Moving to Toronto for university has definitely been one of the most intimidating yet thrilling moments of my life. As someone who grew up in Parry Sound and Barrie, which are comparatively and drastically smaller towns, living in Toronto felt like the biggest feat of my life. While my family had been to Toronto, the farthest we ever really went was the North York area, which is NOT the same as downtown. Looking back at the first-year student I was four years ago, nothing could’ve fully prepared me for how overwhelming it would feel to find my footing and my place in such a big city. Nevertheless, here are some things I wish I knew before moving to Toronto.
1. The TTC Will Be Your Best Friend
(and Sometimes Your Nemesis)
No one warned me about the terrifying welding sound the subway makes between certain stops. The first time I heard it, I thought the train was breaking apart. But don’t worry, it’s normal (just very loud). And eventually, you get used to it as it’s still one of the easiest ways to get around the city. You definitely need to have a PRESTO card and U of T students sometimes qualify for discounted passes.
2. There’s Always Something Going On
But You Don’t Have to Do It All
Growing up in small towns meant that we only had the occasional events, maybe once a month. But in Toronto, there’s something big happening every day. Whether that’s a big concert at Rogers Centre, a food festival at Nathan Phillips Square, or a vintage market at St. Lawrence Market, there’s never a shortage of things to do. In the midst of wanting to ensure you make the most of your time in Toronto, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out when you don’t say yes to things, but I’ve learned it’s okay to skip things and recharge. Pick the things that truly excite and resonate with you!
3. Toronto is Expensive
But There Are Ways to Make it Work
Again, because there’s so much to do, it’s easy to get caught up and spend more than you planned. I quickly had to learn the importance of budgeting and living within my means, which for me meant keeping track of my spending, setting limits, and finding free or low-cost alternatives. The city has tons of free events, student discounts, and community programming if you know where to look!
4. Finding Your People Takes Time
You’re Not Alone
U of T is a massive school, and sometimes I felt everyone already had their own core group of friends. At times, I felt overwhelmed by the fast-paced city life and thought I’d be able to find community right away, but it took time. And I’ve learned that’s completely normal! I found that joining student clubs, saying yes to small invites, or even chatting with someone in a cafeteria or class helped me slowly build my confidence and connections. But ultimately, remember to be patient with yourself.
Final thoughts
U of T and the City of Toronto is so diverse and full of opportunity, but it can also be overwhelming if you’ve never been or lived in a large city. So don’t be discouraged if it takes a while to adjust because the more you explore, the more it starts to feel like your city too and soon enough you’ll create your version of “home” in Toronto.
– Bolu 🫶🏾