HCMM: My McGill & Montreal Journey

It has been quite some time since I wrote my last two posts, which were about Japan and 2025. This time, I would like to share my McGill and Montreal journey — something I have coded in my mind as HCMM.

It has been almost two months since I arrived in Montreal on December 28. Canada became the first foreign country where I welcomed a new year. Until now, I had always been in Turkey on New Year’s Eve.

Now, let’s move on to the main topic: My journey in Montreal so far.

A lot has happened in these 54 days. I tried my best to create meaningful differences and improvements compared to my previous experiences abroad. I aimed to be freer, more focused — on my relationships with people, with myself, with my goals, and with my classes. However, it is not as easy as it sounds when you are once again in a different country, at a different university, surrounded by different social circles.

That is why I thought it would be better to reflect on the differences between the two countries and universities to understand them more effectively. In this post, I will share both my feelings and my observations about McGill and Montreal.

This blog will be divided into three parts: McGill, Montreal, and Me.

McGill:

McGill is such a beautiful university — vibrant campus life, lots of events, strong inclusion policies, beautiful buildings, and an incredible location. I truly loved it. My favorite places so far are B2, Bronfman, and the University Centre 🙂

Let me share some pure observations from the classes I am taking.

McGill is incredibly diverse. There are students from all around the world. The courses involve a lot of reading, case studies, and quizzes. One thing I noticed is that lecturers do not seem to have as much flexibility or authority over administrative aspects of the class compared to what I was used to see at Boğaziçi University.

For example, at Boğaziçi, professors can influence who takes their courses, adjust class times, or reschedule midterms more flexibly. I did not really observe that kind of flexibility at McGill.

McGill Campus

Another interesting observation: almost every single student brings a laptop to class — I would say nearly 100%. At Boğaziçi, many students bring laptops as well, but it might be around 70%. Here, it feels universal.

I also noticed that many students use Snapchat during classes, and sometimes some even watch hockey games when they get bored. At the same time, what truly surprised me was how seriously students take exams. After exams, they actively discuss answers in detail. I remember doing that during my freshman year, but after that, I did not really make it a big discussion topic. Of course, you check your answers — but here, they analyze them intensely.

Regarding the Desautels Faculty of Management, classes contain many cases and current issues. However, I did not see many guest speakers or strong direct connections with industry professionals sharing real-life sector experiences. That was something I was expecting more of.

McGill has now become part of my life, and I already love it.

But for sure not more than Boğaziçi.

Boğaziçi is different. It feels like home.

Montreal:

After experiencing 15°C in Istanbul in December, Montreal hit me hard. On December 29, it was around -25°C. Yes, minus twenty-five. I was not ready for it — even though I am from Ağrı, where winters can be just as harsh, if not harsher.

I like Montreal. It is more expensive than Vienna and definitely more expensive than Istanbul. Still, it is a lovely city with a mix of old European-style buildings and huge skyscrapers that sometimes make you feel like you are walking in New York.

Canadian people are genuinely kind. However, you still miss your own culture and food. Additionally, one thing I did not expect before coming here was the large number of people from Lebanon and France so that you see them everywhere :)

McGill Campus

Another observation: coffee shops here are not as spacious and comfortable as those in Istanbul. I think Montreal could learn something from Istanbul’s café culture — larger spaces, softer seats, and environments that truly allow you to relax.

And a funny discovery: most elevators do not have mirrors! I always instinctively look for one, then realize — they simply are not there.

I like Montreal.But I have to confess — I loved Vienna a bit more 🙂 and I feel I should not even include İstanbul in this competition 😁.

Me:

So how am I doing?

I am trying to be more productive while I am here. I want to benefit as much as I can from this experience, especially since I am nearing the end of my 5.5-year university journey — a journey that shaped today’s met. I know I need to be ready for what comes next.

Quebec

I have met many wonderful people here. And Emine Hocam has definitely been one of the most important parts of my Montreal and McGill journey. I will never forget how she supported me throughout this process. She is also a graduate of Boğaziçi University. After completing her studies at the University of Pennsylvania, she started teaching marketing at McGill. Thanks to her, I have gained valuable insights not only about McGill and Montreal, but also about life.

I still have two months left in Montreal, and I hope the remaining time will be just as meaningful and beautiful. Lastly, here I am also giving a volunteer Turkish class so I hope it will be beneficial for the students as well.

I will share more about McGill soon on my education page.