Montreal & McGill University
Jul 4th, 2007, 02:51 AM
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Montreal & McGill University
My son enters McGill this Fall 2007, and I will be in Montreal with him for a full 2 weeks, mid August thru Sept 4. Staying at the Trylon Apartments on Rue St. Famille. Anyone heard of this place? Any sggestions on what to do in Montreal after he moves into campus residence Aug 26, and before college starts on Sept 4?
Jul 4th, 2007, 01:09 PM
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I am not familiar with the Trylon apartments although I have seen the building from the outside and know the neighborhood. Our son is a student at McGill and has lived quite near to these apartments for the past two years in the McGill "student ghetto" area. I think you will really enjoy spending time in the city in the late summer.
there are many festivals and special exhibits around the city all summer. You can get information on the tourist web site
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/B2C/00/default.asp
I know the film festival will be on while you are visiting.
Montreal is a fascinating multi-cultural city. What are your interests? I recommend reading the "experience Montreal" section of the web site for descriptions of the different city neighborhoods. It is a great city for walking tours, and the public transit system is excellent. You can also search for Montreal on this forum and get lots of good ideas.
there are 3-day museum passes and transit tickets which you may want to look into. However, since you will be in the city for 2 weeks you may prefer to space out your visits to the major tourist sites.
your son will probably have quite a few orientation events at the school and at his dorm beginning on the move in day in August.
If you have never seen Quebec city you could do this in a day (or two) trip from Montreal either with your son or on your own.
Our family has used a couple of books on good inexpensive restaurants in the city":
Resto a Go Go by Sarah Musgrave (casual dining critic for the Gazette)
and the Cheap Thrills Montreal guide.
Certainly worth leafing through at a bookstore to see if they appeal to you.
I hope you and your son have a great time exploring the city.
there are many festivals and special exhibits around the city all summer. You can get information on the tourist web site
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/B2C/00/default.asp
I know the film festival will be on while you are visiting.
Montreal is a fascinating multi-cultural city. What are your interests? I recommend reading the "experience Montreal" section of the web site for descriptions of the different city neighborhoods. It is a great city for walking tours, and the public transit system is excellent. You can also search for Montreal on this forum and get lots of good ideas.
there are 3-day museum passes and transit tickets which you may want to look into. However, since you will be in the city for 2 weeks you may prefer to space out your visits to the major tourist sites.
your son will probably have quite a few orientation events at the school and at his dorm beginning on the move in day in August.
If you have never seen Quebec city you could do this in a day (or two) trip from Montreal either with your son or on your own.
Our family has used a couple of books on good inexpensive restaurants in the city":
Resto a Go Go by Sarah Musgrave (casual dining critic for the Gazette)
and the Cheap Thrills Montreal guide.
Certainly worth leafing through at a bookstore to see if they appeal to you.
I hope you and your son have a great time exploring the city.
Jul 4th, 2007, 11:24 PM
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Thanks so much for taking the time out to respond. Such a wonderful coincidence that your son is a student at McGill, too.We arrive at Trylon on Aug 20, and he moves into the dorm Aug 26, at which time the Orientation sessions start.I continue to stay at Trylon until Sept 4. Will I be permitted to attend some of these orientations as well? Initially,if I need any help/information on settling my 18 yr old son down, like purchasing his bedding & stuff for his room at Molson residency, etc., may I call upon your son for assistance/feedback? If no objection, you can use my above email i.d. for more secure communication. If not ok, it's alright, you've been a great help already. I love watching movies, Chinese, Indian & Sri Lankan food, and inexpensive shopping.By the way, do we need to pack any warm clothing? Thanks again.
Jul 6th, 2007, 02:38 AM
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Rambo--I will be seeing my son this weekend and will ask him about suggestions for shopping. He may not be much help since we purchased most of what he needed in the US.
as for orientation, there were definitely some sessions oriented toward parents. The parents organization also had a tent.
I will post again soon with some ideas about things to do in Montreal.
as for orientation, there were definitely some sessions oriented toward parents. The parents organization also had a tent.
I will post again soon with some ideas about things to do in Montreal.
Jul 9th, 2007, 09:11 AM
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I'm curious where this new McGill student is coming from, and what he is going to study.
McGill is a special kind of a place, as Canadian universities go. It's right in the middle of a huge city, operates in a language different than most of the surrounding community, has a great reputation for scholastic xcellence and a growing reputation as a school where students do not always concetrate on their studies, has wnderful buildings, but you can walk to a deli in five minutes, too.
