Pre-Arrival Program

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)

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)

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:
  • 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)