North American Universities advice

[Frozenfeet2]

Hey guys, I'm a UK student who will be studying in North America for a year as part of my degree (in Chemistry). I was wondering if anyone could help me with some advice about American (or Canadian) university life in general, such as costs, living, lifestyle etc.

Specifically, the universities I'm looking at at the moment are:
University of Washington, Seattle
University of Chapel Hill, North Carolina
University of Madison-Wisconsin
University of Toronto

Insights from anyone living in these places or at these unis would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[aba1]

I live and go to college just outside Toronto so if you want to know anything in particular just ask.

As far as living costs go it is about 5000+ for residence it might be a bit more expensive since your looking to be right in the middle of the city.

The weather changes a great deal from season to season. Very cold winters and slightly too warm summers. Toronto is a HUGE city so depending on wear you go things can look quite different but for the most part it is like any other metropolis.

 

[Dags90]

Seattle is supposedly always raining, so it should remind you of home weather somewhat. Seattle is a fairly liberal city. Most universities list approximate costs per semester on their websites. Excpect to pay around $25,000 in the U.S. as a non resident in the U.S. for a year's worth of tuition and room/board.

 

[Occams_Razor]

I go to University in Kingston, Ontario(at Queens), but I'm familiar with the Toronto area as well, since i'm working there now.

Living can be a little pricy in the Toronto area. To live close to downtown, it averages around 1200 a person per month(can be higher or lower depending on if you are getting a two bedroom, how nice your apartment is, I've seen as low as 800 a month). I suggest living in the city if you can, as the Toronto commute is brutal

Life in Toronto itself is fairly good, lots of options for entertainment and relaxation. There is a pretty huge variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, theaters and 1000 other things to keep yourself occupied.

Like aba1 said, weather is a little sporadic. Cold in the winter and humid in the summer, but not unbearably so.

As for the university itself, UofT is generally extremely well received, I've heard nothing but good things from friends who have gone there. Its one of the more well-received Universities in Canada, so you can't go wrong.