Which are the best cities for international students?

Canada in general is a very pleasant country, that encompasses people of various cultures. Over the years, and due to the friendly nature of the country itself, Canada has become a huge melting pot of cultures and people from every corner of the world.

A beautiful country that provides ample opportunities to the students that come to one of the many prestigious universities, Canada has fast become a mass favorite for a majority of students. However, it is exceedingly important to choose an ideal city to live in as at least 2-4 years of any international student will be spent in the city they choose to attend university in.

Below is a list of the top 7 cities to live in Canada.

Toronto

• Toronto is Canada's cultural capital and is famous for the vast variety of historical landmarks, food, festivals, and art. The variety is a blend of different cultures and people that have been settling in Canada for years ago and continue to seek Toronto as the no.1 destination to start a new life.
  
  
• Toronto is renowned for being the location of one of the most esteemed universities globally, as well as the leading university in Canada - The University of Toronto. Moreover, the city is home to other notable educational institutions such as Toronto Metropolitan University, OCAD University, Humber College, and George Brown College.
  
  
• Safety is not a primary worry in Toronto. Despite the rise in the city's crime rate in recent years, it remains notably lower than the national average. Toronto is renowned for being a secure location to reside, particularly for international students. Additionally, international students are granted a considerable amount of freedom, presenting them with numerous opportunities.
  
  
• Getting around Toronto is quite convenient, with buses and the subway being the preferred modes of transportation for many students. On average, transportation expenses amount to approximately CAD 150 per month.
  
  
• Since the city has a major population of international students, part-time jobs are very popular. An international student can work part-time jobs while being in university, but the limit is set to 20 hours per week. Toronto's strong economy and job market also make it an attractive destination for students. The city is a hub for various industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, and media. This means that students have access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities, allowing them to gain practical experience and build valuable connections in their chosen field.
  
  
• However, a major drawback for Toronto is the high living costs that burn a hole in the pocket of most international students. Not only are the day-to-day living costs quite high, but being a major city hub, the cost of accommodation and housing in Toronto is sky-high as well. Additionally, the University of Toronto is easily one of the most expensive universities to attend, making the city a difficult option for students on a budget.

Quebec

• Even though Quebec is a predominantly French-speaking city, international students are more than happy to apply to the universities of Quebec. The European architecture and the variety of fun festivals celebrated in Quebec attract many people from around the world, and students are no exception.
  
  
• Even though the city itself does not necessarily converse in English in their day-to-day life, the universities of Quebec function only through the medium of English. However, it is required of an international student to know French and English at a certain level to live and study freely in the city of Quebec. Few courses are strictly taught in French, which makes it all the more of an important requirement.
  
  
• The city of Quebec houses great universities under it. Every university in Quebec delivers outstanding education and is actively involved in research under various fields of study and expertise. Scholars and researchers from all over the world come to the universities of Quebec as professors or to conduct research. Furthermore, the tuition fee for universities in Quebec is comparatively lower than other major cities in Canada - making the city a student favorite.
  
  
• Quebec is recognized as the safest city in Canada for international students, as evidenced by the enrollment of about 59,000 international students in Quebec universities as of December 2022. Renowned for its peaceful and secure environment, Quebec has remarkably low levels of violence, theft, and other major crimes, making it an optimal location for students to flourish.
  
  
• Public transportation is fairly easy and accessible in Quebec and is also the primary method of transportation. The most sought-after modes of transportation that are well-received by many students are buses, taxis, ferries, bicycles, and two-wheelers.
  
  
• Quebec is the cheapest city for students in terms of cost of living and accommodation & housing with a cost of living of around CAD 15,000 annually. Hence, the city is the most affordable place for international students and domestic students alike. Additionally, the tuition fees of universities in Quebec are not too heavy, making the city a hub for students.
  
