I’m an international student who is interested in Universities in Canada. I’m looking in particular at UBC and UofT. Both the universities don’t seem too far apart in rankings. (I think UofT is mostly ranked higher, but I guess UBC isn’t that far off.) I just want some insight into the academic standards and the campus life in the two universities. Which is better in terms of opportunities in engineering? Thank you!
Both are very strong universities. Both are also very large.
Toronto has a reputation for being academically very challenging. It is pretty much right in downtown Toronto, which is the largest city in Canada.
UBC is on the western tip of Vancouver. It was granted a relatively large block of land a long time ago and therefore has a very large campus immediately on the western edge of Vancouver. It therefore has quite a bit of forest and a botanical garden right on campus (or perhaps it has a campus and a botanical garden which are in a forest). At low tide it is surrounded by beaches on three sides (Vancouver is the fourth side). At high tide the beaches almost disappear (but don’t worry, they will be back!). There are mountains nearby. It is one of the most beautiful campuses anywhere.
Housing is scarce and very expensive in both cities. Toronto winters will be colder, with a significant amount of snow. Vancouver winters are very rainy, but it only snows occasionally. Summers are beautiful in both cities. From an academic standpoint, if you are a very strong student and very hardworking, and if you keep ahead of your work, then you will do well at either university. Grading will be tougher than comparable US universities but don’t panic, everyone who matters (such as admission staff at other universities) will know this.
Thank you so much for the reply! I got into UBC but I’m still waiting on UofT. I hope I get in
Both are quite challenging academically. U of T is right smack dab in the middle of Toronto, UBC is a bit farther out from Vancouver’s city centre, but by no mean isolated. I would ignore rankings. They are close enough in quality that it’s really all about you finding the program where you fit best. IMO it’s often overlooked how important it is to find the right place for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re at the best school in the world if you are unhappy there.
"Thank you so much for the reply! I got into UBC but I’m still waiting on UofT. I hope I get in "
UBC is a very good university. Even if you get into Toronto you should still very seriously consider UBC.
and, Congratulations!
@57special
Thanks a lot for the reply! I do agree with you on finding the right fit and I hope that’s what I’d get from university life. =)
Both are very reputable. Just pick whichever one is better, with ideas of what you like/dislike about each.
Anyway, congratulations! 
Engineering (Applied Sciences) is the hardest faculty to enter.
@DartMonkey93
Thank you!