Life Hacks for International Students in Canada

Inside: Learn practical tips to survive the crunch for international students in Canada.

While there is still no news about extending beyond the end of this year for international students to work off campus and for more than 20 hours a week, students from other countries may have to continue to tighten their belts. There are other pressing issues faced by decision-makers at Immigration Canada, one of which is whether to put a cap on the number of international students allowed into the country.

Meanwhile, students from abroad face long months to continue their studies. Students will have to compete with other applicants looking for part-time work on campus if they want to earn much-needed cash.

Surviving the high cost of living will continue to be a challenge. Our Canada Bound Coaching group came up with some suggestions on how to stretch your hard-earned dollar. (Take note, while we are mentioning brands and store names below, we are not in any way promoting these products for our benefit nor are we paid for mentioning products and stores). We simply want to help.

Repurpose School Supplies

Instead of new notebooks, recycle three-hole binders and buy loose, three-hole lined paper. Walmart sells the paper for a pack of 200 or 500 sheets for only a dollar and a few cents. Use cheap dividers to separate subjects in one binder. A binder can hold up to 3 to 5 subjects instead of 5 separate notebooks which can cost more.

Related post: Best Life Ever as an International Student in Calgary 

Purchase Big Meat Portions

Purchase big meat portions instead of smaller packages intended for specific meals.  For example, pick up one package of a pork picnic roast or pork shoulder that has a bone at the center surrounded by fatty skin that sells for between $9 to $17 per pack depending on weight. If you slice off the meaty parts of the pork picnic roast, you end up having so many meat cuts for several dishes that will last for a week or more. You may swap these pork cuts with some chicken cuts with roommates to have variety in your meals. If you buy the smaller packs with precut pork or beef, you will spend at least $25.00 and up.

Buy from the Dollar Store

Buy loaves of bread from Dollarama where you can save up to $1.00 to $ 1.50. A loaf of Wonder bread sliced, white or whole wheat, is only $2 compared to the grocery stores where it sells for $3.75 or more.

You can also buy school supplies and other personal items and some kitchen essentials here at much cheaper prices.

Stock up on Food

Stock up on canned food, or tinned fish like tuna, especially when these go on sale for other protein choices in your diet.

Buy dried beans, not canned. When boiled, these dry beans bulk up and are cheaper than buying those in cans.

Buying fruits or veggies in season or during summer when they are cheaper and putting them in the freezer for future use is a  good practice. These would include tomatoes, berries, or bananas.

Shop in Bulk

Shop at bulk stores, such as Bulk Barn,  where you can have peanut butter, nuts and other healthy choices. You end up paying for less as Bulk Barn does not use expensive packaging for their food.

Check the Clearance Rack

You can buy here cheaper vegetables and fruits. Most times you can get overripe tomatoes good for making pasta sauces or bananas ideal for banana bread.

Bread at close to the expiry date can also be bought here.

Chicken barbeque can go on sale at half the price when it’s almost closing time of the store.

Bring Packed Lunch

No need to mention, of course, to avoid buying cooked meals and fast food, as the costs can add up and these may not be as nutritious as your brown bag with a peanut butter sandwich, a banana, and a boiled egg. Packed lunch every time can help you survive the ever-growing difficulties of the cost of day-to-day living.

Avoid Branded Products

At Superstore you can buy goods with NO NAME and some groceries or stores have their own brand, which are much cheaper than the branded items.

Collect Points or Rewards

Some stores, like Superstore, Shopper’s, or the Co-op store, let you collect points or rewards that you can use to pay stuff  later. They usually offer specific items on certain days that you can collect points from. Some credit cards also have this program.

Buy from Thrift Stores

Value Village or Salvation Army have clothing, shoes, or household items that are second-hand, which are still beautiful but less expensive compared to new items.

Sometimes, they even have “new” items, that have never been used or worn.

Your school might be selling second-hand books, too.

Look for Sale Items

There are always items on sale in the malls or grocery stores, including clothes, cosmetics, shoes, and bags, and food items. Even branded items can go on sale, you just have to look for them in the store.

There are also liquidation stores that sell stuff for less.

Buy on Promo Period Days

Some stores advertise their anniversary sales or holiday sales. Even end-of-season sales are very common, like buying boots when winter is almost done. Or summer clothes when it is almost fall.

Rent an Apartment with Friends or Classmates

If you want to live on your own and not be a burden to your relatives, you can rent your own apartment or condo but try to offer a friend or classmate to live with you to share the rent, food, and other household bills.

Just Save!

Wise spending for school supplies and food expenses are the ones we have control of.

Tuition, rent, phone bills, and transportation costs are beyond our capacity to control or avoid. These are expenses not easy to cut corners on.

We know, prices have gone up, but if you know how to save money, and be practical in your way of life,  you can survive the crunch.

Images Credit: Vecteezy.com