Life in London

Downtown LondonAn important factor in deciding where to take a postdoctoral fellowship is the quality of life that you can expect. London, Canada's 10th largest city, is a cosmopolitan centre with a population of more than 400,000. It is located approximately two hours from Toronto, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. London is called the Forest City in reference to its numerous, beautiful pathways and acres of rolling parkland. Its tree-lined boulevards and green parks invite cyclists and pedestrians to discover the charms of the city, built at the fork of the Thames River.

Activities

jlcLondon is brimming with activity. Boasting everything from concerts at the John Labatt Centre to exhibitions at the Art Gallery, theatrical productions at The Grand Theatre, and a large assortment of restaurants and pubs, the Forest City has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy shopping, movies, theatre, dancing, or sporting events, there is no lack of activities in London. Year-round, London has numerous festivals and cultural and community events, including Snowfest, Sunfest, Rock the Park, London Film Festival and World Beat and Jazz weekends. London is considered a sporting hub and has hosted the Scott Tournament of Hearts, the 2006 Summer Paralympics and the World Lacrosse Championships. London is also home to the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights.

For an overview of activities and attractions the city of London has to offer, please visit Tourism London and City of London.

Family Life

family_lifeWith several family-friendly services including a variety of schools, health care facilities, after-school and special needs programs, children's camps, and community centres, the city of London provides parents, both current and expecting, a safe and desirable community to raise a family.

For an overview of family programs and services throughout London and surrounding regions, please visit Family Services.

Cost of Living

Cost of Living

Not only is London a vibrant cosmopolitan centre, but it offers many of the same benefits of a large city without the high cost of living. For example, compared to London, the monthly cost of a 2-bedroom apartment is higher in Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. 

Seasons

physicsWe experience four distinct and beautiful seasons. Temperatures range from a summer average of 26°C (79°F) to a winter (January) average of -6°C (21°F). Winter, spring, summer, or fall, London is always busy with community events. Skiing and snowboarding are easy to find as Boler Mountain's ski and tubing hill is located right in London, while skating is always popular at local outdoor and indoor ice rinks. London is also close to several beaches including Grand Bend and Port Stanley.

Western in the Community

mcintoshWith more than $600 in research-related spending per city resident, Western makes the highest per capita investment in public research of any university located in one of Canada’s 10 largest cities. Western's economic impact on the local community is estimated to be about $1.5 billion, and researchers at Western and its affiliates generated more than $31 million in research contacts with industry (2008).

The University is committed to providing superior support for both individual scholars and large interdisciplinary groups, while firmly establishing an entrepreneurial research culture that encourages the practice of innovation across campus. In addition to being affiliated with Lawson Health Research Institute and London's extensive hospital system, Western is home to The Research Park in London and Sarnia, and to a number of innovative research facilities and centres that are unique in the world, including:

Western provides the best student experience among Canada's leading research-intensive universities.