Jonathan Graham Montgomery

Host University: McMaster University
Year of Study Abroad: 2010-11

Where did you live? Would you recommend it?

I stayed on campus in Bates Residence, though I enjoyed the experience and there were many exchange students close by, I found the residences much more expensive than off campus due to the compulsory meal plan. Residence ensures you are close to lectures, people and know what you have before you arrive in Canada. Don't feel like you'll miss out if you don't choose it though! Plenty of people opt for Westdale and the streets around the university, wherever you choose there will be students.

Which department(s) did you study in?

History

How does the workload/classes/teaching styles vary to Sheffield?

Days are longer and the workload is higher, but the work itself is not much harder and manageable.

What did you do for fun at the weekends and during the holidays?

Daytrips around Canada and the USA - try the Outdoor Club. Gym membership is a fraction of the cost at Sheffield and the university puts on sports tournaments in term time. I definitely recommend entering an exchange students team! There was also a great International Society which I definitely recommend giving a lot of your time to.

Did you join any societies or clubs?

Outdoor Club, Ski and Snowboard Club, and International Society.

Describe the University/City/things to do

The university itself is fairly isolated from the city in a nice part of town. You'll have a North American university experience complete with Homecoming football and plenty of enthusiastic 'school spirit'.

Though Hamilton has some bad areas, try not to buy into the negatives. There are plenty of nice areas such as Locke Street and Westdale as well as good nights out if you involve yourself and recommend.

Furthermore, Toronto is only 20 and one hour away so if you do find yourself bored there is always something to do there.

Specifically, I would recommend the Canadian music festival held in Toronto during the second term. There are also plenty of great local gigs at the Casbah Lounge near Hess village.

Could you give any travel or immigration tips?

Definitely get the pick up service from the airport and try to travel light, you will come home with extras.

Could you give any advice or tips to a student preparing to go or tell them anything you wished you knew in advance?

Travel as much as you can at every opportunity and make good friends with the other exchange students, they will want to travel too.

Also, if you choose campus you will be put in with Canadian freshers and their 'frosh' week is very loud at 8am. Bring earplugs!

Would you say it is cheaper or more expensive to live than Sheffield?

Food and alcohol were more expensive but travel was always cheaper so I recommend it, though it will end up costing you.

Bus fares to Washington and Philadelphia for under 20 dollars! However, much of this depends on your choice of accommodation, meal plan, air fares and lifestyle.