Before You Arrive

Loyalist College offers many services to assist international students prior to in Canada.  We want to make your stay in Canada as easy and enjoyable as possible. 

The following information will help you in preparing for your arrival in Canada.

On Campus Housing

Loyalist College offers on-campus accommodations in our Residence Village.  Living on-campus is a great way to meet other students while experiencing college life.  There are spaces reserved for international students in our residence.  Please complete the residence application form in your admission package as soon as possible.

Off Campus Housing Service

International Students may choose to live in private housing (with other students or with a family) in the Belleville community.  If you require assistance in finding suitable off-campus housing, download and complete the International Student Housing Assistance Form (PDF) and return it to the International Advisor. For students already in Canada who wish to find accommodations themselves, check out the on-line housing registry available through our Off-Campus Accommodations Office. 

Booking your Flight

The Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ontario, is located approximately two hours from Belleville and is the recommended airport for pick-up service.  It is recommended that students beginning arrive one week prior to their program start date.  Students arriving for a January start should NOT plan to fly during the Christmas holidays.  The college is closed the week between Christmas and the New Year, so it is recommended to book flights after January 1st to avoid holiday fees and complications.

Airport Pick-Up Service

The college will arrange to have you picked up at the airport upon arrival.  This service is provided for a fee of $125 Cdn.  To arrange for pick up, please download and complete the Airport Pick-up form (PDF) and return it to the International Advisor.

Budgeting Considerations 

Currency

When you arrive in Canada, try to have at least $400-$800 (Canadian or U.S.) in cash. A currency exchange service is usually available at the Toronto airport from 5:00 am to midnight.   We also recommend that you carry enough travellers’ cheques or bank drafts to cover at least your first month’s expenses. Because of extra costs in the first month (such as rental, damage deposits and books) this can amount to $1000 - $2000 CAD for a single student.  Do not depend on bank cards etc as your only source of cash.  Sometimes banks will put a hold on funds for a few weeks - so it is very important that you can access money for your rent and living expenses right away. 

 Cost of Living

The following is an estimate for one academic year (8 months or 2 semesters) to help you prepare for your finances before you arrive in Canada.  Please remember, this is only an estimate and costs are subject to change.  It is advisable to be well prepared financially before you arrive:

Tuition Fee (including health insurance)  $12,500 ($15,000 for Degree program)
Accommodation (range from $400-700/mth) $5,600
Food ($200-350/month)    $3,000
Utilities (phone, electricity etc)   $1,200 
Clothing       $500
Transportation (monthly bus pass $60/mth) $500
Textbooks, Printing, Supplies    $1,500 (depending on program of study)
Miscellaneous*      $1,500
TOTAL:      ** $25,000 - $26,300

* This includes:  postage, laundry, pharmacy supplies, dental costs, recreation, entertainment, etc.
** This total does NOT include taxes.

This estimate is only a guideline and does not include any money for returning home or visiting other parts of Canada.  This estimate will permit an adequate but far from luxurious standard of living.  Your first month will be expensive because of settling-in costs such as paying an extra month’s rent as a damage deposit and purchasing warm clothing, textbooks and supplies.

 It is wise to become familiar with the exchange rate from your home currency to the Canadian dollar.  To look up current exchange rates, visit the Bank of Canada website: www.bankofcanada.ca.

You may find the cost of living in Canada to be different than your home country.  For instance, one bus ride in Belleville costs $2.25 each way.   A cup of coffee or tea will cost anywhere from $1.50 to $5!  If you choose to buy your lunches in the cafeteria, this will cost between $5- $10.  Here is a helpful link to indicate some food prices in Canada:  http://relocatecanada.com .

International Student Health Insurance

Canada has a very good medical system and ranks among the top medical countries in the world.   International student fees include mandatory 12 month health insurance while students are registered at the college.  This health insurance package is currently through Guard Me Student Guard Health Insurance.  For specific details about the policy, please refer to the Colleges and Universities Policy at  http://guard.me/studentguard/policies.php. 

The insurance policy will not cover any pre-existing medical condition, so please ensure that you resolve any health issues prior to your arrival in Canada. The policy also covers a small amount for emergency dental work only.  It is advised that you have any dental work and cleaning done before you arrive in Canada.

Please ensure you inform the International Advisor of the date of your arrival in Canada to ensure your health insurance is activated the day you arrive in Canada. 

Please ensure all your vaccination records are up-to-date and you have that information available upon arrival to the college(especially if you are entering a program in the School of Health and Human Studies).  If possible, bring any health records with you. 

Please ensure you complete the health records form in your admission package and return it to the Loyalist College Health Centre prior to arrival. 

Pre-Departure Checklist

Prior to leaving your home country, ensure you have with you:

• Appropriate visa and immigration documentation
• Your Loyalist College Letter of Acceptance
• Valid passport and study permit authorization
• A carry-on bag with emergency personal items in the event that your luggage temporarily does not meet your destination in Canada
• The name, and address of the people with whom you are staying, if not at the Residence at Loyalist College
• You should ensure that you have notified the International Advisor at Loyalist College with flight arrival time to the Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, if you require transportation services from the airport.

International students may wish to bring information about their country and traditions to share with other students, faculty and the community. This contributes to enhancing intercultural education.

What to bring / what to buy

Depending on when you arrive in Canada, you may want to bring some food with you.  Do not bring FRESH FRUIT or perishable food because it will be taken away by airport officials.

Some examples of safe items to bring include:
• Crackers, Cookies
• Bottled water or juice
• Instant noodles or instant food
• Chocolate bars or Energy bars
• Snacks - dried fruit, raisins, apricots, pre-packaged.

Items you may want to purchase in Canada:
• Electric Toaster
• Electric Wok or Frying Pan
• Electric Kettle
• Hair Dryer

For a complete list of what you can and cannot bring into Canada, please refer to:
 http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5068-eng.html

Weather
    
It is important to be prepared for the climate in Belleville.  Belleville has four distinct seasons:  spring, summer, autumn and winter. 

The city of Belleville website is a great resource to become familiar with the community and it offers some guidelines concerning the local weather:   http://www.city.belleville.on.ca/Business/CommunityProfile/Climate/Pages/default.aspx
  
Information is also available at:  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/guide/section-02.asp#s8

Clothes to wear in the winter:
• Coats:   A good, warm coat will be the most important item of clothing. We suggest a thick waterproof coat.
• Boots:   We suggest you buy boots with a thick lining and thick rubber soles that will not slip on the ice.  Thin soled, unlined boots do not provide the warmth required during the winter months.
• Gloves/Mittens:  Wool or fleece lined mittens as they keep your fingers warmer than gloves. A good brand for warm gloves and mittens is “Thinsulate”
• Hat & Scarf:   Make sure your hat covers your ears and that the scarf is long enough to wrap around your neck.  The scarf should be made from wool or another warm material.  Silk scarves will not keep you warm.
Clothing Materials:
Wool: Known for its warmth, Worn in the winter and late fall, Wool socks and sweaters are great for the winter.
Cotton:  Light, soft material, Many clothes in Canada are made from cotton, Cotton underwear, socks, shirts, pants etc. are good for summer, spring and fall
Polyester:  Good for exercising and sports, Polyester pants, jackets, shirts etc.   In the winter, wear polyester ‘fleece’ for warmth.

Have other questions on how to prepare for your arrival to Canada?  Please email the International Advisor at jrussett@loyalistc.on.ca.