Taking First Year into Account: the Cost of Living for Canadian University Students

Knowing what you're in for can help you budget your time and money, and ensure you thrive as a student.

Paying for school, and staying on top of your budget, is one of the biggest challenges students face. Here's some advice on keeping your wallet happy as a student.

Tuition & scholarships

First and foremost, let's talk about tuition. It's no secret that university can be a big financial investment, but it should be noted that the investment is in yourself and your future. When finding the institution that best suits you, explore scholarship opportunities, grants, and bursaries that can ease the burden.

Specifically, King's University College at Western has an abundance of generous scholarships and bursaries that prospective students should inquire about. You can visit our website to discover these scholarships and bursaries.

On an additional note, the deadline to apply for this application-based funding is approaching quickly, so don't hesitate while they're still available!

Building a budget

Creating a budget is essential for financial success. Think of it as your personal financial roadmap that ensures you stay on track while enjoying your university experience.

Outline your income — whether it's from part-time work, scholarships and bursaries, parental support, or somewhere else — and then allocate funds for necessities like housing, groceries, and transportation. Don't forget to set aside some money for leisure activities and unexpected expenses.

Smart shopping & meal planning

Eating while on a budget is not only possible but can be fun and rewarding. Explore local markets, buy in bulk, and consider meal prepping to save time and money. You'll be surprised at how a bit of planning can make your culinary adventures both delicious and affordable.

If you plan on staying in residence in your first year, it's highly recommended to take a peek at the meal plans offered at your institution of choice.

King's University College at Western has three specific meal plans for students you can check out on the King's website.

Transportation

Whether you're commuting or living on-campus, consider cost-effective transportation options. Public transit passes, carpooling, or biking are eco-friendly and budget-effective alternatives to owning a car.

Many cities in Canada have robust public transportation systems, so look to take advantage of them. King's University College at Western allows full-time undergraduate students to use public transit, as it's included in tuition costs. King's also offers shuttle bus services to all students that can bring you to different checkpoints around Western's main campus. Check out all the details on the shuttle bus services on our website

The biggest line items for most students will be tuition and accommodations. You can save a lot of money by living at home, rent-free (or rent-reduced, at least). As a student, you'll have to keep a close eye on your finances — but this is a good thing, as strong financial literacy skills are important to success in school, work, and life.