Monday 6 April 2020

Covid-19 (Corona Virus) International Student Survival Guide



Dear friends,

it has been almost two years since i posted due to other life commitments. I simply never had the time to pick up the pen to write again but in this Covid-19 crisis it is important to make sure that those international students are well informed.

If you look across the internet, there is a lot of information regarding covid-19, some related to you and some not related your specific situation.

My goal is that you have the necessary information to be able to manage this crisis as a foreign student in Canada.

Please take the following steps where-ever it applies to you.

1 - Make sure you are constantly in contact with family back home - they can reach you and you can reach them. Don't forget the lock down affects most people world wide, so there is a chance your family is also in some restricted movement or under a complete lock down back home. Use apps like WhatsApp and WeChat to stay connected with family members.

2 - Make sure you have access to immediate funds - looking at the trends of rampant layoffs and unemployment, the opportunity to work and raise funds right now is quite limited. I would suggest getting family back home to send you some support if possible. Liquid is important moment. I would even sell a car I don't need to make sure I have funds available with me.



3 - Do a projection of your living expenses - food, rent, transportation, etc. Do you have enough money to last you for the duration of this crisis- say if it extends past 3 months? Be honest with yourself and also cut down on unnecessary spending, e.g. snacks(cookies/chocolate) vs. actual food(rice/beans)
Also a good time to renegotiate those exorbitant phone data plans - if you already have internet at home and you are mostly on lock down you might not need a 5 Gigabyte internet data on your phone.

If you know how to cook you will save yourself a tonne of money on delivery food services at this moment. If you don't know how to cook, look into simple recipes on youtube. Learn how to make simple meals like "sand-wich". Once you find the patience to stand and cook for 5 mins you be surprised how much you can save.

Talk your landlord about deferred rent payments if possible - some landlords are willing to work out something with you.

Do you have a room mate? sit down and ask what you two can do to save money at this moment

Do you have any special skills you can offer online - fitness instructor? are you great any course - Science, Technology, etc. Use social media to advertise your services. e.g say you are physics student - they could be some high school kids looking for some brush up on high school physics. You can do this. 

4 - Keep yourself occupied - perhaps it is time to re-think your program of choice or make other career changes during the lock down. Are your courses offered online? You can look for courses on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Skillcrush, etc. try your hands on other fields of study you always thought about but never had the opportunity to enroll.

One of your goals during this lock down should be learning a new skill or learning something completely different from what you do.

Don't forget to exercise - since most campus gyms are closed, look into youtube platform for simple indoor exercises you can do to keep yourself fit during the lock down.



5 - Stay connected with Immigration Canada through website -IRCC. You want first hand knowledge concerning all temporary visas especially student visas and post graduate work permit. Please do not buy into any fake news from community forums - get your visa news straight from the source.

Some people have speculated that post graduate work permit will be cancelled if students take courses online. Please see the quote below taken directly from IRCC website:

"If your in-class courses are being moved to an online-only format because of COVID-19, your eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program won’t be affected."

 6 - Pay a good attention to your mental health - you are far from home, away from family and the current situation can easily lead to a decline in mental health. There are psychologists available online if you feel the need to use their services. Please take care of yourself.


7 - See what other international students are doing in Canada - current petition and student forum


8 - To see what Canada is currently doing to help international students in this of crisis please follow this link.








Sunday 5 August 2018

Why Manitoba?

Why does Manitoba continue to be one of the top choices for international students especially those from sub-Saharan Africa.?

Take University of Manitoba for example.

In April 2018, I decided to pay a short visit to family and friends in Winnipeg (South). My goal was simply to see how much has changed since I left in 2012.

There are a lot more businesses and apartment blocks around the University, a field stadium, a world class university gym, a new high rise student residence, etc.

After speaking to a few friends who settled in Manitoba,  I have identified three main reasons why students choose Manitoba;

1 - Affordability

Cost of living is quite low compared to major cities like Toronto or Vancouver, for example you can get a room in house within 10 - 15 mins walk from the university between $400 CAD - $600 CAD per month. 

