McGill/Canada vs. Bath/England for Psychology

A close friend of mine is currently having a hard time choosing between the two uni's and countries. He's never been to Montréal (or any part of Canada for that matter) but he wants to go there because 1) a lot of good friends are going there, and 2) apparently it's a good course. On the other hand, he was born in England, he lived there for a while and he's attracted to smaller uni's. That and the fact that he hates very cold weather.

If you were in his position, which one would you choose and why?

Oh man... if I could have gone to McGill, I sure would have! Montreal, one of the best cities in the world. He's going to love it so much when discovering the city. It would be better if he spoke at least a bit of French to not be lost half of the time but it's not essential.

He's so ****ing lucky. Go to McGill!

Are these friends he mentioned also British? I know very few British people who would dare go to Montreal.

If he likes excitement and the nightlife and culture (Bath has stuff to visit but you quickly get around it), loads of museums. One of the best places for concerts. Beautiful women... Montreal is one of the cheapest "big cities" in the world. He'll find accomodation for nothing: I was paying 400 dollars for a room at McGill over the summer. That was about 180 pounds at the time.

It's not far from Boston: 5 hours, not far from New York: about 8 hours by car. Toronto and Ottawa aren't far either. It's a great location.
Minor problem: very very very cold in winter (expect -40 with windchill when it gets cold) and it can get hot in the summer (+30 or 35 isn't rare).

True, I'm visiting Montréal every summer now (sister's at uni there) and I agree with you - it's undoubtedly the most sophisticated and cosmopolitan city in Canada.

He isn't actually British and neither are many of his friends (he lives in Hong Kong). Those who are going to McGill are Canadian by nationality and they all know Canada pretty well. I don't think costs are an issue here though... both his parents went to uni in Hants (Southampton I think) and I get the feeling that he'd enjoy it more in the UK.

I'd probably go over the top and say it's better than most US cities. Then again I haven't been to San Francisco, Seattle or Miami... so maybe visting those cities would make me change my view.

If he wants a relaxed place for his studies, where he'll be comfortable, then Bath is probably his best bet. I guess Montréal would be better if he was feeling a bit adventurous (which you're not necessarily when starting Uni...).