Concordia University Montreal

You've chosen to study in Montreal, what now? The first step is probably deciding where to go. The choices are numerous, and you are likely to find that each has something different to offer.

Concordia University Montreal has two campuses: Sir George Williams and Loyola. Sir George Williams is comprised of two main buildings, the John-Molson School of Business, and a number of smaller buildings scattered around the campus’ vicinity. Nestled between Sherbrooke and de Maisonneuve Streets, this urban university’s structures lie smack-dab in the middle of one of the busiest areas of downtown Montreal. Surrounding restaurants, coffee shops and copy places abound, but the SGW campus is a quasi self-contained village with a food court, computer store, discount travel agency, art gallery and much more. There is even an underground tunnel linking the McConnell and Hall buildings. Popular programs here include Languages, Engineering, Art History, Cinema and Theatre.

The SGW campus’ proximity to Crescent Street and some of the best nightlife in the city also makes it a desirable place to be, and while apartments are abundant in this area, they may be a bit pricey for a struggling student on a budget. A roommate is one option but as with McGill, a metro station is within steps, connecting students with the whole of Montreal. So is the 165 bus line, a direct connection to Côte-des-Neiges, one of the most multi-cultural and reasonably priced neighborhoods in Montreal. Residences are also available.

While the Concordia University we know today was founded in 1974, its history dates much further. It was born from the merging of Sir George Williams University (which started offering university-level classes in 1932) with Loyola College, the offshoot of an English-language program at Collège Ste-Marie, a French-language Jesuit school founded in 1848. The Loyola campus moved several times, eventually settling in its present location, west of downtown Montreal. It is home to most of the science programs, the popular Communications and Journalism programs, the Music program and the beautiful Oscar Peterson Concert Hall. A shuttle bus connects Loyola to downtown.

As with McGill, program and study options are multiple. Cont. Ed and certificate programs are popular, as is e-Concordia, the university’s answer to online study (read the following articles for more information on distance education). The overall student population is slightly higher than McGill’s at 44,000, including 4439 international students (according to 2008-09 figures).