10 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Living when Studying in Canada

Living costs in Canada can beexpensive for international students but it doesn’t say you should not study inCanada at all.  The cost of living inCanada is also dependent on the student and how diligent they are to notoverspend on their finances.

Here are 10 good ways to reduce thecost of living in Canada while studying:

1.      Try to get shared accommodations – If you decide that you do not wanta roommate, whether you live on campus in residence or off-campus in anapartment, your cost of living will be high. It is much cheaper to live with some roommates and share expenses,especially rent and food costs.  Oftenapartments that are close to universities and colleges are furnished so youdon’t even have to worry about buying furniture.

2.      Consider home stay – Home stay is a cost saving way tolive while studying in Canada.  TheInternational Centre at your institution will place you in a family where youwill have a room and study area and you will have your meals with thefamily.  This is a package deal that canbe cheaper than renting an apartment or living in residence and it gives you a homeaway from home.

3.      Eat In not out – If you do rent an apartment, don’t eat too muchfast food or eat out at restaurants.  Youwill reduce your expenses considerably by eating as many meals as possible thatyou have cooked in your apartment.  Ifyou live in residence, eat according to your meal package and avoid expensivefast foods and restaurants.

4.      Buy second hand – For textbooks, pots, pans, dishes and furniture,consider buying second-hand.  Universitybookstores carry used books and there are second hand and thrift shops whereyou can get used furniture, dishes and etc. The cost will be much less than buying new items.

5.      Work part-time – The Canadian government has programs that allow internationalstudents to work on or off campus while they are studying.  Certain conditions apply as to hours, etc andsome universities have their own limitations. Check with the International Centre on your campus for full details.

6.      Find a host family – Most International Centres have ahost family program where international students are paired with a Canadianfamily.  They will invite you for holidaycelebrations, birthdays or take you to the zoo, or park, etc.  This is one way to have some fun withoutcosting you lots of money.  You will alsoget to know about Canadian culture through your host family.

7.      Write home don’t phone – Phoning overseas from Canada canbe expensive so be careful about your phone plan.  If possible, write emails home or set up aSkype account which is free for video calls. Many computers today have built in webcams so you don’t even have to buya webcam.

8.      Watch where you shop - Try to buy from big departmentstores like Walmart and Superstore and stay away from high-end shops and cornergrocery stores.

9.      Use public transportation – Most major cities in Canada haveexcellent public transport systems and most universities include in their fees,a bus-pass charge at a reduced student rate. So make good use of this pass, it will save you lots.

10.  Delay gratification – Work hard and save your money fornecessary expenses.  It means that youwill have to wait to enjoy life.  You canalways spend money on entertainment once you graduate.

These are some of the best ways tosave money while studying.  But don’tthink that you can’t have any fun while studying, you can.  Just be careful as to how much it is going tocost you and try to find cheaper ways to have some good times.