Thinking about joining the international student crowd in Canada? Awesome! While you're busy researching admissions and visas (super important!), it's also a good idea to get a feel for the student life cost in Toronto and other big Canadian cities. After all, gotta budget for that poutine, right?

 

Student Life Experience In Canada

 

Congrats on getting into a Canadian university and snagging that study visa! Now, to get settled before the semester starts, there are a few things to keep in mind:

 

  • Student housing: Securing a spot in a student dorm can fill up fast, so booking early is a good idea.
  • Study permit: At the airport border, you'll receive a study permit. This is your golden ticket to study in Canada and will be extended throughout your program.

 

Canada may seem huge (it's the world's second largest!), but don't worry about culture shock. The country is known for being multicultural, bilingual, and welcoming to immigrants. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are vibrant examples of this.

 

Your study visa might be valid for 2 years, but Canada's got a lot to offer! With its stability, friendly atmosphere, and economic opportunities, you might consider applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) before graduating. This lets you stay and gain valuable work experience for a few more years.

 

Of course, everyone's student life is unique. There will be challenges, but statistics show many international students choose to work and potentially stay in Canada after graduation. It's a great place to live and build a future!

 

Starting your studies in Canada is a fantastic first step towards a bright future. Stay tuned as we explore the different costs of student life in Canada to help you plan your budget.

 

 

Student Accommodation in Canada

 

Living in a student dorm is a popular choice for first-year students in Canada, and it's a great way to cut costs on rent. These dorms, also called residence halls, typically have shared kitchens, laundry facilities, and common areas. So, you'll be sharing a room with a roommate (another student) and using some facilities together with other dorm residents. The cost of living for students in Canada can add up, and the financial requirement set by banks is around $12,000 CAD per year to cover your expenses excluding tuition. So, dorm living can be a smart way to be budget-friendly!

 

Cost of living as a student in Canada

 

Let's Go Uni suggests budgeting between $3,000 and $7,500 CAD per year for a student dorm. This price can vary depending on the university, city, room type (single vs. shared), meal plan, and amenities. Dorms are a great way to meet people and save money, especially in the first year. You'll share a kitchen, laundry, and common areas with your fellow residents, but you'll have your own space to study and relax.

 

Many international students choose to rent an apartment or house after their first year for more independence. Sharing an apartment with roommates can significantly reduce your monthly rent. 

 

Prices vary depending on the city, with bigger cities like Toronto and Vancouver being more expensive (but still generally cheaper than places like New York or London!). Expect to pay between $750 and $2,200 CAD per month for your share of the rent. Here's a heads-up on additional monthly costs you might encounter when renting:

 

  • Utilities (electricity, water, heating, etc.): $150 CAD
  • Internet: $50-$70 CAD

 

Living with a Canadian host family is another option. This usually costs $750-$950 CAD per month for a room and meals, plus a one-time $200 fee. It's a fantastic way to improve your English, learn about Canadian culture firsthand, and gain valuable experiences. Think of it as early ice-breaking for your Canadian adventure!

 

Public transportation in Canada

 

Toronto:

 

If you're a student in Toronto, you're in luck! The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) is your best friend. It's a massive network of buses and subways that can get you pretty much anywhere in the city. And the best part? Students (usually between 18 and 25) get a discount on fares! Here's the scoop:

 

Monthly pass: Around $108 CAD – way cheaper than buying single tickets all the time.

Single ticket: $3 CAD – handy for occasional trips.

 

Montreal:

 

Montreal has a great subway system too, called the STM. It has 4 lines that cover most of the city. Students also get sweet discounts on STM fares, similar to Toronto.

 

Taxis:

 

Taxis are an option, but they can get pricey. They usually charge between $2 and $6 per kilometer, so it's best for shorter trips or late-night emergencies.

 

Tip: Both Toronto and Montreal are very walkable cities, so consider exploring on foot whenever possible! It's a great way to save money and see the city from a different perspective.

 

 

Mobile cost in Canada

 

Canada has a bunch of mobile network providers, and Bell is one of the big players. Their plans range from $50 to $115 CAD per month, but you can definitely find options with other carriers for at least $20 CAD monthly.

 

Student Health Insurance

 

Having health insurance is mandatory for all international students. The good news is that some provinces (like Alberta, Quebec, and BC) cover you under their provincial health plans  –  but the details depend on where you study and how long you stay. In other provinces, you'll need private student health insurance, which typically costs between $600 and $900 CAD per year. Be sure to research your specific situation to make sure you're covered!

 

Cost of food in Canada

 

The cost of eating in Canada depends on your living situation:

 

Dorm Life with Meals: Score! Meals are usually included in your dorm fees, so you won't need to spend much extra on groceries.

