ISA Welcome Booklet 2021/2022

By The University of Alberta International Students’

Association (UAISA)

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

WELCOME GUIDE

2021-2022 EDITION

SIMPLII FINANCIAL

Table of Contents Introduction

Essential Items

University of Alberta International

20

Clothing

Students’ Association (UAISA)

22

Groceries

5

Meet your Executives

23

Campus Food Bank

6

University of Alberta Campuses

24

ISA Food Stall

4

Documentation after Arrival

Working in Edmonton

7

Alberta Health Care

25

How to find Jobs

8

Social Insurance Number

27

Volunteering oppurtunites and

9

One Card

11

Bank Accounts

12

Phone & Internet

Residence & Housing

Co-op Jobs

Resources 29

Mental Health Resources

31

International Student Centre (ISC)

13

On-Campus Housing

32

Academic Resources

16

Off-Campus Housing

33

Libraries on Campus

17

Furniture

37

Financial Resources

Transportation 18

U-Pass

19

Public Transportation

19

Driving Licence

Student Recreation 39

BearsDen

40

Campus and Community Recreation

41

ISAF Proposal

42

Required Money

43

Things to do in Edmonton

University of Alberta International Students’ Association (UAISA) The University of Alberta International Students’ Association (UAISA, referred as ISA) is the largest student association at the University of Alberta. The ISA is the official representative of all undergraduate international students on Campus. ISA advocate for both graduate and undergraduate international students on all five UAlberta Campuses.

This is your ISA!

You can check out ISA’s goals this year and feel free to reach out to us at anytime.

Chanpreet Singh President

Gurbani Baweja VP External

MEET YOUR EXECUTIVES

Abigail Ameley Quaye

Safwan

CO-VP Academics

CO-VP Student Life

Harikrishna Rao

Nikita Adekar

Warren Leung Kam Tsang

Rose Marie

CO-VP Internals

CO-VP Graduate Affairs

Madina Usserbeyava

Sanhita Pal

Dhir Bid

Mohit Sinha

VP Finance & Marketing

VP Communications

Camrose

Check out maps of all campuses.

University of Alberta Campuses The University of Alberta has 5 major campuses.

Four of them - North Campus, South Campus, Campus Saint-Jean, and Enterprise Square are located in Edmonton. Augustana Campus is Located in Camrose.

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What is it?

Alberta Health care provides health coverage for all residents of Alberta including International students.

To check what all is covered with the Alberta health care insurance plan, check this page.

How to get the plan?

There are many authorized registry agents around Alberta where you can apply for your Alberta Health Card. Service Alberta provides a list of authorized registry agents in Alberta.

When you apply for the health card at a registry agent, bring the following documents: 1) Valid Passport/travel document with Canadian visa 2) Study permit 3) Proof of residence (A letter from the U of A residences or your landlord certifying that you live at a specified address satisfies the requirement)

Your social insurance number (SIN) is a 9 digit number that is necessary for you to work in Canada and it will give you access to government programs and benefits. Your SIN will also be used for tax purposes.

You can apply for your SIN at any Service Canada office and you will need to bring the following documents: -Study Permit (it must have the condition allowing you to work in Canada) -Valid Passport Look at the International Student Services (ISS) website for more depth information.

“If you want to work then make sure to get a Social Insurance Number but do not give it to anyone other than your employer once your employment is finalised.” - Raiya

One CARD

Your ONEcard is your official student identification document and it will serve several purposes such as being a library card and access card. The ONEcard also gives you access to different services/goods like printing, laundry, meal plan, and transit (if you have a UPass). Learn more about the ONEcard on the OneCard website.

“Carry your One Card like it is your house key.

Do not lose it and keep it safe. It is so convenient to have and I used it for so many things during the semester ! ” - Mahek

Coming Soon ICard Program!

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS' BENEFIT CARD

Your ISA will soon be launching an ICard Program, that will be primarily a sticker on your ONECard giving you free discounts all over Edmonton and help you save money!

Stay tuned!

