Studying in Montreal

Information and tips for international students in Montreal

It's no wonder Montreal is the city with the highest number of university students per capita in all of North America: It’s the second most populous city in Canada, it has the best parties, a fairly affordable cost of living, clean streets and excellent academic opportunities. Additionally, it has a strong awareness of the environment and inclusion. Sounds good, right? Well, keep reading. Here, we tell you everything you need to know to study in Montreal!

Cost of living in Montreal, Canada

You probably already know that Canada is not a very cheap country, but we have good news. Montreal's cost of living is one of the lowest in the country! To give you an idea, rental prices are very competitive, transport is perfectly accessible, university tuition is much cheaper than in other Canadian locations, and there are plenty of free leisure activities.

But let's go for points. First, rent ranges from CAD 800-2,000 (approx. €530-1,330) per month, depending on the area and the type of property. If you prefer something cheaper, look for a shared flat. Thus, you also take the opportunity to make more friends. Apart from the rent, you also have to pay for housing services (water, electricity...) which, depending on what you consume, are between CAD 80-210 per month (approx. €50-240), more or less.

As for food, a normal weekly grocery shopping expense is around CAD 65 (45 €). And don't worry if you feel like dining out, there are many inexpensive places where dinner costs less than CAD 15 (10 €)However, it can also be expensive; like everything else, it's about knowing where to look.

Third, public transport is excellent in every aspect. The monthly pass, which is valid for all types of transport, is quite affordable, and you can use it as many times as you want throughout the month.

Student life, parties and leisure in Montreal

You won't get bored here. The Canadian city hosts over 40 festivals a year. And the best part? Many of them are free! You can attend renowned music festivals such as the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, film festivals like the Festival des Films du Monde de Montréal and even sport events, like the Grand Prix du Canada.

While you're in between festivals, here are some more activities: sailing on the Saint Lawrence River (fleuve Saint-Laurent), climbing Mount Royal (Mont Royal), visiting the second-largest botanical garden in the world (Jardin botanique de Montréal), and regardless of your religion, it's a must to visit the Notre-Dame Basilica (Basilique Notre-Dame) and the Saint Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph) for their awe-inspiring architecture.

If you're in the mood for nightlife, let's dance! No matter where you are in the city, you'll find pubs and nightclubs everywhere. Most of them play great techno music, but if you prefer reggaeton, pop, or hip-hop, there are also many venues where you can dance to that music.

Culture and gastronomy in Montreal

Thanks to its bilingual environment, Montreal's population blends Canadian and French cultures, inviting other cultures to join and form a city with a rich multicultural and tolerant history.

For that reason, Montreal's culinary scene reflects the multiculturalism of its citizens, so you'll be able to taste both typical Canadian dishes and cuisine from many other cultures (Italian, Indian, Mexican, etc.). Here are some of the city's signature dishes, bon appétit !:

• “Poutine” (French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds)

• “Tourtière” (meat pie)

• “Smoked meat sandwich”

In true Parisian style, the café culture is also very prominent. The streets are filled with coffee shops, perfect for enjoying a refreshing frappuccino in the summer or a warm cup of mocha when it's cooler.

Advantages of doing an exchange in Montreal

• Being a bilingual city, you can learn English and French simultaneously, and most of the time, it's free!

• Montreal's universities are among the top in the world and lead the high-tech industry due to their focus on research and development.

• The public transport system is one of the best in the country. It is well-developed, making it easy to travel from one place to another and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

• Compared to other major North American cities, Montreal offers highly competitive prices. It allows you to benefit from its economic advantages without compromising on a high standard of living.

Cheap student accommodation in Montreal

Are you looking for student accommodation in Montreal? In Erasmus Play, we help you compare the best flats, rooms, and apartments for students throughout Montreal. You will be able to choose the accommodation that best suits your needs quickly and safely!

Frequently asked questions about studying in Montreal

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