 

Homestay Haven:  Most homestays provide meals, so you're covered there too.

 

Going Solo (or with Roommates): Here's where your food budget comes into play. You have options:

 

Cook at Home: This is the most budget-friendly choice. Hit up supermarkets like Canadian Superstore, Walmart, or No Frills for groceries. Expect to spend around $300 CAD per month on groceries.

 

Fast Food Frenzy: It's convenient, but can get pricey. A McDonald's combo is around $10 CAD.

 

Restaurant Rendezvous: Treat yourself! A casual restaurant meal is roughly $10-25 CAD per person, while a fancy 3-course meal for two can set you back $50-$65 CAD.

 

Sample Food Prices:

 

Here's a quick peek at some everyday food items to help you budget:

 

  • Cappuccino: $4.26 CAD
  • Soft drinks: $2.22 CAD
  • Water (330ml): $1.82 CAD
  • Milk (1 liter): $2.51 CAD
  • White bread (500g): $2.89 CAD
  • Eggs (12 pack): $3.46 CAD
  • Cheese (1kg): $12.65 CAD
  • Chicken breast (1kg): $13.29 CAD
  • Veal (1kg): $15.07 CAD
  • Apples (1kg): $4.13 CAD
  • Bananas (1kg): $1.74 CAD
  • Oranges (1kg): $4.02 CAD

 

Bonus Budget Tips:

 

  • Explore the city's farmers markets for fresh produce at good prices.
  • Pack lunches for school to avoid daily restaurant meals.
  • Consider meal prepping to save time and money.

 

Entertainment Extras:

 

Gym membership: ~$50 CAD per month

Movie ticket: $14 CAD

 

Living on a Student Budget in Toronto

 

Toronto's a vibrant city buzzing with students and young professionals. No wonder they call it "Tehranto!" Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs for an academic year (8 months) at the University of Toronto (UofT), according to their website. Keep in mind these are just averages, and your actual spending might vary.

 

 

Monthly Must-Haves:

 

  • Food: $200-$462 CAD – This covers groceries, eating out, and that occasional coffee fix.
  • Clothes: $112.50-$137.50 CAD – Gotta stay stylish, but there are ways to save (think thrifting!).
  • Public Transportation: $122.45 CAD – Invest in a student pass for discounted rides on the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission).
  • Books & Supplies: $125-$250 CAD – Textbooks can be pricey, so explore used book options or borrowing from classmates.
  • Miscellaneous: $125-$250 CAD – This covers phone bills, haircuts, and those unexpected extras.

 

Rent Reality:

 

Finding an affordable place in Toronto can be tricky, but there are options! Here's a breakdown of average monthly rents (remember, these can vary depending on location, size, and amenities):

 

Toronto GTA Area:

 

  • Single house/studio: $1,080-$1,520 CAD
  • One-bedroom apartment: $1,261-$1,910 CAD
  • Two-bedroom apartment: $1,467-$2,393 CAD
  • Three-bedroom+ apartments: $1,633-$2,982 CAD

Tip: Consider living with roommates to split the rent and make your living space more fun!

 

Campus Close-Up:

 

Rents can vary depending on how close you live to campus. Here's a sample of costs near different UofT campuses:

 

  • St. George: Expect to pay a premium for the convenience of being downtown.
  • UTM (Mississauga): Generally more affordable than downtown Toronto.
  • UTSC (Scarborough): Offers a good balance between affordability and proximity to campus.
  • Remember: These are just averages. Research rental options thoroughly to find the best fit for your budget and lifestyle.

 

Bonus Budget Tips:

 

  • Cook at home more often to save on eating out.
  • Take advantage of student discounts on everything from entertainment to groceries.
  • Explore free activities like museums on free admission days or checking out Toronto's beautiful parks.

 

Student living costs in Vancouver

 

According to the information provided by Canada West University, the cost of student living in Vancouver city includes the following:

 

  • Student housing or accommodation: 500 to 2000 Canadian dollars
  • Public transportation: 98 to 174 Canadian dollars
  • Cost of food and drink: 300 to 800 Canadian dollars
  • Cost of mobile phone and SIM card internet: 60 to 150 Canadian dollars per month
  • Cable TV and home internet: 100 to 200 dollars per month
  • Provincial health insurance: $163 per semester

According to information from the Numbeo website, the cost of living in Vancouver is 75% higher than in Tehran and the rent in this city is approximately 114% higher than in the capital.

 

If you wish, you can use Lets Go Uni's online counseling and evaluation and academic admission services, and refer to the Let's Go Uni website for more information on further education and educational immigration to Canada.