International Student Summer Orientation Pre-Arrival Sessions take place online. Zoom account is required to register and attend. All sessions start at 10:00 am ET. Please review relevant Pre-Arrival Guide's modules prior to attending sessions.
| Date | Session | Pre-Arrival Guide modules to review prior to attending |
|---|---|---|
| June 12 | Welcome to QUIC & Study Permits
|
Module 1. Get to Know Queen's |
| June 19 | Finding Housing and Living Off-Campus The Off-Campus Living Advisor provides information about search for housing in Kingston, including:
|
Module 4. Now that you're here: Living in Kingston. |
| June 26 | Academic Connections Certificate: Academic Culture Shock (culture gap) Academic culture is different around the world. Classroom expectations, assignments, exams, group work, etc. Are you ready to navigate the Academic Culture in Canada? |
Module 5.3. Academic Life. Module 6.3. New Community, New Challenge: Culture Shock. Module 6.5. Academic Considerations. |
| June 27 | Exchange Students: Q & A Pre-arrival session for exchange students. The International Student Advisors will answer your questions about coming to Canada, what to expect at the border and living in Kingston. The Off-Campus Living Advisor will answer questions about finding housing. Register for the session here. |
|
| July 3 | Prepare for Arrival in Canada Join Arthur Chen, International Student Advisor, to learn more about what you should know about arriving in Canada, including:
|
Module 3. Arriving in Canada. |
| July 10 | Financial Planning: Budgets are Important
|
Module 2.4. Planning Your Finances. Module 2.5. Create a Budget. |
| July 17 | Understanding Health Insurance Join the International Student Advisors to talk about Health Insurance: What are primary and supplementary health insurance? What health services are available on campus? Where are the nearest emergency room and urgent care centre? |
Module 6. Health and Wellness. |
| July 24 | Introduction to Job Search in Canada Join the International Student Career Coach and the International Student Advisor who will cover many work-related topics.
|
Module 8. Working in Canada. |
| July 31 | Ask an International Student Advisor and What to Expect during Welcome Week
|
Orientation Videos
What is the Queen's University International Centre (QUIC), and how can you benefit from its programs and services? Who works at the QUIC? Knowing your campus resources and opportunities early on can make a positive difference in your transition and finding a new home in Kingston.
Off-Campus Housing
The Off-Campus Living Advisor (ocla@queensu.ca) outlines the timelines for your housing search, how to best navigate the Kingston rental market, budgeting, how to pick the best housemates, what to expect in a lease or a sublet arrangement, how to avoid housing/rental scams, and more.
Cell Phones in Canada – What Plan is Right for You?
How much does a cellphone plan cost? What are the “big three”? Can I get a new SIM or do I need a new phone? Can I use my current plan in Canada? Get answers to these and more questions in this video.
Introduction to Student Academic Success Services (SASS)
Follow the Intercultural Academic Support Coordinator as they show you how to use the Student Academic Success Services website and all the supports available. Check out our Academics page as well!
SASS is here to support you with your academic transition and the academic expectations at Queen’s. Check out these programs:
Financial Planning: Budgets are Important
Queen’s Financial Aid and Awards staff share tips on student finances and budgeting in this International Student Financial Aid session. Learn about the cost of attending university, supplies, and living expenses, as well as student budget examples, financial aid options, and fraud prevention.
Banking in Canada – How Do You Get a Bank Account?
Watch this video to learn about banking in Canada and what to consider when deciding which bank to use.
- Are banks safe?
- Which plan is right for me?
- What do I need to set up my account?
- Can I set up my account from overseas?
Introduction to Career Services
Learn about career supports and resources available to international students, including:
- Appointments with career educators and advisors
- Drop-in advising
- Workshops
Job Searches and Working with a Study Permit
Students Who are Parents
The Immigrant Services Kingston and Area (ISKA) settlement advisor shares tips on finding childcare, enrolling children in school, and after-school programs. Check out resources on our page and other Queen's resources.
Video coming soon!