Resources for Students in Canada
Completing post-secondary studies can be a vital step on your career path. For many, graduating with a diploma or degree is the most effective way to qualify for jobs and enter a chosen career field.
Attending college is expensive, and students may need funds to cover their tuition, books, accommodations, and meals. Postsecondary students may struggle to complete their studies, particularly if they have financial challenges. Others drop out because they don’t like their programs or have family issues. Fortunately, the resources outlined here can help Canadian students overcome challenges and thrive while studying.
Financial Resources
Managing finances can be challenging for college students. If you’re starting school and have never used a budget, you may have difficulty balancing your spending. You may also need a credit card to cover some expenses while waiting for your paycheck or other funds.
Spend time reviewing the best credit cards for students in Canada. Some of the best credit card options include Tangerine’s money-back credit card, which pays 2 percent cash back on some purchases. Cardholders choose three categories that receive that cashback rate, enabling cardholders to capitalize on their most common types of purchases. There’s no credit card fee either, enabling students to enjoy the conveniences of a credit card without adding to their annual expenses.
The Bank of Montreal (BMO) offers a cashback Mastercard. Like Tangerine’s cashback card, the BMO cashback Mastercard doesn’t have an annual fee. Its 3 percent cash back rate is higher than Tangerine’s 2 percent, but the 3 percent rate applies to only groceries. Cardholders receive 1 percent back on recurring bill payments and half a percent on other purchases.
Students may also consider the HSBC + Rewards Mastercard, which has a lower interest rate and charges a $25 annual fee. Cardholders may favor this card because there’s no annual income requirement to quality, making it an ideal option for students who aren’t working while studying.
Professional Resources
Applying for internship opportunities is a great way to build your resume, generate revenue, and determine if you’re on the right career path. Internships can lead to career opportunities after graduation, and students benefit from the practical learning opportunity.
Apply for internship opportunities with experts in your chosen career field. Aspiring lawyers, mediators, and judges can all benefit from an internship with Nava Wilson LLP. Senior partner Malliha Wilson has over 30 years of legal experience and has worked for the Ontario government and presented cases before the Supreme Court of Canada. She specializes in multiple legal fields, including labor law, human rights law, corporate law, and constitutional law. Her experience with complex litigation makes her an ideal mentor for law students interested in challenging legal cases.
Wilson earned her undergraduate degree from McGill University and received her law degree from York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School. She’s received awards from Osgoode Hall Law School, the South Asian Bar Association, and the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers. Experience working with a distinguished lawyer such as Wilson can help aspiring legal professionals secure career opportunities when they graduate from law school.
Other Resources
Colleges and universities offer multiple resources for students, and it’s crucial students explore those resources and use them when appropriate. In addition to financial advisors and career services professionals, postsecondary institutions also offer tutoring services, ensuring students get the academic support required to thrive. Campus libraries provide valuable research materials, apps for students and a quiet place to study, which can be crucial if you live in a noisy dorm.
Campus health services professionals provide physical and mental health support. Many students struggle with anxiety, depression, and stress. Homesickness can also make it hard to thrive in college, prompting students to leave school. Health services professionals support students and help them address physical and mental health issues that arise.
Resources for students include financial and professional resources.. Students can also benefit from their school’s academic and health resources.
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