Budgeting

We strongly recommend that you make a budget or plan for your expenses and income (either from working, scholarships, or savings) to maintain your financial health.

It's important to consider the types of living expenses you'll encounter as a student, in addition to tuition and fees. Reviewing your income and expenses is an important habit to build early—and there are many resources to access for help along the way.

UCalgary MoneySmart: this Enrolment Services program provides free workshops, resources, and one-on-one financial advising for students on budgeting, banking, saving money, filing taxes, using credit, and much more! Learn more.

Budgeting apps: there are lots of free phone apps you can use to help keep track of your spending. Examples include Acorns, Every Dollar, Wally, and Mint. Check your app store to see what works best for you.

Social and wellness events

Check out the newsletters, social media accounts, and websites these offices provide to learn about free events:

Faith and Spirituality Centre
International Student Services
Leadership and Student Engagement
Residence Services (if living on campus)
Sustainability
Women’s Resource Centre
Writing Symbols Lodge
Student Wellness Services

SU and GSA

Learn about the services and events provided through the Students Union (SU) and Graduate Students Association (GSA). Some student clubs arrange discounts for events or services around Calgary.

UCalgary Services

You pay student fees each term, and that entitles you to free access to many services and programs. These include:

Active Living: access to fitness facilities (gymnasium, weight room, swimming pool, running track, racquet centre, climbing wall; students receive a $25 credit each year)
Career Services: advising and workshops to support your job search & success
International Student Services: immigration advising
Libraries and Cultural Resources: research support and access to academic resources
Student Success Centre: free advising and workshops

Working in Canada as a student

To work in Canada as an international student, you must be enrolled full-time as a student and have a valid study permit to be eligible to work.

Learn more about working in Canada as a student

Emergency financial support

If you're experiencing financial insecurity, UCalgary is here to help. You may be eligible for an emergency loan or other funding resources if you've experienced an unexpected emergency expense or extenuating circumstances that you couldn't have planned for.

Contact Enrolment Services More Information

Still have questions?

Are you a current UCalgary international student, newly-admitted UCalgary international student, or a recently-graduated UCalgary international student with questions or needing assistance?