festivities and you don't always have to go downtown to be in an vibrant and animated environnement.