To post-secondary students: Welcome back, welcome home

The City of London is excited to welcome all post-secondary students that will call London “home sweet home” for the next school year.

Moving to a new city can be a challenge, but to ensure you get the most out of your time here, we’ve prepared a list of tips to help you navigate the City and make London your home while you’re here.

#SocialLife

Get involved in the community and make the most of your time in #LdnOnt.

• Follow the City of London on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for our bi-weekly “Our City” newsletter to keep informed about City initiatives, news and upcoming events.
• The City of London’s website london.ca is a great tool to learn about services and programs, including information about your City Council member, your neighbourhood, or even your water bill.
• Looking to build your resume in London? The City of London posts several internships, co-ops and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. All current employment opportunities are available online.
• Get Involved is an online platform for residents to participate in City projects and initiatives. Your engagement and feedback help us develop programs and move towards a better London for everyone.
• The City offers many different recreation opportunities and events at community centres, pools, and arenas. View our programs and courses online to see what’s being offered this fall and winter.
• In between studying and classes, be sure to make time to explore all that London has to offer. Visit Tourism London for a guide to things to do and places to see and make the most of your time here.
• In a band and looking to get into the music scene in London? Or just looking to enjoy some live local music? Check out the London Music Office for events, networking opportunities and programming to help make your mark on London’s music scene.
• London’s Core Area is made up of local businesses, distinct neighbourhoods, and exciting public spaces. You can learn more about our Core Area online, subscribe for email updates, and discover the different destinations, programs, and City projects in the downtown and Old East Village.
• There are also 21 natural areas in London designated as Environmentally Significant Areas. These areas offer many different trails and paths to help you explore local forests, wetlands, and meadows.
• While there are many things to do and experience in London, it’s important to be safe. With COVID-19 and the Delta variant still a current threat, large gatherings and parties can be dangerous, and the consequences are real. For your own health and safety, don’t host or attend large parties. Help stop the spread of COVID-19 by following gathering limits, wear a mask, and continue to physical distance. You could also be subject to a large fine if your gathering exceeds Provincial guidelines.

#SchoolLife

If you’re walking or biking:

• Our walk map and bike map can help you discover more than 350 km of pathways, bike lanes and cycle tracks in London, including London’s primary multi-use recreational trail, the Thames Valley Parkway.
• New bike lockers are now available downtown where you can securely store and lock your bike. Download the Movatic app to begin to use this new bike parking.

If you’re taking public transit:

• Review your schedule ahead of time and familiarize yourself with LTC service updates that help us ride safely together.  

If you’re driving:

• Some neighbourhoods have lower speed limits of 40 kilometres an hour as part of London’s Area Speed Limits program. Lower speed limits are also implemented in school zones.
• If a school bus is displaying flashing red lights, traffic in both directions must stop. You are also required to stop at pedestrian crossovers where people are crossing the street. London also has red light cameras at a number of intersections to make streets safer.
• You can see if your commute is impacted by construction by using the Waze app or the City’s Renew website.

#HomeLife

Get settled in London by reviewing this important information for your new home.

• The best sources of COVID-19 information are health officials. In London, the Middlesex-London Health Unit shares daily updates about COVID-19, including information on how to prevent the spread and where you can get vaccinated. You can also find information online about current changes to City services during COVID-19.
• Learn about your home’s garbage and recycling collection dates if you’re living off-campus this year. The Recycle Coach app can also provide you with a personalized collection calendar along with information about how to separate items properly.
• Have a car and need to park on the street, overnight? Between November 1 to April 30, the City enforces an Overnight Parking Restriction which requires residents and visitors to register their vehicles for an overnight parking pass. A maximum of 15 free passes may be issued per vehicle license plate. Passes can be obtained online or by phone at 519-661-4537. Please note that there are some streets which prohibit overnight parking.

The City’s by-laws help ensure your new home is safe and that you’re protected as a tenant. Review some of these common City of London by-laws that can help you and your new home:

• The Property Standards By-law addresses different scenarios, both in rental and owner-occupied properties including interior and exterior property maintenance, pests such as cockroaches, and access to vital services such as lack of heat, hydro or water.
• The Yard and Lot Maintenance By-law helps ensure that refuse is not being hoarded, dumped, or poorly contained on properties.
• The Sound By-law addresses noise complaints generated by occupants of a premise such as parties and loud music, and non-occupant noise disturbances such as frequent dog barking or noisy mechanical equipment.
• The Municipal Waste & Resource Materials Collection By-law requires owners and occupants to keep the boulevard adjacent to their property clean of garbage and recyclables.

Have questions about a particular by-law or looking to register a complaint? Connect with our Enforcement team at 519-661-4660 or by email at enforcement@london.ca.