Coming in winter to study in Seneca. Need heads up, any advice will be appreciated. (apartments)

[Sandra Shore]

Hello everyone. I just got my Letter of acceptance recently and now I'm going to proceed with my Visa. Anyway I'm looking forward to see Toronto. But honestly I'm so scared and nervous that I can't quite remember what was it I wanted to ask
First of all, I was going to look for a flat to rent, but some ads are just making me confused. Should I avoid basement apartments or is it real to find a really nice one? They just look so attractive with those low prices. But I've heard different opinions. Some people say those basements are mostly too cold in winter and too dump in summer. And it's a bit difficult to choose for someone who's born on the other far far end of the world On the other hand Seneca is offering this 'Room in a House' option. I was thinking about it too. And still after all I'm sure it's better to pay two hundred dollars more but to get an apartment where you'll be free to use the bathroom and the kitchen whenever you want.

Another question is about the district where I'm supposed to live. I'll be studying at Seneca York so I thought I should look for rental options just around North York. What is this area like? I was told that there are a lot of students living there but I still do not know anything about this part of the town. Is it multinational? Are there many shops around? How is the infrastructure there? There are so much more questions I would like to ask. I was reading a lot about Toronto but it seems to me I won't figure it all out before I arrive anyway. I will be happy to hear any advice about what I'll be likely facing when I get there.

[canadian citizen]

A few facts.

A basement apt is heated by a furnace, which is IN the basement. The laws here require the MINIMUM in door temp to be 21 celsius, from October to April.

Usually a basement apt, especially in North York , has a seperate entrance, its own kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, and windows.

North York is a part of the city of Toronto, so no worries about " infastructure " as it is the largest city in Canada. We have a first class transit system with buses , streetcars and underground subways. The Toronto Transit Commission moves over one million riders A DAY.

Toronto is a VERY diverse city. We speak about 120 languages here. Wherever you come from, you will meet others here, who are from your country. I guarantee it.

I like to say that " Toronto is the place where the world has come to live `.

Jim B

Toronto.

[zortation]

York U is near the edge of the city, out in the boonies. It's not a particularly attractive area, no shopping or malls nearby, but you will be around a lot of students. A car would be a good thing for you to have.

Attending school + basement apartment = hell. Don't do it. Unless you don't mind the sound of people walking on your head while you're trying to study.

[Sandra Shore]

Thanks for giving me something to think about.