International Student Services
OfficeWe’re here for you!
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Can you believe it’s almost time to start your new adventure at McGill?
Are you ready?
Let’s go over some of the essentials you need to know
before you arrive!
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Presentation Outline
1. ISS team & role
2. Part I webinar – what was covered
3. Packing
4. Arriving & navigating customs
5. Getting to campus
6. Housing
7. Setting up the essentials
Transportation, Banking, Phone/internet, Cards (student & health), Tuition…
8. Orientation & Making new connections
9. Questions & discussion
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International Student Services (ISS)
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Our Services
• Immigration information
• Health insurance
• Orientation activities
• The “Buddy Program”
• Workshops & webinars (e.g. Winter 101, Immigration, etc.)
And much more!
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Bookmark our website!
http://www.mcgill.ca/internationalstudents/
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Connect with us online!
“Like” us onfacebook.com/mcgill.iss
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Follow us on Instagram: ISSMcgill
Part I Re-cap – Are your documents ready?
Immigration• How to get your Study Permit• How to get your CAQ• Do you need a TRV or an eTA
Health Insurance• Eligibility • How it works• Exemption
Missed Part I? All the info can be found on our website
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Download the Medavie Mobile App for easy reimbursement of your health expenses!
What do I do if I can’t get my Study Permit on time?
• US citizens: apply at the border
• All other students: must have their Letter of Introduction
BEFORE coming to Canada*
• DO NOT enter as a visitor*
Can’t start in January? Consider deferring your admission for a term
Contact [email protected] by December 31
* Unless you are a 1-term
exchange student
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Working during your studies
Your Study Permit allows you to work*:
• Part-time on campus during registered terms (degree & exchange)• a maximum 20 hours/week off-campus (only degree students)
CONDITION: full-time registration as a student
(minimum 12 credits per term in Fall & Winter – UG & non-thesis Masters)
(full-time registration in a graduate thesis program)
You will need a Social Insurance Number to be paid.
For details, see “Work & Permits” tab on ISS website * 1-term exchange
students are not permitted to work - on or off campus
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Packing
Montreal’s climate:
• Hot & humid in the summer (up to 35 degrees Celsius)
• Cold & snowy in the winter (down to -20 degrees Celsius)
• Wide range in spring and fall (-10 to +10 degrees Celsius)
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Also consider:
• What is the maximum weight & size of luggage allowed by the airline/train/bus company?
• What will I need right away?
• What can I purchase in Montreal once I arrive?
• What will make my new room feel like home?
N.B. Caution packing food – some
fruits, vegetables, meats & other
products cannot be imported
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Arriving at the border or port of entry
Clearing Customs
Keep the following documents with you at all times:
• Passport
• Letter of Acceptance from McGill
• Copy of your proof of financial support
• Certificate of Acceptance from Quebec* (CAQ)
• Letter of Introduction from CIC (for your Study Permit) * *
• Temporary Residence Visa or eTA (if applicable)
*US students can get their Study Permit at the border or port of entry without needing a Letter of Introduction.
* Unless you are a 1-term
exchange student
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1. Customs Officer
• Will check your documents
• Will ask you a few questions about purpose of visit to Canada
1. Explain that you need to get your Study Permit*
2. You will then be directed to the Immigration Office
*1 term exchange – you don’t need a study permit
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2. Canadian Immigration Office• Will check your documents
• Issue your Study Permit*
Important!
Do not leave Customs and Immigration without your Study Permit,
even if they are willing to waive you through as a tourist.
Check that all the information on the permit is correct (e.g. spelling, date of birth, gender, etc.)
*1 term exchange – you don’t need a study
permit
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Downtown Campus
Macdonald Campus
Not sure what campus you’ll be on?
Check your Admissions Letter!
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2 Campuses
And free, dedicated shuttle buses that run between them
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Preparing to come to Montreal
Leaving the airport
Taxi
Flat rate from airport to downtown = $40 (+ add 10-15% tip)
747 bus
Least expensive option = $10
(can buy ticket in airport)
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Arriving by Bus or Train
• The bus/train will stop at the border for at least 1 hour
• Make sure you obtain your Study Permit before leaving
• Make sure that all the information on it is correct
Central Bus Station downtown
+ short taxi ride
Central Train Station downtown + short taxi ride
Mac campus: 30-40 minute taxi rideMac campus: Via train to
Dorval + short taxi ride
Arrivals
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[Your Name]
c/o International Student Services
William & Mary Brown Student Services Building
3600 McTavish, Suite 5100
Montreal, QC Canada H3A 0G3
Ensure you provide the officer with a Montreal address. If
you do not yet have an address, you can use ours for this
purpose only:
If the Immigration Officer is unable
to print your Study Permit on the
train, ask if they can send it to you in the mail.
