Study in Toronto, Canada

Toronto, Canada is a magnificent city in which to study and live, the capital of the province Ontario and the largest city in all of Canada. Boasting nearly 2.7 million residents in the city proper alone, it is the fifth most populous city in North America, trailing only Mexico City, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, in that order. The city is located in the southern region of Ontario, bordering Lake Ontario to the south, Etobicoke Creek and Highway 427 to the west, Steeles Avenue to the north and the Rouge River to the east. It has a very diverse population, one in which nearly half (49%) of all residents were born outside of Canada.

The history of Toronto can be traced back to the late 1700s, when the region was purchased by the British monarchy from the Mississaugas of the New Credit. The original name for the region was the Town of York, which changed to “Toronto” when it was incorporated as a city and named the capital of Upper Canada in 1834. Since that time the city has endured many trials. Ransacked during the Battle of York and the War of 1812 and severely damaged during the fires of 1849 and 1904, Toronto has definitely had its share of misery and distress, but despite these setbacks the city has continued to grow and expand its borders, taking its rightful place as one of the world’s most economically significant cities.

Toronto, as we mentioned, is vey cosmopolitan, and second only to Miami, Florida in the United States in the percentage of foreign-born residents. However, unlike Miami, which has a large Cuban-born population that accounts for the large number of foreign-born residents, there is no single foreign nationality dominant in Toronto. According to the latest census data, just over 50 percent of its foreign born residents are of European descent, particularly those of British, Irish, Italian and French heritage. However, there are many visible minority groups as well, including South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino and Latin American, in order of their prevalence. This astonishing diversity is perhaps reflected best in Toronto’s ethnic neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Little India, Koreatown and Little Italy, just to name a few. English is the official language of Toronto, but it is not uncommon to hear one of the other 150 languages spoken regularly in the city.

Economically, Toronto is considered one of the chief financial hubs in the world, and is home to the Toronto Stock Exchange, ranked 7^th in the world in terms of market value. More corporate headquarters are located in Toronto than in any other Canadian city, including the five largest banks in the country. Its economy revolves around sectors that include work in engineering, finance, aerospace, transportation, telecommunications, media, arts, film, music, medical research, education and tourism.

The median household income in Toronto is nearly $60,000, but the cost of living is very high as compared to most Canadian cities. Housing prices in the city average nearly $500,000 compared to the just over $350,000 Canada as a whole. Those planning to be in Toronto for only a short time, particularly students, can opt for accommodations on campus as part of their overall tuition, or live off campus in a bachelor, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartment, with an approximate average rental rate of $700, $900 and $1,100 respectively.

The climate in Toronto is very mild when compared to other Canadian cities, largely because it is located in the south. New arrivals can typically expect four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm, humid summers. These two poles, however, are both very bearable; leaving plenty of time to explore the many sights and attractions Toronto has to offer. Some of these include the Toronto Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the world showcasing over 5,000 animals from nearly 500 species; the Royal Ontario Museum, displaying hundreds of historical exhibits of both cultural and natural significance; the Ontario Science Center, a hands-on science experience appealing to both young and old; and the Hockey Hall of Fame. Toronto is also a great place for sports fans, with professional teams in hockey, baseball, football, basketball and soccer.

Locating goods, services or recreation facilities is never difficult in Toronto, regardless of what you need. In the downtown area alone the city features one of the largest malls in the world, hundreds of banks and grocery stores, discount outlets and restaurants of every variety, from fast food to world-class cuisine. There are hair salons and barber shops, libraries, liquor and drug stores, dry cleaners, souvenir shops, and everything else you need to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Those seeking recreation, too, have a wide variety of options, including movie theaters, bars, nightclubs, bowling alleys, fitness centers and softball, baseball, and soccer fields. Whatever it is you’re looking for, you are sure to find it in this massive and amazingly diverse city.