The day I moved into my first apartment, nestled between the bustling streets of the city and the quiet whispers of the river, marked the beginning of my own symphony of solitude.

Living by yourself in an expensive city like Vancouver on a student budget can be challenging. With some of the most expensive housing costs in North America and the ever-rising cost of essentials, there is little space left for the small pleasures of life like a trip to Zara for a sweater that you do not need or the daily trip to Tim’s before and after class. Thankfully, there is a range of student discount programs and exclusive perks on offer to help you have fun on your slim student budget!

Moving to Vancouver from India for my master’s degree was a monumental step in my life. It marked my first international experience and, more importantly, the first time I was moving away from my home country.