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What people arrive with

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All stages

Stage 2 of 5

First weeks

The paperwork and first steps that make the rest of the year easier.

  1. Before
  2. First weeks
  3. Studying
  4. Final term
  5. After grad

Steps, in order

Open a step to read its answer, or go to the page that covers it.

  1. Arrival

    Get through your first 72 hours

    A safe place to stay, your U of A email, orientation, your CCID and ONEcard, and the numbers to call. Everything below builds on these.

    A practical order: confirm housing and safe transportation; check your UAlberta email; attend orientation/check-in; activate or verify your CCID, Bear Tracks, and ONEcard; confirm course registration; confirm health-insurance coverage; apply for AHCIP or understand UAHIP if applicable; apply for a SIN if you are eligible to work; learn how to call 911, 811, and campus support services.

    SourcesBear Tracks HelpHealth insurance - UAlberta
  2. Work & SIN

    Get your SIN before you look for work

    You need a Social Insurance Number for any job, on or off campus, and you can only start working once your program has begun.

    Apply through Service Canada online, by mail, or in person. You generally need valid identity and immigration documents. Temporary residents normally need a work permit or a study permit that states they may work or may accept employment. UAlberta welcome programming may also point you to term-specific SIN information.

    SourcesSocial Insurance Number - Service Canada
  3. Money

    Open a bank account and get a phone plan

    Rent, pay and most sign-ups need a Canadian account and number. Bring your passport and study permit.

    Compare student chequing accounts before choosing a bank: monthly fee, debit transactions, e-transfer limits, international transfer options, branch access, and credit-card offers matter more than gifts. Banks must verify your identity with original identification. As an international student, bring your passport, study permit, UAlberta ONEcard if you have it, letter of acceptance or offer letter, and a verification of enrolment document from Bear Tracks or MyCreds if available. Requirements can vary by bank, so check the branch appointment instructions before you go.

    SourcesOpening a bank account - FCACVerification documents - UAlberta
  4. Getting around

    Activate your U-Pass

    Your U-Pass lives on an Arc card and covers buses and the LRT. Activate it before your first trip.

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

    Before you rely on this

    • General Arc registration does not replace linking your card in the university app.
    • Keep your card; an assessed U-Pass normally updates for later terms.
    SourcesU of A U-Pass and Arc card help
  5. Health

    Confirm your health coverage is active

    Check whether you are on UAHIP, AHCIP or a student plan, and know where to see a doctor before you need one.

    UAHIP is the University of Alberta Health Insurance Plan for international students, employees, and families in Canada who are not eligible for provincial coverage. It is intended as basic health coverage when AHCIP is not available. Registered students are typically enrolled by the university after course registration is confirmed, but check your UAlberta email and UAHIP instructions.

    SourcesHealth insurance - UAlberta
  6. Academics

    Check the add and drop deadline

    Changing a course is free until the add and delete date. After that it becomes a withdrawal on your record.This year's academic dates
  7. Campus

    Find your way around campus

    The pedways connect most buildings indoors, which matters once winter arrives. Pick a study spot or two while you are at it.Campus pedways
  8. Community

    Join one student group

    One group is enough to start. Cultural, faith and interest groups are the quickest way to stop feeling new.

    Use a combination of supports: ISVS settlement and events, ISA community, UASU or GSA services, student groups, residence programming, recreation, faith or cultural groups, the Peer Support Centre, and Counselling and Clinical Services. Loneliness is common in the first year and is a valid reason to seek support early.

    SourcesISVS homeCounselling and Clinical Services
    Browse student groups

Who to ask3

A guide to where to go, not immigration or legal advice.

  • International student support

    ISVS

    International Student and Visitor Services: your starting point for permits, visas, health insurance and settling into Edmonton.

  • University administration

    Student Services Directory

    Every U of A service in one place, including the Student Service Centre for registration, records, transcripts and fees.

  • Your student community

    UASU & GSA

    Advocacy, health and dental plans, and student life. UASU for undergraduates, the GSA for graduate students.