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Cultural Differences You’ll Notice as an International Student in Toronto!!

Welcome to Toronto! As an international student, you’re about to dive into a city that’s a melting pot of cultures, languages, and customs. Toronto is known for its diversity—it's like visiting every corner of the globe without ever leaving the city. But as exciting as this is, it also means you’ll likely encounter a few cultural differences. Don’t worry, though! These are all part of the adventure, and we at Dream House are here to help you settle in and have the time of your life.


1. Everyone's Super Polite – But They Really Mean It!

First things first—Canadians have a reputation for being really polite, and Toronto is no exception. “Sorry” is almost a national word here, and you’ll hear it in all kinds of situations. Someone brushes against you on the subway? They’ll probably apologize. If you’re coming from a culture where being overly polite feels strange, this might surprise you at first. Just roll with it—you’ll soon find yourself saying "sorry" without even thinking!


Fun fact: Toronto is ranked as one of the friendliest cities in the world. So, even when you're waiting for your morning coffee at The Student Hotel cafe, don’t be surprised if someone strikes up a friendly conversation!



2. The Food Scene: Get Ready for a Global Taste Tour


Toronto’s food scene is like no other. Craving sushi, shawarma, dim sum, or tacos? You can have it all in a single day. You’ll quickly notice that food in Toronto reflects the city’s multicultural vibe—there’s always something new to try! In fact, there are over 7,500 restaurants in Toronto, with endless global cuisines.


And hey, if you're living at Dream House, the locations are so central that you’re never more than a few blocks away from some great eats. You can even gather some friends and start a food challenge to try a new cuisine every week!


Tip: Get your hands on a poutine (Canada’s signature fries with gravy and cheese curds). It’s a must-try and will come in handy when you're powering through those long study sessions!



3. Personal Space is a Big Deal


In Toronto, people really value their personal space. You’ll notice that on public transportation like the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission), folks tend to give each other space, and things like hugging strangers aren’t common (unless it’s a hockey victory, then all bets are off!).

At Dream House, we’ve created cozy and comfortable spaces, but we totally get the need for your own bubble too! So whether you're chilling in a common room or your private room, it’s all about balance.


4. Timeliness – Being "On Time" Means Being Early

Canadians, and especially Torontonians, are pretty punctual. If you’ve got a meeting, class, or even just a hangout planned, aim to show up 5-10 minutes early. People here take time commitments seriously, so don’t be surprised if you're the last one to show up to a party that started at 8 PM—on the dot!


Pro tip: Set your alarm a little earlier if you’re staying at The Student Hotel or Dream House—you’ll want to avoid the morning rush on public transit.



5. Multiculturalism Isn’t Just a Buzzword—It’s Everyday Life


One of the best things about living in Toronto is how diverse it is. Over 50% of the population was born outside of Canada, and more than 140 languages are spoken here. You’ll meet people from all over the world in your classes, at Dream House, and out in the city. The great part is that everyone brings their own cultural backgrounds to the mix, which makes Toronto a really special place to live.


You’ll get to experience holidays and festivals from different cultures, like the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) or Diwali, right alongside traditional Canadian holidays like Thanksgiving.

Fun fact: Toronto is also home to Chinatown, Little Italy, Koreatown, Little Portugal, and more—each neighborhood has its own vibe, and they’re all worth exploring!



6. Winter Isn’t Just Cold—It’s an Experience!


If you’re coming from a warm country, get ready for some serious winter weather. Toronto winters can be intense, but they’re also full of fun. Ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square, snowball fights, and cozying up with hot chocolate are just a few of the winter traditions. Be sure to invest in a good winter coat, boots, and gloves. Trust us, your future self will thank you!

At Dream House, we love to keep things warm and cozy during the winter, and you'll always have a toasty space to come home to after braving the cold.


Fun fact: In Toronto, when temperatures reach -10°C, people will still tell you it’s "not too bad" outside!


7. Health Conscious and Eco-Friendly


Torontonians care a lot about staying healthy and being environmentally friendly. You’ll notice people biking to work, jogging in the park, and doing yoga pretty much everywhere. Recycling and composting are big here, and you’ll want to get familiar with the city’s eco-friendly habits.

At Dream House, we encourage a green lifestyle too, with recycling programs and energy-efficient facilities. We even have quiet spaces for meditation or stretching after a long day of studying.



Adapt and Embrace the Experience


Toronto is one of the most vibrant, diverse, and welcoming cities in the world. While some cultural differences may surprise you at first, you'll quickly find that they enrich your experience. Living at Dream House or The Student Hotel, you’re in the heart of this exciting city, surrounded by opportunities to learn, grow, and make lifelong memories.

So, embrace the differences, make new friends, and enjoy every moment of your Toronto adventure!




Welcome to your new home!

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