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Welcome to Robertson 2024-2025

Table of Contents

CONTENTS Next Steps Letter of Acceptance - What’s next? Study Permit Approval Study Permit Refusal

1 2 2

Moving to Winnipeg, Manitoba Travel Preparation & Tips Weather Housing Family Needs

3-4 5 6 7

Financial Services and Identification Social Insurance Number (SIN) Drivers License Bank Account & Financial Advice Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

8 8 9 9

Living in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canadian Culture Tips for Managing Culture Shock Recreational Programs Explore Winnipeg - All Year Round Explore Winnipeg - Winter Phone Plans

10 10 10 11 12 13 - 14

Shopping Canadian Currency Tipping Sales Tax (GST & PST) Cost of Living Furniture and Clothing Grocery Stores Small Appliances, Household Goods, School Supplies

15 15 15 16 16 17 17

CONTENTS Safety Personal Safety 311 City Services 911 Emergency Reporting Non-emergency Police Line

18 18 19 19

Transportation PEGGO Card - Post-Secondary Student Bus Card Taxi Cabs or Uber Parking

20 21 21

Next Steps Letter of Acceptance (LOA) - What’s next?

Apply for your study permit

As soon you receive your Letter Of Acceptance (LOA), you should apply for your study permit at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Processing times for Study Permit applications vary depending on your citizenship and country of residency. The sooner you apply, the less stressful the wait will be. The Government of Canada website has an excellent resource for applying for a study permit.

If your program includes a work practicum or work experience component, you must also get a co-op work permit before you begin your practicum/work experience. Visit the Government of Canada webpage on how to apply for a coop work permit.

Submit Your Official Documentation to Robertson

After you receive your letter of acceptance, a student support specialist from the enrollment department will reach out to you to assist and guide you through your enrollment process, including the required submission of official documents.

Pay Your Tuition Fee

The tuition schedule and policy must be followed to ensure you have a spot in the program. A copy of your tuition payment schedule was sent to you with your letter of acceptance. 1

Next Steps Study Permit Refusal - What if your study permit is rejected? When a study permit application is refused, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC) provides a letter with the reasons for rejection. If you can change the circumstances listed as refusal reasons, you can reapply for a Study Permit using the same Letter of Acceptance. If you’ve decided not to re-apply for a study permit, email applications.winnipeg@robertsonglobal.ca with the rejection letter from IRCC. Our Admissions Team will follow up with you.

Study Permit Approval - What to do after your study permit is approved? Submit Your Study Permit Approval Letter to Robertson. A copy of the Study Permit/Study Permit Approval Letter must be submitted at least four weeks before the start of the program. Please submit it to the Student Support Team in Winnipeg via email: studentsupport.winnipeg@robertsonglobal.ca

Book Your Flight Early booking is recommended if you are certain you will receive a study permit. Last-minute bookings often have limited availability and are more expensive. If you are considering transferring through the USA, you are required to have a valid US visa.

Travel Insurance Your tuition includes emergency health care coverage through StudyInsured, This coverage begins on your first day of class and does not cover the time before this. We recommend purchasing health care coverage from a private insurance provider to ensure you have proper coverage before your start date.

Moving to Winnipeg Travel Tips Always have photo identification on hand. You will be asked for identification at several locations in the airport. Carry your acceptance letter, copy of payment receipts, and accommodation information with you. Be sure to have them ready and accessible. Leave gifts unwrapped. Sealed packages maybe opened by security personnel for inspection. It is best to wrap the gifts at your destination. Consult your airline for up-to-date flight information. The airport website is an excellent source of up-to-date information, with updates made directly by the airlines. The airlines have the most accurate information. If you’re not sure, call your airline. Ensure carry-on baggage is within your airline’s size limits. Most airlines have size restrictions outlined on their websites. Ensure you do not have any prohibited items in your carry-on baggage. See Transport Canada’s guidelines for carry-on baggage. Have your emergency contact number on hand. Sometimes flights are changed or canceled. If something happens to your flight and you need to contact the college, have your agent’s and college’s contact numbers with you.

Moving to Winnipeg

What to Expect upon Arrival at The Airport in Canada

Upon arrival at Winnipeg International Airport, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers may ask you some questions. Please answer the questions honestly and calmly as they try to gather more information to ensure your admissibility while supporting national security and public safety. They will direct you to the appropriate location to process your entry and obtain necessary permits. Make sure you have all the required documents ready.

