Photo source: Instagram/Owomitola
If you have scrolled through TikTok, Instagram, or other social media pages, you have probably seen photos and videos of Nigerians at the airport saying goodbye to families and friends as they leave everything they have ever known behind. They leave their parents, support system, and familiar food for the unknown. In 2025, the japa (to migrate) trend continued, and beautiful summer and snow photos kept flooding timelines. But behind these swoon-worthy photos and videos lies a more complex reality that migrants rarely show.
Among those who have chosen to pursue a better future abroad is a Nigerian lady, Akinlosotu Owomitola. She left Nigeria for Canada in October 2025, and in a few weeks, she had learned that the cold was no joke and that studying in Canada could be mentally demanding. Owomitola, who currently lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, shares the realities many newcomers face, from adapting to a new culture to navigating the weather and learning to build independence far from home. Her experience offers a window into what migration to Canada truly looks like today.
What was life like for you in Nigeria before you decided to leave?
Honestly, life in Nigeria was tough, especially trying to get a job that could even cover your basic needs. What sparked my decision to leave was my lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. I love being in the healthcare setting, and for some reason, getting into nursing school in Nigeria was a bit tough, so I settled for a course at the university and hoped to work on getting into nursing school someday. Luckily, I have an uncle in Canada who was ready to help with my dreams, so I pitched it to him, and he sponsored me to leave the country.
Why Canada and why Winnipeg?
I have family here in Winnipeg. I thought it would be a great idea to move to a place where I was surrounded by family. That way, I wouldn’t struggle with the challenges that come with moving to a new country. Also, Winnipeg is one of the provinces with a low cost of living. It is quiet, sane, and also a great place to start a family.
What was the application process like?
The application process is something I do not always like to remember because it stretched me a lot. It was really an overwhelming phase for me because there was too much information online, and for someone who had never done anything like this, it was really tough. I was always on my laptop, checking YouTube and TikTok just to get more information. Getting a school to study and funds needed weren’t stressful for me, as I was sponsored by my uncle, so the funds came from him. However, the gathering of documents was the toughest of all. When you are being sponsored, it takes a lot of trust because you are getting every document related to the person sponsoring you, and many people do not like to do that. It takes a lot of trust to release certain documents.
Walk us through your visa journey. Did you face any major setbacks, and how long did it take between submitting your application and getting your approval?
I started my visa journey in December 2024. I checked for schools in Winnipeg, especially colleges. I applied and was admitted to the school. I made sure I got a program that would help me transition into nursing. Getting the right information on how to apply was quite tough because there was a ton of conflicting information online, and you wouldn’t even know which was right or wrong. It took me 6 months to gather my documents, and I applied on May 20, 2025. I went for biometrics on May 23, 2025, and on June 2, 2025, I got my approval.
Can you remember some of the culture shocks you experienced when you first moved to Canada?
Canadians smile a lot; you make eye contact with anyone, and they just smile back. Canadians have a habit of wearing dirty shoes too, lol. The bus system is so funny. There’s an app to track when the bus will get to the bus stop, and the moment you miss the bus, you may have to wait for about 15 minutes to get the next bus going to your destination. Canadians don’t joke with their time.
How did you find community, especially as a newcomer?
It was actually not hard to find a community. Maybe because I am surrounded by family and friends from both my paternal and maternal sides. It wasn’t really hard for me. I also attend RCCG (Redeemed Christian Church of God). Half of the church’s members are Black, and we are mostly Nigerians who migrated to Canada, so I have many friends from the church.
How easy or difficult has it been to find a job in Canada?
I landed in Canada on October 31, 2025, and a few weeks later, I started applying for jobs. I got an offer between November and December 2025, even though I wasn’t going to start work because my program wouldn’t start till January 26, 2026. According to the Canadian government, you can only start working once your program officially begins. I did not want to wait until my program started before I began applying for jobs because getting a job can be quite tough. So, I started applying when I came in, and luckily for me, I got an offer the week I was going to resume school. Another thing I did during the period I wasn’t working was to volunteer. I worked on my resume and tailored it to the job description the organization needs.
