Details

• Canada
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Research the partner university, know why you want to go to the country of choice and why you're the perfect fit. If applicable build a narrative around your extracurriculars and emphasize those in the interview

2. Accommodation

Like other students I wouldn't advise living on campus. It's rather far away and not really much goes on up there. I lived at hoem - a student home in the center of toronto (close to tmu). It's expensive but worth it. They offer good and well maintained modern facilities, regular events, 24/7 staff and good vibes. I'd advise you not to book before mid june because you may be able to catch a deal toward summer months. Another good accomodation (and cheaper) is tartu college - for this one you have to be really fast tho as spots are taken very quickly. Hoem's surrounding area was safe tho admittedly it doesn't have the best reputation.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus is rather big. You have a mall, quite a lot of sports facilities and good connection (subway station that takes you to downtown toronto). Teaching style was quite different compared to the typical WU course. A lot more emphasis on group projects and during term assignments, not final exams. (Out of 4 courses only one of mine had a mid term exam, none had a final exam). The professors for the most part also seem way more involved and willing to push you forward in life (with cool offers to connect and get help even after course if over) vs just teaching you and leaving like at wu. Schulich is also rather competitive tho I wouldn't say more than WU.

5. Every day life in the host country

The university is very well reachable through line 1 subway. I can remember when I read exchange reports from years prior to 2025 I encountered quite a few reports mentioning campus crime and it not being safe. I didn't encounter anything weird at all on campus during my stay. Very calm and inviting atmosphere overall though the campus isn't anywear near as beautiful as WU's. While there exist a lot of sports facilities sport culture definitely isn't as big/prominent if you compare it to other US universities. It's cool tho - go watch a maple leafs game, support the blue jays and don't miss out on basket ball! The atmosphere in the stadium is unique and I really enjoyed it - can't experience that atmosphere in europe! While there are a few events going on they're less frequent and cool compared to WU's. But this is just speaking of York university events. If you get connections to Uoft which you will that opens a lot more and very cool doors.

6. Testimonial

It was amazing! Made incredible connections, saw insanely beautiful places, got to experience a different culture, try out new things (sports!) and really enjoyed toronto city life overall (mix of different sports culture to europe + nightlife)! You better check out King Street (Paris Texas) and pay Maddison Bar a visit!! Highly recommend this experience - you'll look back on an incredibly fun chapter in your life and will have made global connections!