Every year, numerous students from across the globe choose to study in Canada, attracted by its renowned high-quality education, excellent career prospects, and outstanding quality of life for both students and graduates. Whether you’re attending a vocational school, college, or a prestigious Canadian university, two guarantees await you: exceptional education and an unforgettable experience.
Canada takes great pride in its education system, offering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment for learners worldwide. Classrooms are designed to encourage innovative thinking, academic excellence, and the freedom to explore new ideas.
Canadian universities warmly welcome international students, providing robust support programs to ease their transition into the Canadian educational landscape. But what is daily student life like in Canada? What should you anticipate upon arriving at your Canadian institution?
Below, we delve into everything you need to know about campus life, balancing work and study, the international student support systems available, and what makes studying in Canada such a unique and memorable journey.
While the student journey in Canada can differ greatly depending on your field of study and the university you attend, certain elements, such as balancing academics and personal life, tend to remain consistent.
Undergraduate Life in Canada
As an undergraduate, you might spend your days at vocational schools or colleges honing practical skills relevant to your future career. Between classes, you could be editing videos, crafting cabinets in woodworking, or engaging with patients if your focus is dental hygiene, among other activities.
Life at a university often involves a mix of theoretical learning and practical application. Outside of lectures, you might be working in modern labs, conducting research for assignments in the library, or participating in student workshops and tutorials. Professors and lecturers are generally available during office hours to provide assistance, and you will have at least one teaching assistant for additional academic support throughout your course.
Graduate and Postgraduate Life in Canada
As a graduate student, your time will be centered around lectures and conducting innovative research to complete projects, theses, or dissertations. With guidance from established professors and lecturers, you’ll strive to achieve the academic goals you’ve set.
Student Accommodation
International students in Canada have various housing options. Undergraduates can choose between on-campus and off-campus living, ranging from shared dorms to private student apartment rentals. On-campus housing is beneficial for first-year students, offering an affordable option with round-the-clock support and the chance to make new friends. In contrast, private dormitories are typically available for graduate and postgraduate students.
For off-campus living, options include furnished or unfurnished house shares and homestays, which provide an authentic Canadian family experience. When planning your budget, set aside at least 25% of your study expenses for accommodation.
Transportation
Canada boasts a dependable and economical transportation system. The cost of a monthly travel pass averages around $90, depending on your city of study. You’ll have access to buses and trains, or you might find yourself within walking distance of campus, or choose to cycle. Many universities offer convenient transportation solutions, with some even including transit passes as part of your tuition fees.
Living on campus often includes designated meal plans in the dining hall, bundled with housing costs, or you can choose self-catering. Many universities accommodate various dietary restrictions, so verifying with your selected institution in advance is advisable. Additionally, there are numerous supermarkets and grocery stores nearby, offering a wide range of international foods.
For students who enjoy dining out, there are numerous budget-friendly cafes and restaurants in and around campus.
Social Life
Connecting with new people in a different country may feel daunting to some. Canadian universities typically host orientation weeks to acquaint students with the campus and fellow classmates. Various online communities for international students and cultural events provide excellent opportunities to make friends and participate in local activities.
Extracurricular Activities
Canadian universities provide diverse sports and cultural activities to match your interests. While activities vary by institution, a club or society nearby often aligns with your interests if your school does not offer them directly.
Participating in extracurricular activities is a fantastic way to connect with people sharing similar passions. Canadian institutions frequently offer unique activities not available in your home country, potentially sparking new interests.
Off-Campus Activities
Students in Canada can enjoy either action-packed or relaxed weekends and holidays. Whether you love outdoor adventures, shopping at local boutiques, exploring art galleries, or vibrant city nightlife, Canada has it all. Many local bars and nightclubs offer special student nights, and numerous coffee shops and stores have student discounts.
Medical Insurance and Healthcare
Canada is famous for its universal, publicly-funded healthcare system. As an international student, you may qualify for this excellent service to ensure your health and safety during your studies.
To access free basic healthcare in Canada, international students must enroll in a full-time program for a year or more. Keep in mind that activation may take up to three months, so it’s wise to secure healthcare coverage before arriving in Canada. Additionally, the government-funded Medicare Plan (MCP) excludes dental procedures.
Canada is renowned for its welcoming approach to international students. Recognizing the challenges of relocating to a new country, Canadian educational institutions offer a range of International Student Services designed to ease this transition. While services may differ across institutions, several core offerings are typically provided.