That includes transportation, food and entertainment. Follow the links below to compare with the rest of Canada.

click - Average Household Living Canada

click - Winnipeg vs Toronto

click - Average cost of Living in Winnipeg 

Tuition is still relatively low when compared to the rest of the country. Statistics Canada put together a comprehensive table that reinforces this idea.

click - Canadian and international tuition fees by level of study

2 - Permanent Residence

The ease of getting permanent residence remains the number one reason a lot of foriegn students continue to choose Manitoba.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program has minimum requirements like completion of a one year full time study program and a mininmum one year employment letter as the major requirement for nomination for permanent residence application.

click - See Details for Manitoba Nominee Program


3 - Referrals from Friends and Family

Most of us that studied in Manitoba continue to refer our family members and friends based on the two points listed above. This one reason has also lead to the surge in the number students applying from sub-saharan Africa.

Everyone of my friends, including myself have one or two siblings studying in Manitoba.

**
Manitoba continues to attract students from sub-saharan Africa and this trend is not going away soon, especially because Affordability, Ease of Permanent Residence Application and Referral from family and friends is at the top of most of the decision making process.


Sunday 5 November 2017

International Student Survival Guide



Picture this, you just obtained your Canadian Study Visa.
Your bag is packed, your passport and flight tickets handy and ready for take off to Canada.
Although you are full of excitement, you still couldn't help but think about the challenges that await you in your new environment.

At least, this was the case for me.
I couldn't help but think about the challenges that await me in Canada.

Who was going to cook for me? How do I cope with the weather especially coming from a tropical country? How do I connect with new people and make new friends?

Those were some of the questions I had in mind as I boarded my plane from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to Toronto, Canada on September 18th, 2004.

Only if I knew someone I could speak to directly maybe most of my questions could be answered - I kept thinking to myself but of course that was not going to happen.

It is true that having a mentor or talking to an experienced person can really cut down your mistakes and set the expectation for you to be successful in a new environment.

So pay attention to the next few lines because it can really help you thrive in Canada as an international student.

I will be discussing below some of the key must-haves before coming into Canada. This list can be infinite but the few I have listed below is really based on my 13 years experience in Canada so far.

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1 - Employment


You can work with your study permit - off - campus or on - campus. This is well known by most people, but picture a scenario where you have some skills which you can use to make money. You can be self employed and be in command of your own time.

I will use hair stylists (male or female) for example.

A guy on campus knew how to cut his friend's hair for a $5 - $10 per person. With this skill he was able to schedule people on his free time and make money for himself and didn't have to work as much but devoted the rest of his time to study.
Female stylist even make more money especially when it comes to hair braiding where a typical session can cost up to $50 - $100.

Having a skill like hair dressing can really help you command your time and create employment for yourself. Different people possess different skills and hair styling is just one of them.

Perhaps you are good at sports? Some students do get scholarship from some Universities for playing on the University team.

Read my post on part time jobs here.

2 - Cooking


I really recommend learning how to make basic meals before you pack your bags otherwise you could be spending $100 a week on just eating out in restaurants.

$100 per week = $400 per month = $4,800 per year = Ouch!!!

Also watch out for snacks - chocolate bars and cookies because they add up easily. Buy actual food before you consider adding snacks to your budget.

Cooking your own meals is cheaper than buying food outside whether it is junk food or a major restaurant chain.

During my time in school I would spend about $40 week on food which was $160 a month ($1920 per year). That's quite a bit of savings.
The good thing about cooking at home is that I brought whatever I made at home as lunch to school so I didn't have to spend a dime at the food court.

Plus home cooked meals taste really better than restaurants - :))

You don't have to be a chef and it doesn't have to be a daunting task.

Tell your family to teach you how to make basic meals or look up how to make just about anything on youtube.

Some good sites include -

9jafoodieAll Nigerian Recipe

Chinese food 

Indian food

Pizza  -- Comes in handy during exams if you don't have time to cook.

Bottom line is you can learn how to make just about anything by typing " How to make [my country food] " either on youtube or google.

My number one tip is - cooking requires patience and the very first food you will make won't turn out good but it gets better as you practice.

Believe it or not, I have seen people who were willing to pay me to cook for them. True Story!

Bonne Appetite!

3 - Accommodation


There are two choices when it comes to Accommodation - a) On-Campus,  b) Off-Campus

I recommend going for the On-Campus option especially in your first year because you will be away from family for the first time and will need to connect with new friends and other students from around the world.

On-Campus residence also gives you access to students who just newly arrived and students who are in their senior years. e.g if you are in your first year and you share the same hostel with a 2nd or 3rd year student then that 2nd or 3rd year student might just be able to show you around campus.

