6 things I wish I'd known about being an international student in Canada 🍁 🎓

You move to Canada expecting assignments and exams...

But suddenly you’re trying to figure out the difference between a loonie and a toonie, how to navigate labour regulations, and buy the right winter jacket on a student budget.

A lot of international students prepare for what they’ll learn in school. But many aren’t prepared for the smaller, everyday lessons that come with moving to Canada.

Sometimes it feels exciting and adventurous. Other times, it can feel exhausting, isolating, and overwhelming.

Thinking back to my first few months in the country, I wish I'd had a cheat sheet to help adjust to being an international student in Canada.

Lucky for you, I'm here to give you just that!

Studying abroad is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming in ways many people do not expect. Here’s what you should know:

Winter blues are real in Canada.

Long winters, snow, and limited daylight can slowly change your mood, energy, and daily routine without you realizing how much they affect you.

My tip: Try to maintain a routine, spend time outdoors during daylight hours, stay active, and connect with others regularly. Even small habits can make a difference.

Time differences and distance from home can feel lonely.

You may miss birthdays, holidays, or important moments back home.

My tip: Schedule regular calls when possible and stay connected through messages, photos, or voice notes. Finding local friends can also help you build a support system in Canada.

Shared housing can be stressful.

People may have different habits, schedules, cleanliness standards, or cultural expectations.

My tip: Communicate openly and set clear boundaries around shared spaces, noise, guests, and chores. Having these conversations early can help prevent misunderstandings and make living together easier.

Homesickness can appear unexpectedly.

Homesickness might hit during small everyday moments, like eating unfamiliar food, getting sick alone, or realizing your family is asleep when you need someone to talk to.

My tip: Give yourself time and patience as you adjust to life in Canada. Familiar comforts, such as favourite snacks and photos of home, can make the transition easier.

Building a social network in a new country takes time. Friendships and professional connections usually grow slowly through repeated interactions.

A key part of building connections is putting yourself out there — even when it feels uncomfortable at first.

Even one close friend or supportive mentor can make life in Canada feel much easier.

Try:

• Joining clubs and student events. Many student associations host regular meetups, cultural events, and support gatherings. Check your school website, Instagram pages, or bulletin boards to find them.

• Exploring free local events on platforms like Eventbrite and Meetup. These are great for finding workshops, hobby groups, and social events in your area.

• Volunteering and using volunteer-match websites such as Volunteer Canada. This helps you practice English, meet people, and gain Canadian experience.

• Reading local news to learn everyday vocabulary and culture. This also gives you common ground to talk to people about!

• Listening to the radio or broadcasts to get used to different accents. This can help build your communication skills.

• Building a support system through classmates, roommates, other international students, mentors, and professors.

Many international students do not realize how many money-saving resources are available to them.

• Start with what your school already provides. Use your school’s counselling, career centre, gym, and library services

• Use public resources like public libraries for free Wi-Fi, study spaces, printing, and workshops.

• Save on everyday essentials:

  • Ask for student discounts on transit, phone plans, software, museums, and restaurants

  • Check grocery flyers and use apps like Flipp to compare prices and find deals

  • Use Too Good To Go and oddbunch for discounted food and produce.

  • Use Rakuten to get cashback when shopping online.

  • Use Kijiji and Karrot to buy or sell affordable furniture and household items.

• Get student tickets. Consider making use of student discounts on some bucket list items before you graduate (if you’re planning to stay after graduation).

Small habits and student benefits can save you a surprising amount of money and stress.

Watch this video to discover more student discount tips as an international student in Canada:

Staying on top of your finances and key rules can help you avoid surprises and make better decisions in Canada.

• Open a student or newcomer bank account with no monthly fees and perks like free e-transfers, rewards, or cashback offers. Check out this Byte: Learn how credit works and why it matters.

• File your taxes if applicable. Even as a student with little or no income, filing taxes may help you receive tax credits and benefits. Learn more about taxes in Canada and find a free tax clinic.

Stay updated on important rules. Immigration and work rules in Canada can change over time and may affect your plans: Always check official updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on:

• Work-hour limits for international students

• Study or work permit rules

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility

• Permanent residence pathways

Being sick or injured in Canada can make simple tasks feel hard — like searching for a clinic with a fever or realizing you have no band-aid after cutting your finger while cooking.

To prepare ahead:

• Keep basic first aid supplies, pain relief, and cold/flu medicine at home

• Know which nearby clinics and pharmacies accept international student insurance for quick access

• Identify an emergency contact that you can trust

• Check your student insurance coverage, including dental care and eye exams.

• Make note of important numbers and helplines. For example:

  • 911 — Call for emergencies requiring police, fire, or ambulance services.

  • 811 — Connects you to a registered nurse for non-emergency health advice and information.

  • 211 — Connects you to local community, social, health, and government services.

  • 988 — Connects you to the Suicide Crisis Helpline for free, 24/7 mental health and crisis support.

Many students are surprised when employers ask for references during interviews and realize they didn't build enough connections early.

Try:

• Using your school’s career services for resume writing and interview preparation.

• Consulting with professors and mentors.

• Participating in co-op programs (work placements that are part of your studies)

• Joining student associations.

Some students discover that their program doesn't lead to the career opportunities they expected.

Understand your future options by researching:

• Job demand

• Average salaries

• Required certifications

  

Check out useful resources such as:

• Randstad Salary Guide

• Job Bank

Think about one small change you can make this week. Small steps make life in Canada easier over time.

Check out more related Bytes:

• Studying abroad in Canada? 🇨🇦 Apply for international student scholarships

• 7 important things to keep in your international student survival kit