As an international student, I experienced housing concerns and finding a place to live off campus

Original author: Dhruv Patel (he/ him)

Editor: X Helping Hands

This photo was taken on December 28, 2022. Copyright @art_nouveau___

I am a final year student in the Bachelor of Science program at X. I am from Gujarat, a province in India known for the beautiful handicrafts, arts, sculptures, the historic temples, and most importantly, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, a great leader and the source of inspiration for the Indians during the early 1900s, who played an active role equal rights for the Indians. I really admire him and still remember his famous saying “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” which motivates me every day.

I started my studies at StFX during the fall of 2019, and as an international student from India, I did experienced housing concerns and finding a place to live off campus. Considering my personal experience as unique and special in itself, I can actually say that I faced a number of hardships, which helped me to grow and develop into an independent individual in this country. Understanding the fact that, I did have great support from friends, that helped me in finding an apartment in my second year after I decided to stay off campus, I was not able to find enough resources, which could have made this process easy and much simpler for an international student. In addition to this, it was hard for me to adapt to the culture of Canada. However, after more than three years of living in this country and particularly Antigonish, I eventually made a place for myself in this cozy town of Antigonish, which I call my second home.

Based on my experiences, an advice for the incoming students at X is to connect with people around the town (they are super friendly and kind) and take time to engage yourself in extracurricular sports and events happening in the campus and the town. Through this, you would be able to make new friends and find supports that would help you to adapt in this new country.