Discover More Migrant Stories of other Africans abroad.
How do you balance school with the financial pressure of surviving as an international student?
I balance school and financial responsibilities through careful planning and discipline. I prioritize my class schedule and study time first, then choose part-time work hours that do not interfere with my academic performance. I also create a monthly budget to cover expenses such as rent, transportation, and groceries. Being an international student has taught me responsibility, resilience, and time management. Instead of seeing financial pressure as a setback, I see it as motivation to stay focused and build a stable future in Canada.
Everyone warns you about the Canadian cold. How did you survive your first winter?
Everyone definitely warned me about the Canadian cold, but honestly, nothing truly prepares you for your first winter. It was a bit of a shock at first. The wind especially surprised me. It’s not just cold; it cuts. The coldest temperature I experienced was around -40°C with the wind chill in Winnipeg, and that was an experience I won’t forget. The first time I stepped outside in that kind of weather, I felt like my eyelashes were freezing. I ended up booking an Uber because I couldn’t even feel my legs at some point. I also invested in a good winter jacket, thermal layers, good boots, gloves, and a hat that actually covers my ears. I also learned that layering is everything. You can not dress for winter the way you do back home.
What do you love most about living here, and what do you still struggle with?
What I love most about living here is the sense of opportunity and structure. The system works, and if you are willing to put in the effort, you can truly build something for yourself. I also appreciate how multicultural Canada is, especially in Winnipeg. Meeting people from different backgrounds makes it easier to feel less alone as an international student. What I still struggle with sometimes is the long winter and how early it gets dark once it’s 5 pm. It can affect your mood if you are not intentional about staying active and connected. I also miss family and familiar comforts from home; the food, the weather, and just being around people who have known you your whole life.
What is the one thing nobody told you about studying in Canada that you wish you had known?
One thing nobody really told me is how mentally demanding it can be, not just academically but emotionally. People talk about tuition, weather, and part-time jobs, but they don’t always talk about how independent you suddenly have to become. You are managing school, finances, cooking, cleaning, work, and immigration responsibilities all at once without your usual support system nearby. That adjustment can be overwhelming at first.
If there is one thing you could change about the way information is shared about studying abroad, what would it be?
If there was one thing I could change, it would be the way studying abroad is often oversimplified and glamorized. A lot of the information shared focuses on success stories, nice pictures, opportunities, and the lifestyle, but not enough attention is given to the challenges. I would want information to be more balanced and transparent. People should be aware of the financial realities, the emotional adjustment, the workload, and the importance of having a plan before arriving. Not to discourage anyone, but to help people prepare properly.
What is the biggest lie Nigerians believe about life in Canada that you want to debunk?
“Once you land in Canada, money just starts flowing.” A lot of people back home think life here is automatically easy, that jobs are everywhere, bills are small, and everyone is “making it.” The reality is very different. You work hard for everything here. Taxes are real. Winter is not a joke. And as an international student, you have to budget carefully and sometimes sacrifice comfort. Canada is not a magic land. It is a land of structure and systems. If you are disciplined, patient, and consistent, you can build something meaningful. But it won’t fall on your lap.
What advice would you give someone in Nigeria dreaming of studying or living in Canada?
I would advise people to come prepared mentally, financially, and emotionally. Canada has real opportunities, but it is not a shortcut to success. You’ll need resilience. As an international student, you will balance school, work, bills, and sometimes homesickness. So build discipline before you come; learn how to budget, manage your time, and live independently. Save more money than you think you will need. Things are expensive, and the first few months can be the hardest as you settle in. Also, be ready to start small. Your first job might not be your dream job, and that’s okay. Focus on gaining Canadian experience and building connections. Don’t isolate yourself. Build community through school, church, cultural groups, or volunteering. The right support system makes a huge difference, especially during winter. If you are willing to adapt, stay patient, and work consistently, Canada can be a place where you truly grow and build a future.
If Nigeria became everything you hoped it could be in the near future, would you move back permanently?
In all honesty, I will not.