Entering Canada at Winnipeg International Airport

After arriving at YWG, you must go through Canada Customs before being granted entry into Canada. To expedite your customs processing, consider downloading the ArriveCan App in advance to save time at the border. Refer to the Passport Control section of the Winnipeg International Airport website for detailed information.

Transportation Options from Winnipeg International Airport

A variety of transportation options are available at the airport. For a list of services, please visit the Transportation page.

Free Wi-Fi & Additional Information

Free public WIFI is available throughout the terminal. No password is required. Familiarize yourself with the Terminal Map to locate important facilities. For more information, please refer to the Service section.

Weather MovingWinnipeg to Winnipeg - Weather

Spring – March to May

Summer – June to August

Spring is when snow begins to melt, and it

Daytime temperatures are usually above

gets warmer. Days become longer and

20°C and can reach 30°C or higher in July.

temperatures milder, but nights are still

Mosquitoes, ticks, and flies are expected at

cool. Plants begin to grow in the spring.

this time of year. You should wear insect

Trees start to grow leaves again in April or

repellent if you are going to be outside. It is

May. You will need a warm coat and

also wise to wear a hat and use sunscreen

possibly a hat, mittens and boots in the

to prevent sunburn.

spring.

Fall – September to November

Winter – December to February

Temperatures can change quickly

Temperatures are typically between -10°C to

throughout the day, but average around

-30°C. On the coldest days, temperatures can

20°C in September to 5°C in November.

drop below -40°C and can cause frostbite

You may need a coat, mittens, hat, and

rapidly. We recommend that you are

boots first thing in the morning but only a

prepared to buy specialized winter clothing

light jacket later in the day. Please note

after your arrival. Quality winter gear,

that snow is expected in late October or

including insulated coats and boots can cost

early November.

on average from $200 to $700, so be sure to include this in your budget.

Housing- Housing Moving to Winnipeg Please ensure you have made arrangements for accommodations at least six weeks in advance of your arrival in Canada.

Homestay Robertson is partnered with Canada Homestay Network (CHN), a non-profit organization, to help our students find accommodation. Homestays are carefully chosen families that offer furnished accommodations and meals to international students in a caring and supportive home environment. Their personalized approach to homestay can help you feel at home and supported as you become settled into your new surroundings. For more information, please visit Canada Homestay Network.

Private Accommodations Private accommodations such as an apartment, a house, or a room rental may be available. Start your search with Vida Living, Kijiji, or RentCanada.

Temporary Accommodations If you are unable to access your long-term accommodation when you arrive, there are a number of options available for temporary accommodation (hotels, bed and breakfasts, etc.). Visit Travel Manitoba’s Where to Stay webpage or Airbnb.

Winnipeg Neighborhoods Finding the right neighborhood in Winnipeg for your lifestyle is easy. If you aren’t sure where to begin, take a look at this map for some of the areas to live in Winnipeg: Winnipeg Neighborhoods. Some of the neighborhoods we recommend are: St. Boniface, St. Vital, South End, East Kildonan, and Fort Rouge.

Housing Moving to Winnipeg - Family Needs

Childcare If you move to Canada and have a child or children in your care, you will need to find a school, childcare service or babysitter for the time you are not at home. Childcare centers often have wait times of up to two years, so it is important to make arrangements as soon as possible. Manitoba is committed to the well-being of children and their families by supporting the provision of quality, licensed, play-based early learning and child care (ELCC) programs for children from 12 weeks to 12 years of age. Start your search for licensed child care providers on the Government of Manitoba’s Child Care Online website, and register your child for waitlists on the Online Child Care Registry.

Daycare Centres and Schools Daycare centres and Schools for children - Students with dependents must look for a daycare centre or a school for the kids. List of licensed childcare is available at gov.mb.ca/daycare For the school-aged kids, contact one of the following school divisions to enroll the kids on a school, depending on where you reside in Winnipeg: Winnipeg School Division St. James-Assiniboia School Division River East Transcona School Division Louis Riel School Division Manitoba National School Division Pembina Trails School Division 7 Oaks School Division

Financial Services and Identification

Social Insurance Number (SIN) For international students or foreign nationals to work in Canada, they need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a work permit. Visit one of the Service Canada Centres with a passport, study permit/work permit that states you “may accept employment” or “may work” in Canada.