Bank Accounts

There are many different options available in Alberta.

Moreover, a Canadian bank account is essential and it will make your life easier when it comes to paying your tuition, residence fees, bills, receiving payment from your employer, etc.

The following are major banks in Canada and Alberta: Alberta Trust Bank (ATB) ScotiaBank Toronton-Dominion (TD) Bank Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Bank of Montreal (BMO) HSBC

PHONE & INTERNET The University wifi known as UWS will provide you with free internet access all over campus including residences. You can also opt to purchase your own personal wifi access with different internet providers in Alberta.

You may want to acquire your own mobile telephone service for your communication and mobile data needs.

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has a comprehensive list of major telephone and internet service providers

Doing research will also help you compare prices so you can make the most informed decision about your phone plan. - Anjiya Ali

U A Of

On Campus HOUSING Lister Centre

Lister residence is the traditional first-year dormitory with 5 residence buildings which are Kelsey Hall, Henday Hall (close 2020-2021), Mackenzie Hall (close 2019-2020), Schaffer, and Chalifoux. Students have the option of having shared rooms or single rooms.

HUB Mall

HUB is a residence located inside the campus shopping mall.

Students ranging from first-years to grad students live in this mall. Residents can walk indoors in 5 minutes or less and have access to classes, coffee shops, restaurants, and transit. There are trained Resident Assistant staff (RAs) for after-hours on-call duties and individual resident support. Options for furnished or unfurnished rooms are available.

Accommodation for self-isolation

Students required to self-isolate have access to a single room with private washroom, meal delivery, daily check-ins, health and community health services. Self-isolation supports have been available in residence throughout the pandemic response and will continue to be offered to incoming students.

Aspen and Maple House

Upper-year undergraduate students live here. The rooms come fully furnished and students have the option of a voluntary meal plan.

Newton Place

It is a high-rise apartment with easy access to classes, grocery stores, and coffee shops. It is available for third-year undergraduate students and above as well as student couples or students who parent. The rooms come unfurnished.

Graduate Residence

Four buildings namely Rockcress, Stonecrop, Juniper, and Speed-well, makeup Graduate Residence. All buildings come fully furnished. There is also an onsite faculty member for academic support and thesis defense preparation sessions. Resident Assistant staff (RAs) trained for after-hours on-call duties and individual resident support.

“My first year in residence was amazing and it was my home away from home.”

- Gurbani

HOUSING First-Year Complex

A u H ug o u s t s i na n g a C a m p su

On-Campus

First-year students are guaranteed a place in the First Year Dorms. There are upperyear student staff members as well as professional staff members to support you during your year there.

Theme Community House

This residence is open to any group of 5 - 7 students entering their second year of studies or higher, with a proposed learning objective. You get to choose whom you want to live with, as well as the option for a full meal plan or punch card for individual meals.

The Ravine Complex

The Ravine Complex consists of six residential buildings and is located on the East side of the campus. Each building has a social lounge, study lounge, and kitchen.

Double rooms and single rooms are available.

Off-Campus

HOUSING There are online resources for off-campus housing: 3) Search4studenthousing.com 1) Rentals.ca 2) Elevhomes.ca 4) Kijiji.ca Tips when looking for off-campus housing: If possible, arrive 2 weeks to a month before classes start to arrange off-campus housing.

Visit the accommodation in person or ask for detailed photos of the accommodation or have a video call tour.

Meet or ask about roommates.

Read rental agreement details carefully. Does the rent include utilities? Laundry facilities? How close is the location to public transportation? Is their any non refundable charges such as carpet steam clean? Deposit?

You are not required to disclose your Social Insurance Number (SIN) to your landlord or roommates.

Cheap

Where to buy furniture?

Make sure that you have at-least, a mattress, table, and chair.

