Why I heart TMU: International students edition
Love comes in many forms, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time of year to reflect on the things we love. For some international students, falling in love with a new life can happen slowly, while for others, it’s love at first sight!
I asked my fellow international students what they have come to love about TMU and here’s what they told me:
Powerful and relevant classroom education
Nimi posing in front of the CN Tower
🇳🇬 Nimi (Economics and Management Science, 4th year)
“I love TMU because I truly see myself reflected in what I learn. I find so much joy in discussing global markets, foreign countries, and international perspectives in my classes as a Global Management student. One of my most meaningful experiences was taking GMS 694: African Business Environment, where I was able to learn about business through the lens of my own country and region. Courses like this make my education feel personal, relevant, and empowering.”
🇳🇬 Princess (Economics and Finance, 3rd year):
“One of the reasons I love TMU is that hands-on experience is a big part of my learning, and that is particularly true when it comes to my lab classes. I find it wonderful that I do not only have access to theory but also have hands-on experience with and guidance on how to use tools such as Excel, Stata, and RStudio.”
Extracurriculars make learning even more meaningful
🇵🇰 Faheel (Mechanical Engineering, 5th year):
“What makes TMU truly special to me is how extracurricular opportunities extend learning far beyond the classroom. Through student teams and programs, I’ve had the chance to travel to conferences and competitions across Canada and the U.S. I competed in Sherbrooke at the Canadian National Concrete Canoe Competition (external link) , where we designed and raced a canoe made entirely of concrete! I also traveled to Washington and Ottawa through the CANSTUDY U.S (external link) fellowship and the Innovations in Democratic Leadership program. Additionally, being involved with the TMU Engineering Students’ Society (MUES) (external link) allowed me to explore multiple cities like Montreal and London for conferences!”
Faheel at a TMU engineering rocket design competition
🇸🇦 Karim (Marketing Management, 3rd year):
“As an international student, building a career in a new country felt intimidating at first, but TMU services made the process feel guided and achievable. Through co-op support, resume workshops, and the Business Career Hub, I learned how to confidently navigate the Canadian job market and turn my experiences into real opportunities. Career Boost roles on campus and co-op work terms helped me gain hands-on skills early. Instead of feeling lost, I felt supported and confident about my future.”
Toronto’s skyline from Ward’s Island
🇹🇹 Gabby (Environmental and Urban Sustainability, 3rd year):
“I love TMU because being downtown gives more opportunities for field trips. For my EUS 301: Reading Neighborhood Environments class our professor took us to Ward’s Island (external link) to show characteristics of neighbourhoods and how they differently adjust to being in the city. This was a really key bonding experience between me and the other students in my program and everyone enjoyed the trip while also relating it to our program.”
A supportive community makes the biggest difference
Carnival Connect+ at the SLC
🇹🇹 Gabby (Environmental and Urban Sustainability, 3rd year):
“TMU has such a diverse and welcoming community especially for incoming international students. I love that there is always a place to learn about other cultures by going to campus events. Last year, I went to Carnival Connect+, an event hosted in the Student Learning Centre (SLC) where students learned about Caribbean culture, food and music. It was a beautiful experience, getting a taste of home when it felt so far away.”
🇻🇳 Hannah (Marketing Management, 5th year):
“In my Vietnamese culture, the new year only felt real when we got to celebrate Lunar New Year. I missed that a lot after coming to Canada. After some search, I found out about the Toronto Metropolitan Vietnamese Student Association (external link) and eventually became a team member. We hosted Tet (Vietnamese new year) events every Lunar New Year for a cross-cultural experience that reminded us of home. I’m so thankful for the diverse community at TMU!”
An event hosted by the Toronto Metropolitan Vietnamese Student Association
TMU’s central location offers many advantages
🇹🇹 Gabby (Environmental and Urban Sustainability, 3rd year):
“TMU’s location makes all the fun of living in Downtown Toronto extra accessible. After a stressful day or an exam, I love going to the Eaton Centre shopping mall and browsing the stores without having to walk far. There are so many restaurants and cafés nearby that can take my mind off of schoolwork for a bit.”
🇻🇳 Hannah (Marketing Management, 5th year):
“I love the diverse food options near campus and the accessibility of surrounding grocery stores, shopping places and interesting workshops.”
🇳🇬 Nimi (Economics and Management Science, 4th year):
“I love TMU because being close to the financial district makes my future feel real and within reach. On busy days, I’ll go sit by the waterfront just to clear my head, and I won’t lie, being able to squeeze in a little shopping between classes is a huge plus.”
Inspired by some of these brilliant answers, I thought back to why I love being a TMU student. And my answer is simple: because it has transformed me! From career opportunities to extracurricular activities, my undergraduate journey has given me a chance to learn more about myself and figure out how to build the right future for me.
I hope you felt the love coming your way all the way from the TMU campus!