  
• Living in Quebec has its drawbacks, one of which is the higher price of natural gas in the city compared to the national average. Additionally, the language barrier poses a significant challenge as over 80% of the residents primarily speak French.

Montreal

• Consistently ranked among the best student cities by the QS Best Student Cities Rankings, Montreal is the most ideal city for students wanting a perfect balance of academics and fun with the abundance of premium universities, a great cultural mix, exciting festivals, and events like Blue Metropolis, Massimadi Festival, iF3 International Freeski Film Festival, St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival, Montreal Vegan Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, etc.
  
  
• Montreal houses Canada's finest universities - one of them being McGill University, which ranks as one of the top 50 universities in the world. Moreover, the tuition fee of McGill University is not bank-breaking and comes under the budget range of a majority of international students. Among other excellent universities are the University of Montreal, Concordia University, the University of Quebec, and the Polytechnic School of Montreal.
  
  
• Similar to other prominent cities in Canada, Montreal is a secure destination for both international and domestic students. The majority of crimes committed in this city are non-violent, ensuring a safe environment for everyone. Montreal prides itself on being a student-friendly city, embracing individuals from all corners of the globe with great enthusiasm and warmth.
  
  
• Montreal offers convenient transportation options at affordable prices for students. They can navigate the city using buses or 'Bixi bikes'. While bus fares may rise slightly during nighttime, it remains within the reach of most students. A monthly transit pass is priced around CAD 85 to CAD 90.
  
  
• The cost of living and cost of accommodation & housing are affordable for international students in general. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cost may vary as per the area a student chooses to reside in. International students should face a difference in the cost of accommodation & housing mostly.
  
  
• Living in Montreal has its drawbacks, including higher taxes, extremely cold winters, the need to be fluent in both French and English and traffic congestion.

Ottawa

• Ottawa is the city in Canada with probably the most cultural diversity, as international students and working people make up half of the population. The variety of several cultures blending in, as well as the living environment of the city, makes it an ideal destination for students.
  
  
• Ottawa is also famous for its outstanding universities. The University of Ottawa is one of the top 500 universities in the world, which aims to provide exceptional education and develop world leaders. Additionally, the University of Ottawa is fairly budget-friendly, leading the university to be one of the most sought-after universities in Canada. Other prestigious universities in the city include Carleton University, Saint Paul University, Algonquin College, and Dominican University College.
  
  
• Being worried about safety probably does not exist in the city of Ottawa. The city has been tooted to be the safest city in the whole of Canada, helping international students feel at ease and settle in a new environment without much of a hiccup. The crime rate in Ottawa is 36% lower than the national average crime rate.
  
  
• Ottawa has a very efficient transport hub. The major modes of transport in Ottawa are buses, trains, and especially a railway mode of transport that acts as a replacement for a shuttle. Ottawa offers monthly passes priced at CAD 120.00 per month, with discounts accessible to students on all fares and passes.
  
  
• Living costs in Ottawa are very affordable. The city in itself is budget-friendly for international students, including the cost of living, housing, and tuition fees to be paid at universities. Moreover, the city of Ottawa is brimming with opportunities in terms of employment and part-time jobs, so international students can comfortably live and earn in the city without worrying too much about finances.
  
  
• Living in Ottawa has its downsides such as the frigid winters with temperatures plummeting below -20 degrees, difficulties in the job market, traffic congestion during peak hours, and comparatively higher cost of living.

Vancouver

• The city of Vancouver ranks as one of the top 20 cities to live in Canada. The city is surrounded by gorgeous nature and has plenty of international students who are attracted to not only the beauty of the city but even the comfort and opportunities it provides.
  
  
• Prestigious and famous universities such as Simon Fraser University and The University of British Columbia are located in Vancouver. Both universities are known for their educational standards, high employment rates, and affordable tuition fees. Students looking for all three of the qualities mentioned are attracted to Vancouver to pursue higher education.
  
