Experience in Montreal, Canada by Massamba

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

I would recommend the city of Montreal. It is a great city to live in, especially for younger people like students. There are a lot of things to do like parties, restaurants, movies... and great schools like mcgill which have a great reputation The best part about Montreal is its diversity, there are litteraly people from all around the world, and also most people are bilingual, they speak both french and english perfectly so it is easy to communicate. People are very nice and open too so It is easy to make friends and connections quickly. Another thing I liked about this city is that It is so easy to get around as there are buses and metro stations almost everywhere, and every street is well indicated. The only thing that bothers me is the weather as It is freezing during winter , temperatures can go down to -20 degrees. But it you are well dressed with warm clothing It is not that bad. During the summer It is a great destination because the weather is very nice and sunny, and there are many festivals that take place like the osheaga or the jazz festivals.

What is the student lifestyle like in Montreal?

The student lifestyle is one of the best things about montreal. A lot of things are cheaper for students like the monthly metro pass for example and even If you don't own a car It is very easy to get around the city. There are a lot of parties every single day, movies, great restaurants with amazing food. Also every year there are a lot of new students coming from all over the world to study in Montreal because schools have great reputation. For students It is easy to make connections and friends in Montreal because people are very open and bilingual.

How much does it cost to live in Montreal?

The cost of living can vary between 950 and 2000$CAD for students counting leisure expenses. Rent between 250 and 1300$, groceries 200 to 300$, metro pass 50$, phone, electricity/heating and other bills 150 $ and leisure or any other expenses 300$. It might different for non students.

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

It is very easy to find accomodations in Montreal as there are many sites online like kijiji.ca or craigslist where you can contact landlords directly. There are always places available any time of the year at a very good price.

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

the food is great, there are many restaurants. My favorite food is asian and especially korean food. I can recommend a few places like Ganadara, Imadake, Negasake and Kinka Izakaya where the food is amazing. Must try !!

What places would you recommend visiting in Montreal?

There a few places that you can visit in Montreal like the Old Port, the Mount Royal, the biodome, Notre-Dame Basilica, the musee Grevin, the museum of fine arts, the Mcgill university, take a walk in the Old Montreal or go watch a hockey match or a concert at the bell center.

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

One of favorite things to do in Montreal is eat out as there are so many great restaurants. My favorite spots are Ganadara and Imadake which are korean restaurants. Their food is to die for. There also great steak houses in the old montreal.

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

The nightlife in Montreal is great too, especially if your young and new to the city you will love it. There are great house parties, nightclubs, bars/lounges. You can go out and find a great atmosphere almost every day.

What advice would you give future students heading to Montreal?

I would say take the time to visit the places I recommended, It is worth it. Do not miss out on the food and the great restaurants and steak houses. Take advantage of the party scene too the atmosphere is great. Most important make good connections because you won't have a problem making friends and knowing people from all around the world in Montreal. But do not miss out on the other great cities in Canada either like Quebec, Toronto, Vancouver...