McGill University (McGill)

Montreal’s McGill University is a public research institution teeming with “international recognition” and amazing “academic and research opportunities.” Students fortunate enough to attend have “access to world-class resources and professors” as well as a “beautiful campus”—all at a “low cost.” They also benefit from “an atmosphere that cultivates critical thinking and broadens your perspective of the world.” Though a few individuals do complain that first-year classes can be “huge and [comprised of] impersonal lectures,” they also reveal that “the higher you get in courses, the better they become.” Further, “smaller class sizes” are the norm in departments such as “English, History, and Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (LLC).” Regardless of what you ultimately choose to study, McGill undergrads generally find their professors to be “very well-versed in their subjects and...passionate.” Importantly, they’re also “dedicated” and “accessible.” But they won’t let their students slack. As one undergrad shares, “The amount of work is a little excessive during some stretches, and the grading is by no means easy.” Fortunately, instructors do “encourage students to come to conferences and office hours.” And it’s clearly evident that “the faculty truly love what they teach.”

Undergrads at McGill University take pride in the fact that their peers are “highly diverse” and hail from a number of countries. Of course, there are plenty of Montreal natives as well. And many suggest that the “bilingualism of local students...adds to the cultural experience” as well. Looking beyond geography, undergrads here also reveal that their peers are “very hardworking and committed to school, spending many hours a day studying.” They also tend to be quite “inclusive.” One student shares, “All of the students are open-minded and appreciative of the differences that make our school [unique].” A fellow undergrad adds, “I haven’t met a rude student yet. Everyone is kind and willing to collaborate or help.” This attitude could be attributed to the fact that undergrads here “are always working on personally developing themselves, academically, and culturally.” McGill also boasts that its peers are “motivated to do well and be successful and help as many people in the world as they can.” When it comes to politics, students are “mostly liberal or left leaning.” And perhaps most importantly, “Despite having a large student body with nearly 40,000 individuals, the McGill community will never let you feel insignificant as an individual.”

McGill University undergrads are pretty honest about the fact that they “mostly spend their time studying.” After all, classes can be very demanding and “time consuming.” Nevertheless, even these intellectually-minded students need to kick back every now and again. When they’re looking for a break, undergrads can turn to the “on-campus...pubs [which frequently host] events.” McGill undergrads also tend to be “very active in the community” and often carve out some “time for volunteering.” It’s also quite common for students to organize and stage “music shows...themselves.” For students looking to enjoy the outdoors, the Macdonald campus has a [great] area to hike in, an arboretum, and a bird observatory just half an hour away by walk.” Or, as one ecstatic student sees it, “We have a magical forest to escape to in any season!” Once the weekend arrives, it is “party time.” One knowing student explains, “First-year students often party [in] residence or go to local bars, while upperclassmen go to clubs more often.” Lastly, hometown Montreal offers plenty of excitement. Students can explore everything from the newest cafes to museums and cutting edge art galleries. This city has something for everyone, no matter your interests.