#22 From Burnaby to Business: Aileen’s Real Student Journey at SFU
- Canada Student Network Podcast
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
Moving through university life can be a wild ride—academic stress, weather shocks, budgeting—and Aileen’s journey at SFU (Simon Fraser University) has it all. Here's what made her story uniquely relatable, packed with practical advice for fellow students.
Adapting to Mountain Weather (Yes, It Snows in October!)
SFU’s main campus is perched on Burnaby Mountain—and it's not your typical cold semester. Aileen shares:
“I honestly thought it was a joke until I realized that it does snow at SFU… I had to get snow boots in October.”
She learned the hard way that winter hits early, making everyday tasks like climbing snowy stairs a challenge. Her tip?
Invest in good winter boots
Bring extra socks, scarves, and blankets for those freezing days
Getting Around Town and Living Smart in Burnaby
Because Aileen lived with her parents in Burnaby, she saved on rent, yet SFU became her “second home”—especially during finals:
“Sometimes I’d be there till like 3 am… I’ve done a couple sleepovers on campus… in the library.”
That proximity gave her flexibility—to study, rest, and avoid high housing costs—all in one.
What She Studied: Business with a Tech Edge
Aileen pursued a Business degree at SFU with concentrations in Finance and Management Information Systems (MIS)—basically, money meets tech. It was a combo that balanced analytical skills with tech know-how—practical and forward-thinking.
College Costs Made Manageable: RESP, Co-ops, and Smart Savings
Funding university can feel daunting, but Aileen’s strategy was all about smart support:
Tuition coverage via RESP — thanks to her parents planning ahead with Canada’s education savings plan.
Living at home — eliminated rent pressure.
Textbook savings — she swears by renting, buying second-hand, or finding free online versions.
Part-time work & co-op — she extended her co-op into part-time work for 20–30 hours a week, juggling study, work, and social life—though she admits she skimped on sleep: “Four to five hours was a good number for me.”
She later learned the better approach:
Prioritize sleep first
Use block scheduling
Plan social time into weekends
Embracing Diversity, Clubs, and Co-op Experiences
SFU’s campus life is buzzing with multicultural energy:
Aileen loved exploring restaurants and cuisines with friends from around the world.
She joined the Business Club and learned that co-ops are powerful:
“I think I would put co-op first over clubs or even volunteer experience.”
Those work experiences not only built skills, they opened job opportunities—her fintech co-op led to a full-time offer. Networking was natural in group projects and study sessions. Her advice?
“Just say hi… a lot of friends came from kinesiology, psychology, computer science…”
The Ups and Downs: Academic Pressure and Bouncing Back
University isn’t always smooth sailing. Aileen’s first semester nearly derailed because of a bad influence:
“I ended up on academic probation… I almost got kicked out of SFU.”
But she turned it around—making the Dean’s Honour Roll in later terms. Her advice? Don’t settle for passing—aim higher, learn from mistakes, and bounce back stronger.
Key Takeaways from Aileen’s SFU Story
Bundle up early—SFU winters hit fast.
Study smart, sleep smarter—make time for rest.
Use RESP and live at home if you can—it saves thousands.
Textbook hacks = big savings—rent, buy used, or go digital.
Co-ops are your fast track—more value than clubs or volunteering.
Be brave in saying hi—friends (and opportunities) often start with “hello.”
Do you want to hear the full story?
Listen to the Canada Student Network Podcast in your favorite podcast app.
#22 From Burnaby to Business: Aileen’s Real Student Journey at SFU
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