Moving to Canada was supposed to be my main-character moment — new city, new adventures and maybe even some aesthetic café-hopping. Instead, I found myself navigating a life where winter feels like a personal attack. India’s heat never prepared me for the kind of cold that freezes your brain.
Before moving, I thought I was prepared. I had my visa, my university schedule and a very optimistic mindset. However, I lacked a proper winter coat, an understanding of why everyone here is obsessed with Tim Hortons, while also wondering if I was getting scammed at the grocery store (spoiler alert: I always was — why is everything so expensive?). Somewhere between adjusting to the cold and realizing I had a lot more to learn than I thought while finding moments of connection in unexpected places, I started to carve out my own spot here.
As a second-year communications student from Delhi, India, moving to Canada has been a wild ride so far. As I continue to adjust, I’m learning what it truly means to find a balance between where I came from and where I’m headed.
The first few days were harder than I expected. It took me a while to fully grasp that I was really on my own in a foreign country, far from everything I knew. I had to figure things out by myself, and that was a tough pill to swallow. Making friends didn’t come easily, especially since I tend to be more introverted. Orientation week was a lifesaver — it gave me a chance to connect with others and realize I wasn’t as alone as I thought. I’ve realized that building a social circle takes work, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things
about this experience.
Academics on the other hand felt like a complete 180. Back home, I was used to a different approach to learning — using laptops for class was practically unheard of. Adjusting to the teaching style here was a challenge and for a while, it felt like I was playing catch-up. The group projects, endless readings and constant push to contribute to class discussions felt like a lot to juggle. But after some time, I started to find my rhythm. I began to embrace this more interactive approach, realizing that it was pushing me to think more critically.
The transition wasn’t just academic, it was cultural too. Back in Delhi, I was used to food being available at any time — whether it was 2 a.m. or 2 p.m., you could always grab a quick snack. Here, if it’s past 9 p.m., you better hope you have some leftovers or you’re out of luck. Socially, it was a bit of a shock. Back home, people greet each other with energy — shouting, laughing and chatting in crowded spaces. Here, the polite Canadian silence is common and if you’re a little too loud you might just get the “shush” stare.
The best part however, is that people actually follow traffic lights. In Delhi, jaywalking is practically an Olympic sport. Here, it’s like a whole new world where crossing the street without the green light is a serious crime. It’s a lot to adjust to, but I’m slowly getting the hang of it.
The past two years have been a rollercoaster filled with highs and lows, feeling homesick during festivals and celebrating birthdays with my friends over FaceTime calls so I don’t feel left out. But with every challenge has come growth. I’ve learned so much about myself, resilience and about what it really means to build a life in a new place.
From little wins like mastering the art of cooking for myself to the bigger ones
like creating meaningful friendships that make this place feel like home, I’ve come a long way. It hasn’t always been easy, but as I continue to grow and navigate this new chapter, I’m proud to say that I’m not just surviving — I’m thriving. Now, with some of my closest friends by my side, I’m ready to embrace whatever the future holds, moving forward with a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart.
Contributed Photo/Sadiya Teeple
