I’m planning to study in Canada and was wondering if a part-time job is enough to cover international student accommodation and food costs. Is it realistic, or would I need extra money from home?
It’s possible but tricky – A part-time job can help with rent and food, but it depends on where you live. Big cities like Toronto and Vancouver are expensive, so you might struggle to cover everything. In smaller cities, it’s more manageable, but still, don’t expect to save much.
Yeah, and don’t forget taxes – A lot of students assume they’ll take home their full paycheck, but Canada deducts taxes from your earnings. You’ll get some of it back during tax season, but keep that in mind when budgeting!
Also, 20 hours a week isn’t a lot – That’s the max you can work during classes, and depending on your job, it might just cover rent but not much else. Some students find extra shifts on campus or do internships that pay, so there are ways to make it work.
Totally, and summer is your best friend – During breaks, you can work full-time, which helps a lot. Many students save up in the summer to cover costs for the rest of the year. Having some savings before coming is a good idea, though!