Caitlyn – Toronto Metropolitan University – Canada
Semester 2, 2024
Bachelor of Design – International
If you told me a year ago I’d be trading Aussie spring sunshine for autumn leaves in Canada, I wouldn’t have believed you. But somehow, I found myself hopping on a plane to Toronto, landing just as the trees were turning orange, red, and gold. I arrived at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) for an exchange in the fall, and spoiler: it was absolutely worth every second of the chaos it took to get there.
The Lead-Up
Let’s be real, preparing for exchange is intense. Between subject approvals, accommodation hunting, and figuring out how many jumpers to pack (answer: more than you think), I had my fair share of “what am I doing?” moments. On top of that, knowing I’d be flipping hemispheres and missing summer back home made it feel even more surreal. I was literally leaving behind beach days to arrive in a completely different season and rhythm of life.
But the moment I stepped out into the crisp Toronto air and saw the maple leaves falling around campus, it clicked, I was about to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Life at TMU
TMU has this cool city-campus vibe, it’s not tucked away in some quiet suburb, it’s right in the middle of downtown. You’re surrounded by skyscrapers, coffee shops, streetcars, and yes, the occasional squirrel darting through campus. It’s a wild but exciting mix.
Classes were a bit different from back home, more interactive, smaller discussions, and a lot more emphasis on creative thinking. I felt like I could really speak up and contribute in class, and my professors genuinely encouraged it. There were also lots of guest speakers every week in my classes. Which was great to get insight into the industry and hearing their stories and experiences.
Finding My Feet
Fall in Toronto is stunning. I became that person constantly stopping to take pictures of leaves, squirrels and trying to go to every fall event possible. There were alot real challenges. Getting used to the time zone, adjusting to new slang, learning to tip properly, and dealing with homesickness hit hard at times.
It was strange being completely out of sync with friends and family back home. While they were posting beach pics, I was drinking hot cider and trying to understand Canadian Thanksgiving. But that disconnection also pushed me to fully lean into the experience. I stopped checking the time back home and started focusing on where I was and who I was becoming.
People, Places, and Poutine
The best part of exchange? 100% the people. I met a mix of Canadian students and fellow internationals who were just as wide-eyed and curious as I was. We explored the city together, from Kensington Market to catching a ferry to the Toronto Islands before it got too cold.
Toronto is incredibly multicultural, and the food scene reflects that. One minute you’re eating a Jamaican patty, the next you’re sharing Korean fried chicken at 2am after karaoke. And yes, I finally tried poutine, it’s exactly as good as everyone says.
Fall was also the perfect time to explore beyond the city. I got there a few weeks before the semester started to settle in. I got to explore not only Toronto but was lucky enough to see Banff and Vancouver. Due to me staying two semesters I got to see Niagara falls two times, in the fall and winter which was spectacular. I was worried about having Christmas alone but I was fortunate enough for my family to visit over christmas as we got to explore Montreal and Quebec City. Not only that but I made lifelong connections with Canadians and with exchange students all over the world.
Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Being on exchange taught me a lot more than what I picked up in class. I learned how to be adaptable, how to be alone without feeling lonely, and how to embrace being uncomfortable, because that’s where the growth happens.
Sure, there were days I felt overwhelmed. There were nights I missed home-cooked meals and days where everything felt unfamiliar. But those were the same days I ended up having a meaningful conversation with someone new, or stumbled upon a cute coffee shop that became my go-to, or just took a breath and reminded myself, I’m in Canada right now. How cool is that?
Final Thoughts
If you’re even thinking about going on exchange, do it. Say yes. Book the flight. Ask the questions. Pack the extra jumper.
Studying at TMU in the fall was more than just a semester abroad, it was a reset, a chance to see the world differently, and a reminder that growth comes when you step outside your comfort zone. I returned home with new friendships, a deeper sense of independence, and a camera roll full of memories.
Sure, it might take you three tries to pronounce “Yonge Street” correctly, and you’ll probably complain about the cold every day for the first month, but trust me, it’s all worth it.
Find out more on how you can apply: Student Exchange