BAK
McGill is a special kind of a place, as Canadian universities go. It's right in the middle of a huge city, operates in a language different than most of the surrounding community, has a great reputation for scholastic xcellence and a growing reputation as a school where students do not always concetrate on their studies, has wnderful buildings, but you can walk to a deli in five minutes, too.
BAK
Jul 9th, 2007, 09:58 AM
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I love BAK's euphemism: "a growing reputation as a school where students do not always concentrate on their studies" or in the lingo of my students, "McGill: the party campus". This is undoubtedly unjust, IME, as students can and do ignore or attend to their studies with equal enthusiasm anywhere. And, as BAK also noted, McGill's graduate schools are considered among the best in North America.
However, I would certainly go over my expectations of said offspring while wandering the lovely (and temptingly pub-filled) streets adjoining the school during some of that parental bonding time. And, yes, he will need warm clothing at some point in the future but not until November and, as Montreal's students tend to be more style concious than some, I would let your son do his own purchasing once he knows the dress code of his own group.
However, I would certainly go over my expectations of said offspring while wandering the lovely (and temptingly pub-filled) streets adjoining the school during some of that parental bonding time. And, yes, he will need warm clothing at some point in the future but not until November and, as Montreal's students tend to be more style concious than some, I would let your son do his own purchasing once he knows the dress code of his own group.
Jul 9th, 2007, 03:08 PM
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At every university in the world there are students who do not always concentrate on their studies!!!! It is unfair for BAK to denigrate McGill. In May, my son completed his first year @ McGill w/ a solid A average! Did he party? Yes! Did he "concentrate on his studies". Obviously.
Rambo, you shd keep in mind that in Montreal the "legal age" is 18. This allows first year university students to go to "clubs" and casinos(sp?). Some can handle it, some can't. You have probably already "had a chat" w/ your son about this. And, the kids "dress" when they "go out" in Montreal. For guys this means a nice jacket, dress shirt, dress pants & shoes when they "go out" in Montreal. So, as suggested by LJ, you & your son will probably want to go shopping while you are there. Simons has a pretty good selection of jackets, dress shirts & pants for guys. And, Aldo has "cool shoes"!!
Rambo, you shd keep in mind that in Montreal the "legal age" is 18. This allows first year university students to go to "clubs" and casinos(sp?). Some can handle it, some can't. You have probably already "had a chat" w/ your son about this. And, the kids "dress" when they "go out" in Montreal. For guys this means a nice jacket, dress shirt, dress pants & shoes when they "go out" in Montreal. So, as suggested by LJ, you & your son will probably want to go shopping while you are there. Simons has a pretty good selection of jackets, dress shirts & pants for guys. And, Aldo has "cool shoes"!!
Jul 9th, 2007, 07:52 PM
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I was being nice.
But wasn't it McGill I remember reading about in the newspapers last year as being out of control, and requiring some serious attitude adjustment performed on the students by the administration?
That said, it's still a good university, and students who pay attention can get a good education, and the drunks, if they are lucky, still get a McGill degree, which will impress people.
Regardless, there are lots of good teachers, and a nice city to be young in.
But wasn't it McGill I remember reading about in the newspapers last year as being out of control, and requiring some serious attitude adjustment performed on the students by the administration?
That said, it's still a good university, and students who pay attention can get a good education, and the drunks, if they are lucky, still get a McGill degree, which will impress people.
Regardless, there are lots of good teachers, and a nice city to be young in.
Jul 9th, 2007, 08:04 PM
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Brian, I am concerned that the OP may not interpret your comments as "nice". I know what it is like being the parent of a first year university student & if I had read your comments a year ago I wld be upset. I posted so that the OP cld see that even if kids party they can still do exceptionally well @ McGill.
Jul 10th, 2007, 04:13 AM
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I have some more suggestions for you after checking with my son. i will start with the more general tourist information and move on to the McGill preparation questions.
I asked a good friend who likes Indian food for ideas. He recommended "Pushap" at 5195 Rue Parc (near Little Italy area) for good vegetarian food and says that the buffet at Buffet maharaja downtown is pretty good. We know less about Indian food than he does but have enjoyed Le Taj downtown on rue Stanley. We also got good, very reasonable take-out Indian food at Asha, 3490 Ave du parc, very near where you are staying (corner of Milton)
For Chinese food we like the Pavillon Nanpic at 75A rue de la Gauchetiere in Chinatown. The Chinatown area is not huge but has lots of choices. there are also quite a few Vietnamese restaurants in that area, especially on St. Laurent.
