10 things Indian students in Canada must know
Moving to Canada as an Indian student is more than just crossing continents — it’s a cultural leap, a financial workout, and often, a climatic betrayal. Between deciphering GPA systems, surviving -30°C winters, and learning that “sorry” can mean anything, there’s a lot that no brochure or university webinar will tell you. This isn’t just a guide — it’s a reality check wrapped in humor, caffeine, and the occasional identity crisis. Whether you’re headed for a master’s in Toronto or a diploma in Halifax, here are 10 things every Indian student should know before Canada makes you polite… and permanently broke.
Here’s a sharp, practical, and slightly tongue-in-cheek list of 10 Things Indian Students in Canada Must Know — whether you’re heading to Toronto, chilling in Vancouver, or braving the snow in Saskatoon.
1. The Weather is Not Just Cold. It’s a Personality.
• Canada doesn’t do mild. It does -25°C with a wind chill that makes your ancestors shiver.
• Buy a proper jacket. Not a Zara puffer. Think down-filled, fur-lined, costs-as-much-as-rent.
2. “Sorry” is a National Currency. Learn to Use It.
• Someone steps on your foot? You say sorry.
• Bump into a pole? Say sorry to the pole.
• It’s not guilt. It’s social lubrication.
3. Tim Hortons is Not Just Coffee. It’s a Rite of Passage.
• Double-Double. Timbits. Ice Cap in December.
• Every Canadian student has survived on a $2.50 coffee and stale bagel combo.
4. Tuition is International. So is the Shock.
• Brace for ₹25–40 lakhs/year depending on the program.
• Add rent, groceries, insurance, winter gear, and Netflix.
• Congratulations, you now understand compound financial trauma.
5. You’ll Start Saying “Eh?” Without Realising.
• “It’s cold, eh?”
• “Midterms were brutal, eh?”
• Soon, even your WhatsApp texts will have passive-aggressive Canadian politeness.
6. No One Knows Where Your ‘Percentage’ Fits.
• 85% in CBSE? They’ll convert it to a 3.2 GPA and hand you a participation medal.
• Learn the bell curve system and curve your expectations.
7. Work Permits are Your Second Degree.
• 20 hours/week part-time. That’s the law.
• Uber Eats, Walmart shifts, TA jobs, or helping aunties with Excel — everything counts.
• But no, you can’t pay off your fees working part-time. That’s a myth.
8. Cultural Shift is Real. Prepare for Reverse Shock Too.
• First, you’ll feel out of place in Canada.
• Then, you’ll go back to India and feel out of place there.
• It’s not identity crisis. It’s character development.
9. Build Credit History. It’s Like Dating Your Bank.
• Get a credit card. Use it. Pay on time.
• Want to rent an apartment, buy a car, or not be treated like a financial toddler? Start early.
10. You’ll Meet Other Indians. Many. Everywhere.
• One moment you’re speaking Hinglish in the subway, next minute you’re at a Diwali potluck in Brampton.
• Canada’s a multicultural buffet. But your sabzi may still come from Patel Brothers.
Here’s a sharp, practical, and slightly tongue-in-cheek list of 10 Things Indian Students in Canada Must Know — whether you’re heading to Toronto, chilling in Vancouver, or braving the snow in Saskatoon.
1. The Weather is Not Just Cold. It’s a Personality.
• Canada doesn’t do mild. It does -25°C with a wind chill that makes your ancestors shiver.
• Buy a proper jacket. Not a Zara puffer. Think down-filled, fur-lined, costs-as-much-as-rent
2. “Sorry” is a National Currency. Learn to Use It.
• Someone steps on your foot? You say sorry.
• Bump into a pole? Say sorry to the pole.
• It’s not guilt. It’s social lubrication.
3. Tim Hortons is Not Just Coffee. It’s a Rite of Passage.
• Double-Double. Timbits. Ice Cap in December.
• Every Canadian student has survived on a $2.50 coffee and stale bagel combo.
4. Tuition is International. So is the Shock.
• Brace for ₹25–40 lakhs/year depending on the program.
• Add rent, groceries, insurance, winter gear, and Netflix.
• Congratulations, you now understand compound financial trauma.
5. You’ll Start Saying “Eh?” Without Realising.
• “It’s cold, eh?”
• “Midterms were brutal, eh?”
• Soon, even your WhatsApp texts will have passive-aggressive Canadian politeness.
6. No One Knows Where Your ‘Percentage’ Fits.
• 85% in CBSE? They’ll convert it to a 3.2 GPA and hand you a participation medal.
• Learn the bell curve system and curve your expectations.
7. Work Permits are Your Second Degree.
• 20 hours/week part-time. That’s the law.
• Uber Eats, Walmart shifts, TA jobs, or helping aunties with Excel — everything counts.
• But no, you can’t pay off your fees working part-time. That’s a myth.
8. Cultural Shift is Real. Prepare for Reverse Shock Too.
• First, you’ll feel out of place in Canada.
• Then, you’ll go back to India and feel out of place there.
• It’s not identity crisis. It’s character development.
9. Build Credit History. It’s Like Dating Your Bank.
• Get a credit card. Use it. Pay on time.
• Want to rent an apartment, buy a car, or not be treated like a financial toddler? Start early.
10. You’ll Meet Other Indians. Many. Everywhere.
• One moment you’re speaking Hinglish in the subway, next minute you’re at a Diwali potluck in Brampton.
• Canada’s a multicultural buffet. But your sabzi may still come from Patel Brothers.
Next Story