Driver’s License & ID Cards A new resident in Manitoba can drive a passenger vehicle with a valid license for up to three months; after that, a valid class 5F license is required. Those who have never held a driver’s license must complete Manitoba’s successfully Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program. In order to apply for a Manitoba license, visit any Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre with the following documents: ID – passport, study permit/work permit/visitor visa Two (2) documents of proof of residency in Manitoba – utility bills, cell phone bills, residential lease contract, or a bank statement Valid out-of-province driver's license $65 annual license fee More information is available at here.

Financial Services and Identification

Bank Account & Financial Advice Students should open a bank account as soon as they arrive in Canada. Carrying large sums of money or leaving them in your home is unsafe. To open a bank account, students should call or visit a bank that is a convenient distance from their home and book an appointment. Be sure to ask what documents are required. Some documents that may be required include a Passport, Letter of acceptance, Study permit, Canadian driver's license, Proof of address (bills or rental agreement/contract), Traveler’s cheque, or Cash to deposit. Chequing Account - useful for everyday financial transactions and purchases Saving Account - a safe place to store money, and it accumulates more interest Debit Card - allows bank customers to spend money by drawing on funds they have deposited at the bank Credit Card - allows consumers to borrow money from the card issuer up to a certain limit to purchase items or withdraw cash Canada’s major banks include: Bank of Montreal (BMO) Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) HSBC Canada Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Scotiabank TD Canada Trust

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) All individuals earning income in Canada must file a personal tax return, regardless of their age. Essentially, all that is needed to complete an income tax return is a social insurance number. It can be done online after creating an account on the CRA website at www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html More information is available at www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/doing-yourtaxes.html

Living in Winnipeg - Canadian Culture

Canadian Culture Canada’s multiculturalism is our identity. More than one in five Canadians are foreign-born, and two in five Canadian children have an immigrant background. Canada is the first country in the world to affirm multiculturalism as a fundamental value. We value people of all cultures, ages, religions, abilities, and talents.

Tips for Managing Culture Shock Ask questions if you are unsure of something. Get involved in Winnipeg group events, sports, or other activities. Try new experiences and be open to new ideas. Talk to other international students about their life in Canada. Remember that everyone adapts to life in a new country at their own pace. Take the time to adapt to your new life in Canada.

Recreational Programs Winnipeg is a city dedicated to promoting a vibrant and healthy lifestyle for its residents. Whether you're interested in skating, swimming, or other recreational pursuits, Winnipeg's inclusive programs offer the perfect opportunity to build connections and enrich your experience in this thriving community. Discover the exciting range of recreation programs available at the City of Winnipeg and begin your adventure today! Check out some of them that are available to you here: Recreation programs | City of Winnipeg

Explore Winnipeg - All Year Round

Red River Ex - Work your way through the rides of the world's largest travelling carnival. Discover wacky deep-fried creations, see cute farm animals, and relax to live music. Assiniboine Park - Visit the zoo and watch polar bears though underwater viewing tunnels, or relax and sit back to enjoy concerts and outdoor movies and theater performances. Museums - Winnipeg is home to many fascinating and educational museums. Start exploring Canada’s rich history by visiting the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Manitoba Museum and Planetarium to learn about natural history and science, or explore the aircraft exhibits at the Royal Aviation Museum. Winnipeg Art Gallery - The WAG is one of Canada's leading art museums, with the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art. The Winnipeg Art Gallery has been praised by The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, and countless design and art publications! TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival - Take in the live music of grammy-winning music at the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. Assiniboia Downs - Feel the thunder of hooves when you take part in the thrill of live horse racing! Assiniboia Downs hosts live horse races and many other events and festivals throughout the year, including Canada Day Celebrations and night markets.

