Every year, thousands of students leave their home countries with dreams of a better future in Canada. They hope for quality education, good jobs, and a better lifestyle. But once they arrive, reality hits them hard. Life as an international student is not as easy as it seems. Many students struggle to survive because of financial problems, job issues, and loneliness. Their actions, in turn, also affect the society they live in.

When students land in Canada, they realize that everything is expensive. The minimum wage in Canada is around $12–14 per hour, but many students end up working for $5–6 per hour under the table. This is because they are desperate for money and cannot find legal work easily.

To live a basic life in Canada, a student needs at least $5000 per month, but their earnings are far less than that. The biggest expense is rent. Even for a basement room, students have to pay around $1500 per month. Since housing is expensive, some landlords rent out garages to students, turning them into small, crowded living spaces.

Grocery expenses are also high. A student easily spends $1000 per month just on food. After rent and groceries, very little is left for other expenses like transportation, phone bills, or health insurance.

Since money is always a problem, students take whatever jobs they can find. Some students work at gas stations (pumps), some do warehouse jobs, and others work at restaurants, cleaning, or delivery services. It is common to see students working long hours while also attending college.

On weekends, instead of resting or enjoying life, students work overtime to make extra money. There is no break, no enjoyment—just work and studies. Many students sleep less and push themselves beyond their limits just to survive.

Not all girls face the same struggles, but some choose adult work to earn money quickly. Some girls join OnlyFans or do pornography to make a living. Others get involved in prostitution because they see no other way to pay their bills. However, this is not the case for every girl—many work regular jobs just like male students.

Living alone in Canada also takes a mental toll on students. They leave behind family, friends, and their comfort zone. Meeting parents is difficult because flights are expensive, and taking time off from work is nearly impossible. Many students do not visit home for years.

The loneliness and stress of financial struggles affect their mental health. Some students fall into depression or start drinking to cope with their problems. Since they don’t have strong family support nearby, they must handle everything on their own.

The actions of international students also affect Canadian society. Since students are ready to work at low wages ($5–6 per hour), many employers take advantage of this. This creates unfair competition in the job market, making it harder for others to get fair wages.

In housing, students are ready to pay high rents for small spaces. This makes landlords increase prices, affecting the overall rental market. Many local Canadians struggle to find affordable housing because landlords prefer students who are willing to pay high amounts.

Another issue is crowding in public transport. Since most students cannot afford cars, they depend on buses and trains. As a result, public transport gets overcrowded, making daily travel difficult for everyone.

Despite all the struggles, students keep pushing forward because they dream of getting Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. Once they get PR, they finally feel some relief. They can apply for better jobs, earn more money, and live a more stable life.

However, by the time they get PR, they have already sacrificed many things—their youth, their social life, and their time with family. They miss out on important family moments, weddings, festivals, and even funerals. The cost of a better future is giving up everything they once had.

Moving to Canada as an international student is not just about studying—it is a battle for survival. From low wages to high expenses, from loneliness to exploitation, students face challenges every day. While some find success, others struggle for years before they see stability.

This is my personal observation—I am not suggesting anything to anyone. But this is the reality many students face, and society should be aware of their struggles. For those who dream of studying abroad, they must be prepared for the sacrifices that come with it.