Words about financial support and student well being...
Student Health Services and the Wellness Centre has great, friendly staff who are always willing to quickly help you feel better.
My department gave me a stipend, which has allowed me to spend more time focusing on my work, rather than stressing over the financial aspects of graduate school.
Make your research project/thesis something you're passionate about. If you have a great idea, take it to a professor and see if you can make it into a project.
Graduate Studies is nothing like your undergraduate, it is one hundred times better. However, you must make sure that you choose a topic that you are interested in for your MRP (Major Research Paper) or Thesis. If you do, it will be a great experience. The biggest lessons you will learn will not be in the classrooms, but from your seminar sessions with your own students, one on ones with your professors and advisors but mostly from the people in your cohort. It is a lot of work, but it worth every minute.
The University of Guelph has a very cooperative and motivating environment. It has the power to really keep you motivated and happy throughout your studies. In terms of financial support, the department informed students of all scholarship opportunities available and encouraged our applications.
U of G has a fantastic intramural program. I played ice hockey and dodge ball, but there are many other sports offered. In addition, the University has a brand new physical education building and every student has access to basketball, gyms, the pool, and hot tub.
The advice that I could give to other international students is to use the library's tools, such as ELS workshops for non-native English students, writing reviews, time planning, and services on improving mental health because there are very stressful days during the master's degree.
While it's true that you should work hard to reach your goal, burnout is real. Allow yourself to take breaks when needed; take a nap, play video games, and laugh at some memes. Life will feel less annoying.
