Skating feels like flying the first time your blades grip the ice. In Ontario, you don’t need to guess where to start: almost every city has learn-to-skate programs, from low-cost city classes to Skate Canada clubs that feed into hockey and figure skating. This guide is for Ontario teens and students who want clear steps, … Read more
Picture a cold February morning on a condo site in Mississauga. A first-year apprentice is on a ladder, trying to pull cable through stubborn conduit while the journeyperson on the ground reminds them to “keep the bend gentle, not angry.” By lunchtime they’re in the job trailer, boots thawing by the heater, arguing about the … Read more
In first year, most students just want to know if their debit card will cover coffee, rent, and a bus pass. The surprise comes later—when you try to lease a car, rent an apartment in Toronto, or get a new phone plan and the company checks your credit. Building credit as a student in Ontario … Read more
Reviewed by Dev, Reviewed: 2025-11-12 Most Ontario students just want three things from their phone plan: enough data for campus life, no surprise bills, and a monthly price that fits a tight budget or OSAP timeline. In 2025, there are plans under $25–$30/month, but they come with trade-offs. This guide focuses on realistic “student-cheap” options: … Read more
New keys feel great—until the math lands. This guide keeps it practical for students and newcomers in Ontario. You’ll see what money to have ready, how the standard lease protects you, how utilities and insurance really work, and one short message you can copy when a landlord asks for too much. A basement one-bed in … Read more
Buying your first car feels big—exciting, but a little confusing. This step-by-step checklist keeps it simple: what to check before you pay, what paperwork Ontario actually requires, and the key differences between buying from a dealer and a private seller. You’ll also see what new drivers typically pay for insurance and how to budget for … Read more
Planning to get your driver’s licence in Ontario? Most people need 20–24 months from G1 to full G and should budget $251 in government fees (first-try passes). You can cut the first wait by four months with an approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course, and you can often find earlier road-test dates by checking multiple … Read more
Students can qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) in Ontario, but two things decide most outcomes: enough insurable hours and whether you’re truly available for work. This guide explains summer-job claims, ROE requirements, what to report once school starts, and how international-student work limits affect eligibility. New to Ontario? Get your SIN first. Who actually qualifies … Read more
Want to earn while you learn? Apprenticeships in Ontario combine paid work with in-class training, leading to a Certificate of Apprenticeship and, in many trades, a Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal. This guide explains how to get a sponsor, what the 1:1 ratio means on the job, typical wage rules, and when the Red … Read more
Student banking should be simple: $0 monthly fees, fast Interac e-Transfers, and ATMs you can actually find. Here’s a human short-list with real pros/cons, a light matrix (no jargon), and exactly what you’ll be asked to show—plus the banks that make life easier for international students. When I helped my cousin settle in Mississauga, the … Read more