Let’s make sure you don’t miss out on housing, tips & your future crew!
Teaser: Montreal Guide!
Not just maple syrup and hockey bros. Think 3AM bagels after dancing all night, snowball fights before class, and friendships that start in broken French.
🏠 Housing (Preview)
Winter hits hard, but the right housing hits harder.
We break it down: the most social spots, the ones that feel like hotels, and what to definitely avoid.
“Chelsea House had everything — gym, rooftop, events, and we were all 5 min from campus. Expensive, but worth it.” — Adrien, UQAM
“Palay was chill and super central. Not a party spot, but still easy to meet people.” — Faustine, McGill
📚 Uni Life
McGill’s the legend. Concordia’s the dark horse. UQAM is artsy with local vibes.
We show you how to build a chill class schedule, what courses to dodge, and where to sneak into tunnels when it’s -20°C.
“McGill was amazing but you have to push yourself socially — it doesn’t just happen.” — Charles, McGill
🎉 Going Out
Café Campus Tuesdays. Saint-Laurent dive bars. Rooftop afters.
Montreal nightlife isn’t flashy — it’s real, messy, and made for students like you.
“Saint-Laurent is wild. You always run into someone you know.” — Anaïs, McGill
“Forget planning. Best nights were always last-minute moves.” — Ombeline, McGill
✈️ Travel Tips + Weekend Escapes
Chalet parties, Igloofest in -20°C, and $60 round-trip buses to New York.
We’ve got the full playbook — where to go, what to pack, and how to make it epic without wrecking your wallet.
“Chalet weekends were the highlight. Firepit, drinks, music, done.” — Eleanor, Concordia
“Spring break in Mexico? 10/10. Book early.” — Anaïs, McGill
Get the full guide by joining!
Student Reviews
Concordia
🇨🇦 Exchange in Montreal
🏠 Housing
I was at Chelsea House, and honestly? Locked fire. Had my own room, gym downstairs, and people to chill with 24/7. Super international crowd, you’d meet someone new every time you hit the kitchen or rooftop. Not the cheapest (~€800/month), but zero stress, no weird landlord stuff, and vibes were 10/10. Would do it again without thinking.
🚗 Getting to Campus
I walked mostly – it’s about 25 min to Concordia, or 10 min by metro. The location was honestly amazing. Grocery store right across the street, 15 min from the Plateau, 10 min to downtown. Solid.
✈️ Travel Life
Did soooo many things. Dog sledding at Ranch Robert (10/10), Ski trips to Mont Tremblant, Quebec City for ice fest + clubbing, even Miami & New York on Flixbus. My dream trip was Banff, but it was closed in winter 😭
🎉 Social Life
The res was kinda dead socially, ngl. People kept to themselves. Only place to talk was the kitchen. I did meet an English guy and a French dude tho – super nice. For going out: Crescent St + Saint Laurent = bar central, and La Banquise = best poutine.
📚 Classes
Chill overall. Only 4 classes (3h each), no attendance, lots of online quizzes. I liked COMM211 and COMM225 – easy and interesting. Stack your courses to have long weekends to travel.
🦙 Other
Winter’s no joke – dry and freezing. Grocery prices are high, but you can eat pasta and bagels on repeat and survive 😂 Also: Potato Club at Concordia = free food if you're broke and not picky.
Julie
McGill
🇨🇦 Exchange in Montreal
🏠 Housing
Lived in La Marq, just off Sainte Catherine street. Only 9 min walk to McGill. I 100% recommend it – super clean, secure, with a gym, cinema, study room, and big apartments. You can choose your roomies too. The vibe was on point. The Plateau is cool too but metro rides to campus = meh.
🚗 Getting to Campus
I literally walked everywhere. McGill is in the middle of EVERYTHING. You can get anywhere on foot or bike. Metro’s there too, but who needs it?
✈️ Travel Life
Did all the classics: Boston, NY, Banff, Vermont, Toronto, Niagara, even Punta Cana 😎 Take the bus to Quebec City – it’s cheap, and McGill gets you 50% off on car rentals. BIG win.
🎉 Social Life
Nightlife’s great if you go looking: • Saint-Laurent = party all night • Crescent = pubs & chill bars Festivals: Igloofest (partied while working there, was insane) & Picnik Electronik are MUSTS. McGill = city inside the city, always something going on.
📚 Classes
Super chill. I was in marketing, barely any stress. Group projects were kinda meh but manageable. Evening and Saturday classes let you live your best life during the week. No one takes attendance so… 👀
🦙 Other
If you hate snow – don't come. It’s FREEZING. But summer slaps. Life is slightly more expensive than France, but taxes/tips are what hurt most. You’ll get used to it.
