On that note, let us dive into the top five student cities in Canada.
The QS metric to choose the best student cities is based on several indicators such as university rankings, student mix, inclusivity, desirability, employer activity, affordability and student perspectives.
| Canada Ranking | World Ranking | Cities |
| 1 | 9 | Montreal |
| 2 | 13 | Toronto |
| 3 | 18 | Vancouver |
| 4 | 53 | Ottawa |
| 5 | 113 | Quebec city |
Source: QS Rankings, Best Student Cities, 2022
If you find yourself heading to one of these cities, here is a guide that will help.
Table of contents:
One of the best student cities in Canada? Montreal! An affordable city with pioneering educational institutions, Montreal sees an immense influx of international students each year. A well connected public transportation system, a safe atmosphere and a rich cultural scene make this city a haven for students. If you can learn some French, you can navigate through Montreal like a pro.
Student Friendly Neighbourhoods:
A word of advice
Do not be in a hurry to sign a lease for accommodation until you have actually seen the place. Plan your trip in such a way that you reach Montreal a week or two in advance, and stay in temporary accommodation as you search for a place that will become your home for the next couple of years.
Cheap Eats: Le Saint-Houblon near UQAM and University of Montreal, Pushap Restaurant on Rue Pare (if you want to satisfy your craving for Indian food), Boustan, Cinko, Wilensky’s Light Lunch where you get sandwiches for under $5
Local Culture: Montreal is home to one of the largest jazz festivals in the world. If you keep up with the local news, you will realise that there are year-round festivities and days dedicated to art, music, food, sports and comedies. The nightlife is vibrant, with budget-friendly bars. Safety-wise, Montreal is the 17th safest city in the world. The Notre-Dame Basilica, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Biodome are worth the visit.
Top Universities in Montreal
University of Montreal, McGill University, Concordia, HEC University.
A multicultural city with a population of over 3 million, Toronto attracts more students than any other city in Canada. Subways, streetcars and busses make travel simple and affordable. Students flock to this city as it leads in economic growth and employment opportunities. Located in the English side, language is certainly no barrier.
Student Friendly Neighbourhoods in Toronto:
Cheap Eats: Pattie’s Express on Elm Street, Frankie’s for “Toronto’s best burgers”, Square Boy, Mean Baos, El Furniture Warehouse, Melt Grilled Cheese, Rose City Kitchen
Local Culture: Toronto is the cultural hub of Canada with its diverse population and inclusive ethos. Art, music, fashion, theatre and food abound. Here are some things you can check out––The Distillery District, St Lawrence Market, Kensington Market, Evergreen Brickworks, Dundas Square and of course, Niagara Falls.
Top Universities in Toronto
University of Toronto, York University, Ryerson
Next on our list of the best cities for students in Canada is Vancouver. With its stunning natural beauty and supportive work environment, Vancouver ranks overall eighteenth in the list of top student cities, despite being one of the most expensive cities in Canada. The city is committed to a green and sustainable future while retaining its position as an innovation hub in the tech industry.
Student-Friendly Neighbourhoods: Main Street, UBC, Dunbar Southlands, Killarney
Cheap Eats: Viet Sub on Robinson Street, Jack’s Place at Army and Navy (you can get sandwiches for $1.75), Lucy’s which is open 24 hours, Wakwark burger truck, Laksa King, Warehouse on Granville Street
Local Culture: Besides the festivals (jazz festivals, fireworks competitions, mountain bike festivals and so on) and nightlife, you can visit Granville Island, Stanley Park, Grouse Mountain, Whytcliff Park and the suspension bridge at Lynn Canyon.
Top Universities in Vancouver
The University of British Columbia, University of Canada West, VCC, Emily Carr University, Columbia College, Simon Fraser University
Check out also why study in Canada.
Considered to be the safest and one of the most liveable cities in Canada, this cosmopolitan center welcomes international students with its top-notch universities, great employment opportunities, diverse communities and modern architecture. Check out these places if you are living in the nation’s capital city, and more reasons why this is one of the best city for students in Canada.
Student-Friendly Neighbourhoods:
Cheap Eats: Tavern on the Hill, Il Vicolo, Burgers n Fries Forever, The Green Door Restaurant (to satisfy the vegetarian in you), El Camino, Shawarma Palace,
Local Culture: The Winterlude, Maple Sugar Festival, Rideau Centre, the National Gallery, Gatineau Park and Omega Park will give you a feel of the local culture. You can also catch an ice hockey or a baseball game. Be warned, winters in Ottawa can be extreme. Be fully prepared with thermals and a choice to stay home on extremely cold nights.
Top Universities in Ottawa
University of Ottawa, Carleton, St Paul University
Soak in the beautiful architecture and European vibe as you step into Quebec. With its low unemployment rates, excellent education and economic lifestyle, Quebec is a student’s paradise. However, over 80% of students in Quebec speak French. You better pick up the language if you are headed there.
Student-Friendly Neighbourhoods: Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Laval
Cheap Eats: Bachir, La Fabrique Du Smoked Meat, William J Walter, Chez Gaston, Chocolato
Local Culture: Visit the Montmorency Falls, Walk down Dufferin Terrace and explore Old Quebec, spend some time at Musée Palace Royale, get your fill of poutine, explore Wendake,
Top Universities in Quebec
Laval University, University of Sherbrooke, University of Quebec (multiple campuses)
Living within a tight budget in Canada
Finance and budgeting can be a great source of stress for international students. But, there are ways for you to celebrate and enjoy your life abroad without being extravagant. All it takes is a little research.
Carry your student id with you wherever you go. Quite a few stores in Canada offer a student discount, even though it is not advertised. It is also worth considering student saving cards such as ISIC or SPC that will give you specialized discounts on shopping, travel and entertainment.
As you plan for your life and stay abroad, spend some time figuring out places near you that offer the best discounts for students. Check out this list for a comprehensive set of deals an international student can avail of in Canada.
Happy exploring the best cities in Canada for students!
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