New International Students
Have you received your Letter of Admission (conditional or final)? Congratulations on your admission to Concordia University!
Welcome to your complete pre-departure guide.
Welcome to Montreal
Pre-departure checklist
- 1. Prepare your immigration documents
- 2. Register for courses
- 3. Get Ready for your Trip
- 4. Arrival: settling in
Guides and checklists
Download our Pre-Departure Guide:
Keep on track: Download our checklist
Visas & Immigration Documentation
Apply for your visa and immigration documents (CAQ and Study Permit) required to study and stay in Canada.
Webinars
Our Pre-Arrival 101 & 102 webinars will give you an introduction to your application for immigration documents, your compulsory international health insurance plan, course registration and much more.
Undergraduate Students
The requirements for advising prior to registration vary according to your program of study. Refer to your Offer of Admission to find out details about course registration. Academic advising is also detailed under Step 2 in the Guide To First Year. A complete step by step online registration guide is also available. If you are required to meet with an Academic Advisor, you will not be able to register for your courses until you complete this requirements.
Graduate Students
Contact your department for registration information.
When to arrive?
It is a good idea to arrive at least two (2) weeks before the beginning of the term. Check the Important Academic Dates and plan your travel accordingly. Remember that adjusting to a different environment and culture in a country you are unaccustomed to can be both challenging and rewarding. It is important to prepare yourself for a smooth transition to help out with adapting to your new life.
Consider your housing options. Make arrangements for temporary accommodation during your initial stay in Canada. Refer to the HoJo housing and job bank or Tourism Montréal for temporary accommodation.
What you can do before you leave home
- Before you leave home, review your vaccine history with your health care provider, and update any you’re missing. Vaccines can be costly, and student insurance plans do not offer the same coverage that employee or parents’ plans pay for. Get started now, as some vaccines are a series and require a few weeks or months to complete.
- Pack your Vaccine Records: It is important for every university student to have this vital information easily accessible. Don’t leave home without it!
- If possible, get your medical records (this is useful for students who may have pre-existing conditions or need regular follow-ups for a condition).
What you can do once you are at Concordia
If you did not finish updating your vaccines, or you are due for a vaccine booster while you’re in Montréal, come see a nurse at Concordia University Health Services. You may qualify to get for certain vaccines for free. For reliable information about vaccines, see our Vaccines page.
Remember:
- Canadian outlets are 100V/60W
- Pack prescriptions if you bring medication
- Adhere to airline standards
- Review what you can bring to Canada (food, plants, animal related products)
- Roll your clothes
- Pick clothes you wear the most
- Upload your Immigration Documents or visit ISO to drop them off
- Attend new student events and Concordia orientations
- Submit Permanent Data Form
- Get your Student ID
- Pick up your Health Insurance Card
- Get your OPUS Card
- Pay your tuition fees
- Get more tips on settling in: starting a bank account, phones, internet and long-term housing