On-Campus accommodation information is always available on your University website.

If you choose to take the Off-Campus route, then you might want to start out with www.kijiji.ca 

1 - Choose the city where your school is located
2- Select the "Real Estate" Option
3- Click "search"

Or on www.google.com type "Accommodation close to [my university name]" and you will get alot of leads.

Please choose accommodation that is as close to the university as much as possible. If possible a walk able distance. A walk able distance eliminates the use of transportation and perhaps you can save some money on bus pass or bus tickets.

Make sure you know what your accommodation covers, e.g internet, water, electricity, cable, heat, etc.
Make sure your landlord provides you a receipt for every transaction. Never give cash. Write them a cheque, a direct bank transfer or email money transfer.

Read your rental agreement very well before you sign and make sure you have no issues with the terms listed. If you don't understand what is on the agreement please see the international student center in your school or contact a lawyer.

Off-Campus accommodation also comes in handy after you have made friends in your first year. This is the time to pick a friend or friends you trust and rent an apartment or a house. This is the best way to save on bills and living expenses if you share a common space and household items.

4 - Pick up driving skills


Attending a driving school for beginners can cost quite a fortune especially if it is not in your budget. If you already have a few years of driving experience then all you would have to do is book a road test after minimal driving practice to obtain your driver's license.

If you don't know how to drive already, please enroll in a driver education program before you pack up for Canada.

See a typical driving school cost break down here.

A driver's license is needed to board local flights and it is the most widely accepted form of identification in Canada, so plan to get one.

5 - Language


If English is not your first language then you might want to consider enrolling in English as a Second Language (ESL) Program in your school.

In addition, plan to make friends who speak English as well so that your interaction with them will improve your English speaking skills.

Canada is also bilingual and some job postings indicate French speaking skills as an asset. It won't hurt to add French as another language to learn.

6 - Best Season to Arrive

The best season to arrive for school is the summer months, preferably August just in time before classes kick off in September. 

You will have enough time to slowly adapt to the weather as it transitions from the summer heat to winter temperatures. 

If you decide to begin your classes in January, make sure you have a winter coat, jacket, head warmer and gloves to keep you warm. 
A friend of mine showed up to Toronto Pearson from Africa in flipflops, in the first week of January - you could only imagine the horror!

Secondly, you will get the opportunity to learn about your new environment e.g learn how to take the bus and navigate your way around campus or perhaps go a little of site seeing if you have any attractions near you. 

It is easy to get around and enjoy the outdoors when the weather is warm. 

Look for deals on winter jackets in August.


7 - Arrange a ride from the Airport


Before you pack your bags make sure you have the address of your destination as well as a contact number handy.

If you are staying on-campus (residence, hostel) make sure you have your school address handy. Some schools do arrange shuttle service from the airport for international students - check with your school for this service (It may or may not be free)

If you are staying off campus - get your Landlord or your host to give you a ride from the airport.

Remember to use a pay phone or free phone in the Airport to let your contact know you just arrived Or email them your flight details before you arrive.

If none of the above works, then use a taxi service. You will need cash. If you don't have Canadian funds handy then use the bureau de change service in the airport to get some Canadian funds if you have a different currency.

I strongly recommend having someone to receive you at the Airport upon arrival. 


8 - Make a To-do List



Make a list of the things you will need to do upon arrival. You might get too overwhelmed with the journey and the experience that you forget to call your family back home to inform them of your arrival.

You will need to do the following after you arrive.


  • Open a bank account - deposit your cash immediately in the bank account and do not walk around with large sums of money.
  • Get a mobile phone(cell phone) - Your family will need to monitor your progress so stay in touch. 
  • Get student identification from campus services
  • Visit the international student center and ask lots of questions.
  • Get health insurance - your school should already have one for you

9 - Read About Canada

Take time to read about your destination - Canada. 

Click on the following link - Canada History and Government of Canada History Publication

This will help you understand current events especially if you want to learn the culture quickly and integrate.



Tuesday 18 July 2017

Is Your Study Program Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?