Places to buy: Second Hand : Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace New: IKEA, Walmart, iFurniture

TRANSPORT TRANSIT PASS (U-PASS) A U-Pass is a valid sticker affixed to your student ONEcard. U-pass is an initiative that delivers affordable and sustainable transit to the students of the University of Alberta. The U-Pass is much lower than the cost of purchasing monthly passes for the same period of time because costs are spread over a large participant base. The U-Pass program is available for all students, graduate and undergraduate, registered in at least one forcredit course at the University of Alberta Edmonton Campuses.

“Trying to figure out the transit system will be confusing but after a few bus rides, it will be easy. Make sure to go with a friend the first time.”

- Nemwi

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Most destinations in Edmonton are accessible by bus and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) operated by the Edmonton Transit System (ETS). The ETS Trip Planner can help you find a route to your destination. LRT Trains arrive once every 5 - 15 minutes depending on the time of the day.

Most bus routes run every 15 - 30 minutes, depending on the time and season.

Check the ETS website for route changes. You can also text your bus stop number to 31100 to see when the next bus is arriving.

Google Map should be able to tell you about the buses you need to take and the whole route. On each route, buses normally operate in two directions, so select the right direction bus based on the last bus stop of that route, which will be written on the bus screen.

DRIVING LICENCE

If you want to obtain an Alberta Driver’s Licence, you will need to pass a knowledge test and a road test. However, as long as you are a full-time international student or in coop term, you can continue to drive here with your home country license. Please visit the ISS website for more details.

"Do your knowledge test as soon as possible, and bring your home country driver's licence to exchange, if possible, for an Alberta DL. This way, you will not have to wait for one year before doing the road test. This can be very helpful for co-op students."

-Dhir

Clothing FALL

AND

WINTER

Fall takes place from early September with more rainy and windy weather, up until mid November, where some hoodies and light jackets come in handy. For seasonal clothing, it is worth checking out Southgate Mall, which is the closest to the campus and requires taking a train from University Station to Southgate(towards Century Park).

Also, Edmonton is a home for one of North America’s largest indoor malls - West Edmonton Mall, with over 800 stores, largest indoor waterpark and other attractions.

The most famous and long lasting season is winter. It can last anywhere from early November until late March, with a potential of getting as low as -40°C. Wearing layers of clothing is a crucial part to make it through avoiding frostbite and hypothermia. Thermal wear is very useful to keep your body dry and warm, a couple of woollen sweaters, pants and socks, proper winter shoes, mittens/gloves, hats/toques and a scarf. Shopping for winter gear can start as early as mid fall, but you can catch Black Friday deals on Friday, November 27th.

Clothing

STORES

As for stores, more budget-friendly would be Ardene, Urban Planet, and Walmart. There are basic stores with good deals and affordable prices, such as H&M, Zara, and Hollister. As for more on a higher pricing range, there is Aritzia, Abercrombie & Fitch, Columbia, North Face and Levi’s. For winter parkas, it is important to choose better quality ones from Canada Goose, The North Face, Moose Knuckles, and Columbia. For snow shoes, consider timberland.

Southgate Mall - closest to campus, 17 min train ride away, 165 stores Winners - cheaper retail for a variety of brands, located in WEM, Edmonton City Centre.

South Common - outlet stores in the south of Edmonton.

“ Investing in winter coat and boots is always worth it, so get them ASAP. The cold comes sooner than you think.”

- Akanksha

SEIRECORG

Coming from a different culture, it is hard to adjust for small details in your new environment. Grocery shopping can be both relaxing and stressful, especially at the cashier counter. As a more affordable option, there is NoFrills, it is located on Whyte Ave and easily accessible, you can either walk there from campus or take bus no.4 to Capilano. There is also Safeway and Shoppers which are more common and have a bit more expensive choices.

Some students would prefer ordering groceries through InstaCart. It has a variety of stores present on its website, such as Walmart, Superstore, Costco, etc. Save on Foods has its delivery option as well. As a wholesale place: Walmart, Superstore and Costco are more convenient, but it is hard to get there without a car. There is also Circle K around the campus area and anywhere in the city, it is pricey but always located conveniently, it has everything in case of emergencies or when you are feeling lazy to go grocery shopping.