For other dining ideas I would recommend just strolling up St. laurent ("the Main"
above Sherbrooke for an incredible assortment of different small grocery stores and restaurants. The Mile End neighborhood farther north on Ave du Parc is also a good area to explore. You should try fresh Montreal bagels from the Fairmount and/or the St. Viateur bakeries.
for cinema, other than the film festival, I would recommend going to the National Film board of Canada's CineRobotheque at 1564 rue St Denis in the Latin Quarter. It has booths where you can view a huge selection of Canadian films. cinema du Parc near your apartment has good independent and foreign films. There are several big screen theaters downtown.
As I suspected, my son was not a great source of tips for dorm shopping. He said Canadian Tire near the Atwater Metro stop has a lot of the things you would need. they do not seem to have bedding though. for that I think you could try one of the big Dept stores downtown like La Baie. When my son moved into an apartment we found a good deal on a futon bed/couch at Ungava factory outlet at 10 Ave des Pins, near McGill. I am not sure whether they have sheets and duvets for single dorm beds but you could check. Maybe wow will have some other ideas for you.
Your son will definitely need warm clothes for the late fall and winter --really for much of the academic year. In addition to items mentioned by others he should be sure to get some good boots.
If you are asking what the weather will be like in late August/early September when you arrive, it will probably still be quite warm. There is always the chance for some cooler weather then, especially overnight (into the 40's or even high 30's F) so I would have a few layers with long sleeved shirts, and something like a sweater, sweatshirt and/or a light jacket with you.
I hope that you have not been too concerned by the references to McGill's "party school" reputation. I agree with wow's assessment. My son and his friends are good, serious students who love the advantages of Montreal's cultural life and are able to drink at home or at bars when/if they want to. (I went to college in the Boston area when the drinking age was 18 so his situation is not very different from mine.)
the former president of Middlebury college in Vt is now an advocate for lowering the drinking age in the US partly because he thinks the age 21 laws have led to an increase in binge drinking here.
Again, I hope you have a great visit to Montreal and that your son has a great time at McGill.
I asked a good friend who likes Indian food for ideas. He recommended "Pushap" at 5195 Rue Parc (near Little Italy area) for good vegetarian food and says that the buffet at Buffet maharaja downtown is pretty good. We know less about Indian food than he does but have enjoyed Le Taj downtown on rue Stanley. We also got good, very reasonable take-out Indian food at Asha, 3490 Ave du parc, very near where you are staying (corner of Milton)
For Chinese food we like the Pavillon Nanpic at 75A rue de la Gauchetiere in Chinatown. The Chinatown area is not huge but has lots of choices. there are also quite a few Vietnamese restaurants in that area, especially on St. Laurent.
For other dining ideas I would recommend just strolling up St. laurent ("the Main"
above Sherbrooke for an incredible assortment of different small grocery stores and restaurants. The Mile End neighborhood farther north on Ave du Parc is also a good area to explore. You should try fresh Montreal bagels from the Fairmount and/or the St. Viateur bakeries.for cinema, other than the film festival, I would recommend going to the National Film board of Canada's CineRobotheque at 1564 rue St Denis in the Latin Quarter. It has booths where you can view a huge selection of Canadian films. cinema du Parc near your apartment has good independent and foreign films. There are several big screen theaters downtown.
As I suspected, my son was not a great source of tips for dorm shopping. He said Canadian Tire near the Atwater Metro stop has a lot of the things you would need. they do not seem to have bedding though. for that I think you could try one of the big Dept stores downtown like La Baie. When my son moved into an apartment we found a good deal on a futon bed/couch at Ungava factory outlet at 10 Ave des Pins, near McGill. I am not sure whether they have sheets and duvets for single dorm beds but you could check. Maybe wow will have some other ideas for you.
Your son will definitely need warm clothes for the late fall and winter --really for much of the academic year. In addition to items mentioned by others he should be sure to get some good boots.
If you are asking what the weather will be like in late August/early September when you arrive, it will probably still be quite warm. There is always the chance for some cooler weather then, especially overnight (into the 40's or even high 30's F) so I would have a few layers with long sleeved shirts, and something like a sweater, sweatshirt and/or a light jacket with you.
