Welcome to York! Whether you're preparing to join us in the Summer, Fall or Winter, our pre-arrival webinars are here to help you prepare for life at York University and in Canada. Our multilingual and diverse team of students lead a series of online webinars throughout the Summer. These sessions focus on key information that incoming international students need to know, about Orientation, immigration, campus services, and more. These webinars will provides tips for success and will take you on a virtual journey throughout campus and beyond!
Pre-Arrival Webinar: Arriving at the Canadian Border
- What to expect when arriving at Canadian customs at the airport.
- Important documents to bring and present at Canadian customs.
- Questions that might be asked by Canadian customs officers.
- Key Resources (.pdf):
- Arriving at the Canadian Border (.pdf)
- Resource Guide (.pdf)
Pre-Arrival Webinar: International Parents and Families
- The key student support offices and resources available at York University
- How these services support international students
- How to access these services
- Key Resources (.pdf):
Pre-Arrival Webinar: Understanding your UHIP
- The scope of UHIP coverage and how to access health support as an international student.
- Key dates associated with UHIP (deadlines, enrolling dependents, payments, communication methods, etc.).
- The difference between UHIP coverage and extended health plan coverage.
- Other wellness supports available at York University for international students and how to access them.
- Key Resources (.pdf):
Pre-Arrival Webinar: Preparing for the Canadian Classroom
- The unique characteristics of the Canadian post-secondary education system.
- The various ways students may be evaluated in their classes.
- The value of group work in a Canadian classroom setting.
- Available academic resources at York University.
- Key Resources (.pdf):
Pre-Arrival Webinar: Financial Planning for International Students
- The general cost of life in Canada, including cost of studies, living expenses, and more.
- The various kinds of financial aid that are available to international students, such as scholarships, awards, and bursaries.
- Resources available to students to support their financial planning, such as budgeting resources, student discounts, and more.
- Key Resources (.pdf):
Pre-Arrival Webinar: Look Ahead at Your First Year at York
- A first year student's academic calendar at York University.
- Important deadlines, holidays, and academic terminology.
- Helpful student resources with academic information.
- Key Resources (.pdf):
Pre-Arrival Webinar: Building your Timetable
- The general course enrollment process at York University.
- Faculty specific course enrollment processes.
- Important considerations students should think about when building their academic timetable.
- Key Resources (.pdf):
Pre-Arrival Webinars: Living in Canada – What to Expect
- The various housing and accommodation options available to international students at York University, including housing application process and important deadlines.
- The holistic benefits of living in residence as a first-year student.
- Tenant rights in Ontario and other considerations when renting
- Identify alternate residence options other than on-campus housing
- Key Resources:
- Living in Canada: What to expect (.pdf)
- Off-Campus Housing Resources (.pdf)
Previous Webinars
Summer 2023 Webinars
- The safety and wellness supports at York University.
- How these services can support international students.
- How international students can access these services.
- Key Resources
Arriving at the Canadian Border
- What to expect when arriving at Canadian customs at the airport.
- Important documents to bring and present at Canadian customs.
- Questions that might be asked by Canadian customs officers.
- Key Resources
International Parents and Families
- The key dates and deadlines for your student.
- Important items and documents your student needs to bring to Canada.
- The resources available to support your student at York University
- Key Resources
- What Orientation Week is at York.
- Benefits of Orientation Week for international students.
- How to register for Orientation Week.
- Key Resources
Looking Ahead at your First Year at York
- A first year student's academic calendar at York University.
- Important deadlines, holidays, and academic terminology.
- Helpful student resources with academic information.
- Key Resources
Understanding your Health Insurance
- The scope of UHIP coverage and how to access health support as an international student.
- Key dates associated with UHIP (deadlines, enrolling dependents, payments, communication methods, etc.).
- The difference between UHIP coverage and York Federation of Students (YFS) extended health plan coverage.
- Other wellness supports available at York University for international students and how to access them.
- Key Resources
- The general course enrollment process at York University.
- Faculty specific course enrollment processes.
- Important considerations students should think about when building their academic timetable.
- Key Resources
Preparing for Canadian Classroom Recording
- The unique characteristics of the Canadian post-secondary education system.
- The various ways students may be evaluated in their classes.
- The value of group work in a Canadian classroom setting.
- Key Resources
- The general cost of life in Canada, including cost of studies, living expenses, and more.
- The various kinds of financial aid that are available to international students, such as scholarships, awards, and bursaries.
- Resources available to students to support their financial planning, such as budgeting resources and more.
- Key Resources
- What housing options are offered by York University, for both undergraduate and graduate international students?
- What general experience can students expect to receive as part of living in residence?
- What are the benefits to on-campus living?
- How might students navigate off-campus housing options?
- Key Resources
- Living in Toronto (Winter 2022 Pre-Arrival Webinar)
- Full webinar recording
Winter 2022 Pre-Arrival Webinars
Summer 2022 Webinars
Webinar 1: Introduction to York University
In the Introduction to York University Webinar, we will cover a campus tour, important services at York University including York International, library services, academic support, your YU Card, and York Lanes. In addition, we will discuss ways to get involved on campus and a quick overview of on and off-campus housing.
Webinar 2: Exploring the City of Toronto and Canada
In the Exploring the City of Toronto and Canada webinar, we will get to know Toronto and facts about Canada as well as learn about transportation around the city, where to buy groceries and essentials, Canadian holidays, and different service centers.
Webinar 3: Safety, Health, and Wellness at York University
In the Safety, Health, and Wellness webinar we will cover safety tips on campus, services provided, how to ask for help, and common scams to avoid, such as email phishing.
Webinar 4: Introduction to Academics at York University
Join York International in Webinar 4 to learn about academic life at York University. In the webinar, you will learn about key academic dates, how to read a syllabus, the difference between labs, lectures, and tutorials, and how to contact your professor and review academic integrity policies at York University.
Webinar 5: Getting Started at York University
Join York International for the 5th webinar in the pre-arrival series. In the Getting Started at York University webinar, we will cover topics such as UHIP enrollment, how to open a bank account, SIM cards and phone plans, and transportation options.
Webinar 6: Traveling to Canada
Join York International for our final webinar in the pre-arrival series. Learn about what to expect at the airport when you arrive, how to get from the airport to York University or to other parts of Toronto, current Covid-19 entry requirements, and what to pack!
You can register for all upcoming webinars at the York International Events Calendar. If you are interested in our previous webinars, take a look at the recordings here!