If you are missing the comforts of home then here are a few places to check out.

1) T&T Supermarket and H-Mart offers a big variety of eastern Asians snacks and products.

2) Mama Afro has essential hair products and braids.

3) European market & produce has a selection of eastern European products.

4) India Bazaar offers a variety of Indian spices and grocery items.

Tip:

Bring spices and non-perishables from home (if they're allowed)

Campus Food Bank

Campus Food Bank is located in the SUB building and offers food hampers free of cost to individuals affiliated with the UofA (students, staff, or alumni within 5 year of graduation). Proof of identification and ONEcard is required upon registration. You can request food hampers up to a maximum of once every two weeks.

“It is difficult to be an international student, we feel homesick and anything that reminds us home is very precious.” -Madina

COMING THIS FALL!

ISA Food Stall Your ISA, will be launching a food stall program this fall on campus. You could always buy affordable healthy lunch on campus at our food stall.

STAY TUNED!

Free food tip! Attend ISA Council Meeting, monthly on last Thursday 6-9pm for free pizza!

University Council Chamber in University Hall Building.

HOW TO FIND JOBS As an International student you might be researching job opportunities for personal savings, paying tuition or just to gain knowledge in your field of study.

Here are some ways you can find a relevant job openings and volunteering opportunities:

ON CAMPUS There are 4 main ways you can work on campus: 1) Paid positions 2) Internships 3) Co-op placement 4) Volunteering opportunities.

Check out the ISA Website/Social media for Volunteering Opportunities !

OFF CAMPUS If you are planning to accept a job offer off-campus, you should always refer to the Canadian Government website to find out your eligibility or work requirements.

Good places to find work Off Campus includes job boards like: 1. Indeed 2. Campus Bridge

“My first job was on campus as a teaching assistant. It really taught me a lot about Canadian work culture.” - Jasmine

SN

A P

OSITIO P ID

SUPMAC NO

Paid positions: 1) Working at the Student Union: Use this link to see all current job offerings : UASU Jobs 2) You will find posting for internships, part-time, summer positions at Career Centre.

3) A prime way to find information directly from various company representatives is at the Career Fair.

“Sometimes you will have to apply to 20 places before you get an answer.

Don’t be discouraged.”

- Ricardo

O C

TNE

LACEM P P O

A co-op is a hands-on experience in addition to traditional

SUPMAC NO

classroom education.

1) If you are an engineering student, click here to explore your co-op opportunities.

2) If you are a science student, you can explore your co-op opportunities on SciWorks.

3) Business Students can also apply to co-op opportunities.

Find out more on the University of Alberta website.

“My advice is to reach out to companies and ask for internships, even if they aren't posted" - Elena

S

NI

RNSHIP E T

An internship is a temporary

SUPMAC NO

job experience that is given to students to gain experience.

There are many opportunities to do internships while studying at the University of Alberta.

You can find out more about these services on the University of Alberta website.

Mental Health

Mental Health is such an integral part of your University experience.

It is important to know where to find resources when you find yourself struggling.

Here are some resources available to support your mental well-being:

“There are so many good resources that I have personally used to manage my stress.

The University goes an extra mile in caring for your mental wellbeing.”

- Anurika.

ACCESS Open Minds ACCESS Outreach Team Community Social Work Team Counselling & Clinical Services Edmonton Distress Line (24-7) First People’s House International Student Services Helping Individuals At Risk Peer Support Centre Sexual Assault Centre University Health Centre #UAlbertaCare Have a look at the quick resource guide for off-campus and telephone community supports available 24/7.

How Health Plans Work?

1

Get your Alberta Health Card for free to acess free Alberta's Heath Care. Student Union and GSA health plans are suplementary and optional for students.

2

When ever you get ill, either go to University Health Center (SUB 2nd Floor) or any medical clinic. You could also go to any hospital based on emergency. All tests and doctor visits are covered under Alberta Health Care so its free for you. You pay nothing to see a doctor!

Doctor will give you prescription.

