FAQ: Student Life and Living in Winnipeg

Q: What is Winnipeg like for international students?

A: Winnipeg is a welcoming and multicultural city where students can experience a diverse community while enjoying a strong sense of neighbourhood and community.

Canada is one of the world's most culturally diverse countries, and Winnipeg reflects that diversity. People from many cultural, linguistic, and family backgrounds call Winnipeg home. International students have opportunities to meet people from different cultures while also sharing their own traditions, experiences, and perspectives.

Winnipeg offers a balance of city life, outdoor spaces, cultural experiences, recreational activities, and educational opportunities. Its relatively affordable cost of living compared with some of Canada's larger cities also makes Winnipeg an attractive choice for international students.

Q: Is Winnipeg safe for international students?

A: Yes. Winnipeg is known as a welcoming, multicultural city, and many international students choose it for its supportive communities, affordable cost of living, and strong educational opportunities. WSD International works closely with WSD schools, homestay families, and support staff to help students feel safe, supported, and connected throughout their studies in Canada.

As with any city, international students are encouraged to practice personal safety awareness and follow guidance provided by their schools, homestay families, and WSD International staff.

Q: How cold is Winnipeg?

A: Winnipeg experiences all four seasons, including warm summers and cold winters. 

Winnipeg winters can be very cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping below -20°C and occasionally reaching -30°C or colder. However, students quickly learn how to prepare for winter with appropriate clothing and footwear.

Students can also enjoy many winter activities, including skating, tobogganing, winter festivals, and other outdoor activities. Schools, homestay families, and WSD International help students learn how to prepare for and enjoy their first Canadian winter.

Q: What is the weather like throughout the year?

A: Winnipeg has four distinct seasons.

• Spring: Generally cool and gradually warming, with longer days and changing weather.
• Summer: Warm to hot, with many opportunities for outdoor activities and festivals.
• Fall: Cooler temperatures, colourful leaves, and shorter days.
• Winter: Cold and snowy, with temperatures that can sometimes fall below -20°C.

Students should be prepared for significant seasonal changes and bring or purchase appropriate clothing for each season.

Q: What activities can students join?

A: International students are encouraged to participate in a variety of school and community activities throughout the year. Depending on the school and season, opportunities may include:

• Student clubs
• Leadership groups
• Arts and music programs
• Cultural celebrations
• Volunteer opportunities
• School events and dances
• Sports and recreational activities
• Outdoor activities
• Community events and festivals

Participating in activities is a great way for students to meet people, build friendships, practise English, develop new interests, and become part of their school community.

Q: Are there clubs and sports teams?

A:  Yes. WSD schools offer clubs, extracurricular activities, and sports teams for students to join, depending on the school and season. 

Activities may include basketball, volleyball, soccer, badminton, student leadership, drama, music, cultural clubs, and many others

Participation is a great way for international students to meet classmates, stay active, and experience Canadian school life.

Q: Are international students able to participate in school activities?

A:  Yes. International students are encouraged to participate fully in school life, including clubs, sports, leadership opportunities, arts, cultural activities, and school events, where they meet the applicable school requirements.

Getting involved is one of the best ways for students to meet Canadian and international classmates and become part of their school community.

Q: What is public transportation like?

A:  Winnipeg has a public bus transportation system that students commonly use to travel to school and around the city. 

International students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation, as they are not eligible for Winnipeg School Division transportation services (school bus).

During orientation, WSD International provides students with information about public transportation, including routes and helpful tools for planning their trips. Homestay families can also help students learn how to use public transportation safely.

For current fares, passes, routes, and schedules, students and families should refer to the official Winnipeg Transit website.

Q: Are there many international students in Winnipeg?

A: Yes. WSD International welcomes students from many countries each year. 

Winnipeg is a diverse and multicultural city, and students have opportunities to meet people from many different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. 

At WSD schools, international students learn alongside Canadian students and other students from around the world. Students can meet people from different backgrounds, make new friends, and experience life in Canada.

Q: What do students do on weekends?

A: Students have many ways to spend their weekends in Winnipeg. Depending on their interests and arrangements with their homestay families, students may:

• Spend time with friends
• Participate in sports and recreation
• Visit restaurants, cafés, and shops
• Attend festivals and cultural events
• Watch movies or participate in entertainment activities
• Enjoy outdoor activities
• Participate in activities with their homestay family
• Study, relax, or explore the city
• Visiting attractions around Winnipeg

Students are encouraged to balance schoolwork with opportunities to experience Winnipeg and Canadian life.

Q: Is Winnipeg affordable compared to other Canadian cities?

A: Yes. Winnipeg is often considered one of the more affordable major cities in Canada for international students and families. 

Compared to cities such as Toronto or Vancouver, Winnipeg generally offers lower living, transportation, and accommodation costs while still providing strong educational opportunities and student support services. 

Many families appreciate Winnipeg’s balance of affordability, community support, and quality education.

Q: What should students budget for besides tuition and homestay?

A: Students should plan for personal expenses in addition to their tuition and accommodation costs. These may include:

• Transportation
• Personal items and clothing
• School supplies
• Mobile phone expenses
• Entertainment and recreational activities
• Meals or snacks outside the homestay arrangement
• Personal travel
• Other individual expenses

The amount a student spends will depend on their personal needs and lifestyle.

Q: Can students explore Winnipeg on their own?

A: Students can explore Winnipeg and participate in activities outside of school, provided they follow their school's, homestay family's, and WSD International's expectations.

Students should communicate their plans with their homestay family and follow any applicable curfews, household rules, and safety expectations.

Q: What should I bring to Winnipeg?

A: Students should pack clothing and personal items appropriate for Canada's four seasons.

For students arriving in the fall or winter, a warm winter coat, insulated footwear, gloves or mittens, a hat, and other appropriate winter clothing are especially important.

Students should also bring important personal documents, school records, medications if applicable, and items that will help them feel comfortable in their new home.

Students do not need to bring everything from home. Many everyday items can be purchased in Winnipeg.

Q: What support is available to international students?

A: International students are supported by a network that may include WSD International staff, school staff, teachers, homestay families, and other members of the school community.

Students can seek support when they have questions or concerns about school, homestay, adjusting to life in Winnipeg, or other aspects of their experience.

Students are encouraged to ask for help rather than trying to manage a concern on their own.

Q: What if I have a question about living in Winnipeg?

A: Students and families can contact WSD International with questions related to the student's experience in Winnipeg, including school life, transportation, homestay, and general program support. Students can also speak with their school staff and homestay family for support with day-to-day questions.

Phone: 204-789-8086
Email: international@wsd1.org

Important Reminder

Living and studying in Winnipeg is an opportunity for students to experience a diverse Canadian community, develop independence, make new friends, and learn from people with different backgrounds and experiences.

Students are encouraged to participate in school and community life, respect the people and communities around them, and make the most of their experience in Winnipeg.