Thread by @Olufemiloye

15 things to do as a new international student in Canada.

You can now arrive in Canada if your school is on the list here bit.ly/listofschoolsw…

Asides from having the ArriveCAN, Visa, all docs, and your quarantine plan, this is a list of things to do as a new student.

Thread

1) Obtain your study permit

This is inevitable but many new students do not know. What most (if not all) foreign students have from their country is a temporary resident visa. Study permit is issued upon arrival

Put your documents in your hand luggage to avoid unnecessary delay

2) Obtain your Social Insurance Number

If the condition of your study permit allows you to work in Canada, you need to get your S.I.N. You may be able to get one at the airport upon arrival (ask there)

If not, check bit.ly/applyforSIN for how to apply at Service Canada.

3) Arrange accommodation

Given current COVID situation, you may need to do this before arrival and have a place to quarantine (even if it's a temporary apartment).

University residence (or Air BnB in the first few days) may be your best bet if you don't know anyone in the city.

3b) Accommodation

If your preference is to live at an off-campus residence, avoid a basement apartment if you can.

Although they are cheaper, basement apartments are also extra cold, and as we say, Winter no be joke.

Also, consider finding other students to share a house with.

4) Attend your orientation

This is very important! Here you get to know more about your university, program, things to do or not do, and network with people

If you need someone to share a house with, you may also find one at the orientation

Orientations are mostly online now.

5) Submit copies of your study permit/docs

I'm not sure if this is a standard procedure in all universities, but some require you to submit your documents upon arrival.

Find out if this applies to you and do as required

The Universities may need this to provide updates to IRCC

6) Get your student ID Card

With your student ID comes a lot of other benefits. Some of these are free bus pass, access to libraries, access to recreational facilities, or university events.

Some university buildings may even be accessible with your ID alone, so get yours ASAP.

7) Register for classes

One of the perks of attending orientation is that you get to know classes to register for. Some classes have limited spaces that are filled quickly, make sure you register ASAP.

Also, contact the program coordinator or international office for guidance.

8) Update your address

Once you have a Canadian address, don't forget to update your address and other information on your university/student account.

Your old address & contact information when you applied for admission will remain on your student account until you change it.

9) Sort out your health insurance or health card

International students mostly have health/dental insurance provided by their university. Confirm this.

Some Provinces would require you to also have a health card to see a Physician, find out if this applies to you and get one.

10) Bank Account

Popular Canadian Banks are RBC, Scotia, BMO, CIBC & TD. On this, I will advise you to find which one offers the best incentive to you as a student

You may need a session with a financial advisor, so book that ASAP. Also, change your foreign currency at the bank

11) Get a Phone (Number)

There are many phone service providers in Canada. Find out the one offering you the best incentive as a student.

If you already have a good phone, you may consider getting a prepaid number or sign a phone contract without the extra cost of a new phone.

12) Get a Driver's Licence

If you want to buy a car/drive in Canada, you should find out the licensing procedure and get on it as soon as possible. What you need is different in each province

This is important as some jobs would require you to have a Canadian Driver's licence.

13) Get a Provincial ID Card

Many places in Canada would require you to provide two pieces of Government-issued photo ID to access certain resources. As an international student, the Provincial ID comes in handy for this purpose.

Find out how to get one in your city/province.

14) Prepare for Winter

Depending on when you arrive, it may be extremely cold or not. If you are in the Prairies where Winter can be extreme, get the necessary clothing

Buy your winter jacket, hand gloves, boots, etc. If on a tight budget, go to thrift stores like Value Village

15) Adhere to health protocols, put in the work, have fun

Don't break rules out here, that could have far reaching consequences.

Also, all work & no play... Put in the work & enjoy reasonably. One key to success as a student is work-life balance.

I wish you the best in Canada!