Preparing to Live in Toronto, Canada: Moving to York University

Get ready to move into your home-away-from-home with this must-have checklist!

Moving to a new country is a big step. At York University, there are supports available to help you navigate your new environment before, during and after your transition to help you to feel comfortable ahead of your first term. Don't worry, there's also support for your supporters too, so they understand what you can expect. Check out how you can prepare to join the 9,600+ international students from 175+ countries at York in Toronto, Canada.

Preparing to move to Canada

As you begin to plan your travels, York International (YI) has resources available to help you cross things off your to-do list to make your journey less stressful. The pre-arrival webinars focus on key information and tips that you need to know about immigration, health insurance, campus services and more.

As you start planning your university years, you may have questions about study permits. YI has put together resources designed to help you learn about important documents, applying for your permit, updates for the current year and more. Explore the Study Permit Application Information page to find out what you need to do.

If you are interested in learning more about the University, visit the Getting to Know YorkU webpage for quick facts, ways to connect with other international students and information about our courses and programs.

Finding a place to live

When you choose on-campus housing, you will join 2,700+ students living on York's campuses in one of 10 available residences. You can choose from a single- or double- room with shared common spaces or request a suite, where you can get a taste of home by cooking your own food. When you move away from home, you may experience many emotions. The Residence Life team helps residents by creating a supportive community experience, providing opportunities for you to make friends from all over the world while you transition into York's diverse community.

With off-campus housing, you can explore listings, roommate boards, and renter resources near York. York partners provide a variety of listings with several features, including walking distance to campus, types of furnishings available, short-term stays and more. Find your ideal living space in the city by visiting the Off-Campus Housing website.

Discover your favourite food on campus

As a York student, you will be able to choose between different dining plans and meal options. Depending on which residence building you live in, dining plans may be mandatory. However, you will be able to choose which package best suits your needs.

If you are planning to live off-campus, you can still take advantage of a dining plan to use while you're on campus. Enjoy the benefits of a dining plan by exploring York's convenient dining plans.

Once you have chosen a dining plan that works best for you, your funds will be loaded onto your YU-card. You will be able to present this at various locations across York's campuses. Ready to explore the diverse cuisine selection available at York? Check out the Dining Directory to get started.

How to get around York's campuses

Figuring out how you will get to, from, and around campus is an essential part of moving to York. In Toronto, there are a variety of transportation options, many of which connect directly to York's campuses. Whether you are looking to explore downtown Toronto or travel from campus to campus, there are options available.

Explore the Transportation Services website to plan your trip, learn about campus shuttle services, get TTC (Toronto city transit), GO (regional travel), and Presto passes, find out about sustainable commuting options, and more.

York offers a variety of options to help you complete your university journey in a way that is most comfortable for you. With several residence options, dining plans, and transportation options, we hope that as you ease into your surroundings, you also take time to step outside the box, try a new cuisine, explore the surrounding city, and make connections with those who are on this journey with you.

Your first step to making the next four years memorable is applying. Find out how to successfully submit your application to York today!