Let’s Ask International Students: Choosing TMU

International students from all over the world choose TMU for different reasons every year. Being a part of a diverse campus where community and support are key elements enhances the experience of many students, encouraging us to come out of our shells and build new connections. Our classes and experiences at TMU may look similar but our beginnings are what make our path to choosing TMU unique and personal. 

As I navigate university, my favourite part of the journey has become talking to people and learning about their beginnings or, as I like to call it, their student origin stories. Many of us are experiencing adulthood for the first time, and choosing our university is a crucial step and one that comes with a multitude of decisions. From choosing a program that fits your career trajectory to deciding the elective course you want to study, university is where we all get the freedom to design our lives and careers for four or more years. 

To see what my peers thought of this, I asked ten fellow international students about their reasons for choosing TMU and how their journey started. 

What made you choose TMU?

For many students, choosing TMU came as a result of having had different experiences where they wanted to escape their comfort zone and find new ways to grow.

🇵🇰 Asad S. (Business Management, Class of 2024)

“I transferred to TRSM after finding myself unhappy in my previous university. I would hear my friends talk about their positive experiences in their co-op programs at TRSM. I immediately recognized the advantage having a work term built into my curriculum would give me. ​​​”

🇰🇭 Nun N. (Urban & Regional Planning, Class of 2024): 

“When a representative of TMU came to my high school’s university fair in Cambodia, I was impressed by the wide range of accredited programs they offered. I wanted hands-on experiences and opportunities to work with different communities, which I was able to get at TMU.”

🇪🇬 Omar M. (Politics & Governance, Class of 2028)

“TMU offers something that is rarely found in universities — diversity in communities, education, and even in course selections. It gives students the space to innovate in all aspects of their lives, not just professionally, and that’s why I transferred here.”

🇲🇽 Rebeka S. (Business Technology Management, Class of 2026): 

“I felt excited to be part of a university that not only embraces cutting-edge technology but also encourages students to explore new ideas and technologies, and two years later, I can confidently say I am making use of these resources!”

The campus’ unique location in the heart of downtown Toronto appeals to many students, with its promise of an abundance of opportunities, diversity and busy city life.

🇧🇸 Emily T. (Child & Youth Care, Class of 2024)

“When looking for a university, I knew I wanted to be in a place with lots going on. Coming from a quiet little island in The Bahamas, I was really excited to explore and venture out. I loved that TMU is not like a traditional campus but is in the core of downtown so we are exposed to the hustle and bustle of city life which is really fun.”

🇮🇳 Dhruvi D. (Global Management Studies, Class of 2026)

“I chose TMU because its diverse and inclusive community aligns with my values, and being in the heart of Toronto offers me countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. TMU’s emphasis on experiential learning was key in my decision, as it provides me with hands-on experience to excel in my field with exceptional co-op services.”

How did you feel when you found out you were accepted to TMU? 

We all remember the feeling of seeing the word admitted in our student portals. For international students, this word is a promise of new opportunities and exciting changes.

🇵🇰 Asad S. (Business Management, Class of 2024)

“Back then, I was a Pakistani living in Dubai. I remember staring at my conditional offer and wondering if TMU would be the place I could happily call home for the next couple of years.”

🇸🇻 Madelline D. (Marketing Management, Class of 2023)

“I remember constantly refreshing my applicant portal, eagerly waiting for my acceptance letter. Once I received it, I was excited about starting my next four years in Toronto!”

🇵🇰 Faheel H. (Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2024)

“Four years ago when I got my acceptance letter, I felt overwhelmed about leaving high school, finding new friends, settling into a new academic environment, and moving to Canada from Pakistan. Looking back, I would tell my past self to take a deep breath and know that it will all work out! You’ve made it this far.”

🇳🇬 Dumebi O. (Computer Science, Class of 2023)

“When I first received my acceptance, I was thrilled about the adventures ahead— living in one of the most diverse cities in the world, and redefining myself while exploring my passions.”

What helped you adjust to life in Toronto? 

Lots of international students, including me, use the resources on campus such as networking events, social programs and student groups, as opportunities to connect with people and get accustomed to a new environment.

🇵🇰 Fatima A. (Chemical Engineering, Class of 2025)

“Utilizing the incredible support and services at TMU really helped me adjust. I got involved in student groups, which allowed me to connect with other students and feel more at home within the community. These resources made the transition to life in Toronto much smoother.”

🇪🇬 Omar M. (Politics & Governance, Class of 2028)

“Interacting with people in class and off campus too. It’s easy to make friends here in the best way possible.”

🇵🇰 Asad S. (Business Management, Class of 2024)

“In my first year as both an international and transfer student, I was terrified of not fitting in or not being able to make friends. I found my home here in student groups and in the Fit for Business (FFB) program, an award-winning transition program designed exclusively for first-year TRSM students!”

🇮🇳 Dhruvi D. (Global Management Studies, Class of 2026)

“A supportive community at TMU, along with meeting fellow international students, made my adjustment to life in Toronto much easier. Getting involved in student groups allowed me to make new friends and connect with like-minded people. I also explored the city and familiarized myself with the weather and lifestyle!”

With many resources and opportunities for success, international students find ways to connect with their community and build their success stories from scratch.