Campus Life

U-Pass is a transit pass connected to UAlberta student enrollment and student association agreements. It provides access to participating Edmonton-region transit systems for eligible students. Check current eligibility, fees, activation instructions, and opt-out rules on the official U-Pass page.

Pedways are indoor, heated walkways, tunnels, and bridges that connect parts of North Campus. They are useful in winter because you can move between some major buildings with less outdoor exposure. Learn the routes around your own classes first, and use campus maps or signage when planning a new route because not every building is connected indoors.

Start with nearby mainstream grocery stores for basics, then ask student groups, roommates, and local community groups about stores that carry ingredients from your region. Edmonton has many international and specialty markets, including East and Southeast Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, halal, African, Latin American, and European grocery options. Check transit time, winter travel, prices, and whether bulk buying is realistic before you shop far from campus.

UAlberta is an urban campus, so use normal city safety habits: travel with others when possible, plan transit, keep your phone charged, and avoid isolated routes late at night. UASU Safewalk is a volunteer-run service that can accompany students on or near campus when operating. Check current Safewalk hours before relying on it.

Yes. The Campus Food Bank supports U of A community members experiencing difficulty affording groceries, including international students. Register through its client-information page using your UAlberta email and book an appointment.

1. 1Open the client page and select 'REGISTER OR BOOK an appointment'.
2. 2Complete the registration/booking instructions and bring your own bags.
3. 3Visit SUB 1-81 at your appointment time.
4. 4If no appointments are available and your need is urgent, call 780-492-8677 or email info@campusfoodbank.com.

Call 911 if there is immediate danger. For non-emergency campus concerns, use UAlberta safety resources and building staff where appropriate. If the issue involves harassment, discrimination, violence, or misconduct, UAlberta has offices that can explain reporting and support options.

For a fire or life-threatening emergency, call 911 first, then U of A Protective Services at 780-492-5050 and your residence office or RA. For urgent facility issues such as flooding, contact your residence office or RA immediately. After business hours, call Campus Control Centre at 780-492-4833.

1. 1Move away from immediate danger and make the appropriate emergency call.
2. 2Give your residence, unit number, exact location and a short description.
3. 3After calling, submit a residence maintenance request to document the issue and note whom you contacted.

For immediate danger, leave the unsafe area and call 911. Report an urgent leak, heating failure or building problem to your landlord or property manager's emergency contact. University Residence Services does not manage repairs in privately rented homes.

1. 1Call the property's emergency number and follow up in writing with the address, problem and photos taken only if safe.
2. 2Ask the landlord when repairs will happen and whether the unit is safe to occupy.
3. 3Contact your tenant insurer about damaged belongings or temporary accommodation covered by your policy.
4. 4If repairs remain unresolved, use Alberta's landlord–tenant guidance and dispute-resolution route; ask student services for support if the disruption affects your studies.

Open the university U-Pass page, choose 'Access the U-Pass App', sign in and add your Arc card. Your pass depends on eligibility, an assessed U-Pass fee and the term's validity dates.

1. 1Check Bear Tracks → Financial Account → Fee Assessment for the U-Pass fee.
2. 2Link your card in the university app and check its status.
3. 3Activation can take up to seven days at term-start; check before travelling.

Check your linked card, fee assessment and pass status. 'Insufficient funds' can mean no active U-Pass; 'low funds' can warn of approaching expiry.

1. 1Review your card in the university U-Pass app and your fee assessment in Bear Tracks.
2. 2If you replaced a lost card, activate the replacement in the app.
3. 3Use the university U-Pass help page for the specific error and pay the required fare while the pass is inactive.