Moving to a new country for school is exciting — and a lot to prepare for. Beyond tuition and packing, a handful of practical realities catch many international students off guard in Canada. Here are five worth sorting out before you arrive.
1. You Can Work While You Study
Good news first: as a full-time student at a designated learning institution, you can usually work on- or off-campus without a separate work permit, and program-required co-op placements have become simpler too. Working while you study earns income, builds Canadian experience, and grows your network. (For the details, see our guides on work authorization and balancing work with study — and always confirm the current rules with IRCC.)
- Earn income to manage living costs
- Build real, Canadian professional experience
- Grow a local network in your field
- Set up your career before you graduate
2. There’s More Funding Than You Think
Hundreds of scholarships, grants, and bursaries are available to international students — from governments, schools, and private foundations. Unlike loans, this money doesn’t need to be repaid. Apply well ahead of deadlines, and note that you’ll also need to show proof of funds (travel + tuition + living costs); the minimum is updated each year by the Government of Canada.
3. You Don’t Need French (But It Helps)
Canada is officially bilingual, but outside Quebec and New Brunswick, English is the day-to-day language for most. You won’t need French for most programs or jobs — though even a little makes social life and part-time work easier in bilingual cities like Montreal and Ottawa, and opens some funding pathways for fluent speakers.
4. Tipping Is (Mostly) Expected
Service workers in Canada often rely on tips, which catches newcomers off guard. The rough norms:
- Restaurants: 15–20% of the bill
- Hair and beauty services: 15–20%
- Bars: about C$1 per drink
- Coffee / takeout: 10–15% (optional)
- Taxis and rideshares: 10–15%
Tipping in retail and other non-service settings is optional.
5. It’s Not Always Cold
Yes, winters can drop below −30°C in much of the country — but Canadian summers are genuinely warm, often hitting humid mid-20s°C in southern Ontario, Quebec, and B.C. A few packing tips:
- Layer up — temperatures swing a lot through the day
- Bring rainproof layers or an umbrella
- Buy bulky winter boots and coats once you’re here, not in your suitcase
- If you can, arrive in summer to ease into the climate
Get a Head Start on Your Career
Once you’re settled, the best thing you can do for your future in Canada is start building experience early. Inkaer connects international students with paid internships at Canadian startups — record one application video, get curated onto a shortlist, and meet companies ready to hire. Welcome to Canada; let’s get your career moving.
Your First Week
A short list of things that pay off if you tackle them in week one:
- Open a Canadian bank account — student accounts at major banks usually have no fees
- Get a SIM card or a Canadian mobile plan — most carriers offer a student deal
- Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) — you need it to work legally
- Register at your school’s international student office — they’ll flag things you didn’t know to ask
- Locate the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and walk-in clinic
- Figure out your transit options — pass, app, bike, or routes
None of these is hard on its own — the trick is doing them quickly so the basics are sorted before classes start to take all your time.