Welcome to the Ramily, let me first congratulate you on making the premier choice for post secondary education. We hope you enjoy your time here, but first let's just get real about what it's really like at Ryerson University.
We all expect university to be super jokes and good times, and in Toronto you may think that you will live a lavish lifestyle that is super luxurious and cool, but trust me when I say the student lifestyle will creep up on you and ruin your life.
Whether you're an incoming student who wants to know what Ryerson is really like, or you've been at the school for a while and just want a good laugh, here are some expectations vs. reality of going to Ryerson:
What Are You Looking For?
For Living off campus, click "Next"
Reality:
If you thought moving to Toronto in your second year off campus meant that you'd be living in a super nice condo overlooking the CN tower, think again. Toronto real estate is disgustingly expensive. And most professionals still can't afford those beautiful condos on Front St. Either split the rent of a nice place with 3 roommates, (make sure they're people you get along with) or you'll be living alone in a basement far far away from downtown. But look on the bright side, your degree from Ryerson will one day get you a killer job where you can afford Toronto rent!
For Homecoming, click "Next"
Homecoming
Expectation:
Reality:
You see how there's no photo for reality? Yeah. We don't do homecoming. We can't have insane block parties or shut down residential neighbourhoods for 9am benders because the streets surrounding our campus are Yonge, Dundas, College and more main streets in the city. The cops would be all over our lil 20 year old asses if we tried ANYTHING. Sogo find a friend or sibling that goes to a party school. We're a lot of things, but we certainly don't do a homecoming. This is also cause we don't have a football team. #BALLISLIFE.
For People on Campus, click "Next"
People On Campus
Expectation:
Reality:
At Ryerson, we don't play around when it comes to fashion. Doesn't matter if you're in business school or photography, fashion and personal style is a HUGE deal in the city. When you walk around on campus you won't just see a bunch of Ryerson hoodies and jean jackets (even though those are super trendy right now). People go off with their style choices, if you don't think you're into fashion guaranteed after spending your years on Ryerson campus you'll be into it.
For Commuting, click "Next"
Commuting
Expectation:
Reality:
The TTC is a dirty place. And it's packed and annoying and makes everyone angry constantly. They try their best and gave us fun fancy streetcars and pretty metropasses (The July ones were cute as hell, and they had special Pan Am ones last summer) but the reality of commuting is you will be late 8/10 times you ride the rocket. Just some bonus tips: If the streetcar is packed and there's an empty seat - it's empty for a reason, take off your dang backpack, and don't listen to music on a bluetooth speaker. With these tips in mind, you're ready for a fun commute!
For Class Size, click "Next"
Class Size
Expectation:
Reality:
If you're nervous about walking into a huge auditorium or lecture hall on your first day of classes, don't stress for a second. Ryerson's class sizes are super tiny, and we only have a couple really massive lecture halls. So if you're expecting a whole Legally Blonde lecture where people get into heated arguments in front of 100 people, think again. You're going to be absolutely fine.
The Rockyview General Hospital is pictured in Calgary, Thursday, March 20, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
B.C. Green Leader Emily Lowan following a media availability in Victoria, B.C., on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kevin Light