School is more than just studies as you also need the fun to ease academic stress. In this post, you will find out the top 5 worst party schools in Canada. If you are hardcore into clubbing, then none of these schools are for you.
They are the worst because you only study here—no social life, or whatsoever. You wake up, write, get academic stuff done, and go to bed. When you wake up, you write, get academic stuff done, and go to bed again. If you want to go to parties, no chance with these Canadian schools. That said, these are the worst universities for parties where you only get schoolwork done.
Worst Party Schools in Canada
York University
While the arrangement of this list is in no particular order, York University is easily the grandmaster of the worst party schools in Canada. For many students, when you think of party schools in Canada, York University is probably not the first place that comes to mind. Many students commute to York, which means that the campus can feel pretty empty, especially on Friday evenings and holidays. It can be a bit depressing if you’re stuck on campus with nowhere to go and no one to party with.
But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good time at York. If you want to experience a more lively social scene, you have to be proactive about it.
Don’t just show up for class and then head home like many of your peers. Get involved in campus life, make friends, and seek out parties and events. If you live in a residence or a nearby village, you’ll have more opportunities to attend random parties that pop up.
However, if you’re specifically looking for a university with a strong party culture, you might want to consider Western or Queen’s. Both schools are known for their lively social scenes and active student bodies.
Alternatively, if you’re a first-year student at York, you might be in luck, as the frosh are known to have some good parties.
Don’t get your hopes up if you’re studying at Osgoode or Schulich, as the social scene at these faculties is a bit more subdued. And finally, if you’re someone who has tried and failed to find a party crowd at York, you’re not alone. Some people just don’t click with the social scene at this university, and that’s okay. There are plenty of other ways to have fun and make friends during your time at York.
Toronto Metropolitan University
At TMU, the atmosphere is much more focused on career development and academics. It is predominantly a commuter school nestled in the heart of Toronto. Unlike traditional campuses, TMU blends into the urban setting, offering a plethora of activities like clubbing and bar hopping, thereby diminishing the need for on-campus parties.
On the contrary, schools such as Western, Queens, and Laurier are situated in smaller cities or towns where there isn’t as much to do. This lack of external entertainment options naturally fosters a vibrant party culture, as social gatherings become the primary means of fun.
I can personally attest to the stark contrast in social scenes. At Laurier, parties are an integral aspect of student life, primarily because the city itself doesn’t offer much in terms of entertainment.
The housing situation is also significant in this dichotomy. In smaller cities like London, Waterloo, and Kingston, it’s common for students to live in spacious houses with large backyards, perfect for hosting parties. In contrast, TMU students often reside in compact apartments in downtown Toronto, which are not conducive to large gatherings. Why bother having a party at school when a myriad of bars and clubs are just around the corner, right?
University Of Manitoba
While the University of Manitoba (U of M) does have parties, it doesn’t quite live up to the wild scenes you might see on television or at larger American schools. In fact, a recent ranking of party schools in Canada placed U of M near the bottom of the list. This is because U of M is primarily a commuter campus, which explains why this university is one of the worst party schools in Canada.
While there are social events and parties hosted by faculties or residences, especially for those who live on campus, they are not as frequent or as lively as the ones you might find at other universities in the country, such as Queen’s University or the University of Alberta.
The city’s public transit system is not the best, which can make it harder to get around and find parties and other fun events. So, if a vibrant social scene and regular parties are what you’re looking for in your university experience, you might want to consider looking elsewhere. Finding parties and fun things to do at U of M requires a bit more effort compared to other schools.
University of Victoria
When you think about a “party school,” UVIC might come to mind, but I’m here to set the record straight, it is one of the worst party schools in Canada out there. While there is some fun to be had at UVIC, it doesn’t quite live up to its party school reputation.
The parties at UVIC tend to be on the smaller side, and getting into the bigger ones can be tough unless you know the host personally. Even then, it’s pretty much a toss-up whether you’ll be able to get in.
That being said, it’s not impossible to find a good party at UVIC. If you make friends with the right people, you’ll have a better chance of getting invited to the more exclusive parties. The beginning of the year, Halloween, and St. Patrick’s Day are usually when the best parties happen, but as the year goes on, they become few and far between.
Living on residence can be helpful in this regard, as it’s easier to make friends quickly and get the inside scoop on where the parties are happening. The cost of living in residence will depend on which type you choose, but it can be a worthwhile investment if you’re looking to maximize your social life.
UVIC may not be the party school it’s made out to be, but there are still plenty of opportunities to have a good time if you know where to look. Just don’t be surprised if the party gets shut down by 11 p.m., even on campus.
University of Waterloo
It wouldn’t be a complete list of worst party schools in Canada without the University of Waterloo. However, some will argue that Waterloo goes hard on parties, but it falls below expectations. If you need a lively party scene, you might find the University of Waterloo (UW) lacking in that department. The first year at UW can be particularly tough due to the rigorous coursework, often referred to as the “weeding out” process.
However, don’t let that discourage you, as there’s always the option of heading to Laurier. Laurier is just a stone’s throw away to experience vibrant nightlife and party till dawn.
While it might seem like UW is a bit on the quieter side, don’t be fooled, there are plenty of parties to be found, you just have to be proactive in seeking them out. Make friends and host your own party; this is often the best way to get invited to other gatherings. Walking around in hopes of stumbling upon a party might not be the most effective approach.
If the university social scene doesn’t quite meet your expectations, Laurier is right next door. Make friends over there and you’re sure to find the party atmosphere you’re looking for. Going to clubs is also a great option to consider. In summary, the party scene at UW might not be the most happening, but with a little effort and some new friends, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities to let loose and have a good time.
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