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The video discusses the benefits of having a credit card as a student, and why you should have a good credit score. The higher the score, the easier it is to apply for housing and jobs. It is important to pay your credit card debt in full and on time to build your credit score. Also, a credit card is a good method to limit expenses. For example, a $1,000 limit on a credit card means that the borrower cannot borrow over $1,000. As a result, this helps with budgeting.

I used this video because it goes into greater detail about how credit increases and also decreases. It goes into detail on how to avoid different kinds of mistakes. Also, I learned new information such as utilizing a 30% maximum of the credit limit to improve your credit score.

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IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE IN CANADA | EASY STEPS TO BUILD CREDIT | Credit Card Guide Chapter 4

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In this video, Nicole shows viewers how they can spend $20 a week on groceries at Walmart. Her groceries include staple foods such as pasta, and healthy foods such as bananas for a balanced diet.

I chose this video because Walmart is an internal brand known by local and international students. Also, there are plenty of Walmart locations in every city. Students living on campus or close to the Oshawa campus can take one bus for less than a 30-minute drive to the Walmart located on Harmony Road. Additionally, Walmart is known to have inexpensive products which is ideal for the average student or someone on a budget.

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HOW TO EAT FOR $20 A WEEK IN CANADA | Emergency Extreme Budget Grocery Haul 2023

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The video explains how Carter centers her budget plan around her biweekly paychecks. She discusses strategies such as making sure your paycheck has the appropriate amount, paying her bills/fixed expenses first, and then variable expenses, and finally credit card debt. She explains the different ways of moving money to a savings account.

I chose this video because I believe the budgeting plan used is strict but achievable. She further goes into detail on how she budgets her eating-out expenses, which is something I never thought about and plan to incorporate into my budgeting. Also, I think her worksheet layout is easy for students to replicate or use for their budgeting plans.

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How I Budget my Paychecks 💸 paycheck breakdown, bi-weekly budget with me & more

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The Government of Canada allows full-time international learners to work up to 20 hours per week (part-time) during the semester and full-time (40+ hours per week) during vacations. As an international student, working part-time might be an excellent way to supplement student’s education and everyday living expenses. Canada's general minimum wage, which applies to most employees, varies by province and territory. For example, the general minimum wage in Ontario is $14.25 per hour, but in Alberta it is $15.00. However, certain jobs that frequently get tips or other gratuities pay less than the minimum wage.

To budget, one must first receive income. Receiving income from a job may be used for tuition fees or everyday living expenditures. Also, a part-time can be used to increase savings or an emergency fund. I used this website because I think it is important for international students to know the regulations to work in Canada, and to consider working for jobs that pay well.

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Having a part-time job as an international student can be a great way to support your education and your daily life. It can be more flexible and easier to fit into your academic schedule - and it often requires less commitment and training. Many positions (including volunteer roles) may provide you with the opportunity to grow your network and gain valuable work experience in Canada.

Below are answers to common part-time work questions from international students about work permits and eligibility, and where to search for a part-time job. You will also read tips on building your resume, upgrading your interview skills, and how you can gain valuable experience as a volunteer.

Am I eligible to work part-time?

The Government of Canada permits full-time international students to work up to 20 hours per week (part-time) during the semester and full-time (40+ hours per week) during scheduled breaks such as fall or spring reading week, or winter and summer holidays.

Students are expected to meet the following requirements:

Be enrolled as a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI). In Quebec, students must be enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program or, a secondary-level vocational training program

Have a study permit that includes permission to work or accept employment. Just remember that you can only start working in Canada when your study program starts - not before.

Have full-time student status in a study program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

It's important to understand your work privileges and the rules that apply to you. Learn more about working as an international student on the Government of Canada website.

What part-time jobs are available as a student?

If you're eligible to work part-time, you can look for jobs either on-campus or off-campus. If your study permit allows you to work off-campus, you are eligible to work for employers such as local restaurants, bars, cafes, retail shops and more. Start by thinking about the kind of work you're interested in, how it might fit into your study schedule, what kind of commute you're up for, and your future career goals. Here are a few part-time options to consider:

Retail. This includes any position in a retail shop such as a cashier, customer service assistant or sales associate. The part-time hours will vary depending on the workplace, but most retail shops require evening and weekend work.

Hospitality. These include front of house (FOH) positions (greeters, servers or table bussers (cleaners)) or back of house (BOH) positions (food runners, dishwashers, janitors, etc.) at bars, cafés or restaurants. It may also include work at a hotel or lodge, such as a concierge, cleaner or caterer.

