Ultimate guide: Financing your education

Student with credit card in hand buying something on their laptop

Desana Written by Desana (she/her), student

Picture this: you’re sitting at your computer and you hear that familiar "bing" that signals a new email. You check your inbox and see that it’s an email from the university you’ve been dreaming of. And there it is in big, bold letters. You’re in!

You’re over the moon, as you should be. However, as you scroll down, you notice the tuition fees, the living expenses, and a bunch of other words and numbers with dollar signs you might not understand. As quickly as you were excited, your heart drops.

How will you afford this?

Unfortunately, many high school students get stressed out because they don’t know how they’ll afford their education. It’s true that the cost of going to university can be overwhelming. However, it shouldn’t stop you from getting the degree you’ve always wanted, and with the right financial plan, it won't.

Another great way to finance your education is by choosing a co-op program. On average, students can earn between $9,000 and $21,500 per four-month work term in Canada, which can really make a dent in all those fees! Plus, you’ll get amazing hands-on experience in a number of interesting fields. Learn more about Waterloo’s unique co-op program and all of the different subjects you can combine with a co-op option.
 
For most students, the first year of university is the toughest. You have to navigate through your classes, learn how to live on your own, and figure out how to budget your finances. Sounds exhausting, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be!

See? We got this! Now that you have your university expenses covered, sit back and relax.
 
Looking to make some extra pocket money? We have tips on creative ways to save and earn money. Also, if you’re planning on coming to the University of Waterloo (which I highly recommend you do!), you’ll want to explore the city without breaking the bank. Since the city of Waterloo has a large student population, there’s always something to do on the cheap, or even better ... for free.

That’s everything! University is meant to be fun, enjoyable, and full of new experiences — your finances shouldn’t get in the way of that.

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