by "BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
Published 06/08/2017 at 16:00
by "BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
Published 06/08/2017 at 16:00
No Tags
STARS: 1
As some of you may have read, I am going to do an Internship at the University of Toronto starting sometime this summer (if and once all the paperwork and visa arrangements have been made).
Of course, I need to make some arrangements myself as well, such as accommodation for the 3-ish month period I will be staying there. Would any of our Canadian/Toronto-area Oppos have any advice for me about that? My demands aren’t too high, but being either close (cycling distance of a few kilometers is fine, I’m Dutch after all) to the city centre or close to public transport would be nice, as would a somewhat not dangerous area. If I have more questions I’ll definitely post them here.
Thanks in advance, have Canada’s best supercar for your time.
"Honeybunchesofgoats" (honeybunche0fgoats)
06/08/2017 at 12:48, STARS: 1
Congrats on the internship! Make sure you take the opportunity to check out the Royal Ontario Museum (And the Aga Khan Museum, even though it’s out in bumfuck nowhere).
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
06/08/2017 at 12:52, STARS: 1
Which campus are you attending? Mississauga, Downtown or Scarborough?
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
06/08/2017 at 13:06, STARS: 1
There’s very little in the way of really dangerous areas in Toronto. Honestly. There’s almost nowhere I myself wouldn’t walk through alone at night. UofT is probably one of the least desirable areas (lol) but it’s less about what areas to aim for and more knowing what to avoid. Obviously shit still can and does go down, as in any city, so don’t take that as a promise. Here’s a couple links for you to check out.
http://urbantoronto.ca/forum/threads/most-dangerous-neighbourhood-s.10025/
http://torontolife.com/crime/
Fwiw businessinsider ranked it 8th.
Also:
NO THAT AIN’T
"The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
06/08/2017 at 16:03, STARS: 1
Toronto drivers hate cyclists. It also one of the most expensive city’s in Canada, so be prepared to pay lots for stuff. You should meet us fun Toronto Oppos.
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/08/2017 at 16:11, STARS: 1
Thanks for the information, about what Inexpected seeing the reputation of Canadians as kind people.
Well 8th is less safe than Amsterdam, and there are definitely areas of Amsterdam I’d rather not be, but I guess that is the case for every city.
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/08/2017 at 16:16, STARS: 0
I think all drivers hate cyclists while driving. Even as a Dutch guy, to whom cycling is a natural mode of transportation, when driving I hate the things cyclists do in traffic, but when I’m cycling myself I do the same stuff...
I definitely will, I’m also hoping to get a chance to see the Cletus Vette and the Datsun.
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/08/2017 at 16:24, STARS: 0
Downtown if I’m not mistaken, or at least that is where the Electrical and Computer engineering faculty in which I will intern is located.
"RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars" (rallydarkstrike)
06/08/2017 at 16:25, STARS: 1
Stop in to Nova Scotia on your way by to Ontario and say hi! :D
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
06/08/2017 at 16:26, STARS: 1
Just don’t wander around Winnipeg, you may change your opinion of Canada :)
Yeah pretty much, every city has their bad areas. Just some more than others. It’s not too bad here.
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/08/2017 at 16:27, STARS: 0
Thanks! Those will go on my ‘to visit’ list.
"" (bignslow)
06/08/2017 at 16:27, STARS: 1
Don’t get a car because you will be spending all your money on parking and your 2 kilometer daily commute will take 2 hours due to traffic.
Try to find a place to live close by for reasons listed above. Expect to spend millions of dollars on rent.
Stay away from Jane and Finch at night.
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/08/2017 at 16:30, STARS: 0
I wasn’t planning to, the idea crossed my mind but was quickly shot down by my common sense, haha.
Thanks for the advice!
"FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem" (fuelstratifiedinjection)
06/08/2017 at 16:33, STARS: 1
Congrats on the internship! Quite the great opportunity you got there.
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/08/2017 at 16:36, STARS: 0
But it is so far away, haha.
If I get the opportunity I definitely will!
"Wacko" (wacko--)
06/08/2017 at 16:38, STARS: 2
bring a winter jacket and boots, don’t forget your Touque
and don’t forget to scream “Leafs Sucks” all the time you walk downtown Toronto.
"The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
06/08/2017 at 16:42, STARS: 2
*& my Juke. Toronto is next level drivers.
"RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars" (rallydarkstrike)
06/08/2017 at 16:42, STARS: 1
Bah, you’re passing overhead...just borrow a parachute. I can give you a lift to Ontario after, it’s ONLY like...1860km from here. :P
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/08/2017 at 16:43, STARS: 1
Thanks! I’m really lucky it came up when talking to my supervisor, otherwise I’d be doing my internship in my own university, which wouldn’t be as much of an adventure.
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/08/2017 at 16:47, STARS: 0
Is it that cold? I’ll probably be there from late July to early November.
Would that really be beneficial for my well being, haha.
"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
06/08/2017 at 16:53, STARS: 1
I have a freshly renovated basement apartment for rent. It’s about 20 mins transit ride to U of T. (and an even shorter bike ride) It’s available for rent July 1st. But there are a few good neighborhoods around the university. The issue is price!
Edit: Regardless of where you end up staying, I’d love to show you around “my” city and go for a ride in the Corvette if you want.
"Wacko" (wacko--)
06/08/2017 at 17:00, STARS: 1
no it’s not that cold
November in Toronto ain’t that bad.
might get a little chilly but shouldn’t freeze
"FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem" (fuelstratifiedinjection)
06/08/2017 at 17:02, STARS: 1
Definitely more exciting for sure. Also a way to finally get to use those stupid english skills you acquired at school. Consider yourself lucky!
My internships haven’t been nearly as exciting haha.
"gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee" (gogmorgo)
06/08/2017 at 17:04, STARS: 1
You should be fine if it’s only till November. Expect July to be ball-sweat hot. Coldest I ever saw over two winters in the GTA was -19°C. People were freaking out. I laughed at them. Didn’t need more than my bunnyhug. Didn’t even bother bringing my parka with me the second year.
Also, FYI U of T isn’t one massive campus, it’s a bunch of buildings spread around the city. So make sure you’re in the correct area.
I don’t really have much more to say. Didn’t live in TO itself. Avoided spending more time than necessary there. Too many people in too small a space. Can’t understand how anyone would want to live like that.
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/08/2017 at 17:07, STARS: 0
That sounds interesting! Is there an email address I can contact you on about that?
Thanks for the offer, I’ll definitely take you up on that.
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/08/2017 at 17:10, STARS: 1
English skills aren’t stupid, for me at least. About 50% of converstions and 100% of assignments/reports/papers is in English at my university. But it’ll definitely help further improving them, and will help to enrich my vocabulary.
"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
06/08/2017 at 17:11, STARS: 1
Sure can! Shoot me an email to clayton.seams@gmail.com and I can send you the address, price and all that.
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/08/2017 at 17:17, STARS: 0
I’m aware, as far as I know the Electrical and Computer engineering faculty is located on the st George ‘Campus’, but I’ll be sure to double check once I have all the details.
"FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem" (fuelstratifiedinjection)
06/08/2017 at 17:19, STARS: 1
I was actually being kinda sarcastic with my statement there:) Most of the dimwits of my former school never took and still don’t take the English language serious. Actually using the language for practical things makes it fun, at least for me. It worked at Europpomeet and I’m sure it’s going to work for you in Canada.
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/08/2017 at 17:23, STARS: 1
Yeah some people don’t get why they need to learn the language because they don’t get to use it.
Just for your info, I couldn’t think in Dutch for about half a day after Europpomeet, so that means it’ll probably take a month after Canada, haha.
"CB" (jrcb)
06/08/2017 at 17:29, STARS: 2
Well, it’s an expensive city. If you’re going to live somewhere, aim for a spot close to a bus route or subway line (or street car!). It’s a nice enough town, food is always available, you’ll probably enjoy it. The summer will be warm, and by November it’ll just be getting to being below freezing during the day.
Also, if you get a weekend lff, take the train to Ottawa or Montreal. Both are great places.
Any questions, shoot away. I’ve lived here for eighteen out of 22 years.
"G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3" (gbodyman)
06/08/2017 at 17:49, STARS: 1
I hope you enjoy it! I’m on the opposite coast right now, but I’ll be moving to Niagara area in the fall for school. If you ever want to see the falls, let me know!
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
06/08/2017 at 18:02, STARS: 1
Here are some options I found:
https://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/roo/6168095998.html
https://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/roo/6167878727.html
https://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/roo/6145964035.html
https://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/roo/6167797983.html
For
more options check Kijiji.ca or craigslist.org, use the postal code M5S
3E5 (the postal code for the U of T Chemical Engineering building) and
stay within 5km of that postal code... and west of Yonge Street. East of
Yonge St. is better now than it used to be, but the sketchier areas within 5km are to the east
For just a room, expect to pay $600-$800/month. If it’s less than that, expect it to be the size of a closet.
