Congrats to all of you that already here in Waterloo Region. Today I will summarize the process of becoming an international student in Canada. And I hope you will have a great experience here!

Note

Prep before the trip

Firstly, I obtained a bachelor’s degree from a university in the US. While working, I prepared my application for a study permit and applied for graduate school in Canada. After submitting my biometric information, paying the required fee, and providing supporting documents, the embassy sent me a letter of introduction. This allowed me to obtain my study permit and begin my studies in Canada. Now you are relieved with paperwork. Let’s pack up and go. Before you book an airplane ticket please note that if you transit in the US, you must have a transit visa or travel visa. And don’t forget to bring some cash before your flight. Next, I will talk about the process at the airport.

At the airport 🛫

After arriving at the airport, you will need to proceed to an automated booth. Here, you will be required to scan your passport and answer some declaration questions. The booth will capture your photo, and it will print out a declaration paper that must kept. If you’re a new student, you will have to join the queue for an interview. During your turn, the officer will request your letter of introduction, school offer letter, and proof of payment for your first term/semester. If everything is in order, the officer will hand out a Study Permit, and you will be free to leave. At the Toronto International Airport, near the luggage carousel, there is a SIN office where you can queue up to obtain a SIN for future employment.

Phone service

The next requirement would be to acquire a phone number. In Canada, there are numerous carriers to choose from. It is worth noting that mobile plans offered by major corporations like Rogers and Tellus are usually costly. Nevertheless, there are alternative options such as affordable plans or promotional offers available on Facebook Marketplace.

Public transportation 🚍

Now, you are able to live in Canada. Let’s go shopping and get some stuff for your room. There are a few public transportation options available in Waterloo such as GRT bus, ION bus, inter-city bus services (Flix Bus and OneX), GO bus, train, and VIA Rail train.

For traveling within the city limits, GRT bus is a convenient and affordable option. Each trip costs approximately $3, and you can continue traveling for 90 minutes without being charged again.

1-minute break… “Coffee does taste better after you warm it up!”

If you’re already familiar with how to take public transportation, I’ll briefly summarize the process. First, enter the bus through the front door. Second, tap your GRT card (easyGo) on the dashboard to pay your fare. It’s important to note that buses typically don’t accept credit cards, so make sure to have your easyGo handy.

You can use Google Maps to help navigate your route and plan your journey. When it’s time to leave the bus, simply press the stop button or pull the yellow cord located by the windows to signal the driver.

Stores in town

The list of a few stores that you can check out is below. Some stores in Canada are similar to ones in the US. Here we have:

Grocery

  • Walmart
  • Sobeys
  • Bulk ban
  • Zehrs
  • Dutchies: farmer market
  • T &T: this is Asian store that is similar to 99 Ranch in the US.

Home Decor

  • Homesense
  • Bricks
  • HomeDepot
  • Lowes

Coffee shops

  • Starbucks
  • Tim Horton

Chain Restaurants

  • A&W Burger: this is similar to McDonald’s

Hardware store

  • Princess Auto: is known for Harbour Freight in Canada
  • Canadian Tire

Library is fantastic 📖

If you need to print documents, you can visit a local library. They will ask you to provide an ID and proof of your address and name. Usually, you will be given a free library card. The cost for printing is 0.25 cents for grayscale and 0.50 cents for color prints. Waterloo library has many great online services such as Practicing IELTs, access to O’Reilly books,…

Best wishes for all ❤️

Feeling comfortable in your room is key to helping you settle into your new environment and minimizing homesickness. By creating a cozy and inviting space, you’ll be able to relax and feel more at home. Not only will this contribute to your overall well-being, but it can also improve your productivity.

I hope you have a fantastic trip or stay in Canada!