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 — was a brave but doubt-filled choice. Did I have the right information? Was I totally ready?
Once I arrived, the first thing someone said to me was “I like the colour of your top.” 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 things I would have liked to have known, 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 port of entry letter of introduction handy when you arrive at the airport, to show that you’ve been approved for a study permit.
Check out our Travelling to Canada web page for all information on the documents to bring with you to Canada and what to expect when you arrive.
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, book an appointment with a mentor if you have any questions or need to clarify anything about your courses.
3. Know your health insurance coverage
You’re automatically enrolled in the insurance plan (UHIP) as soon as you have 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, visit the Review your health insurance coverage section of the International student checklist and Register for the UHIP virtual information session on August 7 at 9:30 a.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
Sign up for a virtual How to Prepare for University international welcome session taking place August 6 to connect and seek advice from our regional mentors. Sessions are in either English or French and tailored to where you’re from.
Have immigration-related questions? Join our weekly online drop-in immigration advice sessions, where you can connect directly with our certified immigration advisers. They’ll be happy to answer your questions about study permits, travelling to Canada and immigration-related support available to you as a uOttawa student. No appointment needed. These sessions are a friendly, welcoming space to get clarity and feel confident as you prepare for your stay in Canada.
See details of other virtual events for international students and register under Upcoming Events on the “New Students” web page.
9. We’ll be waiting for you at the airport!
Between August 17 and August 28, 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 study permit
For international students, a study permit is the key to accessing various systems, whether for work, co-op placements or confirming your status in Canada. Once you have your permit, keep it 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
Some payments, like tuition fees, can be easier to make with 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.
You’ll get used to things. It’s inevitable. (Now, zero degrees is a nice day for me.)
“All those little cases of “if only I’d known” actually shape your path, fuel your anecdotes and become lessons to pass on.”
Kady Diarrassouba
— Fourth-year political science student