I came across this article while surfing the Canada study news website. It is important to verify that graduates from your school qualify for the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Happy Reading!
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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is urging prospective international students applying for a study permit to make more informed decisions when selecting a program of study in Canada. Those with the intention to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) need to ensure their program qualifies for a PGWP upon graduation, even if the program is offered by an academic institution on the government’s list of designated learning institutions (DLIs).
Recently, an American citizen, Yescenya Bigford, was denied a PGWP at the Canadian border on the basis that the program she enrolled in at Anderson College, Toronto does not qualify her to obtain a PGWP. Since the college is a private, non-degree granting school, it is not listed as a DLI. Therefore, international students who graduate from the college are not eligible for a PGWP. However, the college’s website had stated that its international students had the ‘possibility to work in Canada after graduation’ — a statement that has since been removed from the site.
CBSA officials granted Yescenya entry as a visitor for a year.
According to CBC Toronto, some private career colleges in Ontario have been ‘misleading’ international graduates hoping to stay and work in Canada by falsely advertising the possibility of a PGWP. In addition, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has dealt with many similar cases where international students are wrongly informed of the possibility of receiving a PGWP after their studies are complete.

Who is eligible for a PGWP?

Many international students who study at post-secondary institutions in Canada plan to stay and gain Canadian work experience. Under this program, international graduates could be granted an open work permit for up to three years, permitting them to work for any Canadian employer in any industry. Applicants are not required to have a Canadian job offer at the time of application.
The program is available for a majority of international students, as most public post-secondary institutions are deemed eligible by the federal government for the PGWP program. However, like the case of Yescenya, international students who apply to study at a non-degree granting private or vocational college may not be eligible for the program. The IRCC website states that the program is available to graduates of public post-secondary institutions, degree programs at private institutions, private post-secondary institutions that implement the same rules as public institutions, and some institutions in Quebec.

What are the eligibility restrictions for the PGWP program?

The note on the IRCC website calls for prospective study permit applicants to consult with the intended academic institutions and the provincial ministry of education to determine whether or not their program of study grants eligibility to the program.
Prospective applicants to the program must hold a valid study permit and have completed full-time studies with a minimum study period of at least eight months. Other restrictions apply based on the type of educational institution chosen and the study program chosen by the student. With over 125,000 study permits issued last year by the government of Canada, students are encouraged to understand their options and requirements for working in Canada after graduation before beginning their studies.


Thursday 27 April 2017

How much does it cost to study in Canada?

Gathering information can be stressful when considering Canada as a destination of study.

You might have conducted exhaustive search online about various schools from different sources and still don't feel like you have enough information.

 Well, look no further because the Canadavisa school search website offers comprehensive information on any school of your choice in one website.

Screen shot taken from Canadavisa school search website


All you have to do is search by; school name, location, program type or select the option for all schools in Canada.

The following information and more are provided for each school

  • Admission requirement
  • Brief background on the about the school
  • Brief background on the geographical location, city population as well as history of the city.
  • Estimated tuition cost
  • Briefly on services available to international students
  • Contact information for the registrar's office
  • Major attractions, etc.
I like the way most of the information is just available with one click. This website eliminates some of the excess information i get online when researching on a particular school. You can be rest assured that you are getting something that is accurate and trust worthy.

Perhaps the most important thing that caught my attention is the school match feature provided on school search website.

School match enhances your school search experience by specifically asking questions that matter the most to you when considering a school and also matching those needs to schools in Canada that match your profile. For example, if you are interested in schools that offer coop opportunities and also want a larger campus, you will be matched with schools that reflect those expectations.

School match sort of does what dating website do. You create a quick profile by entering the following; your name, email, gender, DOB, country of residence, current/past school, and current GPA.
Next you will be asked a series of questions based on your expectation of schools in Canada. The questions may seem a little lengthy and rigorous but make sure you answer them as truthful as possible so that the best schools that meet your profile can be selected.

The final result will include a link to a PDF report which includes a summary of the top schools that meet your profile as well as details about your search criteria. My report was about 34 pages long and quite detailed. It is totally recommended.

Here is a screen shot of the first page of my report.


















Friday 6 January 2017

MBA Programs in Canada


Below is a generic requirement as well as tips for applying for an MBA program in Canada. To get specific information about a particular school please see the list at the bottom of the page. 


Basic Requirements and Tips


· Completion of any 4 year bachelor degree Or completion of a 4year degree in bachelor of Business Administration or Bachelor of Commerce

· GMAT or GRE required by most schools.