Explore Winnipeg - Winter

Snow Maze - If you love making your way through the fall corn mazes, you’ll love this: The world’s largest snow maze. This record-breaking snow structure includes unique surprises for visitors, as well as live entertainment and food and drink served on snow and ice tables. Ice Skating - The Forks in Winnipeg is proud to be home to the world's longest natural outdoor rink. Rent some ice skates on site and go gliding on the frozen river before exploring the vibrant indoor market. Dog Sledding - Harness Adventure Mushing Co. offers a unique way to spend some time outdoors during our snowy season. Go on a fun new adventure and try out dog sledding! Festival du Voyageur - Celebrate Winnipeg's francophone and indigenous history at the Festival du Voyageur at Fort Gibraltar. You can enjoy French-Canadian food, meet historical characters, and admire breathtaking ice sculptures at this popular winter festival. The Leaf - If you need a break from all the ice and cold, visit The Leaf at Assiniboine Park. With four distinct horticultural biomes, an indoor waterfall, and koi pond, this attraction is a green oasis in the white Manitoba winter landscape.

Phone Plans Living in Winnipeg - Phone Plans

There are many other phone providers in Winnipeg that provide cell phones and plans so you can stay connected with friends, family, and Robertson. Many of these also offer internet plans, home phone plans, and entertainment bundles. Below is a list of popular and reliable providers: Fido | $-$$ Virgin Mobile | $-$$ Rogers | $$-$$$

Telus | $$-$$$ Bell | $$-$$$

Phone Plans Living in Winnipeg - Phone Plans

Phonebox PhoneBox is a phone provider that offers plans with unlimited Canada-wide calling and international messaging to international students before arriving in Canada. You can have a SIM card shipped to you, or apply for an eSIM card if you have a compatible device, at no cost! Their customer support team is available 24/7 in 11 languages to quickly resolve any issues or questions you may have. You can click here to find out more.

*All plans and promotions are subject to change at any time. *All plans are subject to applicable taxes.

Explore Winnipeg - Currency, Tipping, and Sales Tax

Canadian Currency Canada’s currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). It’s available in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 paper notes. Canadian coins circulate as 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter), CAD 1 (loonie), and CAD 2 (toonie).

Tipping In Canada, people tip service providers such as bartenders, waiters, hairdressers, concierges, spa service providers, and taxi drivers. A tip is a sign of appreciation for the service you receive. It’s not included in your bill. Generally, tips range from 10 to 20 percent of your total bill.

Sales Tax In Canada, a 5% tax called GST is added to the price of non-essential goods you purchase. Each province adds an additional tax, called PST or RST, which is 5% in Manitoba. This means that the amount you pay for goods in Manitoba will be 12% higher than the amount on the price tag.

Living in Winnipeg Shopping Shopping- & Groceries & Groceries

Cost of Living in Winnipeg The cost of living in Winnipeg is significantly lower than in most other major cities in Canada. As you get settled in Winnipeg, you can use the list of businesses below to help you find essential items for your transition to living here. You’ll be able to find a reasonable option for household items, food, and clothing. Below are the links to some stores websites where you can find more information:

Furniture and Clothing Ikea | $-$$$ Ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances, and home accessories, among other goods and home services. Winners | $-$$ You can find clothes and small household items with discounts on many brand-name products sold at lower prices. St. Vital Centre | $$-$$$ A shopping mall. Includes stores such as Marshalls / HomeSense, Dynamite, Sephora, The Source, and many more. Polo Park | $$-$$$ The biggest shopping centre in Manitoba. Include hundreds of brand-name stores, restaurants and entertainment. The Brick | $-$$ You can find a wide selection of furniture, appliances, electronics, and home decor to suit your needs and style. Explore their vast inventory for great deals.

Living in Winnipeg Shopping & Groceries Explore Winnipeg -- Shopping & Groceries

Grocery Stores Explore a variety of grocery stores in Winnipeg, offering an abundance of fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and baked goods. Stock up on canned and frozen items for convenience, and discover prepared foods to suit your busy student life. Don't miss the international aisles that feature a delightful selection of ethnic food items. Additionally, some stores provide delivery services for your convenience. Enjoy a diverse and fulfilling shopping experience to meet all your culinary needs. Superstore | $-$$ Walmart | $-$$

Sobeys | $$ Save on Foods | $$

FreshCo | $$ Safeway | $$$

Small Appliances, Household Goods, School Supplies Every household item, from school and office supplies to essential necessities, can be found at the stores listed below. Explore their wide selection and discover everything you need to make your home and daily life more comfortable and efficient. Dollarama | $ Staples| $$$

