Here are some tips to help you immerse yourself in a new culture while balancing your academic life.
Are you an international student looking for advice on how to make the best out of your time in Canada? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Moving to a new place can be as thrilling as it is scary. At times, it can feel overwhelming with school, work, a new language and grocery shopping — triggering, I know. However, you can learn how to cope with everything happening around you. Take a deep breath and look at how far you’ve come!
Here are some of my best-kept secrets as an international student for anyone going through the same experience. Whether you just arrived or are finishing your studies, these tips might come in handy when you need some extra motivation or help exploring the city.
My journey
As I mentioned, I am an international student myself. My journey started a few years ago when I moved from Colombia to Canada at just 17 years old to begin my post-secondary education. Arriving here without my family and close friends nearby was incredibly scary, to the point of trembling when I stepped off the plane.
Over time, that fear began to fade. I embraced being in a new country and starting a brand-new life filled with endless possibilities. My initial panic about messing up my English went away (although my accent is still a work in progress) and I was fortunate to meet some of the best people I know through my classes.
Everything was good until winter came. Like anyone new to the cold and gloomy days, my mental health took a hit and I struggled to find motivation. However, with a great support system from friends and school, I was able to pick myself up and fully enjoy my time here.
Not gonna lie — I still can’t handle the weather, but I’ve managed to discover the best spots, tips and activities for every season while staying on top of your academic life so that the cold doesn’t matter that much.
Explore new places
A new city can be very confusing at first, especially when it comes to navigating the subway and streetcars. The amount of times I’ve gotten lost is actually concerning — but now I’m a pro! Aside from that, Toronto is truly a treasure, offering everything from restaurants to galleries. Whatever you can think of, you’ll probably find it in the city.
To get started, here’s a checklist of MUST-SEE places: the CN Tower, Distillery District, St. Lawrence Market, Nathan Phillips Square (especially when they have the ice rink during the winter), High Park and its zoo (since the Toronto Zoo is too far to visit), Kensington Market and Chinatown.
If you still have energy after those visits, make sure you check out all the festivals happening in the GTA, showcasing cultures from around the world — just think of all the food you can eat, whether it’s Filipino, Indian, Italian or even cuisine from your own home country.
Don’t forget the classic summer visits to the Harbourfront and Toronto Islands, and for any ski enthusiasts, Blue Mountain is a must in winter. If you like some adrenaline, definitely head to Canada’s Wonderland with a group of friends.
Also, there are renowned international events, such as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where you can spot your favourite celebs, artistic fairs such as Luminato and Nuit Blanche and events that gather communities such as the Pride Parade and Caribana.
There are many accounts on social media to stay updated on everything happening in the area, the best ones are @TodoToronto and, of course, @ShareIGNITE.
As I said, anything you can think of, you’ll find here!
Discover new hobbies and passions
Now that you see this city has cool things to offer, why not give a chance to new experiences? There are countless hobbies you can try while completing your studies.
To start off easy, try reading a new book or journaling. Here are some book recommendations from your fellow peers!
Also, to kickstart your fitness journey, join the Humber Polytechnic Lakeshore and North Campus Fitness Centres, which offer free memberships for students and discounted rates for alumni! Humber Athletics is also a fantastic way to practice a sport and meet like-minded people. If you prefer outdoor sports, consider going on a hike or biking around the city.
Since many of you live on your own or with roommates, I’m sure you have to prepare your meals every day. Make it a fun experience by trying out new and easy recipes, and when you don’t have time to cook you can enjoy the IGNITE Soupbar.
Lastly, take advantage of the many places, including entertainment venues, stores and grocery shops, that offer student discounts, so you can get everything you need on a budget!
Stay on top of your academics
Embarking on a new adventure is all fun and games, but remember to keep track of your academic progress. After all, you’re here to get that degree! Try to balance the fun with the studies so you won’t get stressed about due dates and procrastinating.
Being an academic weapon isn’t just about doing your homework and studying. It’s also about asking for help when you need it. Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber offer various resources to help you get the best grades in your classes.
Student resources such as the Math and Writing Centre can be lifesavers, especially when you’re struggling with an essay or that finance assignment is driving you crazy.
And don’t forget to attend class! I know those 8 a.m. lectures can be tough, but as someone in her last year, trust me when I say, go to class. You’ll feel more prepared when surprise quizzes come up, and you won’t fall behind.
Get involved with student life
Post-secondary life is all about meeting new people, and IGNITE is the perfect place to do that! Not to brag, but IGNITE offers many resources to get involved in the campus community. From clubs to concerts, you can enjoy plenty of opportunities while spending time with friends.
Apart from IGNITE, many on-campus events are sponsored by First Year Experience (FYE) and the International Centre, where you can find support with anything related to student records, status and visa issues.
Take care of your mental health
Stress can always get to us when juggling school, work, hobbies and more. So, make sure you prioritize your mental health.
I know it might be tough being away from your family and missing your culture. One way to cope is by finding a community of people from your home country — it’s like having a piece of home close by.
If you’re struggling with your mental health there are student resources and counselling services available to help you on those days you just need someone to talk to.
You can also try to take a mindful approach and start meditating or using daily affirmations to get an extra boost in your day.
We can all get a little bumped once in a while, but just remember you truly are doing great, so don’t be too harsh on yourself.
Put these tips into action and make the most out of your experience as an international student. You can visit that place you’ve always wanted to or get more involved around campus. But hey, don’t forget that studying is also really important. Keep in mind that there are plenty of on-campus resources to help you stay on top of your academics and mental health.
I know this journey can be challenging sometimes, but it is worth it! Whenever you feel unmotivated, remind yourself why you started and how far you’ve come.
From personal experience, four years pass in the blink of an eye, so make the most of your time here.
Feature image courtesy of Humber Polytechnic — Humber’s Digital Asset Management.
Looking for more fun activities? Check out these spots to visit as the leaves fall!
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