Language Support
For many international students, overcoming the language barrier is a critical first step upon arrival in Canada. Even if students have passed the Canadian Language Benchmark test, adapting to an environment where English or French is predominantly spoken can be daunting. To facilitate this transition, many schools offer language classes in English or French. An example is McMaster University’s Office for the Development of English Language Learners (MODEL), which provides an exceptional language program. Additionally, our Immigration to Canada company includes an English tutoring program in our student application package to ensure students are well-prepared before their journey begins.
Mentorship Programs
To help international students smoothly integrate into Canadian culture, mentorship or buddy programs play a significant role. Many universities with large numbers of international students offer these programs, pairing newcomers with those who have already spent a year or more living and studying in Canada. This support network helps new students find their footing and adjust to their new surroundings.
International Student Communities
Engaging with international student groups is one of the best ways to acclimatize to a new country. Numerous higher education institutions in Canada have social clubs or organizations that provide international students the opportunity to connect with peers in similar situations. These groups foster a multicultural and inclusive environment, organizing activities, programs, and events to help international students establish a social life and community in their new environment.
By providing these essential services, Canadian institutions ensure that international students have the necessary support to succeed both academically and socially during their stay in Canada.
For students planning to study in Canada, balancing finances to enjoy the country’s numerous experiences often requires some financial assistance. This is why many students in Canada opt for part-time or even full-time employment to support themselves financially while pursuing their studies.
As of November 2022, the immigration policies in Canada have become more accommodating regarding student work hours. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), students can now work up to 40 hours per week. This change allows students to access a wider range of job opportunities and significantly boosts their earning potential. Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Sean Fraser, noted that this policy empowers international students to better support themselves during their academic journey.
To engage in student employment in Canada, a work permit is not required. However, to maintain a balance between work and academics, students have access to numerous part-time job options that provide sufficient income without overshadowing their study commitments.
If you’re preparing to apply for jobs in Canada, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you secure meaningful employment during your educational endeavors. This guide is tailored to enhance your chances of success in the Canadian job market.
Considering Canada for your higher education journey? There are several compelling reasons that make Canada an ideal destination for pursuing your university studies.
Exceptional Education Standards
Canada is renowned worldwide for its outstanding education quality at all stages. As per the World Population Review, Canada boasts the highest levels of education globally, with the second highest percentage of adults aged 55-64 and 25-34 having completed tertiary education. In 2023, 31 Canadian universities were featured in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, with seven institutions making it to the top 150.
Abundant Career Prospects
A key allure for many international students studying in Canada is the vibrant job market available upon graduation. With over a million job vacancies nationwide and an aging workforce, Canada actively seeks skilled immigrants to fill crucial roles. Earning a degree in Canada significantly enhances your employability in the local job market by demonstrating your ability to succeed in a Canadian environment. To facilitate your career start, the Canadian government offers the Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing you to remain in Canada and work for any employer during a specified period.
Embracing Multiculturalism
Canada is celebrated for its inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity. Many Canadian universities pride themselves on having a diverse student population. With its famously friendly and welcoming culture, Canada offers an unparalleled opportunity to interact with a variety of global perspectives, ensuring you feel accepted and supported unlike anywhere else.
To study in Canada, obtaining a study permit is essential. Below, we’ve outlined the essential steps for acquiring a study permit in 2022. This guide covers everything from eligibility requirements to the application procedure.
Start Your Journey to Studying Abroad
Now that you are familiar with student life in Canada, it’s time to embark on your journey. Consulting with an expert can ensure a strong start. Our team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) at Immigration to Canada is ready to assist you with university applications, assess your eligibility for studying in Canada, assist with filling out forms and drafting motivation letters, gather necessary documentation for your application, and even provide guidance for interviews with colleges or universities.
By engaging with us, you will ensure that each step of your study abroad journey in Canada is handled with professionalism and expertise.
International students in Canada enjoy access to top-tier educators and facilities, vibrant city life, and diverse cultural interactions. Canada is the fourth most popular choice for international students globally. Studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) can open doors to work and stay in Canada.
Canada ranks high in quality of life and has one of the world’s most educated populations. Its multicultural and accepting society makes it an inviting place for international students.
Beyond part-time work opportunities, Canada offers excellent education and free healthcare. Graduates from Canadian institutions can pursue work opportunities and potentially apply for permanent residency with at least a year of Canadian work experience.
The best school for you might differ from others. Check Immigration to Canada's detailed list of top-ranking universities and five leading trade schools in Canada.
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