Why Montréal is the top student city in North America

Unlike other Canadian cities whose university campuses are tucked away in sleepy neighbourhoods far from the bustling centre, Montréal’s four major universities are all either based downtown or within a quick 10-minute Métro ride. Home to McGill (named by QS as one of Canada's top universities and ranked 27th internationally, it’s also been dubbed “the Harvard of Canada” by The Simpsons), Concordia University, the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM for short) and Université de Montréal (or UdeM), Montréal’s academic reputation is top of the class.

With a packed annual calendar of world-renowned festivals and major events, making the scene is a cornerstone of life in Montréal. Activities continue above and beyond the academic calendar through spring, summer, fall and winter, guaranteeing each students’ time in Montréal remains invigorating and inspiring. And did we mention the food? Moving away from the parental kitchen is one of the hardest adjustments in student life, but Montréal’s gourmet multicultural food scene has something for every pallet, including those fondly missed tastes of home.

With some of the world’s coolest streets and neighbourhoods, Montréal is always on the cutting edge. The forward-looking local music scene thrills listeners internationally, and the city’s beloved venues play host to the most name-checked up-and-comers. An important stop on any band’s tour schedule, Montréal’s indie music scene also comes with inherent bragging rights of getting to see and hear the most exciting artists early in their careers.

Students looking to explore Montréal nightlife and get their dance on will find options that keep the party going late any night of the week, including the active and fun queer scene that’s packed with monthly events and is seen and felt throughout the city. The eclectic theatre scene offers a rich tapestry of performances in both English and French with many production companies offering discounted student tickets, and taking one’s studies in Montréal also reveals a flourishing and vibrant Francophone scene from comedy to performance, adding to the city’s joie de vivre.

With its lively café culture and wealth of independent coffee shops for every aesthetic, Montréal is home to some of the world’s most stunning co-working spaces (Forbes Magazine-approved, no less). And when it comes to hitting the books, Montréal’s well-read bookstores and libraries are always bustling with students looking for their next great read or study corner.

With all that in mind, it doesn’t take a doctorate degree to see why Montréal’s Canada’s valedictorian when it comes to the country’s best student cities!