University of Guelph

Visiting your child at the University of Guelph means flying into Toronto Pearson (YYZ), then continuing to Guelph by GO Transit. Plan the Canada visitor visa well ahead.

Getting from YYZ to campus

Visitor visa for parents

Indian parents need a Canada visitor visa (a Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) - they are not eligible for the eTA that visa-exempt travellers use. It is filed online through the IRCC Secure Account (form IMM 5257), with biometrics required. Most TRVs are issued as multiple-entry visas valid up to 10 years (or until the passport expires), each visit up to 6 months.

• Processing only starts AFTER biometrics are given - add 1-2 weeks and book the biometrics appointment early.
• *Official IRCC times are dynamic; third-party trackers often cite 6-10 weeks, so apply at least 3 months ahead - Fall admits should submit by mid-May.
• A complete, well-documented file (strong home ties, travel history, clear funds and purpose) is the single best way to avoid delays and refusals.
• Super Visa (5-year stays) is only for parents of Canadian citizens or PRs - students are neither, so the standard visitor visa is the route for now.

Just admitted to the University of Guelph? Here's your arrival checklist.

Arrival checklist

• Book your flight into Toronto Pearson (YYZ) early for the best August/September fares.
• GO (Kitchener line) or bus from Toronto reaches Guelph; Guelph Transit serves campus.
• Arrange first-week housing near campus before arrival.
• Carry your study permit letter, proof of funds and acceptance letter in your cabin bag.

Toronto is Canada's most expensive student city alongside Vancouver - about CAD 1,700-2,500 a month all-in sharing and cooking, with rents up sharply since 2021. The trade-off is the country's biggest job market and largest Indian community, and the TTC with a discounted PRESTO fare for post-secondary students means most don't need a car.

Monthly cost of living in Guelph (a student estimate)

That's roughly C$20,000-30,000 a year for living costs, on top of tuition.

Finding accommodation

Toronto rents are high, so almost all students share; the further from downtown along a TTC or GO line, the cheaper the room.

• Post-secondary students get a discounted TTC monthly pass via PRESTO.
• Living along a TTC subway or GO Transit line keeps rent down without a car.
• Lease early - Toronto's student rental market is very competitive in late summer.

Working part-time

On a study permit you can work off-campus up to 24 hours/week during academic terms (a permanent limit as of 2025) and full-time during scheduled breaks if you are full-time before and after. On-campus work has no set hourly cap. After graduating from an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) - master's graduates can qualify for up to three years. Stay within the work limit: over-working can cost your status and PGWP eligibility.

Safety & student support

Toronto and its Toronto's universities areas are generally safe by Canadian standards; use normal awareness at night.

• Toronto's universities runs campus safety services (walk-home programs, alerts) - save the campus safety number.
• The campus and main student areas are busy and well-populated.
• Use normal big-city awareness on the TTC late at night.

Indian community & food

Toronto has one of the largest Indian communities in the world, so desi groceries, restaurants and temples are everywhere.

Indian grocery stores

• Gerrard India Bazaar (Gerrard St E) - Toronto's historic 'Little India': Kohinoor Foods, India Bazaar, Indo Fiji Supermarket and dozens more.
• Iqbal Halal Foods (Thorncliffe Park) and Panchvati for a big desi shop.
• Brampton and Mississauga (Swades, Noor Food Centre) are the GTA's biggest South Asian grocery hubs.

Student community

• Toronto's universities have large, active Indian and South Asian student associations with major Diwali and Holi events.
• The GTA has many Hindu temples, gurdwaras and year-round cultural festivals.

• Endless Indian dining across the GTA, from Gerrard St to Brampton.

Cost & living figures for Guelph last verified Jun 2026. Figures are estimates and change over time.