As one of the most straightforward ways to relocate to Canada legally, Americans are increasingly applying to Canadian universities. Across Canada, post-secondary schools have reported a recent massive surge in applications from Americans as the Trumpocalypse approaches—inauguration day is January 20, in case you'd been trying to forget that.There's a couple solid reasons for going to school in Canada right now. You can escape the reign of Trump, the drinking age is lower than 21 and with the low Canadian dollar, tuition and fees for international students are often lower than prices at American schools.
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So if you're an American who's after a study permit in Canada, we put together this handy guide (in no particular order) so you know just what you're getting into if you decide to apply to a Canadian uni (yes, that's a nickname for university here, and don't you dare call it "college.")Going to U of T can be a polarizing experience. Its reputation as one of the best universities in North America lies in its history and prestige (and large endowment), an attractive quality for anyone who can't get into an Ivy league. Others find it stuffy and pretentious. If you're American, be prepared to go to a school where the number one complaint is that it "doesn't feel like a university." There's a perception that there's no wild parties, it's hard to meet people, and that the professors don't care about you. All of that is total bullshit. Like anything else, the experience is what you make it. And most of that experience lies outside the campus grounds. After all, U of T is located in the centre of Canada's largest city—the one place where every great band is guaranteed to play, where there are countless dive bars and trashy nightclubs a $10 Uber ride away. Basically, you're not trapped on a campus in the middle of nowhere (hi, Brock), so get ready to blow that student loan on getting turnt up like an adult.Fancies itself as: The Harvard of Canada
Reality: The University of Pennsylvania of Canada
University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Reality: The University of Pennsylvania of Canada
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Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Reality: You get what you pay for (and also alcohol poisoning).
McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
Reality: Oberlin of the North
Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario
Reality: Meh.
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Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario
Reality: A try-hard, faux-urban extension of high school
Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario
Reality: A Bush League school
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Western University, London, Ontario
Reality: A padded holding cell for children who will eventually stumble comfortably into the social and economic roles they were groomed for anyway.
Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Reality: The McGill of the Maritimes
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University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
Reality: The new York University
University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
Reality: The heart of fucking darkness
University of British Columbia, Vancouver (barely), BC
Reality: Just really far away from everything
York University, Toronto, Ontario
Reality: The ultimate backup school
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MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta
Reality: One guy at VICE went there and forced this school on to the list. Do not go here.
Université de Montréal
Reality: Au Québec, tu peux boire de l'alcool légalement à partir de 18 ans.******Canada has two official languages.