Before coming to Montreal, I spent the summer conducting neuroscience research at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario! Although the research community of Queen's and the town of Kingston were amazing, I definitely noticed the lack of student presence during the summer. Like most university towns, the population of Kingston drastically changes in both magnitude and make up during the summer, creating a very different atmosphere than what one might usually experience.
On the contrary, Montreal is a huge city! Even when I arrived in the city in August, prior to the start of school starting, the environment was buzzing, bustling, and bouncing with energy. Coming from my experience with smaller towns in North Carolina, this honestly felt a bit overwhelming at first, but it quickly became very fun! Within a few weeks I had met a lovely girl named Mia with whom I now have a relationship, and we have been going on a bunch of adventures throughout the city!
As a native of Montreal, Mia has been incredibly helpful in helping me acclimate and integrate into the student way of life in the city. From acquiring an OPUS card (the public transport pass), to helping me with my French (the official language of Quebec), I feel much more integrated into the larger student community.
