OCAD University
speciality: Marketing

OCAD University is a solid choice for those who love art and design, offering programs that truly encourage creativity and new ideas. Being right in downtown Toronto lets you dive into the city’s lively arts scene and build great connections. The community is quite diverse and welcoming, making it easier to feel supported while learning. On the downside, since most students commute, you won’t get that classic campus feel with dorms or lots of places to hang out and eat.

The classes lean more towards big ideas and concepts rather than hands-on technical skills, so it might not be the best fit if you’re looking for that kind of training. Some students have also mentioned that the teaching experience can vary and that getting help from support services isn’t always easy. Overall, OCAD offers a unique and inspiring environment, but it’s good to think about what you really want out of your college experience before deciding.

OCADU is a small school that offers a limited social life. We have, at most, 5 to 7 clubs, and they’re not particularly large or notable, compared to other prominent universities. OCADU does not offer amenities such as a gym, cafeteria, or dorm, which can make students’ lives somewhat dull. However, the school building’s exterior and interior are artsy enough to attract students and visitors.

The professors are a hit or a miss. Some of them are talented, but struggle to transfer their knowledge to students. They focus more on the artistic perspective, values, morals and ethics than the technical skills. This can be useful to some, but not to others. OCAD’s students need to be motivated and self-disciplined to thrive. If not, the school may not be a good fit for you.

The university features an easy-to-understand teaching style that prioritizes communication, and its faculty is quite receptive to questions from students. The educational approach provides students with insightful knowledge that fosters professional success and personal growth by fusing academic knowledge with real-world work experiences.

There were some very good profs who genuinely cared about teaching and the students, but there were also some who did not know study their teaching material properly and shouldn’t have been professors.

There’s also little to no opportunity for a social life outside of trying to make friends within their program.

My program – Advertising only has 3 good professors right now, and the other good ones have apparently already quit.

The best thing about OCAD U is the profs. They are more invested in their students than any teacher I’ve had before. They are amazingly supportive of our ideas and projects. Many have been more than willing to recommend outside learning materials for further education.