I hope that you have not been too concerned by the references to McGill's "party school" reputation. I agree with wow's assessment. My son and his friends are good, serious students who love the advantages of Montreal's cultural life and are able to drink at home or at bars when/if they want to. (I went to college in the Boston area when the drinking age was 18 so his situation is not very different from mine.)
the former president of Middlebury college in Vt is now an advocate for lowering the drinking age in the US partly because he thinks the age 21 laws have led to an increase in binge drinking here.
Again, I hope you have a great visit to Montreal and that your son has a great time at McGill.
Jul 10th, 2007, 06:34 AM
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I didn't suggest Mom or Dad go with him to buy shoies: I strongly suggested you give this youth some breathing room and let him go on his own.
"Nice" has nothing to do with it: sendng kids off to university with all the latest linens but unprepared for what they will face is a prescription for disaster: it isn't about bedware and boots. While I am sure YOU have had "the chat" I only wish ALL parents followed that lead and clearly spelled out expectations and consequences for their offspring. It makes me uneasy when I see this degree of micro-managing a young adult's university career.
If the parent is so unsure of the kid's ability to buy appropriate footwear, how is the same youth going to manage the realities of big city university life? No wonder kids flame out in first year.This is a travel site so I will spare you the sermon, but, in its benign way this is one of the most unnerving discussions I have seen on this Forum.
"Nice" has nothing to do with it: sendng kids off to university with all the latest linens but unprepared for what they will face is a prescription for disaster: it isn't about bedware and boots. While I am sure YOU have had "the chat" I only wish ALL parents followed that lead and clearly spelled out expectations and consequences for their offspring. It makes me uneasy when I see this degree of micro-managing a young adult's university career.
If the parent is so unsure of the kid's ability to buy appropriate footwear, how is the same youth going to manage the realities of big city university life? No wonder kids flame out in first year.This is a travel site so I will spare you the sermon, but, in its benign way this is one of the most unnerving discussions I have seen on this Forum.
Jul 10th, 2007, 11:09 PM
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Hey Guys, I am delighted at the responses, and the interest my first post has evoked. Vttraveler, you've been just great....so much valuable info. Thanks again.
Let me tell you something about my son....he's 18 yrs - 4 months now, from Colombo, Sri Lanka, studies hard and parties hard, has the total liberty to drink at home, although he rarely does so, doesn't smoke, very responsible drinker when he's out with his friends weekends, top 3 in class winning many prizes, straight A's at the EDEXCEL GCE O and A level exams (grade school & high school would be the American equivalent), independent (doesn't need my help to buy shoes), tight-fisted and a frugal spender, although will definitely spend wisely & on essentials. Admitted to the Desautels faculty of Management for a course in Business. Not the least bit bothered about the stuff we need to buy there - that's my department ! - totally focused on the job at hand..i.e. graduate out of McGill and move onto a job (dream = Investment Banking) and work thru his Masters...either in Canada or the U.S. So focused that I offered to stop over this August in London en-route to Montreal for sightseeing, and he refused...let's go atraight thru, even though we have to transit in London anyway!
BAK, LJ, wow....your input has been invaluable. Not to worry, I'm not at all upset....I know that McGill is a great college, and yes, I've heard about the "party school" thing, and I'm still confident that my son will be able to cope quite well. It's only the intense cold that bothers me...where we come from, there is no winter ! (And yes, my warm clothing question was about Aug/Sept. Thanks)
Let's chill, and enjoy this discussion, if we can......I know that I am! Cheers!
Let me tell you something about my son....he's 18 yrs - 4 months now, from Colombo, Sri Lanka, studies hard and parties hard, has the total liberty to drink at home, although he rarely does so, doesn't smoke, very responsible drinker when he's out with his friends weekends, top 3 in class winning many prizes, straight A's at the EDEXCEL GCE O and A level exams (grade school & high school would be the American equivalent), independent (doesn't need my help to buy shoes), tight-fisted and a frugal spender, although will definitely spend wisely & on essentials. Admitted to the Desautels faculty of Management for a course in Business. Not the least bit bothered about the stuff we need to buy there - that's my department ! - totally focused on the job at hand..i.e. graduate out of McGill and move onto a job (dream = Investment Banking) and work thru his Masters...either in Canada or the U.S. So focused that I offered to stop over this August in London en-route to Montreal for sightseeing, and he refused...let's go atraight thru, even though we have to transit in London anyway!
