Moving to Toronto for University. >How's the public

>>1242076
The questions you asked are very relative and also vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. Where are you moving from and what general area are you thinking of moving to?

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>>1242077
Moving from small-town Northern Ontario.

Lived in Vancouver for a few months when I was little. That's the only experience I have with actually living in cities.

My campus is right downtown (Ryerson).

Family friend lives in central Whitby, I'll be staying with them for awhile although would very much like to move out. That's where the information on neighbourhoods comes in. I've heard it's almost impossible to find anywhere to live closer to downtown.

>>1242080
First of all, do you prefer small towns over cities? Because if you do there is almost a 100% chance you won't like Toronto. Do you remember if you liked your time in Vancouver? If you're willing to have an open mind and not go in hating it, you might enjoy your time.

>How's the public transit? (I'll have about an hour and fifteen minute commute)
So I guess you're planning on commuting from Whitby. Like you said, move out as soon as possible to somewhere closer. The GO train is alright and getting from Union to Ryerson isn't that hard, but it can be pricey if you're doing it everyday. Ideally move within a half hour bike ride from your school and bike when you can. Don't even bother with driving in the city.

>Does the city feel 'cramped'?
Compared to small town Northern Ontario? Probably. I've never had a claustrophobic feel in any city I've lived in, but that's most likely because I've only lived in cities. I assume it's something you get used to. Although, Toronto does have plenty of urban parks.

>Does it smell bad?
Again, Compared to small town Northern Ontario? Probably. It smells just about as bad as any major city.

>Where should I start looking for my own apartment? Is it even feasible to do so?
Universities have student specific housing (and I'm not talking about residences). Check your online student account, there should be something there. If nothing else search "student housing" on kijiji.

>Any particularly shitty neighborhoods to avoid?
Not any ones you'd be likely to go by. Most of Toronto's worst neighbourhoods are on the peripheries of the city. Land in the city centre became too valuable and all of the old shitty areas became condos.

>Is it boring?
Back in the 60's Toronto had a reputation of being Montreal's nose-to-the grind-stone, "accountant-like" brother. That has changed in recent decades. Toronto has a great nightlife (although last call could be later), and plenty of events, festivals, sports leagues, niche hobby groups, etc.

>>1242080
It's definitely not impossible to find a place close to downtown. You can find a room in a condo by queen and Bathurst for like 700 but you'll be sharing the place with 2 other people

>>1242089

what this guy said is top dollar advice OP

the only caveat I would add is that biking is only feasible for half the year. The rest of the time you'll need to use public transit or drive. Keep that in mind.

>>1242089
>Toronto has a great nightlife
You're being too generous imo. As someone that's lived in Europe and USA, the nightlife is mediocre in Toronto. Only ok if you have friends to enjoy it with, and you better get used to calling it a night very early, really quite bad. I actually enjoy going to the occasional jays game though. Those are fun.

>>1243125
>you better get used to calling it a night very early

Yeah, that's why I mentioned last call could be later

Agreed, there are plenty of cities throughout the world that have a better night life scene than Toronto, but Toronto has the best within at least a 400 km radius. It's great for Ontario and parts of US states that are closer to the the border

>>1242076
>How's the public transit? (I'll have about an hour and fifteen minute commute)
Shitty, filled with loud annoying people and run down.
>Does the city feel 'cramped'?
Generally no, it's pretty sprawling so a bigger problem is that it can be tough to get to outlying areas.
>Does it smell bad?
Depends where you are, but besides the natural smell of cars and pollution, no.
>Where should I start looking for my own apartment? Is it even feasible to do so?
Depends on your budget. I lived in a place right downtown that wasn't too much money (compared to other places in Toronto, the whole city is pricey). Look for somewhere close to your university or with convenient access to the subway.
>Any particularly shitty neighborhoods to avoid?
Yeah, places like Jane and Finch have a bad rep, but those are pretty far from where you would be. There are a couple of sketchy neighbourhoods that you might be looking at by accident, but just google the neighbourhood before you rent anything. In general though, even the shitty neighbourhoods are safe by the standards of most of the world.
>Is it boring?
By what standard? I find most cities where you actually want to live for a while depend on the people you get to know there. If you're living there as a loner then yeah.