August 2023: I said goodbye to my family for a new adventure, filled with excitement but also uncertainty about what Canada had to offer me.
Taking the plane alone after lycée, an over 15 hour flight to a new country to study — a brave but doubt-filled choice. Did I have the right information? Was I totally ready?
Once I arrived, the first sentence they said to me was “I like the colour of your top.” As innocuous as it was, for me, it was a sign that this adventure was going to be filled with pretty colours.
If you’re reading this, maybe you’re preparing to take the major step of studying abroad.
As you get ready for your trip, asking yourself a ton of questions, here are some pieces of information I would have liked to have known two years ago, and some things I recommend as an international student myself.
In your home country
1. Check your official documents before your trip
Be sure to have a hard copy of your official letter of admission and your letter of introduction handy, to be able to obtain your study permit at the airport if you’ve already applied for it. Check our Immigration FAQs to make sure you’re on track.
Pro tip: Is your passport valid up to the end of your studies? Consider renewing it if necessary. Be sure to do this before you apply for a study permit. This will help you avoid stress over administrative issues once you’re in Canada.
2. Enrol in all your courses
Every year, some international students are late to enrol in their courses. This leads to other delays, as the longer you wait, the fewer options you have. If you haven’t already done so, enrol now in all your courses for the fall and winter terms, sticking to your program’s course sequence.
Pro tip: Once you’re on campus, make an appointment with your faculty to confirm that your course selection is correct.
3. Do you have health insurance coverage?
You’re automatically enrolled in the insurance plan (UHIP) as soon as you have student or international student status AND you’re enrolled in a course. UHIP is mandatory and essential for your peace of mind throughout your stay in Canada.
To learn more, register for the online UHIP information session August 7 at 2 p.m.
4. Check your student email account
Have you applied to live in residence? Are you waiting for a confirmation on your meal plan? Responses to these requests will be sent to your University student email account.
Think about activating your email account if you haven’t already done so, and check it regularly, to not miss any official announcements.
5. Housing and residence life
Living in residence in first year is handy for getting your bearings. Whether you’ve already been admitted or you’re considering applying to live in residence, the University offers you several options to ensure your safety and comfort. Find your perfect living environment!
6. Join the Work-Study Program
Work on campus starting in first year? Yes, it can be done and no, it won’t take away from your studies. If you’re thinking of it, start to explore the many on-campus work options and prepare to apply.
7. Plan on getting a power adapter
In Canada, electric outlets are Type A or B. If you come from a country with different outlets, you’ll need an adapter to plug in your appliances.
8. Get your questions answered
From home, you can attend an SOS Immigration session or make an appointment with an international mentor. Whatever you’re concerned about, you’ll always find someone to help you.
9. We’ll be waiting for you at the airport!
Between August 28 and September 2, a University team will be at the airport to welcome you and help you get to campus. Fill out the airport welcome request form, including details of your trip!
When you’re in Canada
10. Carefully protect your permits
For international students, study and work permits are the key to accessing various systems, whether for work, co-op placements or confirming your status in Canada.
Once you have your permits, take care of them and keep them handy.
11. Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
To work legally in Canada, declare your income or have access to certain government services, you must get your SIN when you arrive. Once you have it, carefully protect it — it opens the door to administrative services here.
12. Open a Canadian bank account
For some payments, like tuition fees, you need a Canadian bank card. Opening an account here, even if you keep one in your home country, will make all administrative transactions easier for you during your studies.
13. Find your bearings
Go to the campus to pick up your student card. It will serve as your identification for many services, like the Library or the Dining Hall — even as a public transit pass. Then, get to know public transit in your city, the STO (Gatineau) and OC Transpo (Ottawa).
Once you’re on campus
14. Get involved in student life
Don’t leave it for later. Now’s the time to start working on campus, do volunteer work or even join a club that you’re interested in. This won’t only boost your resumé, but also your personal experience at uOttawa.
15. Visit International House
International House is a University of Ottawa Student Union (UOSU) service designed just for you. Visit it when you arrive to meet new people, and get involved in the volunteer program to share your experience.
As well, discover other Student Union services such as the Student Rights Centre and the Food Bank, and feel free to use them as needed.
16. Learn how your grade point average works
Don’t be satisfied with just a passing grade. From the start of your program, learn to calculate your grade point average (CGPA), set clear goals and commit to meeting them.
Your CGPA doesn’t just confirm your performance in your courses — it plays a key role regarding your future study and work possibilities. Working to keep it high is investing in your future starting now.
One thing’s for sure: you’re not going to do everything right before you get here... and that’s totally OK. Because it’s all those little cases of “if only I’d known” that actually shape your path, fuel your anecdotes and become lessons to pass on.
You’ll get used to things. It’s inevitable. (Now, zero degrees is a nice day for me.)