The Ten Commandments of Settling Into Canada
Some basic rules for making things a bit easier.
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Settling into Canada isn’t like completing a jigsaw puzzle, a task that has a single knowable answer. It feels more like learning to dance. Your experience and what you’ll have to deal with often depends on the city, the people you meet in those early days, how you handle stress, I could go on and on.
But Eniola and I think that as with everything, settling into Canada as a newcomer does have must-dos. These things don’t guarantee that you’ll settle stress-free. But they go a long way to making life a bit easier.
Here goes…
Thou shall come to Canada with an open mind. You’re in a new country now. Things may be a little different than what you are used to. The people, the streets, the systems, and even the culture. Stay curious. Stay adaptable.
Thou shall network like thy career depends on it. Because it does. The Canadian job market runs on relationships and referrals. Be strategic about networking and building visibility. Use LinkedIn and informational interviews to build relationships before you even need them.
Thou shall educate thyself about the Canadian financial system. Credit scores, tax brackets, tax benefits, TFSA, RRSP; understanding all these isn’t optional. You need to know how money works in Canada. We’ve got a great choose-your-own-adventure guide to Canadian money.
Thou shall read every contract, be it phone, internet, or lease. It’s important you know what you are getting into before you sign any contract. Hidden fees and problematic clauses may be hidden in your agreements. Take your time, read through it, ask questions, and then make an informed decision.
Thou shall prioritize community building. Being away from your loved ones can be isolating, and the loneliness hits harder in the winter. Find your tribe before you need them. Community centers and cultural or religious associations are great places to meet people. Also check out Eventbrite, Facebook, and Meetup to find events that might interest you.
Thou shall try Tim Hortons coffee within the first 30 days. It’s not about the coffee. It’s about the culture. Here’s a recommendation if you feel intimidated by the menu list: A Double Double (two creams, two sugars) for the cultural significance and creaminess or the French Vanilla if you want something that’s sweet but not too sugary. There’s probably a Tims within walking distance.
Thou shall invest in proper winter gear. Your first Canadian winter will humiliate you if you take it for granted. The cold, the snow heaps, the wonky public transport, and the chilling wind. You can find great winter coats under $200 at Canadian Tire or Costco. Also dose up on Vitamin D.
Thou shall never undervalue your past experience. Canadian experience is important, but your past work experience is invaluable. Join professional associations and consider credential recognition programs. Windmill Microlending offers low-interest loans to help skilled immigrants with their careers.
Thou shall get a library card. A library card gives you access not just to books, but free events, learning programs for people of all ages, free tax clinics, and even free museum passes. Think of the library as your community hub. Here’s how to find your local library branch; Google “[your city] public library.”
Thou shall celebrate your wins. Some days you’ll feel behind, lost or homesick. That’s normal. But you always have little wins worth celebrating. Found a job? Made a friend? That’s something to celebrate.
Welcome to Canada, make it better.
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