<h2>I have some questions about Montreal, Canada. As a student who is going to McGill and never visited Canada, I have great range of questions. Your responds would be enormous help! Thank you very much!!!</h2>
<li><p>While Montreal is not as expensive as Cambridge, MA I heard that the tax rate is high - if not higher. So, someone recommended me that I get a laptop here in the U.S. before I come to McGill. Do you agree? If not, where would be the best place to buy one in Canada? </p></li>
<li><p>How much is the service fee for the laptop/desktop (specifically from Sony) in Canada? In order to save some money, where do you recommend buying a warranty - the U.S. or Canada?</p></li>
<li><p>Which Canadian bank would you recommend that I can conviniently use at McGill? </p></li>
<li><p>What is the minimum money I need to have in a Canadian bank account (student bank account in Quebec, Montreal)? While I am sure there are LOTS of different card types, which one is the most efficient one? (For instance, in the U.S., Bank of America has golden card (which takes off lots of “service fees” than other cards), plain cards…etc). </p></li>
<li><p>Do I need pay the tuition fee through my Canadian bank account or are there any other options?</p></li>
<li><p>Are there any sites like <a href=“http://www.amazon.com%5B/url%5D”>www.amazon.com</a> in Canada where I can get unlimited access to purchasing used textbooks/novels/ etc? </p></li>
<li><p>When is the ideal time to come to the University? Mid August perhaps? Would the dorm be open for me by the Mid August although my class (Faculty of Arts) starts in Sept 5th? (I guess I need to call McGill but I am just curious right now…) </p></li>
<li><p>I briefly heard that there were some financial cut offs from Quebec government to McGill. Could you please tell how exactly it affected McGill’s academics (in terms of body of faculties and library systems)? Although I am relieved to hear that it’s getting better, I wish I would know more about it just to get myself prepared. </p></li>
<li><p>Although Quebec is an offically French-speaking city, I was surprised to hear that it once attempted to separate from other Canadian provinces (some decades ago?) How are the relationships between Canadian government and Quebec government right now? Still some political tensions around them? </p></li>
<li><p>How long is the “winter” in Montreal? Summer? Would it really like summer (compared to summer in Cambridge MA ) when I go there in mid-August? Is winter there much colder than Boston? (Is the underground mall in Montreal part of reasons for this cold weather? When I heard it, I could not imagine how cold it was going to be…) </p></li>
<li><p>Are there any advices I need to keep in mind when I visit Canada (not only Montreal but in general) How are the people’s attitude? Compared to Bostonians and people in Cambridge MA? Are the officers/workers in electronic and/or big companies “friendly” and “helpful”? To be honest, not many people in such companies are not so “friendly” here…</p></li>
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<li><p>All electronics are cheaper in the US, even with the exchange rate. I would strongly recommend buying one before you go. In Canada there is a general GST and a provincial tax, they add up to 15% on purchases ( dont forget Canadians get national health insurance for their taxes.)</p></li>
<li><p>We got my d. a Dell and did not buy an extended warranty.</p></li>
<li><p>All the banks are close to McGill. We chose Royal Bank of Canada, since they had an exchange bank in the US to pay McGill bills--but McGill now has an automatic withdrawl plan from any US bank that works great for tuition, fees, room, etc. This is the first year and much appreciated. See which bank has an atm closest to where you will live.</p></li>
<li><p>Varies by bank, my d. has a free checking account with RBC, but a VISA from my Vermont credit union.</p></li>
<li><p>See 3. above. You will want to set this up soon after you get the info at Orientation ( have your folks get this info--many first years dont remember anything of frosh week due to circumstances......). McGill will draft your US account and give you a very fair exchange rate, too.</p></li>
<li><p>Yes, your texts books can be ordered from Amazon or from the University store, or the Word used book shop next to campus.</p></li>
<li><p>They really dont want you to come too early, and charge extra for each day. You will arrive at least a week before classes start for the above-mentioned, and infamous, frosh week.</p></li>
<li><p>McGill has the same financial constraints as American U. Chiefly, they are forced for political reasons to keep tuition low for Quebecoise students--so you will see a large number of fees that all students must pay on your bill.
I dont think the infrastructure of McGill has been affected--it is hard to imagine larger first-year classes.</p></li>
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<p>9.Separation is still an issue and it is my impression the Parti Quebecoise is making something of a comeback due to the lack of success of the other parties in the Province. The PQ is the dominant Quebec party in the National Assembly in Ottowa. In the early 90's, 49% of the voters chose separation- it was narrowly defeated. I suggest you read a book, or even Wikipedia about the history of Quebec and learn why separation is an attractive, but maybe not viable, option for Quebec.