Student ambassadors. Student ambassadors are designed as part-time jobs made to fit in with classes. Student ambassadors have diverse roles, which may include: leading campus tours, producing marketing or communications materials, working at public events, answering questions about student life and available courses, and supporting administrative departments.

Seasonal work. During the summer and winter holidays, students can often find work as camp counsellors for kids, planting trees or landscaping, offering museum and tour guides, or other roles in tourism, retail and hospitality.

Public service work. The Government of Canada Job Bank is one place to search for part-time work in Canada by location, and there is also a range of job opportunities, co-op/internships and hiring programs in federal agencies and research departments.

Freelance/gig work. This can include selling services such as tutoring, writing and graphic design. Freelancing can be an attractive option because of the flexibility and independence it offers; however, there are some things to consider before plunging headfirst into the freelance economy.

How much will I be paid?

Wages for part-time work in Canada vary depending on the position, the employer and the province.

Always review the details of your contract or speak to your employer for a complete breakdown of your earnings, when and how often you will get paid. Then, once you start earning an income, check out these tips about how to manage your money as an international student in Canada.

What does minimum wage mean?

In Canada, the minimum wage is the lowest amount of money you can be paid by law for your work. Not every country or region in the world has minimum wage laws, so it's nice to know that when you find work in Canada, there are rules to the hourly amount you will be paid.

The general minimum wage in Canada, which applies to most employees, is different in each province and territory. For example, in Ontario, the general minimum wage as of June 1, 2021, is $14.25 per hour, but in Alberta, it's $15.00 an hour.

However, some positions that regularly receive tips or other gratuities pay lower than the minimum wage. For example, a liquor server's wage (bartenders or servers at a restaurant, bar or café) is an hourly rate that applies to employees who serve liquor. In Ontario, the liquor servers' wage is $12.45 per hour.

Remember: if you earn a liquor server's wage, you must declare your tips as income when filing your taxes.

Where can I search for part-time jobs as an international student in Canada?

One way to begin your job hunt is to start broadly and then narrow your focus based on your interests, location and eligibility.

Browse your school's job board. Many schools offer online career portals that list various on- and off-campus job opportunities, internships, co-op placements and fellowships available to students in a range of programs. Speak to your school's careers or guidance department to learn more about signing up for job alerts and applying to positions that interest you.

Job boards. LinkedIn, Glass Door, Charity Village or the Canada Job Bank allow you to filter your search results by location, job title, company and job requirements.

RBC also offers a range of opportunities for students and graduates in banking and technology.

Your campus community. A great place to start your network in Canada and explore potential jobs. Here are some tips for successful networking including virtual networking for international students.

Personal or professional connections. Network with friends, classmates, and people in your department as many Canadians find their next job through people they already know.

How do I create a resume to attract potential employers?

The first step towards finding part-time employment is building your resume to appeal to potential employers - even if you don't have a lot of business experience.

In Canada, there are best practices that might differ from resumes in other countries. For example, your resume should be brief and highlight your accomplishments, while only including basic personal information. Your resume should be tailored to each job you are applying to.
Learn more about building your resume in Canada.
How should I prepare for a part-time job interview?

A little preparation goes a long way in preparing for a job interview. Before going into any interview, do some research on the company or organization. Be prepared to answer questions about what they do. You should also familiarize yourself with the role and the skills required and able to answer questions about why you fit the position. Be ready with questions of your own too; they can be general, but asking questions helps to show your interest.
Learn more about how to ace your first job interview.
What are the benefits of part-time volunteer work?

Volunteering part-time can be a great way to build community, increase your network and potentially gain work skills.

Try to approach a volunteer role the same way you would a paid position. Ask yourself what skills you have to offer and how you can apply them. Even if you can only commit to a few hours every week or every month, volunteering is a great way to give back. It may also lead to future opportunities as you launch your career post-graduation.

Volunteer Connector and Volunteer Canada help match Canada-based charities with anyone looking for in-person or virtual volunteering opportunities.

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Finding Part-time Work in Canada as an International Student

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How international students can find part-time work in Canada for the summer, during the semester and on breaks throughout the year.

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Numerous businesses and brands in Canada provide discounts to secondary and post-secondary students, so that they can save money. There are several bargains and offers available, including those from merchants, restaurants, and credit card firms, as well as student discount programs. This post includes over 50 of the finest student discounts in Canada, including the number of discounts available, qualifying restrictions, and how to apply for them.