Go to University Pharmacy (SUB ground floor) and you will get 3 discount if you have SU/GSA Health plans. If you have opted out of them, then just go anywhere and pay for the medicines.

Call 911 for life threatening emergency.

Call 811 to speak with a registered nurse for free and learn more about things covered in Alberta Health Care.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CENTER (ISC) The International Services Centre (ISC) is home to International Student Services, Education Abroad, Global Education and the Visiting Student programs.

International Student Services provides international students with the resources to help them adjust to life at UAlberta and in Canada.

International Student Services (ISS) plans services, events, and programming to help you accomplish your academic and personal goals.

Contact the ISS if you have any queries/questions on a variety of issues: -study permits and visa -financial support -health care and more They also offer support and strategies for coping with homesickness, adjusting to a new culture, building a community of friends, and relating with others.

To book an appointment with ISS for free, check out uab.ca/iadvise

GREGORY PREP STUDENT COUNCIL “The staff at ISC helped me with all the questions I had including things about my work permit and study permit. They are very patient and welcoming to all students.”

- Shenin

ACADEMIC RESOURCES The University of Alberta is equipped with the tools to support your academic journey.

This includes but is not limited to: On-Campus Libraries Online Library Academic Success Centre Decima Robinson Center U of A Bookstore Centre for Writers

Find more Information on the University of Alberta Academic Resources site.

UofA

LIBRARIES Tip If studying in a group is more of your preferred style

then you can book a study space at one of the libraries.

Libraries on campus

There are many libraries on campus that will provide you with the books you need for the majority of your classes.

Some of the biggest libraries include: - Cameron Library - Rutherford Library The online library website will show you all the libraries that are open this semester including the hours of availability.

U of A Online Library

The U of A has a comprehensive online library resource where you can find articles, ejournals, and course materials that you can use as sources for your classwork.

The website assists you with citations for the documents you require.

If you are looking for a book in a particular library and want to know if it is available to borrow then you can do so here.

"The top floor of DICE has the most amazing views for studying on campus" - Chanpreet

e n t re

d a c A

c c u e s ss c i c m e

The Academic Success Center (ASC) aims to help you be successful in your academic endeavours. ASC has a diverse staff with the necessary skills to help students in any academic field.

The Academics Success Centre hosts workshops to help students improve writing, study, and exam skills.

If there is something you are struggling with or, even if you are doing fine in your academic program, ASC staff can help you.

Visit their website for more info.

“They really helped me work on my English writing.” - Jewel

Check out symbolab to help with your math problems!

DECIMA ROBINSON CENTER The Decima Robinson center offers students one-on one drop-in help for Math and Statistics students.

These drop-in sessions are run by graduate students who interact with you and help you understand the content of your classes.

During exam periods they also provide exam study sessions with questions from previous exams. They provide weekly review seminars to keep you on track with studying.

UOFA BOOKSTORE

CENTRE FOR WRITERS

This is where you can find your textbooks or eBooks for the semester. There is one Bookstore located on North Campus and another on Augustana Campus. The store has a variety of U of A merchandise that you can purchase for yourself or for family members. Visit bookstore.ualberta.ca for more

The centre for writers offers free one-on-one writing support to all students at the U of A. This support applies to any subject, discipline or type of assignment.

You can find out more here about how to book an appointment or get feedback by visiting this link.

Financial Support OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR

All student financial support services can be found at Student Connect, the Office of the Registrar’s Student Service Centre. The office is currently working remotely and is responding to all emails within 6 to 8 business days.

To find out how to contact Student Connect and speak with an advisor, check out Contact Student Connect.

MORE SUPPORT

Bursaries and Emergency Funding The Office of the Registrar offers various forms of financial support designed to assist students experiencing financial shortfall for the current school year’s academic and basic living costs or a temporary unexpected financial emergency during the academic year.

Supplementary Bursary, Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) Emergency Bursary, Emergency Loan Check out which bursary you need and are eligible for before starting the application process. Visit the International Student Services website for more.

