Experience in Toronto, Canada by Adrian

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

The city has become extremely generic. It is not what it used to be back in 2010. Toronto back in the day was thriving with multiple areas where you could go to socialize with peers and meet new people. Nightlife used to be comparable to that of surrounding boroughs close to the NYC Manhattan area such as Hoboken and Grove Street in New Jersey.

What is the student lifestyle like in Toronto?

Poor, as many colleges are trying to cut costs due to negative political reforms and laws that have created heavier penalties for business to operate on a normal level. A dramatic decrease in activities pertaining to student sociability and leisure has occurred.

How much does it cost to live in Toronto?

It is expensive to live in Toronto if you want to live a life that is similar to that of people living in Montreal or many other American cities. I wont give exact numbers as the cost of your living situation depends on what you feel is comfortable for you.

From personal experience this is what I had to spend in CAD:

1 room rent far away from where anything fun happens $700, best case scenario.

single bus fare ride $3.25

I used to own a Hyundai Elantra 2016 with a 1.8L tank (economy vehicle). I spent $40 a week making a 15km trip on avg which was good considering what most people pay.

KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS IS LISTED AS BEST CASE SCENARIO FOR 2019.

You can find everything else such as clothing, utilies etc. on Numbeo. It is fairly accurate.

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

Yes, it is very difficult as since 2010 the country has implemented immgration policies that have let in a greater amount of second and third world immigrants into the country. This has also raised the price of all living accommodations as most Toronto natives do not want former poor third world immigrants living in their homes. This problem greatly affects students who come from neighboring cities and towns.

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

You will find food from the other side of the world not from all over the world. This is due to the predominant immigrants here ariving from countries such as India, Pakistan, Philippines, China and Muslim East African countries.

Every country has its fair share of good dishes. Personally, I'm more inclined to eat foods originating from the Occidental part of the world.

What places would you recommend visiting in Toronto?

I would recommend visiting Ripley's Aquarium next to the CN tower. It is a great technological achievement that needed millions of dollars to build and maintain.

Try to catch a hockey game at the Scotia Bank Arena or a baseball game at the Rogers Centre. (prices for drinks and edibles are exactly like what you'd pay in New York)

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

It's a great city to go eat out in. There are plenty of spots to go dine in the city. My personal favourite restaurant for delicious food items that come at a decent price is The Open Cork located on Dundas Street East alongside the Mississauga border.

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

The nightlife is not good in Toronto. The cities politicians have no concept or choose to ignore what makes a city fun. Most venues that are responsible for creating a social atmosphere have been shut down and replaced with expensive condominiums. No effort has been made to relocate and reopen these places that helped create this atmosphere.

You could go to the Entertainment District which is close to the CN tower and try to find something there. Many venues now are overpriced so what typically ends up happening is that you end up going to one place for the night with a group of friends if you have any. Bar hoping is not affordable to most people here unless you are rich and happen to live within 500m of where you want to go.

What advice would you give future students heading to Toronto?

Don't go to Toronto, It is not what it used to be. The weather, high prices of things and its people will get you depressed if you come from a normal part of the world. If you come from a Latin American country you will be impressed as to how much safer it is compared to where you are from. Aside from this, the city has little to offer for Young Adults.

All in all it is not a good city too live in and not a good place to visit. There's is big potential for the city to change as whatever happens in the USA impacts Canada in a big way. This change won't happen within the next 10 years though so good luck.