Newsletter for Incoming Graduate Students December 2015

International Graduate Student E-Newsletter 2015
 
Photo of Western campus in winter
Welcome to Western

University Colleg tower in WinterGreetings from Western University! Our faculty, students and staff, along with the City of London, are waiting to welcome you!

The staff teams at Western International and the International and Exchange Student Centre (IESC) are committed to making your experience at Western as enriching, rewarding, and successful as possible. That commitment starts now by providing information and support to prepare for your arrival at Western. Should you have any questions, please contact us. We are here to help.


International Student Orientation Day
Monday, January 4, 2016, 4:30-7 p.m.

Orientation Day offers a great opportunity to meet new people and learn more about life at Western and in London. Refreshments provided. Free to attend but please register by December 23, 2015.

Topics include:

  • IESC Programs and Services
  • Important Student Information (student cards, meal plan, library cards, printing, shuttle buses)
  • Settling in & Getting Around (cell phones, banking, shopping, London Transit, London Tourism)
  • Weather in Canada
  • Navigating Campus (campus roadmap, student life, environment, health care, campus safety, peer support)
  • Key Campus Services
  • Important Immigration Information
  • Canadian Classroom Basics
  • And much more!

Register online


Preparing to Come: Checklist

Carry the following items when you travel to Canada and be prepared to show some documents to Canadian Immigration officials (e.g., at the airport). Do not pack these documents in your checked luggage.

  • Valid Passport and Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (if applicable)
  • Letter of Introduction issued by the Canadian Visa Office that approved your Study Permit application. Submit this letter to a Canadian Immigration Officer when you arrive at the border to obtain your actual Study Permit
  • Supporting documents (e.g., copy of acceptance letter, transcript, proof of funds, marriage certificate, etc.)
  • Medical and immunization (vaccination) records, medical prescriptions and medications
  • Money and a credit card. You should have access to at least enough money for your immediate needs (e.g., food and accommodation for your first week)
  • List of important phone numbers

To prepare for your arrival and for a complete list of things to bring with you to Canada, view our detailed online guide:

www.iesc.uwo.ca/prearrival


Visit the IESC when you arrive

Visit the IESC's Welcome Centre to pick up your orientation package, which includes a copy of the International Student Handbook. We are conveniently located just up one floor from the School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies. Our staff and volunteers are her to welcome you and help you settle into Western and London.

Please note: University Offices, including IESC and Western International, will be closed December 23 at 4 p.m. and will re-open January 4 at 8:30 a.m. Campus Police will remain open during this time.

Many businesses and stores in Canada will be closed on December 25
and January 1.

map of campus and IESC location


Programs and Services


Important Dates

January 4
Winter Term Begins
(Contact program for specific course start dates)

January 8, 15, 22
Teaching Assistant Training Program

January 4
International Student Orientation Day

February 15-19
Reading Week (no classes)

January 8
Due date for Winter Term tuition
(first installment)

April 30
Winter Term Ends

January 8
International Student
Welcome Potluck Dinner

Join the conversation

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 International and Exchange Student Centre

link to School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

link to Teaching Support Centre

link to Peer Guide Program
Connect with an upper-year student

link to Western U Mobile App

Plan Your Trip - passports with globe


Contact IESC

Telephone:
519-661-2111
ext. 89309 or ext. 85908

Email:
iesc@uwo.ca

Note:
IESC will be closed
December 23 at 4 p.m.
and will re-open
January 4 at 8:30 a.m.

 


Western University Campus Police

Campus Police is open during the holiday closure.

Non-emergency and inquirires:
519-661-3300

Emergency: 911

Western International
Western University
2nd floor, International & Graduate Affairs Building
1151 Richmond Street
London, ON, N6A 3K7
www.international.uwo.ca
Email: iesc@uwo.ca
Phone: +1-519-661-2111 ext. 89309
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