Things to Consider When Choosing a School

by Sophia Leonard

Making a move to a new country is a big change, so it’s important to do some research before choosing a school. Here is a list of things to consider when deciding where to apply:

Location

Since Canada is such a big country, its cities can be very different. Climate, culture, and even language can vary from city to city. Not ready to deal with the famous Canadian winters? You might like the milder west coast of British Columbia. Want to connect with people from your cultural background? Try researching cities with a large community from your home country. Big cities like Toronto and Vancouver will offer a different experience from smaller university towns like London and Lethbridge, so think about what kind of experience you want to have outside the classroom when you are considering your new home.

Size

Every size of school has its advantages and disadvantages. A big school may be well-known, but some students prefer the sense of communities smaller schools often offer. Talking to admission counselors and graduates of a school you’re interested in is a great way to get inside information on programs and campus experience.

Cost

Tuition, books, rent, plane tickets… life as a student gets expensive quickly. You can check out this link to get a general idea of the cost of living in Canada, and school websites will often have detailed information on the cost of living in their area. Tuition varies from school to school, but in general universities are more expensive to attend than colleges.

Sports and clubs

Want to be a member of student government? Join the track team? Start a club? There’s more to school than course work! Consider what schools are offering outside of the classroom when you are making your decisions. Extracurricular activities are great for meeting people and can make your resume standout.

Program

Program selection is one of the most important factors when choosing a school.  Do you want an honours degree? A program with a co-op? A unique specialization? Study in Canada has a comprehensive directory of programs at Canadian schools, so you can search for programs you’re interested in and see which institutions are offering them.

International Recognition

If you are planning to return home after your degree, you may be concerned with your school’s reputation abroad. Chances are you already have a good sense of which schools have international recognition, but you can also try looking at international rankings like QS and Times. A high ranking isn’t everything, however – every school has its specialty so do some research to find out which instruction might be a good match for your program.

Resources for International Students

Coming to Canada from abroad can be a big adjustment, so you may want to consider what your school can offer you to help with the transition. Many schools have strong international student associations or clubs that can be a great network for newcomers. If you need help with your English, check out what kind of assistance programs schools are offering to students whose first language isn’t English .