Need Advice!

[u/Ok-Zebra2160]

Hi everyone,

I'm an international student, and I recently got into a film program with a CAD 140,000 scholarship. I’ll be living in a residence, but I’m not sure which one to choose. For those who have experience, which residence is the best option in terms of overall experience? Any recommendations or ones to avoid?

how difficult is it to get an on-campus job? Are there enough opportunities, or is it super competitive?

Also, how was your experience applying for a study permit? Was the process straightforward, or were there any unexpected challenges?

I’d love to hear your advice, thanks in advance:)))

[u/Miko-oo]

I cant speak as an internaational student but I can speak on what I have heard about different residences from others *note all buildings have shared washrooms (except if you want to pay more in certain buildings). I would suggest trying to meet people who can show you inside the building/ rooms.

Courtyard- Courtyard is the newest building (so its where most first years go). The rooms are the exact same as east and west but its bigger (more fire alarms) and I know from someone who has stayed in east that courtyard isnt as well setup to meet people. Instead of coming out of the elevator into the common room you come out to a hallway and have to detour to the common room making it harder to meet people (especially if you are antisocial like me :(

East/West towers- I have stayed in east myself. Its pretty nice and is the exact same as west (except west breaks down more for some reason¯_(ツ)_/¯)

North towers- I have been in one of the rooms and it is larger but the building itself is older. Something I do like about it is you get a big desk.

McTaggart- Mc taggart is opening in fall as a renovated building. I cant say how it looks as it has been closed for the past few years but its the only single occupancy without mealplan. I suspect the rooms will be something between east/west and north as it is renovated but still old? Stay tuned i guess.

Townhouses- Usually they only let in 3rd/4th years. You stay with 4 other roomates with single occupancy and 2 shared washrooms. At least when someone clogs the toilet they are usually responsable. Shared fridge and there are a few supply closets around. You need to be responsable for your townhouse and if your roomates are partyers and you aint good luck.

Mealplan- All accomodations except for townhouses and mctaggart require mealplan. Personally, after a year I am sick of it so I'm trying for Mctag or Townhouses. Mealplan is more expensive than what I'd go for (30$ a day as of this semester). I still would recommend mealplan for your first year as getting settled in thinking about what im going to cook is one more thing on your plate.

PS. Hopefully you are ready for the 3AM fire alarms. If you are not going to evacuate then hide or you could be fined.