-Maryam Rahimi
It is my privilege and pleasure to welcome all new students to the universities of Canada. This is Maryam, PhD student at University of Manitoba. I have been in Canada since January 2013. Canada, the famous country for multiculturalism is one of the best places for international students.
I have practical tips for international graduate students in Canada to share.
What is the first step? Applying for a position in your targeted university (sending all of the requirements like IELTS or TOEFL, university certificates) and getting your admission letter.
What is the second step? Applying for study permit and student VISA (I hope you pass this step very fast, crossed fingers).
*Contact your university international center to help you (they usually have a package for international students about university structure, transit, food nearby, city map and places for visit). I know you come to study, but little joy is necessary to live.
**Think about your accommodation; there are different options in different universities, but be aware of welcoming families, university residences, home stay families, and also a very convenient option university apartments.
Last step, what you must do then? You pack your winter clothes (if you have any, otherwise don’t worry you can find everything at the first day from the nearest mall), don’t bring food with meat (not allowed), don’t bring money more than CAN$10,000.00, bring your local dried vegetables and fruits, sweets, and last but not least the convertor to be sure you can charge your laptop.
*Keep your money, passport, and valuable belongings with you in your bag or carry-on baggage in the plane.
**If your university has a welcoming family they would pick you up at the airport, otherwise don’t panic, contact your professor and ask him or her for pickup. If you are not successful in finding accommodation, again he/she can help you finding a hotel close to the university and also help you settle down.
***Always count on your departmental office administrator; he/she is ready to answer all of your questions.
Nostalgia or homesick is normal between all of the international students during the first year. You miss your family, relatives and friends. Tolerate it, at the end of first year you will feel better, try to be active and happy as much as you can. Concentrate on your studies and try to improve your English to make new connections. You must adjust and establish at the end of first year. Don’t be afraid of speaking and try to be social, attend all of the student union gatherings (also local and international conferences related to your major), and speak to people and make friendships. YOU ARE POWERFUL, YOU ARE HERE TO SHOW YOUR FULL SELF; YOUR POWER IN KNOWLEDGE AND SOCIAL SKILLS.
Good Luck dudes!