7 Reasons Why You Should Attend University in Toronto

Toronto is Canada's biggest, most bustling city, and that means plenty of exciting opportunities, no matter what you're into!

This article was originally written for Toronto Metropolitan University by Claire Hrabovsky.

Now that I’ll be entering my fourth and final year of the English program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), I’ve had a lot of time to explore Toronto. Before starting my first year, I was nervous about adjusting to an environment that is the exact opposite of my quiet suburban neighbourhood in the Greater Toronto Area, but now I can proudly say that I consider the city to be my second home.

To help you decide if the city is the right fit for you, I’ve compiled my top seven reasons why I think you should consider attending university in the heart of downtown Toronto. With unlimited access to career opportunities, exciting events and places to explore, there’s something for everyone here!

1. Experiential learning and networking opportunities

Back when I was applying to university, I was immediately drawn to two things — TMU’s emphasis on experiential learning and its location. These provide students with direct access to professional development opportunities that will support them throughout their studies and into post-graduation.

Attending a university that is located in the middle of Toronto means that you’re surrounded by some of the biggest companies and businesses in the world. This opens up many opportunities for you to network with reputable employers at events like on-campus career fairs, chat with inspirational guest speakers during your lectures and build relationships with faculty members who come from industries surrounding our campus. Plus, depending on your program, you might also have the opportunity to enrol in a co-op or internship program that will allow you to gain professional work experience while earning academic credits simultaneously.

Ektaa, a fifth-year English student at TMU, is one of many students who have praised the co-op program for its ability to pair students with diverse work opportunities that suit their individual needs — all thanks to TMU’s central location.

“The Arts co-op program at TMU helped me find which types of jobs are right for me. Some jobs were traditional 9-5s, while others were remote or more asynchronous. Finding which style works for you before jumping into the real hiring pool is so vital, and the co-op program really prepares you for these environments!” – Ektaa, fifth-year student in English

2. Diverse and vibrant cultures

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, which means that you’ll have lots of opportunities to meet new people from diverse backgrounds. At TMU, you can join a variety of diverse student groups that will help you build long-lasting friendships and foster a sense of community right here on campus. You can also attend Cooltural, an on-campus event which offers a range of immersive experiences that celebrate the intersection of culture, language, food, and the arts. If you’re interested in learning about Indigenous culture and history, you can attend one of TMU’s Indigenous events or take some time to explore all of the Indigenous art installations on campus. Keeping an eye on TMU’s website and following our social media accounts is the best way to stay informed about what types of exciting cultural events you’ll be able to attend throughout the year!

3. Exciting events and festivals

Something is always happening in Toronto, so as a student at TMU, you’ll be provided with direct access to exciting nearby events and festivals all year long. During the summer, you can go on rides or try some unusual food items at the Canadian National Exhibition, or if you’re a book lover, you can check out the Word on the Street Festival, which features the best selection of books and magazines in Canada. TMU is also the perfect place to study if you’re a sports fan since you’ll always have an opportunity to attend a Blue Jays, Maple Leafs or Raptors game at Scotiabank Arena or the Rogers Centre.

Many events and festivals in Toronto also offer experiential learning opportunities for TMU students. TMU Journalism students covered the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and interviewed actors, directors and other notable festival attendees. Other festivals like the Toronto Fringe Festival have also featured current students and alumni of TMU’s Performance programs, highlighting one of many ways TMU connects its students with valuable career-building opportunities. By studying at TMU in Toronto, you can have fun and gain relevant experience for your future profession!

4. Accessible public transportation

Toronto’s public transit systems like the TTC and GO Transit will allow you to travel all over the city within a short period of time. This can be really helpful during the super cold and hot months! With a Presto card, you can hop on the train, subway, streetcar or bus and travel wherever your heart desires.

To get to campus, I take the Lakeshore West GO train to Union Station, and then the subway to Dundas Station, which saves me a 20-minute walk. But if you’d rather get some exercise, you can also try taking the PATH — an underground walkway network that spans more than 30 kilometres, filled with lots of restaurants and shops for you to explore. Just make sure to pay attention to the signs so you don’t get lost!

5. Top rated cafés and restaurants

Another great part about studying in Toronto is that you’ll be surrounded by dozens of aesthetically-pleasing cafés and delicious restaurants near campus. I personally love to hang out at cafés that are close to TMU, like Dineen Coffee Company. If you want to explore the city further, you can also check out some iconic food spots in neighbourhoods like Kensington Market such as Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos or Pera Café.

6. Beautiful scenery

Whether you’re admiring the city landscape from the top of the CN Tower (as long as you’re not afraid of heights like me) or enjoying the sun at Toronto Island, Toronto is known for its stunning scenery that will always be available for you to admire at any time.

One of my favourite scenic spots in the city is High Park, which is known for its beautiful array of cherry blossoms in the spring and is a 30-minute trip from TMU if you take the subway. Another great spot is the Harbourfront where you can admire the view of Lake Ontario, visit the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, relax at HTO Park or take a long walk along the boardwalk. This spot is approximately a 25-minute trip from TMU by subway and streetcar, and is the perfect place to visit on a weekend with your friends.

7. Endless social media-worthy places to explore

Besides the city skyline, Toronto is full of many other cool photogenic places that you can use to brighten up your social media feed. My personal favourites are the stunning architecture in the Art Gallery of Ontario and The Great Hall inside Union Station, which makes me feel like I’m in an episode of Gossip Girl. I also enjoy walking through the iconic Graffiti Alley, which is a three-block alleyway of street art located within the Queen Street West neighbourhood that is definitely Instagram-worthy.

Even though it’s impossible for me to break down all of the advantages of studying in the city, I hope this list has painted you a clear picture of some of the awesome opportunities that Toronto has to offer. By becoming a student at TMU, there will be so much more for you left to discover!