I used this website because it is a great source of multiple apps to choose from. In fact, I used this website during my semester at Durham College. UNiDAYS and Amazon Prime are the two apps I use for student discounts, which have cut down the costs of many products I have purchased. For example, PUMA had a sale and I used a student discount as well, which helped cut my costs for at least 20%.

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50+ Best Student Discounts in Canada 2024: Find Deals & Offers

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Learn about the best student discounts in Canada, with discounts and offers from Dell, Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, Nike, Samsung, and Microsoft.

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Scotiabank allows students to earn points and rewards when they use their credit cards at certain stores and businesses such as Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland & Participating Co-ops, FreshCo, and more.

I think it is important for students to know the other benefits have using credit cards. Credit cards are beneficial for improving credit scores, but also receiving redeemable points to reduce expenditures on groceries.  The bank also offers insurance coverage for unexpected life events, such as death, critical illness, hospitalization, disability, job loss, strike or lockout. This is useful for emergency expenses.

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Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card (for students) Earn 2X the Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland, Home Hardware, and Cineplex.4 Book an appointmentBook an appointment for Scene Visa Card Window.imageRenditions("65eea92d-1b10-cea9-a3d0-5a9eccd99462");

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Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students | Scotiabank Canada

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Earn bonus SCENE+ points upon first purchase with Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for students. Fastest way to get free movies with your Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card. Apply online.

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On-campus housing refers to homes provided by the school and located on or near the school's campus. Off-campus housing refers to apartment rentals that are not on the school's campus or owned by the school. The advantages and disadvantages are listed for both options. For example, the advantages of on-campus housing are social life, simple living arrangements, being close to your classes, easy accessibility to food, never having to worry about paying for Wi-Fi or utilities, and safety. Also, the average costs of living on either option in major cities are listed.  The data collected indicates that living on campus is more than double the cost of off-campus housing.

I think it is beneficial for students to compare the housing types, especially if they are living on a budget. Students must take into consideration the financial benefits and disadvantages of these options.

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This guide shares the advantages and disadvantages to living in residence or off-campus, if a roommate is for you, and how to find a place to live.

Once you've got your acceptance letter from a school in Canada, and your visa is all sorted, now's the time to figure out where you're going to live when you come to Canada. This can be a difficult task since you most likely won't see the place you're going to live in-person until you move in. So, how are you supposed to figure out where to live, and what are your options?

Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's everything you'll need to consider when choosing a place to live in Canada - from on- to off-campus housing, roommates, and tips for finding your new home.

Your options: On- and off-campus housing

In your search for a place to live, you'll probably come across the phrases on-campus housing and off-campus housing. On-campus housing refers to residences that are offered by your school, located on or close by the school's campus. Off-campus housing are apartment rentals that aren't on a school's campus or owned by the school.

So, how do you know which is the best option for you? Check out the pros and cons of each option to help make your decision easier:

On-campus housing

Explore the advantages and disadvantages to living in residence:

Pros

Social life: you can meet fellow students on your floor or in your building

Simple living arrangement: the residence is operated by the school, so you don't have to deal with any landlords

Close to your classes: this is a huge benefit, especially on those cold winter mornings when you don't want to leave your bed

Easy eating: many residences require you to have a meal plan. This means you'll eat in the dining hall and on-campus cafés, so you won't have to do as much cooking

Don't worry about paying for wifi or utilities: this is often covered by the school

Safety: residences are a safe space with plenty of resources and surrounded by students

Cons

Off-campus housing

Explore the advantages and disadvantages to living off-campus:

Pros

Cons

Is on- or off-campus housing cheaper?

It's hard to determine whether on-campus housing or off-campus housing is cheaper when it varies on the school and the location. If this is an important factor for you, then you'll need to do your research, consider both your options, and do some calculations.

When it comes to on-campus housing, keep in mind that you'll typically pay for the accommodation up front and all at once. You may also have to pay for a meal plan that covers your meals in the school dining hall and cafés. If you're planning on staying in Canada over holidays and summer vacations, then you may have to find additional accommodation, as many residences close during these times.

For off-campus housing, you'll need to make monthly payments for rent, utilities, cable, and your phone. You may need to also buy any furniture you need, such as a bed and desk, unless you find a rental that includes furniture. You should also consider travel expenses. How close are you to your school and grocery stores? Will you need to pay for gas and a parking pass? How much are bus passes?

