Columbia International College - Review #7

CIC was more than just a place to earn credits for university, it was where I grew into myself. Coming from Nigeria, I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived. Would I fit in? Would the teachers understand me? What I found instead was a school that took care of every part of me, not just my grades. The education system of total care made sure students had support with academics, wellness, and even day-to-day life in residence. What stood out most was the diversity. With classmates from dozens of different countries, every day felt like a small glimpse into the world. That kind of exposure taught me empathy and confidence in ways I never imagined.

Best thing: Receiving the International Scholar Award at UTSC. It was proof that all the long nights, group projects, and sacrifices had been worth it. More importantly, CIC taught me to keep pushing myself and not settle.

What I would have done differently: I wish I had joined more clubs earlier instead of focusing so heavily on academics at first. The balance is what makes the experience complete.Advice for new students: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Teachers, dorm parents, and even other students are willing to help. You’ll gain so much more if you open up early.

The care. CIC genuinely looks out for its students, not just in academics but in well-being. I always felt like someone had my back.

If you visit CIC, spend time in the dining hall, it’s where you really see the heart of the community. My favorite treat was evening tea and biscuits, simple but comforting. The library’s upper reading room was my go-to spot to recharge. For dorms, I loved the four-person setups because they pushed me to learn how to live with others and become more understanding.

The classes at CIC prepared me very well for university. My biology and chemistry teachers, in particular, were patient but firm. They encouraged me to ask questions, not just memorize information. What I liked most was how teachers went out of their way to help, you could email them late in the evening and still get a thoughtful response. They also tied our lessons to real-world problems, which made everything feel relevant. Winning the International Scholar Award from UTSC felt like the culmination of everything CIC taught me about discipline, hard work, and consistency.

Sports were a good outlet for me. I played badminton and sometimes joined volleyball games. The coaches were always encouraging, and even if you weren’t aiming to be the most competitive player, you were still valued. Athletics helped me manage stress and taught me the importance of showing up even when I was tired from classes.

While science was my main focus, I always enjoyed the music and arts evenings. I performed at one of the talent shows, and though it was nerve-wracking, the atmosphere was warm and supportive. Watching classmates showcase their art or music was inspiring. These events gave balance to the intensity of academics and showed another side of the community.

The extracurriculars at CIC opened so many doors. Volunteering through peer tutoring, helping with dorm events, and taking part in International Night were highlights. I especially valued working with younger students who were adjusting to English or Canadian culture, because I had been in that position myself. It gave me perspective and built my confidence as a leader.

Dorm life was a big adjustment, but it became one of the most meaningful parts of my CIC experience. Sharing space with students from different cultures forced me to grow up quickly and learn compromise. Dorm parents like Mrs. Kuffour treated us like family, they noticed when we were struggling and always checked in. I remember late-night study sessions turning into conversations about life, and those friendships have stayed with me.

The dining hall was always full of energy. The food itself was decent, but what I loved most was the mix of cultures it represented. Some nights I’d try something I’d never eaten before, and other nights I’d find comfort food that reminded me of home. Eating together after a long day of classes became a ritual that grounded me.

Hamilton is a great place to study because it gives you a mix of nature and city life. I enjoyed walking by the waterfront and exploring local cafés with friends. On weekends, we’d sometimes visit the art gallery or small shops downtown. It wasn’t overwhelming, but it always gave us options outside campus.

The friendships I built at CIC were one of the best parts of my experience. I’ll never forget cramming for exams together, or sitting in the dining hall talking for hours after dinner. Because everyone was far from home, people supported each other. I never felt like I had to go through challenges alone, and that’s rare.