Check out ISA Website, isa.ualberta.ca/financial-resources We have some tips and tricks for you when you apply for Bursary!

Various Scholarship opportunities are available to international students which includes but are not limited to: Undergraduate Scholarships

Scholarships and awards are available for current UAlberta students continuing in their degree program, as well as for students entering the first year of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Law, or any after degree program.

Entrance Scholarships

General undergraduate scholarships, Athletic Scholarships, Countryspecific scholarships, Sponsored student scholarships Transfer Scholarships

There are a number of scholarships specifically for students transferring from another post-secondary institution.

Graduate Student Awards

Visist the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research page - Scholarships and Awards, Graduate Students’ Association Awards.

If you’re not sure what type of financial support you are seeking or are eligible for, contact Student Connect to speak to an advisor.

ACCESS FUND

The Students’ Union Access Fund provides assistance to undergraduate students who are either ineligible for student loans, have reached the maximum in their student loan amounts, or simply do not have access to sufficient funding.

Some other resources for financial aid: Scholarships Canada, Universities Canada, Government of Alberta Scholarships, and Bursaries.

Always keep a check on deadlines! The sooner you apply, the better it is

BEARS DEN

Bears Den is a platform for students to get involved in extracurricular activities. It is used by many student groups to organize several diverse events. Bears Den enables you to find and join new organizations, discover events happening on campus or in your area and record and showcase your involvement in activities and memberships on campus.

The access to Bears Den is available for every UAlberta student using your CCID.

UofA have over 13+ regional groups such as INDSA, CSSA, PHILSA, etc. Check out ISA Website to join the regional groups, isa.ualberta.ca/regional-groups

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY RECREATION Every UAlberta student is charged an Athletics and Recreation fee as part of their tuition. This gives students access to campus gyms and recreation facilities in the Van Vliet Complex. Though most recreation facilities were closed over the summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several of them are currently re-opening (or already have) in reduced capacity. The Wilson Climbing Centre, Hanson Fitness and Lifestyle Centre, and the West Pool are now open for drop-in activities by scheduled appointment only.

Other facilities and gyms spaces are scheduled to be open in the fall. Usual drop-in operations have been adjusted to comply with COVID-19 safety measures: • Drop-in use will require advance booking.

• ONEcards (or proof of facility fee payment) will be required.

• Book a drop-in time at one of the facilities.

For more information on ALL recreation facility re-opening plans and a complete list of the Campus Recreation Facilities available for BOOKED drop-ins visit here. Over the summer Campus & Community Recreation introduced live, online fitness, dance, and martial arts classes, and outdoor intramural sports leagues. These activities are expected to continue to be offered in the fall semester. Find Campus and Community recreation latest announcement and registration dates here.

ISAF PROPOSAL $6 per semester You can opt-out always, if you don't want to pay!

3 year renewal Time-period to vote on it again.

Voting This March you will get to vote on ISAF to provide financial support to your ISA for all its services, programs and events.

Get new ID Card

For lost items, please contact the administration staff.

Learn more at isa.ualberta.ca/isaf

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING WITH ME? IDEALLY 2,000 CAD CASH Students having GIC please note that it take few days to get first 2,000 CAD payment.

Many times foreign cards do not work in Canada so having cash is important.

On-Campus students can bring lower amount as your rent and deposit is already paid.

Things To-Do in Edmonton

GO TO A PARK

GET ICE CREAM

GO SKIING

GO CAMPING

TASTE OF EDMONTON

WALK ON A TRAIL

GO SHOPPING

GO ON A HIKE

GO DO KARAOKE

ESCAPE ROOM

GO TO A CONCERT

GO TO A FESTIVAL

"Explore the river valley and the trails and in Winter, doing all the "Winter activities" even if it's making a Snow Angel or Hot-Water Freezing!" - Harikrishna Rao Mohan Rao

THANK YOU

FOR READING! The information presented in this guide was compiled by the University of Alberta International Students’ Association. Please ensure to check the sources given as

information changes all the time.

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