Walmart | $ Dollar Tree | $

Canadian Tire | $$ Home Depot | $$

Explore Winnipeg - Safety

Personal safety and care of valuables At the bus stop, stand close to the shelter entrance so that you can come out in case you feel unsafe when someone comes in. Travel safely on buses, trains, and taxis. Know your bus route and schedule before you leave. Do not hitchhike. When you come across panhandlers (someone who asks people for money in a public place) on the street, politely say “No, thank you” and keep walking. Be cautious toward strangers, just as you would anywhere. Make a copy of important documents, such as your passport and credit/debit card, and keep it somewhere safe at home. DO NOT CARRY large sums of money. Cheques are mostly used for large amounts, such as tuition fees, rent, and bill payments. Your bank can issue personalised cheques when you open an account.

311 City Services Call 311 or email 311@winnipeg.ca when you have a: Request for information (such as permit processing, animal control, building inspections, traffic/parking issues, hours of operation of civic offices and facilities (such as pools and libraries), assessment and taxation, and transit schedules). Concerns (such as parking tickets, property condition, street maintenance, snow clearing, potholes, and noise complaints). Request to register for city programs (e.g. Leisure Guide) More information is available at winnipeg.ca/interhom/311Online/contact311

Explore Winnipeg - Safety 911 Emergency Reporting 911 is the emergency telephone number for North America. Call 911 for any crime in progress (break & enter, robbery, etc.), any situation where people or property are at risk (fire, children on the ice, etc.), or any medical emergency (heart attack, accidental poisoning, etc.)

When dialing 9-1-1 Stay on the line, stay calm, and explain the emergency and the full address where the emergency is occurring. The address and telephone number from which you are calling are automatically displayed to the operator (unless you are calling from a cell phone). Through appropriate questioning, the 9-1-1 operator will determine what you are reporting and then transfer you to the appropriate Emergency Service (Police, Fire, or Paramedics). Let the operator control the conversation and stay on the line until you are told to hang up. On rare occasions, you may get a recorded message when dialing the 9-1-1 emergency line. Do not hang up. Your call will be answered as soon as an operator is available. If you are unsure if something is happening is an emergency, dial 9-1-1 and report what is happening to the operator. If they decide it is not an emergency, they will ask you to hang up and call the non-emergency telephone number. More information is available at www.winnipeg.ca/police

Non-emergency Police Line If you are reporting something to the police that is not an emergency (listed above), dial the Police Non-Emergency telephone number, 204-986-6222. This can include circumstances that you feel are suspicious or crimes that have occurred, and the offender has left and is not returning. You may be asked to visit a police service centre.

Explore Winnipeg - Transportation

Post-Secondary Student Bus Card Students who take the bus can use a Peggo Card, which can be used for weekly or monthly bus passes or loaded and used for individual fare rides. As postsecondary students, students of Robertson College receive the card and fares at a discount. The Peggo card has a one-time fee of $5 and is available at the Robertson reception desk. Students need to load their card after it has been purchased and activated. Students can load their cards online by calling 311 or specific retail agents. If the card is lost/defective, students can visit reception to request a replacement. For more information about bus passes and tickets, please visit Winnipeg Transit Website. You should register a Peggo card online because if an unregistered Peggo card is lost, any fares left on the card cannot be retrieved. If a registered Peggo card is lost, the owner of the card would be able to recover the remaining value from the card. Follow this link to ﬁnd out how to register your Peggo card online. Bus schedules are available on the Navigo (Winnipeg Transit) website or through different apps on your smart phone.

Explore Winnipeg - Transportation Taxi Cabs or Uber Taxi cabs and Ubers are available in Winnipeg. You can download the app or find information on their websites.

Taxi Operator

Phone Number

URL

Unicity

(204) 925-3131

https://www.unicitytaxi.mb.ca/

Duffy’s

(204) 925-0101

http://www.duffystaxi.com/

Uber

N/A

https://www.uber.com/ca/en/

Parking Students who drive to school can purchase hourly, daily, or monthly parking on the street or in parking lots. You can use any of the listed apps to pay for parking within the campus area.

180 Main Street Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada robertsonglobal.ca 12. Robertson International Student Handbook