5 tips for balancing work and school as an international student in Canada
International students choose to study abroad in Canada for the amazing academic opportunities the country offers – so it makes sense that academics would be your number one priority while studying abroad. But the truth is, many international students find part-time employment when they’re abroad to help cover expenses, gain experience, and build toward their financial future. So, how do you balance your job with your classes? We’ve got five tips.
1. Create a schedule and stay organized
When it comes to balancing work and academics, staying organized is extremely important. Over a week, you’ll be attending multiple classes, managing deadlines and working various shifts with your employer. Tools like Google Calendar can help you plan your week and stay one step ahead of what’s coming next in your schedule. When you do have free time, try to dedicate specific hours for studying and homework. Most days, your schedule will be pretty full, so make sure to keep all your course materials – like your syllabus, notebooks and textbooks – in one place so they’re easy to find when you need them.
2. Communicate with your employer
Most employers in Canada, especially those that employ students, understand the academic demands you’re also balancing. Canada allows international students to work up to 24 hours per week during the semester – but this doesn’t mean you have to work all 24 hours! Consider starting with fewer hours if you know your academic workload is going to be heavy.
3. Take advantage of available resources
Turn to your campus community first if you need support balancing your work and school responsibilities. A lot of schools offer resources to help, like academic advisors, tutoring and potentially even time management workshops. And here’s a pro tip, in case you didn’t already know: Your school might have an on-campus job board with student-friendly roles. This is a great first place to look for a job.
Another way to make your work life easier is to sign up for a Canadian bank account. This will make direct payments from your employer simple and help you manage your spending without incurring costly international transfer fees. Connect with financial advisors at TD Bank* to start your financial journey in Canada.
4. Use your commute wisely
Don’t let your commute time go to waste. If you need to take the train/bus or even take a long walk to your job or classes, use that time productively to review your notes, listen to lectures and plan your day.
5. Don’t forget self-care
Like we said earlier, balancing a job and a full course load is going to make you feel pretty busy. It sounds cliche, but you need to make time for self-care within your hectic schedule. Sleep well, eat healthy meals, and allow yourself to relax when you have the ability. Taking short breaks while studying is also a great idea – not only will it help you rest, it will help you study more productively. Remember it’s okay to decline extra work shifts or social invites if you’re feeling overwhelmed. You’re studying abroad to benefit your future, so make sure to protect your time and energy to focus on what matters most.
Putting it all together
By staying organized, communicating with your employer, taking advantage of campus resources, using your commute wisely and prioritizing self-care, you’ll be on your way to confidently managing your work schedule with your academic course load. And remember, you’re not alone. Many other students find part-time work while they’re in college, so chances are the friends you’ve made or hope to make are also balancing work with their studies. Friends who understand what you’re going through are one of the most important ways to stay connected and feel supported. You’ve got this.
*MPOWER has referral agreements with TD Bank and may earn referral fees from this relationship.