  
• Vancouver boasts a safety record with violent crime rates 6% below the national average, positioning the city as secure as any other major city in Canada. Incidents targeting students or individuals, in general, are minimal; nonetheless, vigilance against online scams is recommended.
  
  
• Transportation comes in many forms in Vancouver, students will find rapid trains, buses, West Coast Express, and SeaBus everywhere. However, the primary mode of transport for students has to be either rapid trains or buses. West Coast Express and SeaBus operate majorly for tourists. The monthly public transportation ticket is about CAD 127.
  
  
• A major drawback of Vancouver is the fact that it is the most expensive city to live in. It ranks higher than Toronto in terms of living costs and costs for accommodation & housing. For students who are on a budget, Vancouver is definitely not an ideal choice.

Calgary

• Calgary, situated in the western province of Alberta, holds the title of being the largest city in the region. As the fourth-largest metropolitan urban center in Canada, it also ranks as the third-largest city in the country. Noteworthy festivals that take place in Calgary include the Calgary Folk Music Festival, Circle The Wagons Festival, Opera In The Village, Funnyfest Calgary Comedy Festival, Cochrane Summerfest, and Calgary Fringe Festival.
  
  
• Some of Canada's best universities are located in Calgary, University of Calgary Canada Public, Mount Royal University, Ambrose University, St. Mary’s University, Bow Valley College, and Alberta University of the Arts.
  
  
• The city's violent crime rates are notably lower than the national average, even though its overall crime rate is on par with the national average. This difference amounts to approximately 22%.
  
  
• One of the shining perks of Calgary is that the city is known for producing employment in a variety of industries, including oil and petroleum, manufacturing, banking, logistics services, transportation management, and tourism.
  
  
• Despite popular belief, it is quite expensive to live in Calgary. The cost of living is not sky high as Toronto or Vancouver, but it still puts a strain on the bank and budgeting in general.
  
  
• Calgary offers a variety of transportation options, making it convenient to navigate the city. The public transit system in Calgary consists of buses and two Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines called the CTrain. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly, featuring spacious sidewalks and clear wayfinding signs. Additionally, rental cars are accessible for those who prefer to drive. The fare for a single trip on public transportation is CAD 3.70.
  
  
• Living in the city can present challenges such as high rates of unemployment caused by a large student population, expensive cost of living, restricted downtown entertainment options, and traffic congestion.

Victoria

• The city of Victoria is the capital of the British Columbia province. It is not only a lovely city with many historic landmarks, beautiful landscapes, and pleasant locals, but it also houses some of the country's topmost universities.
  
  
• The University of Victoria, St. Michaels University School, Pearson College, Royal Roads Military College, and several other reputable Canadian institutions are all located in Victoria.
  
  
• The city has observed a significant surge in crime rates in recent years, with it being ranked as the fourth-highest in the crime severity index (CSI) among the cities examined. In 2020, there was a 3% year-over-year increase. This is a crucial factor to bear in mind when considering staying and studying in Victoria.
  
  
• The cost of living in the city of Victoria is not sky-high. International students looking to live comfortably yet not wanting to spend a bomb on daily necessities will find Victoria a pleasant choice.
  
  
• Victoria City offers bus services with convenient real-time trip planning features, a transit app, and a trip planner to assist individuals in finding routes and schedules. The city is known for being pedestrian-friendly, particularly in the Inner Harbour and downtown core areas. Additionally, visitors can explore the city using unique transportation options such as Horse-Drawn Carriages and Double-Decker Buses. Ferries are considered the most convenient means of transportation to connect with the mainland, owing to the island's geographical characteristics. The monthly pass for the city is priced at CAD 85, whereas a single ride costs CAD 2.50
  
  
• Living in Victoria has its disadvantages, such as the restricted job market mainly focused on the seasonal tourist industry, leading to limited job opportunities. Additionally, residents may also have to contend with traffic congestion during peak hours or tourist seasons. The cost of living is also quite high.