Pre-Arrival Webinars

Navigating Graduate School and Canadian Culture 

• Academic expectations including language, teaching and learning differences at York University
• Value and Importance of completing the Graduate Academic Integrity mandatory Module
• Important people, resources and services to know and how to seek help
• Benefits of attending the International Student Orientation with sessions for international graduate students
• Key Resources (.pdf):
  • Navigating Graduate School and Canadian Culture Slides (.pdf)

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):
  • York University Academic Resource Guide (.pdf)
  • Preparing for the Canadian Classroom Slides (.pdf)

Arriving at the Canadian Border

• Important documents to bring and present at Canadian customs
• What to expect when arriving at Canadian customs at the airport
• Immigration expectations and reminders for international students at York
• Key Resources (.pdf):
  • Arriving at the Canadian Border Slides (.pdf)
  • Arriving at the Canadian Border Resource Guide (.pdf)

Understanding your Health Insurance 

• The scope of health insurance coverage and how to access health support as an international student.
• Key dates associated with health insurance (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):
  • • Understanding your Health Insurance Slides(.pdf)
    • UHIP Quick Facts (.pdf)
    • Health and Dental Plan (.pdf)

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:
  • Financial Planning Resource Guide (.pdf)
  • Financial Planning for Intl Students Slides (.pdf)

Wellness and Safety in Canada

• The key student support offices and resources available at York University
• How these services support international students
• How to access these services
• Key Resources:
  • Wellness and Safety in Canada Slides (.pdf)

Prepare to Apply for a Study Permit

• The process of applying for a Study Permit.
• The timeline of Study Permit application.
• Documents needed for Study Permit.
• Key Resources:
  • Prepare to Apply for a Study Permit Slides (.pdf)

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.
• Identify alternate residence options other than on-campus housing and important considerations.
• Key Resources:
  • Living in Canada Resources (.pdf)
  • Living in Canada Slides (.pdf)

• 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 Slides (.pdf)
  • CIBC Portal for Tuition Payment (.pdf)
  • Packing List (.pdf)
  • Resource Guide (.pdf)

Getting Ready for Orientation Week

• What Orientation Week is at York
• Benefits of Orientation Week for international students
• How to register for Orientation Week
• Key Resources:
  • Getting Ready for Orientation Week (.pdf)

Wellness and Safety in Canada

• The key student support offices and resources available at York University
• How these services support international students
• How to access these services
• Key Resources:
  • Wellness and Safety in Canada Slides (.pdf)

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:
  • Preparing for the Canadian Classroom Slides (.pdf)

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:
  • Looking Ahead at Your First Year at York Slides (.pdf)
  • Resources at York University (.pdf)

• The scope of health insurance coverage and how to access health support as an international student.
• Key dates associated with health insurance (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:
  • UHIP Quick Facts (.pdf)
  • Understanding your Health Insurance (.pptx)
  • YFS Health and Dental Plan Pamphlet (.pdf)
  • YUGSA Brochure (.pdf)

Prepare to Apply for a Study Permit

• The process of applying for a Study Permit.
• The timeline of Study Permit application.
• Documents needed for Study Permit.
• Key Resources:
  • Prepare to Apply for a Study Permit Slides (.pdf)

Student Life at York

• Canadian cultural norms
• Student life in as a York University student in Canada
• Unique traditions and culture specific to York University students
• Key Resources:
  • Student Life at York Slides (.pdf)
  • Seasons in Toronto (.pdf)

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:
  • Financial Planning for International Students Slides (.pdf)
  • Financial Resource Guide (.pdf)
  • Be Aware of Scams (.pdf)

Living in Canada What To Expect

• The various housing and accommodation options available to international students at York University, including the 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)
  • Tips for Renting in Ontario (.pdf)

• The various housing and accommodation options available to international students at York University, including the 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)

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):
  • Building Your Timetable
  • Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change
  • Faculty of Graduate Studies
  • Faculty of Health
  • Glendon College
  • Lassonde School of Engineering
  • School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design

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):
  • Presentation slides (.pdf)
  • Resource Guide (.pdf)

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 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):
  • Presentation slides (.pdf)
  • Resource Guide (.pdf)

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):
  • Presentation slides (.pdf)

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):
  • Understanding your Health Insurance (.pdf)
  • UHIP Quick Facts Resource Guide

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):
  • International Parents and Families (.pdf)

Arriving at the Canadian Border

• What to expect when arriving at Canadian customs at the airport.
• How to prepare for your arrival, including important documents.
• Important contact numbers and resources available to support students after arrival.
• Key Resources (.pdf):
  • Presentation slides (.pdf)

Welcome to York

• The first week and important events for new international students at York University.
• Student organizations and how to connect with other students.
• Important contact information and resources available for students during Orientation week.
• Key Resources (.pdf):
  • Presentation slides (.pdf)

• The safety and wellness supports at York University
• How these services can support international students
• How international students can access these services
• Key Resources:
  • Supports at York University (.pdf)

Arrival 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:
  • Arriving at the Canadian Border (.pdf)

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:
  • International Parents and Families (.pdf)
  • International Parents and Families Resource Guide (.pdf)

Getting Ready for Orientation

• What Orientation Week is at York
• Benefits of Orientation Week for international students
• How to register for Orientation Week
• Key Resources:
  • Getting Ready for Orientation (.pdf)

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:
  • Looking Ahead at Your First Year at York (.pdf)
  • Resource Guide (.pdf)

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:
  • Understanding your Health Insurance (.pdf)
  • UHIP FAQ (.pdf)

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:
  • Building your Timetable Presentation (.pdf)

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
• Key Resources:
  • Preparing for the Canadian Classroom (.pdf)

Financial Literacy

• 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:
  • Financial Literacy Presentation (.pdf)

Living on Campus at York

• 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 Webinar

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.

• Key Resources:
  • Intro to York Newsletter (.pdf)

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.

• Key Resources:
  • Exploring the City of Toronto and Canada Newsletter (.pdf)

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.

• Key Resources:
  • Safety, Health, and Wellness Newsletter (.pdf)

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.

• Key Resources:
  • Intro to Academics Newsletter (.pdf)

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.

Travelling 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!