#16 Surviving Student Life in Canada: Charlie's Story of University, Challenges, and Friendships

Moving from high school to university is a big change—especially in Canada, where the cost of living, weather, and student life can take some getting used to. In this episode of the Canada Student Network Podcast, Charlie shares his real-life experience of going to school in British Columbia, offering practical advice for anyone thinking about studying in Canada.

Life in Canada: Weather, Language, and First Impressions

Charlie grew up in Vancouver, one of Canada's milder cities when it comes to weather. While parts of Canada can be freezing, Vancouver is known for its rain and occasional snow. "The cold never bothered me anyway," Charlie jokes, adding that he enjoys the variety of seasons.

Canada has two official languages—English and French. Charlie started learning French in kindergarten through a program called French immersion. At home, he spoke Cantonese. This multilingual background gave him a unique perspective on Canada’s diverse culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Vancouver has milder weather compared to other Canadian cities.

• French immersion programs help many students become bilingual.

• Canada’s diversity makes it a great place for international students.

  
  

From High School to University: A Culture Shock

The transition from high school to university wasn't easy for Charlie. In high school, teachers often guide students closely, but university demands more independence.

Charlie highlights that you need to learn how you learn best. At university, nobody is going to push you to succeed—it’s up to you to manage your time, study habits, and responsibilities. For him, learning outside of his dorm room—using libraries, computer labs, and even the philosophy lounge—made a huge difference.

Tips for Success:

• Separate your study space from your living space.

• Ask for help: use student support services.

• Consider co-op programs to gain real-world experience.

Cost of Living and Finding Housing

Living in cities like Victoria or Vancouver can be expensive. Charlie shares that he was lucky—his parents helped with tuition and rent in his early years. Still, housing shortages meant that many students struggled to find affordable places to live.

Some students even resorted to living in their cars because on-campus housing wasn’t available after first year. Charlie’s advice?

• Secure residence housing early.

• Start looking for off-campus options well in advance.

• Consider sharing rent with roommates to save costs.

Balancing School, Work, and Social Life

Charlie admits that balancing academics, part-time jobs, and social life was a challenge at first. He joined clubs, including a Christian community, which helped him meet people and stay grounded.

One key piece of advice: Don't take on too much too soon. Overloading on responsibilities can quickly lead to burnout. He also found that informal peer tutoring—explaining material to others—helped him better understand what he was learning.

Pro Tips:

• Join clubs or sports teams to meet people.

• Be selective about leadership roles—don’t overwhelm yourself.

• Network with classmates, professors, and industry professionals.

  
  

Final Thoughts: Your Time, Your Journey

Charlie’s story shows that studying in Canada comes with its ups and downs, but with the right mindset, support, and planning, you can make it work. From learning how to study to building lifelong friendships, university is more than just textbooks—it's about growth.

Want to hear Charlie’s full story? Listen to the Canada Student Network Podcast on your favorite podcast app.

#16 Surviving Student Life in Canada: Charlie's Story of University