After finally adapting to the snow storms and cold weather, spring has finally arrived. But tell me why it is still cold… The snow has technically melted (well, most of it), but I’m still out here layering like it’s mid-January.
Living in Toronto on exchange has definitely been an adventure. The city has this cool mix of energy; there’s always something happening, whether it’s street festivals, thrift markets, or someone confidently playing the saxophone at the subway stations or on Yonge-Dundas Square. I’ve loved exploring different neighbourhoods, trying new foods (yes, I finally understand the hype around poutine), and meeting people worldwide.
And yes, I finally caved and did the most touristy of all tourist attractions, so I went to the CN Tower. Standing 300+ metres above the city with that panoramic view? Honestly, it lives up to the hype. I could see the university, my accommodation, and basically all the little pockets of the city I’ve explored over the past few months. It was like seeing a map of everything I’ve experienced here. All the firsts, all the fun, all the growth.
The weather has been a character of its own. I now check the forecast religiously and have developed a weird emotional attachment to my thermals and heat tech. But even with the cold snaps and unpredictable skies, being on exchange here has pushed me to get out of my comfort zone, whether navigating the TTC or surviving my first -20°C day with some dignity.
So yes, Toronto spring is late. But I’m still having the best time, freezing fingers and all.
Exam Season
The semester has officially wrapped up, which means exam season chaos. I blinked and suddenly found myself buried in notes, caffeine, and the five stages of academic grief. Balancing travel plans and end-of-term assignments and trying to romanticize my study sessions by exploring different campus libraries (Emmanuel College and Caven Library have been my favourites so far) has been overwhelming.
So far, I have been an academic weapon by romanticising my study sessions, colour-coding my notes, and becoming that library regular. But deep down, I feel like an academic butter knife. Doing law here means all my assignments and exams are due in April. I have two exams on the 14th and 15th and then 3 essays due on the 28th. I went from having the most relaxing semester, with nothing to do except attend my lectures and do my readings, to frantically trying to revise my courses, double parked with caffeine.
Reflection
With this semester’s exchange almost coming to an end, what I’ll miss most is the people. It’s strange how quickly strangers become your moral support, whether comforting each other over exam crash-outs, studying till midnight, or just hanging out after long days pretending to be productive. These people turned freezing walks, busy group chats, and spontaneous hangouts after a long day of lectures into some of my favourite memories. Once exams are over, we’re all scattering back to our corners of the world, and some of those corners are very far away (I’m talking over a day of travel from New Zealand). It’s bittersweet. But I’m incredibly grateful for the memories, the chaos, and the people who made this exchange feel like a second home.
It’s been very rewarding. There’s something satisfying about looking back and realising how much I’ve learned, not just academically, but about living independently in a new city. Toronto gave me both a challenge and a vibe, and I’m walking away with a messy camera roll, new friends, and an appreciation for heated indoor spaces. Toronto has been full of surprises, mostly weather-related, but the biggest one was how quickly this city and the people in it started to feel like home.