Canada is probably like the U.S. in a lot of ways, so if possible inspect the apartment for any damages or repair needs and take pictures if possible. That way you won't be held "liable" upon moveout since the damage was aleady there.

If you like plants, they add a "warm" feeling to the place. Also, I like decorative things, even "knick-knacks".

I don't know how you are about noise (my tolerance is LOW), but it helps to just be neighbourly and say hello to neighbors, introduce yourself, etc. That way, if you ever need to ask them to turn their music/TV DOWN, they are more likely to cooperate. This has worked for me 99% of the time.

If the walls are thin, "white" noise such as nature sound machines may help.

I've been in my apartment over 10 years, and it is the first time I have been on my own. Lived at home before that. It took about 6 months for me to think of that place as "home".

I also want to say that if you get attached to neighbors easily as I do, it helps to cope with them leaving by telling yourself that "This building has a high turnover." I mean, I've had such nice people around but they did not stay long. Turnover in my building is HIGH, so now I'm reluctant to talk to many people.

If you don't have a full size kitchen, cook simple meals with a large quantity so it'll last you a few days. I have a "galley" kitchen so it's not only small but HOT. So, I want to spend little time in it.

That's all I can think of at the moment, LOL.