Montreal, with its large immigrant population, is less a hotbed of separation than the rural areas. To me, the topic adds to the excitement of living in a different culture not available elsewhere in North America.</p>
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<li><p>Cold, very cold ( except not the just finished winter). Buy a good pair of boots, mittens and a warm coat. It is even colder than here in Burlington, VT. Summers are short but sweet--full of outdoor festivals and other events.
Winter lasts from November to mid-April usually. You get used to it. You will also be working very hard at your studies.</p></li>
<li><p>People are very friendly--the culture is different- Montreal is a unique city and people enjoy life- although there are grouches anywhere. It may not be as alternative as parts of Cambridge, but the diversity is wonderful. I suggest you try to learn and speak a little French, although it is not necessary. I believe the more you integrate into the wider community, the richer your experience will be.</p></li>
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<p>I hope these helped--but bear in mind these are a Dad's opinions- a students might be very different.</p>
<p>1.It is true that tax rate are high 15% like someone else has mentioned. I would assume it's cheaper to buy a laptop in the US.</p>
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<li><p>Any Canadian banks are very accessible to McGill since it is located downtown you will have no problems. I would also recommend RBC. </p></li>
<li><p>I believe with most canadian banks if you have a minimum of 1000$ in the account they will have your monthly fees but i would recommend visiting a branch and asking them in person. </p></li>
<li><p>I don't when the ideal moment to show is, but you definatly do not want to miss frosh week. If you do come around mid-august you might catch a couple of festivals before fall and winter settles in. </p></li>
<li><p>The school is underfunded, but so are every other Quebec university, the Quebec government froze university fee's in 1995 in other to encourage people to pursue their studies. This does not affect the school tremendously because they are extremely good at drawing in large donations from wealthy people. </p></li>
<li><p>Yes there is a strong separatist movement in Quebec, the province has had 2 referendums (1985, 1995) both of which they lost narrowly. The province is currently being governed by the Liberal party which has no intentions to separate from the rest of Canada, but they are reaching the end of their mandate and with a strong dissatisfaction amongst the population the Parti Quebecois has a strong chance of being elected into power. The relationship between both levels of government aren't that great but then again they have never been really that great in the 1st place. </p></li>
<li><p>Winter usually begins in mid-November and ends in mid-April but for the last couple of years winter has become less long and less cold (global warming i guess ...) The temperature during the winter can vary from anywhere between -40 to 32 Fahrenheit (assuming i converted it correctly) but you can expect temperatures lower then 14 Fahrenheit through out the whole winter. Summer in Montreal is great it's usually 77 Fahrenheit or more plenty of festivals and indoor/outdoor activities to do but the summer is short it usually from Mid-June to end Mid-September.</p></li>
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<p>if you have any other questions feel free to ask ill try to the best of my abilities to answer them</p>
<p>Thank you very much for your responds - they were very helpful. Now, I need to decide the dorm and have some questions about it.</p>
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<li><p>After reading cons and pros on each dorms offered for freshmen, I found Solin and New Residence attractive. I really want to live in a modern housing without having to cook for myself but heard that it is difficult to get New Residence and that I need to cook in Solin. Is it possible to buy meal plan if I live in Solin?</p></li>
<li><p>I am bit worried about the housings after the first year since I might have to cook myself. While I can cook basic things, I never formally took a cooking class. Is it possible to purchase meal plan at McGill after the first year? </p></li>
<li><p>While I want to live in a modern room, I hope the neighbors are "quiet". Do you have suggestions for dorms besides New Residence and Solin?</p></li>
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<p>Firstly, I'd like to say that I, too, will be attending McGill (unless you are still indecisive). I was also considering Solin Hall. Have you filled out the questionairre yet? The university considers noise level, tidiness, and other factors when determining your dorm placement (well, what company you will be in, not which dorm you will belong to). Although this may not be very reliable, it should help you out a little.</p>
<p>As a vegan, I preferred the apartment-style residence. I doubt you need very much to cook meals for yourself, and I'm sure that, because of the set-up of Solin, other students would be happy to lend a few choice words of advice. I have heard that cooking can be difficult to manage with the freshman courseload, but I wouldn't be too worried. I am pretty sure that you can purchase a meal card regardless of your residence, it's just that Solin is a good distance from the main campus. </p>
<p>Hi nichols. It's good to hear from someone who is also going to McGill. Well, I did not recieve any aid but I am still happy because the University is cheaper compared to many private schools in the U.S. (I an international student living in the U.S. by the way.)</p>
