5 things international students in Canada must do in the first week

Leaving your home country is not an easy decision. So if you are making the step to apply for a Canada student visa from India, you must be clear in your head that you want to pursue higher education in this country and build your future.

Most students who come to Canada have a mindset to stay here long-term. This may include completing your program, getting a job after graduation, getting permanent residency, and establishing a promising future in Canada. So, if you look for this, there are a few things that you must take care of in the first week of arriving in Canada as an international student. 

5 things to do in the first week of arriving in Canada on a study visa

#1 – Register yourself at your college/university 

Without a second thought, the first step is to go and register yourself as a student in your college or university. This will confirm your enrolment at the institution where you will be studying for a few years. The enrolment process starts when you are in your home country – online. However, a few aspects can only be completed in person. 

Once you are registered as a student, you will receive a student identification card that you can use to access different facilities on campus. This includes the library or renting equipment from the school. Not just this but with the student ID, post-secondary students can avail of discounts – allowing them to save some pennies upon arriving in the Great White North. 

#2 – Finalize your housing situation

The second most important thing you must take care of is your accommodation. In fact, many colleges and universities that have on-campus accommodation prioritise international students. While many students consider it, some prefer off-campus housing due to various reasons like closeness to their family members and costs. 

Whatever you prefer, make sure to finalize your housing situation in the first week itself so that you can settle and focus on your studies. You can check out the housing portal provided by many Canadian universities. Explore the rental properties through social media handles like Facebook marketplace or online classified through platforms like Kijiji. 

#3 – Open a bank account

Make sure to open a bank account as soon as you arrive in Canada. If you are planning to study in Canada, you need an account in a Canadian bank to manage your daily spending and other payments like rent, etc. Also, opening a bank account is significant for students who have work authorization that comes with their study permit.

Check out the numerous banks with offices and branches that are close to your house or college campus for an easy commute. Explore credit unions and international banks as well. You’ll notice that many banks in this nation have certain offers for international students, which can turn out to be beneficial for you. 

#4 – Get a new phone number 

It is important to stay connected with your loved ones. For that, you must get a new Canadian phone number in the first week of arriving in Canada. There are many cell phone providers in Canada offering several plans and devices at different prices. So, you must figure out your need for a plan and get it. 

You may want to get unlimited calling minutes or 20 gigabytes of data per month, whatever suits you. Check out the range and plan of your device before you commit to a particular plan or carrier. International calling is also available as an add-on which can be attached to your normal cell phone plans.

#5 – Acquire a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Last but not least, getting a Social Insurance Number or SIN is a crucial step for foreign students. You need a SIN to work in Canada during your regular school term. Note that the country allows international students to work for 20 hours each week and 40 hours per week during their school breaks and holidays. 

You can get an SIN at the Service Canada location that is nearest to your city. You can get a SIN using your study permit and international passport. This is a confidential number, which will let you earn and get that paycheck from your employer.

What should you do next?

Now that you know the things to do in the first week of your arrival in Canada, get started with your study visa process. To get assistance, talk to the best Canada Visa Consultants in Bangalore at Nationwide Visas today. Get expert guidance on courses, universities, top reasons to study abroad, and career opportunities – to make well-informed decisions.