· English Proficiency test required if language of study is not English

· Letters of Recommendation (Reference Letter)

· A Statement of Interest 

· A B-average (73% or CGPA 3.0/4.0 or second class upper division) and above in the final 2 years of university study

· Work Experience – two years and above

· An interview after submitting application

· Degree and Transcripts should be in original language of study with translation or interpretation attached.

· Most applications are completed on the school’s website.

· Some schools have an online MBA option.

· Some schools customize your MBA program to meet your flexibility. For example, part-time, full time and accelerated programs.

·  Meeting all the requirement does not a guarantee a spot. Admission is highly competitive with most applicants exceeding the requirement expectation. For example, 5–10years work experience, high GMAT/GRE scores, excellent career achievements, etc.

· Due to the competitive nature, it is recommended that you work with two or more schools for admission success.

· Settling back into school after years of working can be a little challenging. Make lots of friends and get mentor-ship from experienced students. Once you build your new routine, you will settle in good.


· You may find that you have more free time than you would typically do at work. For example, 8 am – 4 pm work hours versus a 2 hour lecture. Use your time wisely and prioritize what matters you the most. 


Bachelor Degree Requirement and Transcripts


Some MBA programs may accept low university grades provided the candidate has many years of work experience, career achievements and a very high GMAT or GRE score.

The candidate must show proof of graduation i.e. certificates, degree, letter from department of study, etc.

Although the minimum average is 73%, selected candidates typically sit higher than 73%.

Your transcripts should reflect High School (secondary school) and University study.

Some schools make exceptions for candidates with a 3-year degree.

Certain schools have an MBA program with limited spots for foreign students. Make sure to apply early to secure a spot.

GMAT/GRE


Most applications are not considered without a GMAT or GRE score.

Look for your institution code on the school’s website to send your result.

Accepted GMAT score sits at 550 and above while GRE is the 50th percentile and above. The higher your score the greater your chances of admission. 

English Proficiency Test


You will need English Proficiency Test if the primary language of instruction at your school is not English.

Make arrangements with your testing institution to send your English Test results directly to the institution you are applying to.

See below for English Test agencies. Make sure to check with your school first to confirm which test is accepted for MBA admission.

Minimum requirements

TOEFL: 600 paper based; 100 internet based

IELTS: 7.0 with 5.5 on each band

PTE: 68

CAEL: minimum 60 in each subtest

MELAB: minimum of 85

Letters of Recommendation (Reference Letter)

Some schools require two letters of recommendation while others specify three letters of recommendation.

It is typical for the school to request that the letters be written by an academic referee and a work supervisor. i.e. one letter from academic referee and one letter from work supervisor Or one letter from academic referee and two letters from work supervisors.  

The candidate’s academic, managerial, communication as well as administrative performance will be evaluated when the letter is received. The reference letter should focus on your work ethic, your strength as well as character.

Candidates with excellent career achievements and work experience are highly considered.

Don’t forget to include your supervisor’s contact information. 


Statement of Interest or Intent

Keep it concise and 1 - 2 pages if you can.

You should describe your uniqueness – academic, managerial, communication, administrative, leadership, maturity, ambition, motivation, etc.

Your focus;
· Why you chose the program?
· Describe your short and long term goals
· How the strength of the program lines up with your vision
· What will you contribute to the program?
· What are you are looking to gain at the end of the program?
· How does the program fit in with your career goal?
· Do you enjoy working with others or individually? 


Work Experience – Resume/CV Details


Resume should reflect;

·Professional, managerial, technical work experience

·Time lines

·Full time continuous work /part time work

·Employment duties

·Education

·Volunteer experience

·Promotions/accomplishments

·Extracurricular activities and hobbies

·Where you have the most exposure

·Level of responsibility and specific duties

The candidate will bring leadership, accountability, people skills, and self-discipline as well as project management skills to the learning environment.

Typically two years of work experience is the minimum required but most candidates possess more than two years of work experience.

Very few schools require no work experience.

Admission Interviews

One or more interviews will be conducted in person or virtually using technology like Skype

I would take it as a professional job interview. Look your best and go in prepared. 


List of schools with MBA program

The following link should take you directly to the particular MBA program website of your school of choice. 







Thursday 29 December 2016

Tips for Student Part - Time Jobs

It is not unconventional for students to seek part time employment during their academic programs. Below is a list of part jobs as well as tips to have in mind while searching for the right part - time job.


