By Hannah-Safiyya Awan, York University, Toronto, Canada Taking down the Toronto postcards I had pinned to my wall, packing little tokens from my desk that I’d picked up here and there from my travels into a bag and tying up the fairy lights I’d set up when my exchange began, I turned back, leaving my room the way it looked when I first got there, just a bed and a desk. Locking my room for the last time before handing in the key.

By Hannah-Safiyya Awan, York University, Toronto, Canada After braving a long Canadian winter, seeing the sun felt like a reward. Welcoming springtime meant watching the city come back to life as the chill faded, and the transformation was hard to miss. The city became so much more alive and energetic as parks were decorated with cherry blossoms, outdoor sports returned, and people filled the streets. Seeing how vibrant and beautiful the city became during this time made this one of my favourite seasons in Toronto. High Park is the best place to go to see the cherry blossoms, and I highly recommend it; the whole park is transformed by all…

By Hannah-Safiyya Awan, York University, Toronto, Canada While attending the Schulich School of Business, I noticed the vast differences between the UK and Canadian university education systems. Despite their differences, adjusting doesn’t take too long, and there are many positive insights to take away from the Canadian system.

By Hannah-Safiyya Awan, York University, Toronto, Canada When it came time for my exchange year, I found myself in a unique position. Unlike many of my classmates from the International Management course, who were heading off in pairs, I was flying solo to Toronto. It was both thrilling and a little daunting—a mix of nerves and excitement as I prepared to embrace this opportunity alone.