Marshall or St.Cloud city - MN, Vancouver and Toronto - Canada, where is the coldest and warmest place? (St. Cloud: consignment, schools)

[bingxing]

I am a young girl from VietNam- a tropical climate country. And I plan to apply to universities in cities above, which provide affordable tuition and fees.

I have never been to any of these cities. That's why I have no idea how cold it is for real and whether I am able to be okay with the dam cold winter in these places.

Any comment or opinion will be helpful to me. Thanks in advance.

[golfgal]

Vancouver is going to be the warmest overall, Toronto second, Marshall and St. Cloud will be the coldest. The University in Marshall is completely accessible by a tunnel system so you wouldn't have to go outside much on if you didn't want to.

[bingxing]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Vancouver is going to be the warmest overall, Toronto second, Marshall and St. Cloud will be the coldest. The University in Marshall is completely accessible by a tunnel system so you wouldn't have to go outside much on if you didn't want to.

Do you mean that Southwest Minnesota State University has a tunnel system on campus? That sounds great!

Actually, ur comments about Marshall on this website make me feel positively about this place. Even though the winter in there is extremely harsh and the university is located at the middle of nowhere ( according to some students), Marshall is still on my choice list. Thank you!

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by bingxing

Do you mean that Southwest Minnesota State University has a tunnel system on campus? That sounds great!

Actually, ur comments about Marshall on this website make me feel positively about this place. Even though the winter in there is extremely harsh and the university is located at the middle of nowhere ( according to some students), Marshall is still on my choice list. Thank you!

Yes, there is a tunnel system on campus. I am not sure EVERY building is connected but most are. Marshall is a nice town, yes a little remote, but there is plenty to do in town, especially for college kids with the activities on campus, etc.

[mr_creosote]

If you like the idea of a tunnel system to stay warm then the City of Toronto would appeal to you. The University of Toronto is a mile or so north of the path system though. I believe the PATH underground system is the world's longest (someone will likely contradict me??) at 28 km. As for things to do in town, that's not really an issue in a multicultural place like Toronto.

[url=http://www.toronto.ca/path/]City of Toronto: PATH - Toronto's downtown walkway[/url]

[northstar22]

Minnesota is colder than much of Canada. Our winters are more severe than Toronto's or Vancouver's.

As for schools, I'd much rather go to school in Marshall or St. Cloud than Toronto or Vancouver. Do you have any idea how big Toronto is? It's a huge city. Marshall is a small college town that has a much more "home-like" feel. St. Cloud is slightly bigger, but still small compared to Toronto or Vancouver. Marshall is probably a better place to get accustomed to North American life (there isn't much of a cultural difference between Minnesota and Canada) because it's a smaller town.

[audadvnc]

Back in the 1970's when many Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees came to Minnesota, they called it "White Hell", both because of the endless months of freezing weather, and the locals' then-unwelcoming attitudes. That was 35+ years ago; most Minnesotans are more accepting of Asian neighbors than way back when.

The weather's still cold, though - it's already been below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and we haven't even hit the winter solstice. You'll need plenty of warm clothes (we have lots of clothing stores, including consignment and thrift stores that sell gently used duds), and hopefully somebody to help you find your way for the first few months.

[bingxing]

I just do not know what to say but thank you. Thank you Goflgal, Mr_creosote, Kazoopilot and Audadvnc!

And Audadvnc, ur words: " You'll need plenty of warm clothes (we have lots of clothing stores, including consignment and thrift stores that sell gently used duds), and hopefully somebody to help you find your way for the first few months."
They touched my heart. Thank you for ur thoughtfulness!

[Minnesota Spring]

I live about 1/2 hour from Marshall. It is a nice small town, but should provide you with everything you need (groceries, restaruants, medical services etc.) There are many Hmong (from Loas) residents and students in the area. They are very nice people and get along well with other people in the community. I believe many of them attend the University in Marshall. You would probably get mistaken for a Hmong person by the locals, but that shouldnt be a problem as there is really no anomosity or racism towards the Asian population by the locals that I am aware of (un-like with the local Somolian Population).
As for winter, it is cold and we have had alot of snow this winter. It takes a while to get used to, but if you bunddle up before going outside, it is not that bad. We get a handful of sub-zero outbreaks every winter, but they usually don't last that long. The snow will all melt in March and everything will green up quickley. The spring, summer, and fall seasons are very nice to be outside. Summer can get pretty hot and humid though. Good luck with your move!

[bingxing]

Originally Posted by Minnesota Spring

I live about 1/2 hour from Marshall. It is a nice small town, but should provide you with everything you need (groceries, restaruants, medical services etc.) There are many Hmong (from Loas) residents and students in the area. They are very nice people and get along well with other people in the community. I believe many of them attend the University in Marshall. You would probably get mistaken for a Hmong person by the locals, but that shouldnt be a problem as there is really no anomosity or racism towards the Asian population by the locals that I am aware of (un-like with the local Somolian Population).
As for winter, it is cold and we have had alot of snow this winter. It takes a while to get used to, but if you bunddle up before going outside, it is not that bad. We get a handful of sub-zero outbreaks every winter, but they usually don't last that long. The snow will all melt in March and everything will green up quickley. The spring, summer, and fall seasons are very nice to be outside. Summer can get pretty hot and humid though. Good luck with your move!

I do not know whether I look like the Hmong American or not. Btw, I have attached a photo of me. Please tell me what u think ( i am just curious). Thank you!