u/Mysterious_Sample524

Hi everyone,

I’m asking on behalf of my younger brother, who is finishing first year Mechatronics Engineering at Ontario Tech. He originally chose Ontario Tech because he is very interested in cars/automotive engineering, and Ontario Tech seemed to have strong automotive-related facilities, industry connections, a hands-on feel, and more of a focus on mechatronics/automotive compared to some other schools.

Academically, he is doing well so far. He has around a 3.5 GPA after first year. The issue is more about fit and lifestyle. He is finding the commute and Oshawa environment pretty draining. He drives about an hour each way, and he feels like the campus/city environment is not very motivating for him socially or mentally.

We are now trying to compare three options:

1. Stay at Ontario Tech for Mechatronics
   • Pros: automotive/mechatronics focus, hands-on feel, facilities, possible industry ties
   • Cons: long commute, does not really like Oshawa, lifestyle/social environment feels draining
2. Transfer to York University for Mechanical or Mechatronics
   • Pros: much closer commute, easier daily life, could save a lot of time and energy
   • Cons: not sure if automotive/mechatronics opportunities are as strong as Ontario Tech
3. Transfer to TMU for Mechanical/Mechatronics
   • Pros: downtown environment, he likes Toronto more, potentially better student life/networking
   • Cons: commute would still be significant, and transfer credits may be an issue

For people in engineering, especially mechanical/mechatronics/automotive:

• How much does Ontario Tech’s automotive/mechatronics focus actually matter for co-op and future jobs?
• For Mechanical/Mechatronics students specifically, do York or TMU students realistically get similar co-op/interview opportunities in automotive, robotics, EV, manufacturing, or mechanical design compared to Ontario Tech students, or does Ontario Tech’s automotive focus make a noticeable difference?
• Is Mechanical Engineering better than Mechatronics if he is interested in automobiles?
• How risky is transferring after first year in terms of losing credits or delaying graduation?
• Would employers care much between Ontario Tech, York, and TMU?
• Is it smarter to stay where he is already doing well, or prioritize a better commute/environment?

We are just trying to figure out whether Ontario Tech’s automotive/mechatronics advantage is worth the commute and environment, or whether York/TMU could lead to a better overall experience and similar career outcomes.

Any advice from current students, grads, transfer students, or engineering co-op students would be appreciated.