First Things Foreign Students in Canada Should Do

There are a few things you should do first as a new international student to help you adjust to the Canadian educational system. It may be difficult for you to begin your life as a student in this new country if you do not take advantage of these initial opportunities. While some students are fortunate enough to have friends or family who can support them during the settlement process, others are on their own and have no one to turn to.

Some of the requirements that you must meet when visiting Canada are outlined in this article. It is imperative that you complete these “first things” within your initial month in Canada.

• Locate Your lodge and be aware of your address

You could wish to stay in a hotel, with friends or family, or in an apartment until you find a hostel or apartment when you first arrive in Canada. Finding housing before traveling to Canada as an international student might be challenging. If you want to live on campus during your first year, you can apply.

Once you’ve logged into the system, you can start looking for off-campus housing. Once you locate your lodging, you ought to be aware of the address.

• In your school system, update your address

You must change the new address in your school system as soon as you know your apartment’s address. When you begin your studies in Canada, you will no longer require the address from your native country. Make sure the updated address is listed on your behalf, regardless of whether you stay with friends or family in Canada.

• Obtain a Student ID

To obtain your student card, you should go to your school’s student card office. You can use the card as identification. It can also enable you to enter certain locations and receive discounts.

• Obtain A Phone

Upon receiving a student card offer from the school, obtain a phone number and a mobile device. You could use this for applications for a bank account, health card, social security number, and other things. Either a landline or a cell phone can be used. You can use post-paid or pre-paid for cellular phones. Though it is not very cost-effective and offers few alternatives, the pre-paid plan allows you to pay as you go. With post-paid, you can choose a plan and make monthly payments. Nevertheless, a credit check is necessary. Choose a pre-paid plan since it will be the most convenient for you as a fresh international student without any credit history.

• Attend The Orientation

You must attend the orientation for new students. You will get further knowledge about surviving as a student from these lectures. With a ton of helpful tips, every aspect of moving to Canada and becoming a student is well discussed.

• Purchase a bank and create an account

As soon as you can, choose a bank to open a bank account. To open a bank account, you’ll need your foreign passport and study permit. The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Toronto Dominion Bank (TD), Scotia Bank, and Bank of Montreal (BMO) are the country’s five main banks. In order to avoid paying additional bank fees, don’t forget to open a student account. The dollar is more widely accepted abroad than Canadian dollars, thus you should create a bank account in the United States. You convert the US monies that your sponsors transfer to Canadian currencies. Constantly keep an eye on conversion rates

• Apply for a Coverage or Health Card

In Canada, you must have health insurance or a card. Canada is stringent about this insurance, even though your own country might not take it seriously for its residents. International students may be eligible for provincial health care plans in several provinces. Certain other provinces mandate that you obtain health insurance as soon as you land in the nation. Find out what your Providence has to offer.

• Request a Social Security Number (SIN)

In Canada, a social insurance number, or SIN, is required. You can work up to 20 hours during the academic year and up to 40 hours during the summer as an international student. Payments cannot be made to you using your social security number. Before paying you, employers need your Social Security Number. A valid international passport and a study permit are needed for your SIN application. You can use your social insurance number as identification.

• Request A Provincial Identity

Get a provincial ID as soon as you arrive in Canada. The majority of people use their drivers license as identification. The provincial ID is significant since it contains accurate information about you, like your address, date of birth, signature, and photo. Since you might not have time to obtain your driver’s license right away, you must have this identification.

• Obtain A Credit Card That Is Secured

Using a credit card, you can gradually establish your credit history. But first, you must obtain a secured credit card. After you deposit money for the card which then becomes your credit card limit you are given a credit card. You begin to establish a solid credit history when you make your monthly credit payments.

If you are unable to make your monthly payments, the deposit serves as collateral. You receive your deposit back once you’ve pleased the bank.

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Important Information For Foreign Students

Here are some things to consider when you arrive in Canada:

• You are only allowed to work 20 hours a week during the school year and 40 hours during the summer.
• If you don’t drive, make sure to check the bus timetable before leaving. Other than big cities like Toronto, other cities run their buses according to a schedule. On weekdays, their buses run every 30 minutes, while on weekends, they run every hour.
• Before purchasing textbooks, find out from your instructors whether you can borrow them from the library instead of buying them.
• Rent is available near the school for those who cannot afford to live on campus.
• Cooking is less expensive for you than eating out.
• Sobeys is a posh food store targeted towards students. Try some other ones.

