Embarking on your journey as an international student in Canada is a significant milestone. This guide highlights the essential steps newcomers should prioritize in their initial week, ensuring a smooth transition and successful start to their educational pursuits in the country. Explore the top 5 priorities for your seamless first week as a student in Canada, from settling into navigating the academic landscape.
A large number of foreign students come to Canada with the intention of staying for a while. In addition to going to school, they are traveling to create a career, lay roots, and shape their future in this nation. International students must always have an eye toward the future and make sure that their behaviors are in line with their long-term objectives. Early in the international student journey, sometimes foundational actions that can have a significant impact on success, both near and far, are missed. To put it simply, there are some actions that, even in the first few days of their stay in Canada, make a big difference in the success of international students. The next list outlines five essential first steps that lead to success.
Enroll at your college or university
Verifying your student status is an essential first step in guaranteeing your education for long-term success.
Even though many overseas students might complete their official registration before coming to Canada, some things require in-person completion. You will obtain your student identity (ID) card during this process, which gives you access to all of the campus amenities. There are additional perks associated with this ID, as many establishments and activities provide discounts to Canadian post-secondary students who present their university or college ID as identification. As soon as you arrive in Canada, you can start saving money right away by registering early at your school.
Settle your housing arrangement
Although international students frequently get preference for on-campus housing, off-campus options may appeal to them due to affordability and convenience to family and friends. Still, for overseas students, finding housing in Canada quickly is essential. Stable housing improves comfort and concentration on schooling. Numerous organizations offer portals and services in addition to housing support. Students might also look into renting choices on websites like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. Completing the accommodations as soon as possible guarantees a seamless integration into Canadian student life and creates an atmosphere that is favorable for academic achievement.
Establish a bank account
International students must open a bank account as soon as they arrive in Canada in order to properly handle their daily spending and bill payments. Furthermore, for Canadian international students whose study permit includes employment authorization, having a bank account is essential.
In most Canadian cities, there are many of banks, credit unions, and foreign banks offering services that make them accessible to students. International students can take advantage of special offers from many Canadian banks, so it’s a good idea to look into your alternatives and choose the best banking solution. A vital first step in enabling financial transactions and fulfilling legal obligations while pursuing your education in Canada is opening a bank account.
Acquire a Social Insurance Number
Just as with a Canadian bank account, foreign students who want to work in Canada while they’re studying must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Get this important number from the Service Canada location closest to your home city. Remember that you can use your international passport and study permission to obtain a SIN. To get paid by your company, you must have this private number. In general, Canada allows foreign students to work 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during breaks and holidays.
Acquire a cellphone or phone number
For international students, staying in touch with friends and family both locally and abroad is crucial, which means they must get a phone with a Canadian number. Numerous cellphone companies in Canada offer a range of plans and devices at varying price points to accommodate individual demands.
For those looking for plans that accommodate a variety of tastes, Canadian cellular service providers provide unlimited calling minutes, messaging across Canada, and hefty data allowances. Before settling on a particular carrier or plan, it’s crucial to carefully consider all of your possibilities given the abundance of device and plan options. Moreover, many Canadian mobile companies offer international calling add-ons that users can utilize alongside their regular phone plans.
Telecom operators in this nation typically require applicants seeking post-paid phone plans to have Canadian credit. On the other hand, carriers might provide overseas students with a post-paid plan if their international credit score is good and can be validated at the point of sale. In the event that this isn’t possible, students can choose for pre-paid plans and work to raise their credit score over time to become eligible for post-paid plans later on.
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