Settling in Toronto
Detailed information for fellows and graduate students can be found on the University of Toronto's School of Graduate Studies web site. You can also check out Sunnybrook's medical student orientation guide for more information on Sunnybrook policies and services.
- Finding an apartment
- Transportation
- Getting a social insurance number
- Opening a bank account
- Health care
- U of T downtown campus map
- Sunnybrook Bayview campus map
- Sunnybrook and social media
Finding an apartment
Visit the University of Toronto's housing web site for information on accommodation in Toronto. Other good sources for housing include ViewIt, Craigslist, and Kijiji.
Toronto is a vibrant, sprawling city with many neighbourhoods to choose from, and local websites like BlogTO or Toronto Life's Real Estate Guide can help you decide where you want to live.
Transportation
Click here for a map of the Sunnybrook Campus
TTC and discounted passes
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) provides subway, streetcar and bus services throughout Toronto. For directions on how to get to Sunnybrook from within the city, visit the hospital's directions page.
A discounted monthly pass on PRESTO is available. This pass requires a 12-month commitment and provides unlimited travel. Information about the 12-month pass is available here.
The Sunnybrook shuttle
A free shuttle service is available to staff members. The shuttle travels between A and H-Wing at Bayview Campus, 76 Grenville Street and the Holland Centre (opens in a new window). The shuttle bus schedule and information on the shuttle bus tracking mobile app are available on the hospital intranet.
To board the shuttle, please join the single file line of staff. Do not block the sidewalk.
Biking
Sunnybrook's Baview Campus offers many bike parking options. There are also public bike racks available outside both downtown shuttle pick-up locations.
Sunnybrook Park is full of bike paths that connect the Bayview Campus to the rest of the city. Showers are available on the Bayview Campus for men and women in the washrooms behind the McLaughlin Auditorium.
U of T campus is very bike friendly. You can view a detailed map of the downtown campus here.
Social Insurance Number
To work in Canada, even temporarily, a social insurance number (SIN) is required. Information on how to get one can be found on the Service Canada web siteService Canada web site. You may find Service Canada locations close to your home locations close to your home here.
Opening a bank account
A variety of financial services are offered by Sunnybrook Credit Union Limited, now a division of Meridian Credit Union, conveniently located at Sunnybrook, room CB 02. Details about how to become a member and more information are available at www.meridiancu.com.
Alternatively, to open a bank account elsewhere in Toronto, visit a local bank and present two pieces of identification such as a passport, driver's license or social insurance number. One piece of identification must have a photo.
Health care
All international postdoctoral trainees should visit the University of Toronto's postdoctoral office at the School of Graduate Studies to inquire about health care coverage. The office is located at 63 St. George Street, room 201.
Because there is a three-month waiting period for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), all international fellows are required to enroll in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) for the first three months they are in Canada. However, if a fellow will not be here for more than six months, then they must purchase UHIP for the full six months.
Sunnybrook and social media
To get the latest Sunnybrook hospital and research news while you're off campus, follow us on:
Our social media policy can be found in full on the hospital intranet. Watch this short video for an overview of our guidelines.
