Canada is a popular destination for international students for numerous reasons like high-quality education, low educational costs, job opportunities, etc., while studying, along with the immigration opportunities available after graduation. Data from IRCC shows that there were over 807,750 international students with valid study permits.

However, with more and more students arriving in Canada, here’s what to do as international students in Canada when you first arrive! 

Housing 

While many international students in Canada will be able to find housing via DLIs, many will still have to seek accommodation around the university/ college campus. 

Well, one of the most helpful resources is the college/ university campus housing portal. There are housing bulletin boards that the college runs. Herein, students, professors, & approved posters can publish ads looking for various properties for rent. 

In addition to school support, international students can also look for rental properties via social media & classified websites. Some of the examples are: 

  • Kijiji 

It is Canada’s most popular classified site that features a wide variety of rental properties which can be filtered to your specified area. 

  • Facebook Marketplace

Similar to Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace also offers transparency between individuals. 

  • Realtor.ca 

It is a popular rental & home purchasing website that shows listings of a variety of channels, offering an insight into what realtors see. In addition, this site also allows individuals to contact agents & rental companies. 

  • Recruiting A Realtor 

This is an expensive alternative, but recruiting a realtor can minimize stress & anxiety over finding a home. Moreover, international students must note that realtors only receive compensation after the closure of a successful purchase/ rental agreement. Well, this implies that students do not have to pay for realtor services during house searches. 

In addition, students must also note that many landlords will generally ask for a year-long lease, specifically if they do not know the tenant prior to renting. Furthermore, a credit score assesses the applicant’s ability to pay the rent. This can cause challenges as international students do not have any credit history in Canada. However, there are workarounds for this, like having a trusted person in Canada who can sign on as a co-leaser or guarantor.  

Prospective tenants are free to offer a larger deposit which can work in place of the credit history, depending upon the landlord’s preferences. 

Well, when looking for housing outside, commuting to school must be considered. For this, online resources like Google can be valuable in helping students better understand their transport alternatives from their residences. 

Cell Phone 

Many international students will get a cell phone with a local number to be in touch with their friends and family. 

Interestingly, the cell phone plans’ pricing varies depending upon the length of the plan & what they include, with special offers/ plans for students. Some factors to consider while selecting a phone plan is if it includes a device along with calling minutes as well as data. 

Moreover, you may want to make international calls back home as an international student. Many phone providers have this alternative of international calling in their phone plans. 

New plans are generally set up for sale at the store, mall, or airport. So, if you have a good credit history, you have the option of getting a new phone plan online via a service provider. 

International students must note that if they do not have a credit history, they are not eligible for a phone plan with some carriers in Canada. However, certain providers are able to provide postpaid plans to international students via credit checks. In case no credit history is available, international students can still choose a prepaid plan. 

Banking 

Upon arriving in Canada, it is best to open a bank account which will be used for routine spending and paying the bills. You’ll also need one if you plan on studying along with working in the country. 

Canada has numerous banks with branches & offices in many Canadian cities, credit unions & international banks. The best bank for you will likely depend upon your priorities. 

As an international/ foreign student in Canada, you can open a bank account with various combinations of documentation with some sort of identification. Every bank will have its own requirements. Thus, it’s best to confirm what documentation is needed. Well, it is generally advised that applicants must get their: 

  • Passport
  • Letter of acceptance
  • Student ID
  • Study permit
  • Proof of residence 

Moreover, nearly all major banks provide special banking packages for international students in Canada. 

Applicants must also consider getting a credit card. They are valuable as they enable financial protection & the ability to track spending & build credit. Credit is vital in Canada as it is a crucial indicator of one’s ability to make significant purchases, like getting approved for a mortgage, rental agreement, postpaid phone plans, etc. Moreover, many financial institutions provide specialized cards & deal with international students in Canada with low income & shorter credit histories. 

Student Supports 

Depending on your educational institution, there are numerous supports that DLIs provide, especially for international students in Canada. 

Your school’s international education center can offer everything – ranging from language training & assistance to housing support. Moreover, international education centers can often act as conduits & referrers to other school offices & departments that can offer additional help. 

One such department is your school’s career center. These offices offer help to international students with resume preparation, mock interviews, etc. 

Furthermore, it is advisable for international students to receive their student identification cards. This will allow the completion of the school registration process & enable students to receive special benefits at outside stores, like preferential pricing & plans. For instance, the SPC program features a card that makes students eligible for offers at hundreds of stores in various shopping categories. 

Lastly, many schools hold a club week at the beginning of the school year. Unlike freshman orientation, this is an opportunity for all school clubs to present & attract new members, thus making it an excellent opportunity for all individuals to find their ‘group’. Whether it is a culture club which enables people from the same nations to meet or a club based on fandoms, club week is an amazing way to meet like-minded individuals & begin establishing a new friend circle. 

Obtaining A SIN Number 

In order to work in Canada or get access to government programs, applicants need a nine-digit number called the SIN number. Well, there are a few ways to get it. 

The primary alternative is to apply online. This is a fast & easy way as there is an eSIN portal that offers a secure & protected environment where you can easily complete your SIN application & upload digital copies of your documents.

Moreover, you may also apply for a SIN in person. Service Canada might be in your community that offers one of their clinics that issue a SIN at educational institutions or community organizations. If you cannot apply online or attend one of the SIN clinics, you can book an appointment at a nearby Service Canada Center & bring all the vital documents. 

Finally, you can choose to mail your completed SIN application form & all the essential documents to the Social Insurance Regulation Office. 

Once your application is complete, Service Canada will eventually issue a confirmation which includes your SIN number. 

Significance Of Office Hours 

Often one of the most underrated aspects of post-secondary education is the ability to interact with Professors as well as school staff during office hours. 

Office hours are an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself to the faculty. Moreover, they are potentially invaluable opportunities to learn from someone established in the field of study. While office hours can sometimes be crowded, the time can often be worth the wait.