As a student at the University of British Columbia, I was fortunate to have access to various support services.

Living on campus, particularly in the first year, is something I’d highly recommend. My Residence Advisor was incredibly supportive. She was always available to answer my questions about academics, social life, and adapting to life in Vancouver. She guided me through understanding the co-op program, getting involved in research, and exploring housing options. Whenever I needed advice, I’d find myself knocking at her door. Residence Advisors are well-trained to provide support in various areas, including mental health.

When it came to academic support, my professors were accessible and approachable. They held office hours, where we could discuss not just course-related issues, but also my long-term academic goals. The Psychology Student Association organized multiple events for networking with professionals from relevant career fields, which was super valuable. I only started attending these events in my third year and wish I had done so sooner. Participating earlier would have helped me to create a more structured plan for grad school and feel less overwhelmed during my first year. Advisors from UBC’s Academic Advising office were also able to support me in making sure I was on track with the right courses for graduating in time.

Lastly, when it comes to health support, I was lucky that UBC has mental health counselors in residence, its own hospital, and three clinics on campus – two for general health and one for dental care. There are also many virtual health options available at no extra cost to students with valid health insurance. However, in emergencies, it gets tough due to high wait times in BC. Many of my friends went through long, painful waiting periods. The wait times for specific scans can also be lengthy, which is problematic when immediate assessment is needed. This is an area in which BC can improve. Hopefully the wait times will be decrease in the future.

When I left Zimbabwe to study in Canada, I quickly realized the importance of responsible independence as I was in a new country with no one to oversee my spending on food and clothing. During the first months, I experienced culture shock, overwhelmed by everything from malls to grocery stores.

Living in BC isn’t cheap and it requires a budget-friendly lifestyle. I wanted to wear the well-known brands but at what cost? There was no one to impress and such spending would only strain my wallet and worry my parents. My strategy involved distinguishing my needs from my wants.

I started preparing balanced, weekly meal plans to meet both financial and nutritional goals. I followed a basic grocery list from Wallet Moth, allocating some budget for snacks like granola bars to eat during classes or in the library. I also shopped for “short-term” clothes at thrift stores like Value Village, which helped me save money for other expenses like my phone contract and subscriptions. For essential, “long term” items like my first winter jacket and boots, I invested in new, durable pieces that would last well beyond graduation. For textbooks, I either bought second-hand copies from students on Facebook Marketplace or simply rented them from the library when available.

I also took an on-campus job that covered minor expenses and allow for occasional treats.

My advice to fellow international students is to stick to a strict basic monthly shopping list for daily necessities. While following fashion trends may be tempting, remember that it can lead to an unsustainably expensive lifestyle in the long run.