Start here to avoid information overload for your first month in Toronto…
International students arriving in Toronto for the first time need to tackle several administrative tasks in their opening weeks, from opening bank accounts to securing housing, as outlined in a recent guide by CIC News. The city offers strong infrastructure for newcomers but presents challenges including high living costs, a competitive rental market, and a complex transit system that require advance planning.
Toronto remains one of Canada's top destinations for international students, with post-secondary institutions drawing tens of thousands of new arrivals each academic year. Unlike smaller Canadian cities where services are more centralized, Toronto's size means students must navigate multiple systems simultaneously — banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and transportation — often without the informal support networks domestic students rely on.
Setting up a Canadian bank account requires three documents: a Canadian address, identification, and proof of immigration status such as a study permit. Major banks including TD offer specialized newcomer and international student packages. Once established, account holders can use Interac to send and receive payments between Canadian bank accounts, the standard method Canadians use for peer-to-peer transfers. Students need these accounts to pay bills, receive wages from Canadian employers if working part-time, and accept money transfers from family abroad.
"You will need a bank account to help you pay bills, get paid by Canadian employers, and to receive money from family or friends," the guide states.
Mobile phone connectivity presents a two-stage process. Students can purchase prepaid SIM or eSIM cards at Toronto Pearson Airport upon arrival, though airport retailers typically charge premium prices. For long-term service, the three nationwide providers — Bell, Rogers, and Telus — operate both flagship brands and lower-cost flanker brands such as Fido, Koodo, Chatr, Public Mobile, and Lucky Mobile. First-time arrivals typically must choose prepaid plans because postpaid contracts require Canadian credit history, which new students lack.
Credit cards help build that history, which later affects apartment rental applications, loan approvals, and access to better financial products. Without existing Canadian credit, students face limited options: cards designed specifically for newcomers or secured credit cards backed by upfront cash deposits. Canadian law mandates a minimum 21-day grace period on credit card statements; paying the full balance before that deadline avoids interest charges on regular purchases. Most Canadian retailers accept Mastercard and Visa, while American Express sees much less acceptance.
Housing options split between on-campus residence offered directly through post-secondary institutions and off-campus rentals — typically one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments, though bachelor apartments and three-bedroom units also appear in listings. Toronto's rental market moves quickly, and students should begin searching before arrival if possible. Check your institution's housing office first for residence availability, then explore off-campus listings through platforms your school recommends, keeping in mind that landlords often request references and proof of income or a guarantor for international applicants.
Source: CIC News — published 2026-05-29.