For a better idea of what to expect, check out the costs of living on-campus vs. off-campus in three major Canadian cities:

City

Cost of on-campus housing (single bedroom)

Cost of off-campus housing (one bedroom)

Vancouver, British Columbia

Residence at University of British Columbia: $7,006 - $8,537 (plus an additional $6,497 for a meal plan)

Approximately $2,127 - $2,539 on average

Toronto, Ontario

Residence at York University: $7,788 - $8,076 (plus an additional $4,250 - $5,750 for a meal plan)

Approximately $2,091 - $2,461 on average

Montreal, Quebec

Residence at McGill University: $10,832 - $14,168 without a meal plan, and $17,032 - $20,368 (plus an additional $5,700 for a meal plan)

Approximately $1,102 - $1,472 on average

Keep in mind that these numbers are not perfect, and may change depending on the school, style of residence, and the location.

Roommate 101

Roommates are a common part of university and college life. But how do you know if you should live with someone while you study in Canada? Check out these advantages and disadvantages for living with a roommate to help you make your decision:

Pros

Cons

Conflicting personalities: you could be an early bird and they could be a night owl, or you like your peace and quiet and they like to party

You might not get along: living with another person can be a challenge. Little arguments can escalate since you have no space from each other

Less privacy: sometimes you just want some alone time, but having a roommate means sharing your living room, kitchen, bathroom, etc. It can be hard to find some time to yourself

Boundary issues: since you'll be sharing your space with another person, it can be hard to set boundaries. Your roommate could ask for constant favours for you to drive them to campus, or they could have a tendency to use up all your coffee without asking

Tips for finding a place to live off-campus

Finding a place to live off-campus in a new country can be a challenge. Where are you supposed to look? How do you know who to trust?

Reach out to your school's housing services team. Even though you'll be living off-campus, they may be able to provide you with reliable sources for where to look. Some schools even offer a peer support service for any landlord-tenant questions you have.

View the rental if you can, but if not, ask for a virtual tour. Photos can be out of date, so ask for a video call so you can see exactly what condition the place is in, and you can get a feel for its layout.

Ask for references! A good way to know if a landlord is trustworthy is by talking to people who have rented from them before.

Check out some of these popular sites for student rentals:

This was a lot of information to take in, but hopefully it's made you consider factors you hadn't before, and you've got a better idea of what you want when you live in Canada.

Find your school and learn more about their accommodations

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Should You Live On- or Off-Campus? - StudyinCanada.com!

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This guide shares the advantages and disadvantages to living in residence or off-campus, if a roommate is for you, and how to find a place to live. - StudyinCanada.com!

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My budgeting strategy isn’t as detailed as hers, so I’m seriously considering using her strategies, especially when I begin to work full-time. Usually, my budgeting is done in my head. I know how much money I’m willing to spend for the month, but it’s not detailed into categories such as $200 groceries in monthly groceries and $80 in fast food. Although my budgeting plan won't be as large as hers, I still think it is important to discipline my spending habits a bit more strictly. Also, I could relate to the housing research because I relocated to off-campus housing, and that cut my expenses drastically. Additionally, I think focusing on your credit score is a great way to avoid credit card debt and limit monthly expenditures. It teaches you credit responsibilities that can use after finishing school. Also, it puts you in a position to reap financial benefits such as borrowing a larger loan and applying for housing. I think I would pass on the knowledge of creating a strict budget plan similar to the “Creating a budget plan” video. I think this strategy is very beneficial to manage money wisely, especially during inflation.

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In this wall, I will discuss techniques and methods that college students can use to help with budgeting. Some techniques are used to reduce expenditure costs such as housing, and to increase income such as part-time jobs.

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The 50/30/20 strategy encourages financial stability by directing a considerable part of income toward savings and debt repayment. People who save 20% of their income regularly can develop an emergency fund, save for long-term objectives, and minimize financial stress.

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Comparing your budget expenditure to your actual expenditure might give a better idea of where your money is going. This allows individuals/students to become more conscious of their financial patterns and identify areas where they might be overspending or underspending. Also, regularly comparing budgeted amounts to actual spending enables individuals to evaluate the accuracy of their budgeting assumptions. Therefore, they can alter their budget to reflect their actual spending habits, ensuring it remains practical and effective.

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This video goes through the step-by-step process of finding and applying for Canadian scholarships on multiple websites. These scholarships are granted for multiple programs for both Canadian and international students. The video provides many resources showing the required documents and deadlines.

Students can research financial aid, grants, and scholarships to help with their tuition and other educational costs such as accommodation, books, and supplies. This can help with the financial burden many students experience, especially international students. Therefore, scholarships reduce expenditure costs and may allow students to focus on other expenditures such as groceries and clothes.

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How to search and find scholarships in Canada- financial opportunities in Canada