How to manage your budget as a student in Canada?

Budgeting for living expenses while studying abroad is an important thing for international students to learn. Among all the expenses related to international tuition, accommodation rental, etc., it is necessary for students to know all their daily expenses and know a way to save their money. In general, costs should not be a determining factor for students to continue or stop studying abroad because they can use different methods such as getting a discount using a student card or other methods that the experts of Istehabanati Institute have brought to you in this article. Manage your budget and save some money for yourself. By using the strategies that we mention in this article, there is no reason for you to worry anymore and you can enjoy your time in Canada more easily.

Take advantage of student discounts

Your student card provides you with many discounts; From discounts on tourist attraction tickets and retail promotions to discounts on meals and transportation. Although not all places directly state that they accept student discounts, it’s worth asking. So carry your card with you wherever you go and ask if they accept a student discount. The discounts offered may seem very small, but when several discounts are added together, it adds up to a big number. Sometimes, some attractions may even not charge students and accept them for free, in which case an amount of 15 to 60 dollars will benefit the students.

Coffee shops and restaurants near universities offer special discounts to students studying in Canada. These discounts may be on a specific day of the week or offered to students continuously. In any case, it helps students to save money on food and their food. In the case of public transportation, some universities include the cost of transportation when receiving tuition from students, so they can use public transportation for free by presenting their student card. Other students can also benefit from its benefits by purchasing discounted transit cards.

Live with roommates

People who intend to immigrate to Canada through education should know that among all the expenses related to house rent, bills and food, house rent includes the largest part of the expenses. Depending on which Canadian city and in which neighborhood you intend to find a home and live, something around $500 to $2,000 per month will be the cost of renting your house, which is separate from the payment of bills and internet. As a student, to save more on your expenses, you can live with one or more other students to share a part of the expenses with each other. If you don’t know a reliable person to be a roommate, you can search on Google or Kijiji for renting a bedroom in a shared house. Be sure to check the room carefully before signing the contract to make sure it is exactly like what you have seen online.

Alternatively, you can connect with other students who are looking for a roommate. Living with other students, whether local or international, not only helps you save on housing costs, but also allows you to explore a new community together and have new experiences with others. Create too.

Consider the exchange rate

As an international student, in order to better budget your expenses, it is necessary to learn more about the exchange rate in Canada.

If you’re not familiar with this, you might end up spending a lot more than you bargained for. Be aware of this when purchasing certain items and remember that in North America, tax is not included in the price tag. During the time you are in Canada, the currency exchange rate may fluctuate many times, therefore, in addition to continuously following immigration news, it is necessary to calculate your expenses with the help of reliable sites such as XE calculator. Get changes and fluctuations.

In order to learn more about the impact of currency fluctuations on the education and living expenses of immigrants, we suggest that you contact the experts of Istehbanati Migration Institute and benefit from their useful advice.

Search for the best deals

This method is one of the easiest ways to budget expenses for people who have received a Canadian study visa.

There are many sites and apps like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace where you can find used and cheaper furniture, signs, home appliances, etc. You can also find second-hand books at better prices on Amazon or your university library. Many students also sell their books and pamphlets after graduation. You can keep in touch with these people on social networks and not pay extra money for buying expensive books.

Another easy way to find the best deals is to use the Flipp mobile app. This app shares the best deals based on where you live and using it you can get huge discounts even on food.

Working hours for international students in Canada

International students admitted to Canadian universities are allowed to work on or off campus to support their living expenses. Regardless of whether your place of work is inside or outside the university, it is necessary to follow the rules of the university. Students who have a study permit in Canada, if they intend to work at a university or its campus, provided that they are a full-time student of that university, they can work as many hours as they want and do not need a work permit.

However, students who meet the following conditions can work outside the university for up to 20 hours per week without the need for a work permit:

• Full-time students at designated educational institutions
• Students who are taking vocational training courses or professional courses.
• Students who have participated in the study courses of at least 6 months and at the end of the course, they will be awarded a degree or diploma.
• Students who have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

We recommend that you always visit the official website of the Canadian government to learn about the most up-to-date rules related to student working hours and their work permits.

final word

By following the tips that we put forward for you in this article, you will not have to worry much about managing your budget in Canada, and by saving more money, you can enjoy your free time in this country. It is not difficult to save and balance expenses related to food, housing, education, etc., with the help of student discounts and the use of cheap and second-hand equipment applications. Many students seek help from an immigration lawyer to estimate the costs of studying and living abroad. You can also make a better plan for your financial management by communicating with the prominent lawyers of Istehbanati Immigration Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

1- Can international students in Canada work while studying?

Yes. Foreign students can work inside or outside the university for a maximum of 20 hours a week to cover their expenses.

2- Can foreign students stay outside the university and dormitory?

Yes, international students can rent an apartment outside the dormitory with other students or live together with local families.

3- What items does the student card include discounts for?

Students can use their student card to visit entertainment centers, buy food, use public transportation, etc. and use discounts.