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/08/2017 at 18:04, STARS: 0
The Niagara falls are among the things I want to see, so I’ll probably take you up on that.
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
06/08/2017 at 18:14, STARS: 0
Thanks for the help!
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
06/08/2017 at 18:22, STARS: 1
U of T one of the least desirable areas? Maybe if it’s the Scarborough campus... but that’s not the case at all for the downtown St. George campus.
The area around the downtown UofT campus is fairly desirable.
And regarding what areas are labelled “dangerous”... I have been downtown many times over many years. The problem with how some areas are labeled as “dangerous” is the data doesn’t fully account for how some areas are also very high density... and doesn’t correct for the “drunken nightlife” factor.
For example... Yorkville and King West are “high crime”, but are actually nice areas and I don’t find them to be dangerous at all.
But because you have a lot of idiots getting drunk at bars and having fights on Friday and Saturday nights, it’s “high crime”.
And one of the areas that has “low crime”:
http://torontolife.com/neighbourhood-rankings/#West%20Humber-Clairville
... is like that because it’s a suburban wasteland without much going on.
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
06/08/2017 at 18:24, STARS: 0
Ah HA! NOW WE KNOW YOUR REAL IDENTITY MR. BOND.... err... MR. CLETUS!!!
/jk
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
06/08/2017 at 18:26, STARS: 1
Go on a wine tour... I’ve taken people from Europe from wine tours... and of course Niagara is only one of two places in the world that makes good Ice Wine...
FYI... I was just in Niagara Falls a few weeks ago... Only a 1.5 hour drive from where I live.
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
06/08/2017 at 18:27, STARS: 0
+1... just trying to find parking for it downtown is a pain...
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
06/08/2017 at 18:40, STARS: 1
“and don’t forget to scream “Leafs Sucks” all the time you walk downtown Toronto.”
But best done in front of a place called the Air Canada Center at 7pm on a Saturday night starting in October.
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
06/08/2017 at 18:45, STARS: 0
It’s also worth mentioning that that Ottawa this coming up July 1st is gonna have a really big party for Canada’s 150th anniversary...
" The Compromiser" (charger)
06/08/2017 at 18:53, STARS: 0
Oddly, I’m going to be in PEI, for the first two weeks of July, and will then be driving back to Ontario. I will even have an empty seat....
This might work...
" The Compromiser" (charger)
06/08/2017 at 18:54, STARS: 1
I’m pretty sure if you are downtown campus, you’re a cross the street from the ROM.
"RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars" (rallydarkstrike)
06/08/2017 at 19:22, STARS: 0
:O
" The Compromiser" (charger)
06/08/2017 at 19:27, STARS: 0
Here’s how the conversation would go:
Me:Honey, we’re bringing some dutch guy back with us. No, he seems very nice online. What’s with the knife? Are we having cake? I didn’t see a cake, oh shiiiii..........
"RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars" (rallydarkstrike)
06/08/2017 at 19:36, STARS: 0
So not the tolerating type, is she then? :P
"CB" (jrcb)
06/08/2017 at 20:11, STARS: 0
I mean, everywhere is probably gonna have a big party. From Alert to Victoria to Flin Flon to Happy Valley Goose Bay.
"The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
06/08/2017 at 20:27, STARS: 1
I would not worry about the language barrier, Toronto is extremely diverse.
"" (bignslow)
06/08/2017 at 22:13, STARS: 0
I used to live downtown about 20 years ago. It was actually pretty nice back then. My living room faced CN tower. Now I get road rage any time I have to go to Toronto because I am so used to not having to deal with traffic in Niagara.
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
06/08/2017 at 22:19, STARS: 0
Least being relative and desirable being subjective, I don’t like areas around colleges/uni’s in general. And you’re right about density playing into it. That’s one of the reasons Toronto is rated so high as a whole, it’s a lot denser for the amount of shit that goes on, comparatively. Fwiw I live right across the river from the area in that West Humber-Claireville streetview... not sure if it’s officially in the same area or not. Regardless, the south side of the river is ok—the north side, enclosed by John Garland, Martin Grove, Finch, Albion and Kipling—that’s one of the places I wouldn’t go. Heck, I don’t like driving through it in daylight, never mind walking it at night. Place gives me the creeps.