Western University

Visiting your child at Western University means flying into YXU (or a larger hub with an onward connection); London is a small city where a local bus or short taxi reaches campus. Plan the Canada visitor visa well ahead.

Getting from YXU to campus

Visitor visa for parents

Indian parents need a Canada visitor visa (a Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) - they are not eligible for the eTA that visa-exempt travellers use. It is filed online through the IRCC Secure Account (form IMM 5257), with biometrics required. Most TRVs are issued as multiple-entry visas valid up to 10 years (or until the passport expires), each visit up to 6 months.

• Processing only starts AFTER biometrics are given - add 1-2 weeks and book the biometrics appointment early.
• *Official IRCC times are dynamic; third-party trackers often cite 6-10 weeks, so apply at least 3 months ahead - Fall admits should submit by mid-May.
• A complete, well-documented file (strong home ties, travel history, clear funds and purpose) is the single best way to avoid delays and refusals.
• Super Visa (5-year stays) is only for parents of Canadian citizens or PRs - students are neither, so the standard visitor visa is the route for now.

Just admitted to Western University? Here's your arrival checklist.

Arrival checklist

• Book your flight toward YXU (or a larger hub with a connection) early for the best August/September fares.
• London is compact - a local transit bus or short taxi covers the airport-to-campus trip.
• London has desi grocers in town; line up first-week housing near campus before arrival.
• Carry your study permit letter, proof of funds and acceptance letter in your cabin bag.

London, Ontario, home to Western and Fanshawe, is an affordable mid-size student city - about CAD 1,100-1,500 a month all-in sharing and cooking. Students get an LTC bus pass bundled into fees, and the city is far cheaper than Toronto while still having a solid desi grocery scene.

Monthly cost of living in London (a student estimate)

That's roughly C$13,000-18,000 a year for living costs, on top of tuition.

Finding accommodation

London students share houses near Western (Masonville, Old North) and Fanshawe; rent is well below Toronto.

• Western and Fanshawe students get an LTC bus pass in fees.
• Masonville and Old North put you near Western.
• Toronto is ~2 hrs by coach/VIA Rail.

Working part-time

On a study permit you can work off-campus up to 24 hours/week during academic terms (a permanent limit as of 2025) and full-time during scheduled breaks if you are full-time before and after. On-campus work has no set hourly cap. After graduating from an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) - master's graduates can qualify for up to three years. Stay within the work limit: over-working can cost your status and PGWP eligibility.

Safety & student support

London and its Western and Fanshawe areas are generally safe by Canadian standards; use normal awareness at night.

• Western and Fanshawe runs campus safety services (walk-home programs, alerts) - save the campus safety number.
• The campus and main student areas are busy and well-populated.
• Use normal awareness in the downtown core at night; campus areas are quiet.

Indian community & food

London has a steady Indian community, with desi grocers across the city.

Indian grocery stores

• Indian and South Asian grocers in London carry spices, lentils and staples.
• Mainstream FreshCo, No Frills and Real Canadian Superstore have international aisles.
• For the widest selection, students make occasional trips toward the GTA (~2 hrs).

Student community

• Western and Fanshawe have active Indian/South Asian student associations with Diwali and Holi.
• London has Hindu temples and a gurdwara.

• A good range of Indian restaurants across London.

Cost & living figures for London last verified Jun 2026. Figures are estimates and change over time.