🎒 New to Montreal for CEGEP or College?

Here Are 11 Real-Life Tips to Help You Survive & Thrive

So you're packing your bags and heading to Montreal for school—big move! Whether you’re from down the highway or overseas, this vibrant, bilingual city has so much to offer... and yeah, a few curveballs too (like snowbanks taller than your Wi-Fi signal).

Here’s your no-BS, friendly guide to navigating your first year like a champ—whether you’re introverted, bold, broke, or just a little bit nervous.

🤝 1. Network Early—Even If It Feels Awkward

Making connections now can open doors to internships, jobs, study groups—or just someone who’ll share notes when you’re sick.

✅ Go to orientation, student events, and join clubs

✅ Add classmates on LinkedIn or socials

✅ Talk to people after class—it’s easier than it sounds

🎤 Pro tip: Some of the best opportunities don’t come from professors—they come from your classmate’s cousin who runs a startup.

🏠 2. Choose Your Living Space Wisely

Where you live affects your mental health, grades, and social life.

✅ Look for places close to transit

✅ Confirm what’s included (like heating—big deal in winter!)

✅ Tour the apartment or ask for a video walkthrough

🛋️ Avoid: sketchy leases, mystery roommates, and listings that only show corners of a room.

💸 3. Sort Out Your Finances—Early and Honestly

Don’t wait till your bank account is crying. Make a plan from Day 1.

✅ Apply for student aid, bursaries, and tax credits

✅ Check for part-time jobs through school boards or job fairs

✅ Try flexible side hustles (tutoring, delivery, reselling, etc.)

📲 App help: Koho, Mint, and YNAB are great for tracking spending.

❄️ 4. Prepare for Winter Like a Montreal Pro

Montreal winter isn’t just cold—it’s a lifestyle. Get ahead of it.

✅ Invest in a real winter coat (secondhand is fine!)

✅ Get warm boots with grip and some thermal layers

✅ Learn to love soup and snow days

☃️ Bonus: Skating at Parc La Fontaine or hot chocolate downtown = peak cozy vibes.

🏫 5. Use Your Campus Like a Toolbox

Campus isn’t just for class—it’s full of free resources.

✅ Use mental health and career services

✅ Book study rooms, attend workshops, and ask about tutoring

✅ Say hi to your professors—they notice who shows up

🎓 Reminder: Office hours aren’t just for questions. They’re for connection.

🛒 6. Grocery Like a Smart Student

Eat well without going broke—or living on noodles.

✅ Meal plan and shop once a week

✅ Go to budget stores (Super C, Adonis, PA, etc.)

✅ Cook in bulk and share groceries with roommates

🥘 Hack: Costco trips with friends = savings + bonding time.

🧾 7. Budget = Freedom, Not Restriction

A budget tells your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.

✅ Track your expenses weekly

✅ Set monthly limits (for UberEats, cafés, shopping, etc.)

✅ Keep a mini emergency fund—even $5/week helps

💡 Mindset shift: Budgeting gives you freedom to say yes to the things you really want.

🧼 8. Master the Art of Shared Living

Living with others = life skills 101.

✅ Agree on cleaning, shared items, and quiet hours

✅ Be upfront and kind—passive aggression is a roommate killer

✅ Use apps like Splitwise for shared bills

🧹 Simple fix: A chores schedule might feel cheesy, but it saves friendships.

🇫🇷 9. Master Both Languages—It’s a Power Move

Speaking both French and English = ✨social + academic + job advantage✨.

✅ Practice conversational French (outside the classroom)

✅ Join conversation clubs or language exchanges

✅ Don’t worry about mistakes—people appreciate effort

☕ Challenge: Order coffee or ask for directions in French at least once a day!

🧘‍♀️ 10. Take Care of You

Academic hustle is real—but burnout is real-er.

✅ Sleep enough (yes, it matters)

✅ Move a little every day—even just a walk

✅ Make time for joy: music, journaling, art, whatever fills you up

💛 Reminder: You are not your GPA. You’re a whole person. Treat yourself like one.

📂 11. Document Everything (Yes, Everything)

Keep your digital life organized—it’ll save you when you need proof or clarity.

✅ Store copies of your lease, grades, tax docs, and receipts

✅ Track tuition, student loans, and health insurance info

✅ Use Google Drive, Notion, or even a labeled folder

🗂️ Life hack: When something goes sideways, having proof gets things fixed faster.

🎉 You’ve Got This—One Class, Metro Ride, or Snowstorm at a Time

Montreal is buzzing with opportunity, energy, and incredible people. Your first year won’t be perfect—and it doesn’t have to be. Just keep learning, stay open, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

✨ Welcome to your next chapter! ✨