Things to Know Before Moving to Canada for Studies

If you’re dreaming about studying in Canada, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of international students pack their bags, say goodbye to their families, and fly off to start a brand-new journey in the land of maple syrup, snow, and world-class education.

But before you book that flight, there are some very important things you need to know. Trust me — being prepared can make your transition a lot smoother and less stressful. So, let’s go through the most important stuff you should know before moving to Canada for your studies.

Understanding the Education System in Canada

Canada offers one of the best education systems in the world. But what’s really nice is that it’s flexible and offers multiple pathways. You can study at universities, colleges, or polytechnic institutes — and all of them provide recognized degrees and diplomas.

Here’s a quick look at how the system is structured:

Tip: Many students begin at colleges to save money and later transfer to universities for higher-level degrees. This is known as a “college-to-university pathway.”

Understanding the Cost of Living

Let’s be honest — studying abroad isn’t cheap. But Canada offers a balance between quality education and affordable living (compared to the US or UK). Still, you’ll need to plan your budget carefully.

Here’s a basic breakdown of average monthly expenses for international students:

Many students work part-time to help cover these expenses (more on that below).

Weather in Canada ☃️

Now, this is something that everyone talks about — and for good reason. Canada is famous for its cold winters. Depending on where you live, temperatures can drop below -20°C in winter!

But don’t worry — Canadians know how to handle the cold. You’ll find heated buses, underground walkways, and well-insulated houses.

Still, you should invest in a good winter jacket, thermal wear, boots, and gloves.

️ Fun fact: The weather isn’t cold everywhere all year. Cities like Vancouver or Victoria have milder climates — more rain, less snow. So, research the city before you choose your school.

Work While You Study ‍‍

One of the best parts about studying in Canada is that you can legally work while studying. International students with a valid study permit can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks.

Common part-time jobs for students include:

• Barista or restaurant staff

• Retail store assistant

• Delivery jobs

• Library or campus jobs

• Freelancing online

Tip: Always prioritize your studies first. Canada takes academic integrity seriously. If your grades drop, it can affect your study permit renewal or future immigration plans.

Finding Accommodation

When you first arrive, you’ll need to decide where to stay — on-campus or off-campus.

• On-campus housing: Convenient, safe, and often includes meals. It’s great for meeting new friends.

• Off-campus housing: Usually cheaper, but you’ll need to handle bills, groceries, and transportation yourself.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Pro Tip: Don’t send money to landlords without visiting or confirming with your university’s housing office. There are scams targeting new students.

Health Insurance and Medical Care

Canada has excellent healthcare — but it’s not free for international students. Some provinces (like British Columbia or Ontario) require you to buy private health insurance if you’re not covered by a public plan.

Most universities automatically include health insurance in tuition, but always confirm.

✅ Check what’s covered — doctor visits, prescriptions, emergency care, etc.

Cultural Differences & Social Life

Canada is super multicultural. You’ll find people from every corner of the world — which means it’s easy to make friends and feel at home.

Still, the culture might feel a bit different at first. Canadians value politeness, punctuality, and personal space. People say “sorry” a lot (even when it’s not their fault ).

Try joining clubs, student organizations, or community events. They’re great for networking and adjusting to local life.

Public Transportation

Most Canadian cities have efficient and safe public transport systems — buses, subways, trams, and trains.

You can buy monthly passes that give unlimited rides. Students often get discounts, so check with your school for student transit cards.

Tip: Apps like Google Maps or Transit App make it easy to plan your routes.

Opening a Bank Account

You’ll need a local Canadian bank account to pay bills, receive money, or work part-time. The process is simple — just bring your passport, study permit, and university acceptance letter.

Popular banks for students include:

• RBC (Royal Bank of Canada)

• TD Canada Trust

• Scotiabank

• CIBC

• BMO

Some offer student-friendly accounts with no monthly fees and bonuses like gift cards or cashback.

Mobile & Internet Setup

You’ll definitely need a Canadian SIM card and internet connection. Major providers include Bell, Rogers, and Telus, but smaller ones like Freedom Mobile or Fido can be cheaper.

Average phone plans cost around $40–$80/month depending on data and usage.

Study Permit and Visa Essentials

Before anything else, you’ll need a study permit — which is basically your student visa. You can apply online through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website.

Make sure you have:
✅ Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
✅ Proof of funds (bank statements or sponsor letter)
✅ Passport and photos
✅ Statement of Purpose (SOP)
✅ Medical exam (if required)

Once approved, you’ll receive your Port of Entry (POE) Letter and can travel to Canada.

Settling In After Arrival ✈️

The first few weeks can feel overwhelming — new city, new people, new culture. That’s totally normal.

Here’s a small checklist to help you settle faster:
✔️ Attend university orientation
✔️ Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN) for work
✔️ Register for health insurance
✔️ Open a bank account
✔️ Get your student ID
✔️ Explore your neighborhood

Pro Tip: Keep copies of all your important documents in both paper and digital formats.

Understanding Canadian Etiquette

Canadians are friendly, but there are some unspoken rules:

• Always say please, thank you, and sorry

• Don’t interrupt others while speaking

• Tip restaurant servers (usually 15–20%)

• Respect queues and public spaces

Little gestures go a long way in fitting in!

Permanent Residency Opportunities After Study

Many students choose Canada because of its easy pathways to permanent residency (PR) after graduation.

After your studies, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — which lets you work in Canada for up to 3 years. With Canadian work experience, you can later apply for PR through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

It’s a huge plus if you plan to build your career in Canada long-term.

Challenges You Might Face (And How to Deal With Them)

Of course, studying abroad isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Some challenges include:

• Feeling homesick

• Dealing with the cold ❄️

• Managing finances

• Balancing work and study

• Understanding new accents or slangs ️

But remember — every student goes through it. Joining international student groups or talking to student counselors really helps.

Helpful Resources for New Students

Final Thoughts

Moving to Canada for studies is a life-changing experience. You’ll learn independence, build international connections, and open doors to new opportunities.

Yes, it takes courage to start over in a new country — but with the right preparation and mindset, you’ll not just survive… you’ll thrive. ✨

FAQs

Q1: How much money do I need for my first year in Canada?
You’ll need to show proof of funds around CAD $20,000–$25,000 for tuition and living expenses. Actual spending depends on your city and lifestyle.

Q2: Can international students get scholarships?
Yes! Many universities and provincial governments offer scholarships for merit or financial need. Always check your school’s financial aid page.

Q3: Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, your spouse can apply for an open work permit, and your children can attend school in Canada.

Q4: What are the cheapest cities for students in Canada?
Cities like Winnipeg, Halifax, and Saskatoon are generally more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver.

Q5: How do I overcome homesickness?
Stay in touch with family, make new friends, and explore your surroundings. Joining student clubs really helps!

In Short:
Studying in Canada is not just about earning a degree — it’s about growing as a person. You’ll face challenges, yes, but you’ll also find kindness, diversity, and endless opportunities waiting for you.

So, pack your dreams, stay positive, and get ready for a new adventure under the northern lights.