<p>I was flipping through the McGill calender (the huge book that resembles phone book) trying to find out requirements for the freshmen but I could not find them. Do you know what page it is on? </p>
<p>If you have any suggestions or questions, feel free to reach me - it always makes me feel good to have someone going through this with me...</p>
<p>OK. A few things. Referenda: 1980, "lost" by a wide margin (60% No - 40% Yes). Long question about a 2 step approach to sovereignty. 1995, decision not to do a one step split from Canada reached by a 1.14% margin. The federal party called the Bloc Quebecois has no power when it comes to calling a referendum on sovereignty, even if they managed to get elected in all federal ridings in Quebec. The Parti Quebecois is not in power at the provincial level for now so there is no referendum in sight (though a provincial election will be called within about a year and a half).</p>
<p>Winter: Montreal has none. It has a dead season which lasts from mid-december to mid-march, season which is now pretty much warmer every year (we went below -20C barely only once this year), but that doesn't mean the weather is any good (going from +5 to -15 back to +5 within 3-4 days isn't fun, especially with mixed precipitation).</p>
<p>Hope2GI, McGill sent me an email about a month ago about the freshman programs. If you are an Arts U0, you have three choices: the "Classic" option (choose courses from humanities, foreign language, etc.), the "Arts Legacy" option (global thematic deal), and the French option.</p>
<p>As for the other faculties, you should look in the "phone book" before the program listings (not the yellow section, but the white). You'll have to squint to find the U0 requirements, but it should be there.</p>
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<li><p>yep, 15% as people have said already. it sucks, but you get used to it. the current federal government made it a campaign promise to decrease the GST from 7% to 6% and then to 5%, though the government may only last another year or so-minority government. so throughout your years at mcgill, sales tax may or may not go down to 13%.</p></li>
<li><p>amazon.ca, for one! also chapters.indigo.ca (major canadian bookstore)</p></li>
<li><p>as mentioned, there is usually a designated move-in day, right before frosh week which will be roughly a week before classes i believe? check the site or you letter for the exact date. you may want to come in a day or two in advance, and you can stay in a hotel or in you res if they let you move in early.</p></li>
<li><p>over the years, quebec chiefly campaigned for sovereignty-by-association in which they would be a separate country but could continue to use canadian currency, travel under a canadian passport etc and were castigated by many for wanting to have their cake and eat it too. (someone in my law class compared it to being a teenager who wanted to move into an apartment and no longer abide by their parents rules, but to continue to have their parents pay for their bills, food, spending money etc. i thought it wa an interesting comparison!) there have been several controversial laws passed championing the preservation of French culture and language in Quebec, such as Bill 101, if you want to check it out. they have used the Notwithstanding Clause, from our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, several times to get around language rights and laws. tensions remain high, as do anglophone-francophone rivalries. there is speculation that with the gain in popularity of Andre Boisclair, a strongly separatist leader of the Parti Quebecois in provincial politics, inroads to a THIRD referendum are in the cards, and it is the general position of the Prime Ministers here that should Quebec vote for separatism, their request will be honoured. sorry if i've gone on for a bit, but it really is a fascinating subject and i highly recommend that you research it a little bit.</p></li>
<li><p>i live in toronto, and montreal winters are slightly harsher, but ill explain what our weather is like. winter begins in december, i would say, and lasts until march or so. it does go below 0 (celsius) fairly regularly, and hanuary is probably the most bitter month, with february being a bit more slushy and kinda gross haha. summers in canada are very hot, though you'll many experience this in september. october is nice, but crisp, and november is chilly but not usually snowy. aoriul is when it gets sunny and springlike, though april snow is not out of the question. winters haven't been too bad lately, though that can change. a warm coat, boots, gloves, a hat and a scarf are musts, though im sure it's the same case in massachusetts.</p></li>
<li><p>i find that most people here in toronto are very friendly, but on my visits to quebec ive found a bit of disdain for english-speakers. that said, learn a little french and people will be extremely happy to see your effort. try to leave the "McGill bubble" that i've heard about!</p></li>
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<p>hmm.. when i'm in quebec and attempt to speak french (which i have been taking since grade 2..) after a couple of sentences they can tell i'm an anglo and just speak in english.</p>
<p>yes, that's true most of the time. i just mean that they have this expectation that anglophones are kind of disdainful of the french, and when they see more acceptance/effort they are charmed by it, though they may find it easier to use english. it just shows respect i feel...</p>