A practical guide for new Allerfonden students
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Welcome!
Who are we?
We are the Allerfonden students, class of 2024. This is our guide to help you prepare for three exciting weeks at Creative School at TMU in Toronto.
Our best tips
Before arriving to Toronto
Five recommendations from
Siri, Mads, Frederik and Kristian
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Apply for an eTA online. It only costs 7 dollars and usually gets approved within hours
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Add yourself to the WhatsApp groupchat as soon as possible
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Figure out whether you have a data soultion on your phone for North America - if you don't you can buy one via the app eSIM
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The weather is unpredictable and the rain can be heavy so bring an umbrella and rain clothes
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One or two adapters and an extension cord will make your life much easier
When arriving to Toronto
Three things Kristian and Marie want you to know
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Transportion from the airport is easy and it's cheaper to buy a group ticket
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You can either walk or take the metro from Union station to DCC
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We liked meeting up as a group at bagage claim and going to DCC together
Good to know while in Toronto
Essentials during the stay according to Mads and Mark
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The campus cafeterias are closed during the summer
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Budget as if you were staying in a bigger Scandinavian city living without a kitchen. You'll be buying lots of take away
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If you wanna go to the gym you can buy a membership to the campus gym
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You can easily get around with public transportation. Use the tap and go solution PRESTO with you wallet on your phone
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Prices at stores are not shown with the sales tax. This will be added at checkout
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There er several beaches in Toronto so bring a beach towel for days by the water
Housing and accommodation
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The apartments come without utensils and cookware – you can easily find these in IKEA
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If you want a duvet like the one at home. Buy a cheap one at IKEA. The rooms come with a thin sheet and blanket
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You get one small and one big towel with the room
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Sounds travel very easily within the complex so bring earplugs
Cultural Differences
My biggest surprise of Toronto!
During my visit, the biggest surprise was learning more about cultural differences between Danes and Norwegians as well as the cultural differences between Canadians and us Scandinavians. There are more people in the streets here than back home. Another notable difference is the tipping culture. Here, tipping is expected whenever you receive a service, such as when someone brings you food. They often ask for a tip at every opportunity, which is different from back home. However, it's not mandatory when you order at the counter, even though they might still ask for it. This practice of frequent tipping requests took some getting used to. Additionally, having doormen or guards in lobbies feels unfamiliar. Overall, despite these differences, the cultures are quite similar, and these issues haven't significantly impacted my experience.
Age: 28
From: Norway
Background: Master in Interaction Design
Thomas
Age: 25
From: Denmark
Background: Media production and management
When I first arrived in Toronto, I was struck by how the city is built and its overall vibe. It reminded me of New York with its numerous tall buildings and busy downtown area. It's bustling but still manageable on foot, unlike Indreby in Copenhagen, which I usually avoid because of the overwhelming tourist crowds. I hadn’t looked into Toronto before coming, so the abundance of skyscrapers really surprised me. The city has a metropolitan feel, which is impressive, but I do miss having more natural spaces. Being surrounded by nature makes me feel more at ease and free in some way. On the plus side, Toronto’s multicultural atmosphere is fantastic—I love sampling different cuisines and meeting a diverse range of people. Navigating the city is straightforward thanks to its grid layout, and I prefer walking around to see the sights instead of relying on public transport.
Karoline
When I arrived in Toronto, what really took me by surprise was the number of people experiencing homelessness and addiction on the streets. It was quite a shock, especially during the first few days. I didn't expect it to be so prevalent and all-encompassing. Initially, I felt quite unsure about what to do, particularly when it was dark outside. I was a bit anxious about how long I could safely stay out. During the first week, one of our instructors advised us to avoid certain areas, which only added to my apprehension, creating all sorts of scary scenarios in my mind.
However, as the days have passed, I've become more accustomed to it. While I still walk quickly past them at night, I no longer feel unsafe. The presence and the extent of it is still saddening and makes me uncomfortable, but it's become a new normal that I don't have to process as intensely each time I encounter it. Talking about it with my peers has also helped, knowing that we all share the same feelings. This phenomenon has been an adjustment, but it has given me a new perspective on the social challenges here compared to back home in Denmark.
Age: 28
Country: Denmark
Background: Head of Digital, Billed-Bladet, Aller Media
Marie
Age: 24
Country: Czech Republic
Background: Master's degree in Design and part-time graphic designer
When I came to Toronto, what surprised me was how many random people just wanted to talk to me. I've never experienced so many strangers striking up conversations. They ask about my day, what I'm doing, what I'm studying, and how I feel. While the questions are nice, it feels weird because, in Prague, we don't talk to strangers like that. Maybe if you're in a queue at school, someone might chat a bit, but they wouldn't just randomly ask about your day or where you live. Here, people are very outgoing, and I worry if they find it rude if I don't engage much. It's just different because, what I’m used to, is only talking to people you’re genuinely interested.
This openness in Canada was difficult to get used to, but it does show a different approach to social interactions that I find both surprising and interesting. It’s a cultural difference that highlights how Canadians, and maybe North Americans in general, have a different way of connecting with each other which in many ways are honorable.