To get course advice, get in touch with previous year’s students.

• Develop a habit of frequently asking questions in class.
• Make an effort to interact with students from diverse backgrounds. This can aid in your education and understanding of other people’s viewpoints.
• You ought to look at ways to succeed in your academic program.
• Find out which certifications are applicable to your field in Canada.
• To lessen nostalgia, get to know and interact with students from your home country if you are from Africa.
• The expiration date of your study permission must be known to you. It should be clear to you when to request an extension.
• Since you might qualify, it’s never too early to start learning about the PR process.

If you have any queries or issues about your course, you should contact the international office of your institution first.

• You must exercise caution when it comes to rumors. Prior to drawing any conclusions, try reading the material.
• Recall your origins and the purpose of your visit to Canada; do not allow the system to mislead you.
• It is not a bad idea to make a distinction.
• As soon as possible, you should obtain your G1/G2/G licenses.
• Religious places in your province are a good place to meet more Africans.

You are an international student with a single credit card. It can help you establish a credit history.

Use banks that offer new account perks to students and newbies.

• If you don’t know the call rate, avoid making direct calls to your house using your local network.
• Check the website of your school to find out whether there are any awards or scholarships available for students from other countries after school.
• Sign up for a local employment agency to facilitate your hunt for a part-time work while attending school.
• Flying abroad is less expensive than flying within Canada.

African time does not exist in Canada. Being on time is essential.

• In your field, there exists a professional chapter or association. Make an effort to belong to one of these groups.
• Get a driver’s license when the moment is right.
• Make an effort to build some significant and positive relationships with others.
• When it comes to making purchases, the nation might be scary. Because of marketing ploys like Boxing Day, Thanksgiving Day, and so on, you should exercise caution. Purchase only essentials.
• Networking with individuals will benefit you in the long term, so do it.

Moving to Canada is an exciting and terrifying experience. Some of the things you will need to adjust to when you arrive in Canada are listed below.

• Food

There aren’t many traditional foods in Canada. Poutine and maple syrup are popular, though. Pancakes and waffles alike are topped with maple syrup by Canadians. Poutine consists of French fries covered with cheese curds and sauce. You can sample a wide range of international cuisines offered throughout the country.

• Way of life

Individuals’ rights are held in the highest regard. To fit in, you shouldn’t sacrifice your identity or morals. Nobody will make assumptions about you based on your ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. Your deeds and character are what define you. The nation has a low crime rate and is a safe place to live. You have to know when to say when enough is enough when it comes to personal information requests, such as age and marital status. Make an effort to be fifteen minutes early for meetings or classes. Don’t ever arrive late.

• Individuals

People from Canada are friendly. You ought to practice saying “please” and “thank you” to more people. It’s habitual to hold doors open for other people. As you hold the door open for someone, though, make sure you measure the space between you and that individual.

• Accommodation

Living off campus gives you the flexibility to travel throughout the city and return anytime you like. Tenant rights and obligations should be respected. Because they believe you have limitless wealth, people may take advantage of you.

• Sports

Although lacrosse is the official sport of Canada, ice hockey is still a popular activity there. Facilities are available indoors for most outdoor sports.

• Order of degrees

You ought to become familiar with the university system in Canada. The prerequisites for your degree must be known to you. The mix of major, minor, and specialist programs that you should enroll in should be known to you. Online course catalogs can be lengthy and rather confusing at times. Speak with an academic advisor or registrar as soon as possible. Watch for compelling scholarship offerings that appeal to both current and potential students.

• Meteorological alert

The Canadian weather demands that you be ready. Thermals, a warm coat, gloves, and winter boots are necessities. Acquire the skill of wrapping up. Snow does create a stunning landscape even in this cold weather.

• Medical Care

Both citizens and permanent residents of the nation have access to a government-funded healthcare system. In the absence of insurance, medical care is costly. Comprehensive health coverage policies are typically included in the tuition of institutions. You need to learn more about the coverage provided by these plans.