The Realities No One Told Me About Moving to Canada

“No matter how much you think you’re prepared, you’re not as prepared as you think you are…until you’re here.”

For Treasure Babalola, moving from Nigeria to Canada wasn’t just a change of location, it was a crash course in starting over. She quickly learned the things no one puts in migration guides: the loneliness of mismatched time zones, the quiet shock of streets where cars actually stop for pedestrians, and the slow work of building a new life from scratch.

Today, she is an administrative assistant at a Canadian mortgage company, but that’s only part of her identity.

She’s also a writer with over 200 followers on Medium, the voice behind Treasure’s Corner, a newsletter for Christians in their 20s, and the host of Hard Truths in My 20s, an Instagram series that blends vulnerability with real-life lessons. 

“I can’t be boxed in,” she says. “Every day I’m experimenting, learning, and creating.”

The Decision to Leave

Treasure’s move to Canada in December 2022 wasn’t prompted by a single event, but by a mix of personal, social, and security-related reasons.

During her NYSC year in Abuja, she witnessed the toll of rising insecurity. “It got to the point where it didn’t matter if you were rich or poor, no one was really safe,” she recalls. The EndSARS protests had also left their mark, reinforcing her family’s decision to relocate.

Her father believed moving would give his children more opportunities to grow and explore. “I love Nigeria, but it felt like things weren’t really working,”

First Impressions of Canada

Her very first cultural shock came just hours after landing: pedestrian crossings. “Cars actually stop for you here,” she laughs. “In Nigeria, you’re running for your life. The first time, I felt shy making drivers wait while I crossed.”

She was also struck by the warmth of her colleagues. Coming from work environments in Nigeria where hierarchy could be rigid, she found it refreshing to work in a place where people were approachable, collaborative, and willing to answer her endless questions without condescension.

Adjusting to a New Life

Treasure quickly learned that relocating comes with emotional and mental hurdles. “No matter how much you prepare, you’re never really ready,” she admits.

Saying goodbye to family and friends at the airport was gut-wrenching, but the reality of different time zones made the distance feel even greater. “Before, I could call and rant to a friend anytime. Now we have to schedule calls, it’s a big adjustment.”

She also had to adapt to the practicalities of life in Canada, from navigating credit systems to braving icy winters. Thankfully, she had guidance that helped her avoid common pitfalls, like rushing into credit card debt.

Money, Mindset, and Giving Back

Financially, Canada brought a shift. While expenses are higher, the earning potential is greater and for Treasure, that means being able to give more. “I’ve always wanted to show up for people, but before, my salary couldn’t stretch. Now I can send gifts, contribute to things, and still meet my needs,” she says.

When it comes to sending money home, she’s intentional. “It’s not always about family emergencies, it can be birthday gifts, helping a friend, or just being present from afar.”

Coping with Homesickness

Food hasn’t been a major issue, her family arrived with suitcases full of Nigerian staples but she misses her church community deeply. “I used to attend church in Abuja, and I miss my people there,” she says.

On days when loneliness creeps in, she turns to simple joys: dancing to music in her room, writing, scrolling the internet, or just sleeping. “Sleeping is therapeutic,” she laughs.

Advice for Aspiring Migrants

Treasure’s advice for anyone considering a move? “Give yourself grace,” she says. “Don’t rush to land your dream job, and don’t let one bad experience shape your whole view of a place. Canada can be beautiful if you choose to see it that way.”

She also warns against romanticizing relocation. “It’s not always picture-perfect. There are cold mornings, job searches, and times you’ll miss home. But there are also kind strangers, opportunities, and moments of growth you can’t get anywhere else.”

Looking Ahead

Treasure continues to build a life that merges her professional work with her creative passions. She’s growing her Medium platform, producing more episodes of HardTruths in My 20s, and expanding her faith-based newsletter.

“I’m still becoming,” she says. “It’s not perfect, but it’s mine. And every day, I’m a step closer to the dream I carried with me from Nigeria.”

Bio

Treasure Babalola is a Nigerian-born administrative professional and multi-platform creative based in Ontario, Canada.

She works as an administrative assistant for a mortgage company while pursuing her passions for writing, content creation, and faith-based community building.

She is the creator of Treasure’s Corner, a Christian newsletter for young adults, and Hard Truths in My 20s, a storytelling series on Instagram. Her work has reached thousands of readers worldwide, reflecting her belief in the power of words to inspire, connect, and heal.

Contact Info

Medium: @treasureiyunadebabalola
⁠IG: @_beingtreasure
⁠Tiktok: @_beingtreasure
Newsletter: Christians in their 20s
LinkedIn: Treasure Babalola