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Housing(On & Off Campus)
There are student residences on the downtown campus and on the Macdonald campus, and a lot of off-campus housing options downtown
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Planning to live in student residence?
• Move-in date varies for January starts
You must contact [email protected] ASAP with your arrival info.
• What do you need to pack for residence?
See our links document
• Book separate accommodations for guests (e.g. parents – see list of local hotels & hostels)
MORE QUESTIONS? Contact McGill Student Housing
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Where to apply?
*Exchange Students can email to determine availability
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Visit Student Housing’s Website by clicking here
Accommodations upon arrival
Plan to look for an apartment/room off-campus?
**Book at least 3 nights in a local hotel or hostel if you plan to look for housing upon arrival
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For guidance on finding an apartment, understanding Montreal leases, tenants’ rights and other related information, visit:
• McGill’s Off-Campus Housing website
• Likehome.info
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Have a question?
Ask it now!
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The Essentials
• Getting around Montreal
• Banking
• Cell phone/internet
• Student ID card
• Health insurance card
• Paying tuition
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Getting Around
McGill students mostly travel by BMW
(Bus, Metro & Walk)
Tip: Bring good walking shoes/Boots!
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Bus & Metro
• Safe and convenient
• Can get student rates
• Monthly student pass: $51.00
• Apply online through Minerva!
• Go to mcgill.ca/opus
• Interactive transit map
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Taxis
More expensive
Better for short distances, or returning late at night
Bicycles
Montreal is very bicycle-friendly city
Can bike comfortably between mid-April and mid-October
Check out BIXI – bike-sharing program
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Banking• Banks in Canada are all highly regulated
• Many banks to choose from; consider
Student plans/rates offered
Services included
Convenience
• Most banks will require 2 pieces of ID
Passport and Study Permit
Proof of Residence
Proof of Registration
N.B. You do not need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to open a bank account.
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Cell Phone/Internet Service/Cable
• Recommended to get a local phone number
• Some companies offer cell only or “bundles”
• WiFi is available for free on campus (Residence: charged to your account)
• Use Free Calling services eg. FaceTime, Skype, Whatsapp, Google Hangouts, etc.
Cell phone companies will be on campus at Orientation; you can sign up for a plan on the spot!
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Service PointHouses: • Student Administrative Services
• Legal Documentation & Transcript
• Student Accounts
• Exchange Student Advisors
Book an appointment at myappointment.mcgill.ca.
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This is where you will:
A. Get your McGill Student ID Card Macdonald Campus – Student Affairs Office, Laird Hall
B. Email electronic copies of your Immigration Documents (CAQ, Study Permit) [email protected]
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Paying Tuition
Tuition deadline:
January 6th, 2020
Payment can be made by:
1. Telephone/internet banking
2. Pre-authorized debit (e-cheque)
3. Travelex (Western Union)
4. Bank to Bank Transfer
5. Wire transfer
6. By mail (cheque, money order or bank draft)
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Need more information?
Contact Student AccountsVisit: Service Point (corner McTavish & Sherbrooke)
Phone: (514) 398-7878
Email: [email protected]
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Making new connections
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Consider joining:
McGill
International
Student
Network
McGill
Exchange
Student
Association
Student Society Clubs & Associations
Don’t miss Activities Nightin Sept & Jan!
Post Graduate
Student Society
Macdonald
Campus
Students’
Society
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The International Buddy Program
• 2019 marked the 31st Anniversary of the
Buddy Program – which has helped
thousands of international students settle into
McGill and Montreal
• Connects new international students with
returning students
• Buddies can also offer linguistic support,
cultural guidance and information about life
at McGill
• Find out more at:
https://www.mcgillbuddyprogram/.com
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Orientation
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Campus-Wide Orientation Events >> coordinated by CLE
info in the Links document
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International Student Orientation Events
• Meet & Greet Lounge Friday, January 3rd, 11am – 4pm
Location: Brown Building, 5001
• Orientation Pizza Party Wednesday, January 8th, 5-7pm, New Residence Ballroom
• Bitesize MTL* Excursions – Winter edition: Bitesize Underground
Saturday, January 4th and Sunday, January 5th, 11am to 3pm
* Registration required via ISS’ Website
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Still have questions?
Contact us or stay for the Q&A!
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International Student Services
General Information514-398-4349
Buddy Program
Health [email protected]
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Follow us on Facebook
International Student Services at McGill University
Need more information?
Bookmark our online International Student
Pre-Arrival Resource page
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Welcome to McGill!
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