Tips


#1 - Off-Campus vs On-Campus Jobs


On-campus jobs tend to be convenient and flexible. Your job and lecture are in the same campus location hence no need for commuting. For example, if you work in the campus book store and your lecture hall is on the second floor of the same building then all you need to do is walk down. 

In addition, campus work tends to take into account your course schedule for the day. In some cases campus employers are known to give student employees a flexible time schedule that fits the lecture time-table. This comes in handy during exams and when you need extra time off for projects and presentations. 

Off-campus job as the name implies are jobs that are located outside of the campus vicinity. They may not be as flexible and convenient because it may require some type of commute. Imagine trying to catch a bus in the winter to work after your lectures. And if even though you have a car, you still have to deal with traffic and gas bill. Furthermore, your employer may not necessarily give you that extra time off when they need arises. 
According to CIC, full time international students on a valid study permit may work for a maximum of 20 hours per week off campus. Some employers may have an issue with the 20 hours cap. There is no cap on the number of hours a student can work on campus. 

#2 - Weekend vs Weekday Jobs


At the beginning of the semester make sure you get a hold of your course syllabus so you can understand your course breakdown and the amount of time you will need to put in. This will help you choose between weekend or weekday part time job. 

If you choose to work on weekends. Make sure you do most of your academic work on the weekday. If you leave your academic work for the weekend you might find it hard to accomplish anything by Monday morning due to work.

If you work on weekdays (after lectures) then take your weekend seriously to catch up on all academic work.

The amount of extra time you will  have available to yourself will depend on your course load and the amount of hours you allocate to your job. 

#3 - Pros vs Cons


Pros: Learn how to manage your money early - allocate money for bills, rent, groceries and learn to stay within your budget. 

You will learn how to prioritize what matters to you most because of the little time available to you. Hence you will pick up time management skill. 

You will pick up all sorts of work experience as well as how to deal with co-workers. This is vital for when you start working full time in your field. 

You learn how to be independent. Once you know how to make your own decisions concerning budgeting, time management and planning you are slowly starting to take control of your life and steering it where you want to go. 

Cons: Some jobs can be physically or mentally exhausting. Watch out for the hours you signup for and gauge how much work you can actually do so you don`t become too exhausted to study. 

Some people cannot combine work and study. If you start to get poor grades, stop working and focus on studies.

It is easy to get side-tracked with a high paying part time job. Make sure you don`t abandon your academic work completely. 

#4 - No Canadian work experience?


If you have been rejected due to a lack of Canadian work experience, then consider volunteering with local organizations near you. You can volunteer with your professors, salvation army, religious institutions, hospitals, student union, etc. Let your volunteer work experience reflect in your resume. 

#5 - Begin job search on campus


Look into your student union website for jobs on campus first before looking off campus for jobs, especially if you want to enjoy the convenience and flexibility discussed above. 

#6  - Use job sites


Use job sites like indeed , workopolis, monster to search for all kinds of jobs. 

#7  - Networking


Talk to other students in your various small student groups about part time positions that maybe floating around. Expand your friend circle and learn more about new opportunities. 

Lists of student part-time jobs






Teaching Assistant  - mostly for graduate students


Campus Bar Jobs - bouncer, security, waitress, cook, 

Student Union Positions - President, VP academics, VP student life

Pizza delivery driver - will need a working vehicle

Grocery chains (walmart, superstore, safeway, etc) - look for cashier, janitorial and merchandise associate positions. 

University call centre - Out bound and inbound call agents or telemarketers are always needed. Also look for other call centers off campus. 

Retail Stores (clothing stores, electronic stores, etc) - search for sales associate and customer service positions, etc. Make sure you are a people person.

Courier stores - look for positions in DHL, Fedex and UPS stores


Tutoring - recommended if you are good at a particular subject. Speak to your student union about this.

Fast food clerk - look for opportunities in your local mall and university centre food court, etc.

Coop/internship/summer jobs - if you can secure a 4 - 16 month industry placement, you will gain work experience as well save lots of money upon your return. In some cases, you make enough money so you don't have to pick up a part time job in the regular semester.

Uber cab driver - will need a working car



Local Cinema jobs (Landmark, Cineplex, Empire, etc) - cast member, cashier, games host, cinema host

There are many more part time jobs out there. It really boils down to what you can lay your hands on and the skill set you bring to the table.