BAK, LJ, wow....your input has been invaluable. Not to worry, I'm not at all upset....I know that McGill is a great college, and yes, I've heard about the "party school" thing, and I'm still confident that my son will be able to cope quite well. It's only the intense cold that bothers me...where we come from, there is no winter ! (And yes, my warm clothing question was about Aug/Sept. Thanks)
Let's chill, and enjoy this discussion, if we can......I know that I am! Cheers!
Jul 12th, 2007, 03:18 AM
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Rambo--I am glad you are taking the postings with such good humor. Your son sounds like a great student and I am sure he will love Montreal/McGill and even learn to adapt to the cold weather. One of the most interesting things about McGill is the large number of international students.
I just got a copy of Frommer's budget travel magazine which has an article about Montreal food I thought you'd like to see:
http://www.budgettravelonline.com/bt...060601611.html
I just got a copy of Frommer's budget travel magazine which has an article about Montreal food I thought you'd like to see:
http://www.budgettravelonline.com/bt...060601611.html
Jul 12th, 2007, 12:39 PM
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Rambo-my best wishes on a successful year for your son-I am sure it will be a good experience for all concerned. You must forgive my rant-I have had the misfortune of picking up the pieces of offspring less prepared than your own.
Jul 12th, 2007, 09:24 PM
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Vttraveler, I have to keep on thanking you...hope this is not getting embarassing !
LJ, not to worry, and thanks very much for the good wishes. Means a lot to me. You sound like a Professor at McGill? True?
LJ, not to worry, and thanks very much for the good wishes. Means a lot to me. You sound like a Professor at McGill? True?
Aug 30th, 2007, 03:59 AM
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Rambo--My son is home this week, getting
ready to start classes Sept. 4th. I hope your trip to Montreal with your son has gone well. I will be interested to hear if you found any good Indian restaurants!
ready to start classes Sept. 4th. I hope your trip to Montreal with your son has gone well. I will be interested to hear if you found any good Indian restaurants!
Sep 14th, 2007, 03:38 AM
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Hi Vttraveler, I'm sorry I read your post just today.
Montreal is a lovely city, and the McGill campus is gorgeous. The weather was super, and the Indian food at Asha was good. We arrived there Aug 20 (after British Airways lost my bag on the Heathrow/Montreal sector...I had nothing to wear, and they only gave me CAN$65...bag not located yet, and compensation claim not paid yet...really the airline with the worst record...). I shortened my stay in Montreal by 6 days due to the inefficiency of this airline! That aside, we atarted early on the Student I.D., health insurance, hostel lease documentation, and were well in time for the move into Molson Hall on Aug 26. We are in constant touch with our son, and he seems to be settling down okay. Started lectures on Sept 4, and just bought his textbooks (new, coz the used ones were all taken up). Will write longer next week. Take care.
Montreal is a lovely city, and the McGill campus is gorgeous. The weather was super, and the Indian food at Asha was good. We arrived there Aug 20 (after British Airways lost my bag on the Heathrow/Montreal sector...I had nothing to wear, and they only gave me CAN$65...bag not located yet, and compensation claim not paid yet...really the airline with the worst record...). I shortened my stay in Montreal by 6 days due to the inefficiency of this airline! That aside, we atarted early on the Student I.D., health insurance, hostel lease documentation, and were well in time for the move into Molson Hall on Aug 26. We are in constant touch with our son, and he seems to be settling down okay. Started lectures on Sept 4, and just bought his textbooks (new, coz the used ones were all taken up). Will write longer next week. Take care.
Sep 15th, 2007, 05:00 AM
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I am glad that your son is settling in well. I am sure that having the internet is really helpful with him so far away
The lost luggage story is terrible. I hope they resolve the claim soon--but really nothing can make up for the trouble you had on your trip.
The weather in Vt and the Montreal area is definitely getting cooler, with frost forecast for this weekend. Your son will be experiencing the cold weather all too soon.
The lost luggage story is terrible. I hope they resolve the claim soon--but really nothing can make up for the trouble you had on your trip.
The weather in Vt and the Montreal area is definitely getting cooler, with frost forecast for this weekend. Your son will be experiencing the cold weather all too soon.
