To make your experience as an international student in Canada the best that it can be you need to make your health and safety a number one priority. Here, you can read about many of the common health and safety issues of which you should be aware. The advice given here should be used as guidelines to assist you with a successful stay in Canada.
Contact information
It is very important to carry with you a list of contact information for both emergency and personal situations. This will help you in a time of crisis, or provide information to someone who is trying to help you. People you should include in your contact list: family members, landlord, roommate, close friends, and your international student advisor. It takes time to become accustomed to your own new contact information as well, so you should carry your new address and phone number with you.
Also, provide your home and cell phone numbers, home country and Canadian addresses, and email address to your roommate, friends in your program, or others with whom you feel comfortable sharing this information. If anything should happen, they will know how and where to reach you or your loved ones.
Emergency services
If you need to contact emergency services (i.e., police, ambulance, or fire) for an urgent situation, call 911.
On-campus safety and security
Your education institution will have policies and procedures for on-campus emergencies which include a wide range of situations. Check your student handbook and your institution’s website to become familiar with emergency situations and procedures in case they are put to the test. Fire evacuation drills are commonly practiced on Canadian campuses, so be sure to know where your nearest exit is!
Security services are usually offered on Canadian campuses. There may be help-line telephones located inside campus buildings, or emergency stations located around campus, that will allow you to communicate with on-campus security personnel if you are in distress or need to report a problem. Your institution may also offer security assistance programs, such as an evening walk home program if you feel uncomfortable walking alone outside to your vehicle or public transit.
Your health
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will contribute to a successful international education experience in Canada. Healthy eating habits and daily exercise will help to ensure that you feel your best physically and mentally.
Be sure to maintain international student health insurance coverage to protect you from unexpected costs of healthcare such as emergency medical situations or accidents. Be sure to always carry your health insurance information with you!
There are options available to you if you require medical attention including emergency departments of hospitals and walk-in clinics. While emergency departments always operate for urgent care, you should become familiar with the locations and hours of operation of walk-in clinics for non-emergency health matters.
If regular dental care is not a part of your health insurance, check if your education institution has a dental program. It could offer some basic dental care services at affordable rates. In case of dental emergencies you should familiarize yourself with dentists who offer emergency services; ask local friends or teachers for recommendations (for urgent dental emergencies go to a hospital).
Include a copy of your eyeglass prescription with the belongings that you bring from your home country in case your glasses or contacts need to be replaced while you are in Canada.
Sexual health is a topic not to shy away from. If you are sexually active, take appropriate caution to keep yourself safe. Ensure that you use reliable methods of birth control and protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). More information about sexual health can be obtained from a local health unit or your campus’ health and wellness centre.
Medication
If you require prescription medication, ensure that you bring an adequate amount with you. In advance of your arrival you should make sure that you will be able to refill your prescription while in Canada. It is very important that you carry your prescription with you when going through customs, and always carry your medication in its original labelled container! You may even want to carry a note from your doctor that explains that the medication is for your personal use.
Medication that does not require a prescription in Canada is referred to as non-prescription or “over-the-counter” medication. Non-prescription medication includes cold and flu remedies, pain killers, and even vitamins. They can be purchased in places ranging from pharmacies to department stores to grocery stores. For information on non-prescription medications and their uses ask a pharmacist, he or she will gladly help.
Travel
Keep others familiar with your plans for travelling in Canada or abroad. You should let your family and close friends know when you are planning to travel, where you will be going, and when you will return. Stay in touch with phone calls or emails to update them about your whereabouts while you explore.
Legal issues
Try to become familiar with the laws of Canada prior to your arrival. Keep in mind that there may be differences in laws between places at the provincial and municipal levels.
In Canada1:
- No one is above the law which means that Canadian laws apply to all persons no matter who they are, who they know, or what their profession is
- Ignorance of the law is not a reasonable defence
- If you are aware of, or witness, a crime you are expected to report it to the police
- You are presumed innocent until proven guilty
Make sure you know the location of your country’s nearest embassy or consulate. For a complete list of foreign representatives located in Canada click here.
For more information on your freedoms in Canada, racism or sexual harassment, and your legal responsibilities go to Your rights as a student in Canada.
General health and safety
- Be informed about the country you are going to.
- Always carry your student identification, contact information, and insurance card with you.
- Keep your passport and other personal documentation secure and out of view, even in your home.
- Be discreet with cash that you are carrying, especially large amounts.
- Make sure you lock your home whether you are away or not.
- Do not allow random strangers into your home.
- Pay attention to current events that may affect your health and safety.
- Stay in well-lit and busy areas if you are out at night.
- Ask local friends where and where not to go in your new surroundings.
- Do not hitch-hike: get to know the public transportation system in your area.
- Avoid the use of illegal drugs.
- Avoid or limit the use of alcohol since it can impair your judgement.
- Know where smoking is prohibited and follow smoke-free policies.
- Read the health and safety section of your education institution’s website or student handbook.