Recommended Resources For International Students To Survive Canada

When I first moved to Canada as an international student, everything felt unfamiliar: new streets, new academic expectations, and even new roommate dynamics in shared housing. It was both exciting and terrifying. But what helped me feel less lost were the resources and communities designed specifically for international students like me.

From the support of my university’s international office to platforms that connected me with compatible roommates, these tools made a world of difference in my journey. Whether you're about to begin your studies abroad or are already living in a shared apartment, these are the top resources that helped me survive and thrive while studying in Canada.

Recommended Resources For International Students To Survive Canada

#1. University International Offices

Your school’s international office should be your first stop. Mine provided vital services, from orientation sessions to legal and visa guidance. They even helped me find nearby student housing options and explained how Canadian roommate agreements work in shared living setups.

These offices are also hubs for cultural events and peer engagement. The Government of Canada’s International Student page outlines student rights and visa conditions, but your university’s staff helps you apply that information to real life.

Tip: Don’t just visit once. Keep checking in for workshops, community events, and job board updates relevant to international students.

#2. Student Mentorship Programmes

One of the best things I did early on was sign up for my university’s mentorship program. My mentor, a third-year student also living in a co-living apartment, helped me adjust not only to academic expectations but to life in a shared space.

From time management tips to recommending budget-friendly places near campus, this mentorship gave me more than advice. It gave me a friend in a city where I had none. According to an article by NASPA, peer mentoring improves international students’ sense of belonging and academic performance.

#3. Online Communities and Student Platforms

As someone navigating communal housing in a new country, online student communities were a lifesaver. I joined university-specific Facebook groups and international student subreddits, where I found everything from course reviews to roommate listings.

Platforms like Platuni.com became especially useful when I was looking for roommates who shared my habits and lifestyle. I used Platuni’s matching features to connect with other students who understood what I was going through, people who were clean, communicative, and respectful of quiet hours.

You can also check out student-specific channels like r/InternationalStudents on Reddit, which is great for advice and shared experiences.

#4. Mental Health and Wellness Services

I underestimated how much homesickness would affect me until it hit. Thankfully, my campus offered counselling services tailored for international students. I attended mindfulness workshops and one-on-one sessions, which helped me handle anxiety and loneliness, especially when my shared living environment became overwhelming.

Tip: Don’t wait until things get unbearable. Treat mental wellness like any other academic tool. It’s essential.

#5. Cultural Exchange Programmes and Student Events

From multicultural nights to buddy programs, these events helped me meet other students and learn more about Canada’s diverse cultures. I also joined a language exchange group where I practiced French while sharing insights about my home country.

Participating in these programs, often promoted through student co-living groups or residential communities, made me feel like I belonged. Platforms like Platuni.com also listed student-friendly co-living events, which helped me engage socially while feeling safe and welcomed.

Conclusion

My experience as an international student in Canada wasn’t always easy, but the right resources made it manageable and even enjoyable. From mentorship programs and wellness services to roommate platforms like Platuni.com, these tools helped me adjust, connect, and thrive in a completely new environment.

If you're feeling lost or uncertain, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Leverage the resources around you. Build your network. And most importantly, find a living space that feels like home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resources for International Students in Canada

What are the best resources for international students in Canada?

Some of the best resources for international students include university international offices, mentorship programs, online student platforms like Platuni, and mental health services. These resources help students adjust academically, socially, and emotionally to life in Canada.

How can I find housing or roommates as an international student in Canada?

Finding reliable housing can be challenging, especially in a new country. Platforms like Platuni simplify this process by connecting students with trusted, verified roommates and shared living spaces tailored to their lifestyle and budget preferences.

How can international students maintain their mental health while studying abroad?

International students can access campus counselling, mindfulness workshops, and peer support groups. Taking regular breaks, connecting with others through platforms like Platuni, and joining social events can also help reduce stress and loneliness.

How long does it take for international students to adjust to life in Canada?

Adjustment periods vary, but with the right support systems, such as community events, wellness resources, and student housing networks like Platuni, most students begin to feel settled within a few months.

What makes Platuni a good resource for international students?

Platuni is a growing shared living and community platform that helps international students find safe, verified accommodations and like-minded roommates. It also provides access to co-living events, mentorship, and student networking opportunities, helping students thrive both academically and socially.