Despite the fact that all the alarming days associated with passing the exams as in secondary schools, as well as those that were necessary for enrollment in a Canadian university, you should still be alert. Why? Read our recommendations and learn about all the important points for a foreigner who is going to receive higher education in Canada.
Why Do You Need to Arrive in Advance?
All Canadian universities recommend that international students come early in order to manage all organizational issues. That is, it is better to come somewhere a week before the start of classes.
Suppose you start classes in college in September (in January and May everything happens according to a similar schedule), the best option for arrival is at the end of August, but no later than September 3, in order to get a student ticket and begin training.
The official settlement at the college residence begins approximately on August 27. If you arrived earlier, you may be accommodated for an additional payment. If you have chosen the option of staying homestay – agree with your family on your arrival day.
Colleges Are Full of Friends and Professional Helpers!
Each educational institution in Canada that accepts international students has special departments: the main task of their employees is to help young people and create comfortable conditions for study.
Such departments are called the International Center or International Division. You can apply here for any questions: visa extension, insurance, work visa, placement, employment, volunteering. All consultations are provided free of charge.
Note about mobile communications: in Canada, If a student is faced with a problem, we recommend that you immediately contact the International Department to make an appointment for an individual meeting or a general consultation. Often, consultants on various issues collect students on certain days, tell details, verify that the necessary documents are correctly filled, etc.
You need to apply here to participate in the exchange program and use the opportunity to go somewhere else to study for at least 1 semester while studying at your university – both in Canada and in another country (most importantly, international trips should be allowed by your visa).
Also, specialists from these departments help with choosing the next study program if you decide to continue studying or applying for a work visa after college.
If during your studies you understand that some subject is not amenable to you, seek the advice of specialists from the International Department. They will tell you what to do – use the services of a tutor or take other measures. The main thing is that you turn in time, and not when you have completely “filled up” the subject.
Note about health insurance in Canada: International departments also conduct a large number of workshops: attending them is very useful because during the event you can get important information and acquaintances. Therefore, we offer to pay attention to announcements and be interested in events!
By the way, we advise you to participate in volunteer programs from the college. You will not earn money, but you will get something more important: experience, acquaintances, and letters of recommendation that will help with further employment. And if you will apply for a future job, find a cheap custom writing service like CheapWritingHelp with professional essay writers who will help you with your CV, resume or job application letters.
Also, make it a rule to check the mail daily and pay attention to correspondence from the college!
Be sure to check your Personal Account! Here you can see your grades, account status – whether everything has been paid (the system automatically deducts deadline violators for payment, and there is not always the opportunity to return to the program), as well as programs for students to choose for undergraduate programs.
About Textbooks, SIN, Mobile Communications, and Bank Accounts
Buy textbooks before starting classes. They are expensive in Canada (textbooks are not included in the cost of training; they cost from 200 to 1,500 dollars per semester). But at College or University Bookstore, you can buy used books or in electronic format. They are usually cheaper. In addition, after use, you can also sell textbooks to the bookstore.
Note about Canada Support: All international students are eligible for a free bank deposit account in Canada. Find the nearest branch of one of the listed Canadian banks, make an appointment to open a bank account, and get a deposit card. It will be convenient because almost no one goes with cash in Canada.
Mobile connection. If you have an unlocked mobile phone, then in Canada you can easily purchase a SIM card with a local number. As a rule, Canadian mobile providers offer special rates for students. Therefore, before you connect, compare them, and choose the best one for yourself. Ask for the opinion of more experienced students about which operator and tariff to choose.
Remember that you are not alone in Canada! You replenish one of the largest international communities living outside of their countries! In every city, there are international organizations and students! You will quickly find new friends and get support!
