Life in Canada as an Indian Student

Student Life in Canada

From exploring new cities to making friends from different countries, there's always something exciting happening in the life of international students. But that’s not all. Let’s see what more Canada has to offer to international students:  

The Canadian Climate

The climate of Canada varies from city to city. The weather that dominates Canada is cold. The summers in central regions of Canada are warm or hot, while winters are a bit chilly. On the other hand, coastal areas of British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces of Canada have cooler summers and mild winters.

Two distinct seasons in Canada, spring and autumn, have a short duration. Summers are generally warm, which can reach high levels in some areas, while winters are cold enough to give snow covers and freeze temperatures. Therefore, students are advised to wear season-specific clothes like socks, gloves, and sweaters during winter to avoid health problems. 

Universities & Courses

Canada is home to the world’s best universities, ranked in QS World University Rankings 2024 and Times Higher Education Rankings. These universities provide various courses and programs in accounting, education, commerce, dance, design, environmental science, food media, and more.

So, no matter which course students want to pursue, Canadian universities have it all. Depending on their academic stage, they can pursue UG diplomas, PG diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. 

Campus Life in Canada

Canadian universities and colleges provide various on-campus facilities to international students, such as gyms, sports fields, fitness classes, and parks. These facilities ensure an excellent student experience in Canada. Students who love extracurricular activities can join art clubs, debate societies, and outdoor adventure clubs. Some other facilities, such as food courts, cafeterias, and libraries, are provided inside the campus only, so students don’t need to go outside. Moreover, students can easily connect with their classmates while living on campus. 

Canadian Food & Culture

Canadian culture is a mix of British, French, and American traditions. Students will learn about the impact of British and American influence on the daily life of English-speaking regions of Canada and see French culture in the architecture, music, and cuisine of Canada.

Students will experience different types of cuisines while studying in Canada. Some of the best foods students can try in Canada are Poutine, Maple Syrup, Nanaimo Bars, Butter Tarts, Montreal Bagels, Wild Salmon, and Bannock. Indian students in Canada who miss their home food can find Indian restaurants serving meals like dal, rajma, rice, etc.

Languages Spoken in Canada

Canada has two official languages: French and English. English is spoken mainly in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, while French is spoken mostly in New Brunswick and Manitoba. The French-speaking part of the population is called Francophone, while the English-speaking part is called Anglophone.

Canada has 1.4 million native people and more than 50 indigenous languages. Further, there are 8.3 million foreign people who speak languages such as Punjabi, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Tamil, Russian, Bengali, German, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Portuguese and more. 

Cost of living & Studying in Canada

The cost of living in Canada will depend on the location where students are living. For example, Toronto is the most expensive city, which will cost more to international students, while Quebec and New Brunswick provide the most affordable living. 

Students don't need to worry about the cost of studying in Canada, as Canadian universities have low tuition fees compared to the universities in the UK and USA. The low cost of studying is another feature that adds to a smooth student life in Canada. Here, the government and universities provide various scholarships to financially support international students. 

Health Care Facilities in Canada

If we talk about healthcare facilities, Canada has Medicare, which is its universal healthcare system. It works on five principles: universality, publicly administered, comprehensive coverage, portability across provinces, and accessibility. Every international student who wants to study in Canada must have a health insurance plan.

Students can get the same from the government, university, or a private health insurance provider. Every province has its own insurance to ensure a safe student life in Canada. Province-based insurance works only in that particular province; therefore, students will be required to get out-of-province medical coverage to cover their medical expenses when travelling across provinces. 

Transportation in Canada

Commuting is essential to any international student's life while studying in Canada. They have to travel back and forth from home to college. Another thing that adds to the great student life in Canada is its public transportation system. While studying in Canada, students can use public transport such as buses, subways, trains, and ferries.

Moreover, every city in Canada has its public transportation system. International students can use various student passes, such as the Student Presto Card, International Student Identity Card (ISIC), and Student Transit Passes, to make commutes affordable. 

Part-Time Jobs in Canada

Thousands of students do part-time jobs to support themselves while studying in Canada. International students can work up to 20 hours a week during a regular academic session and full-time during scheduled breaks. 

Through part-time jobs, students will earn money and learn real-world skills. They can highlight this experience on their CVs and get high-paying jobs.  

Following are some of the most common part-time jobs in Canada for international students :

• Tutor
• Babysitter
• Freelancer
• Teacher’s Assistant
• Server

Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada

Students who completed their education in Canada can work there with a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). The length of the PGWP depends on the program's level and duration. The length is differentiated between master’s and other programs. 

Students who graduate from a designated learning institution (DLI) can get PGWP for eight months to 3 years. PGWP allows students to gain relevant work experience, which increases their chances of getting permanent residency. 

Leisure Activities in Canada

To have a fantastic student life in Canada, international students can take advantage of its leisure activities. Starting from outdoor activities, students can do hiking, horse riding, bicycling, backpacking, golfing, skating, and camping. Further, if they need more adrenaline rush, they can go for Water-skiing, Jet skiing, Scuba, Snorkelling, Kayaking, Canoeing, Surfing, Boat Tours, and Sightseeing.

Canada also offers something for animal lovers. In Manitoba, they can watch Polar Bears, while British Columbia is filled with Grizzly Bears. Moreover, students can enjoy different winter festivals in Canada, such as the Quebec Winter Carnival, Winterlude Festival in Ottawa and Calgary Stampede. 

Conclusion 

Student life in Canada goes beyond academics, offering international students a chance to flourish personally and culturally. Students are embraced by a welcoming and diverse community where they can explore breathtaking landscapes, participate in various activities, and build lifelong friendships. Canada's supportive universities help students adapt and excel, fostering resilience, independence, and a sense of belonging.  Ultimately, studying in Canada is an enriching experience that goes beyond obtaining a degree. It's about embarking on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and creating unforgettable memories, all while becoming part of a vibrant and multicultural nation. To start the academic journey in Canada, students can connect with overseas education consultants at Canam.