College 101: Your Guide to Basic Needs and Life Skills

College 101 Your Guide to Basic Needs and Life Skills

College 101 Table of Contents 1. How to Travel on Public Transportation 2. How to Apply Student Discount to PRESTO Cards 3. Pedestrian Safety 4. Bike Safety 5. Banking in Canada 6. Opening a Bank Account 7. How to Manage Your Money 8. How to be Thrifty 9. Services you can get at a low or no cost 10. Student Perks 11. Internet & Cellphone Providers 12. Internet & Cellphone Plans 13. Email Scams 14. What to Eat 15. How to Meal Plan & Grocery Shop 16. How to Save Money on Grocery Shopping 17. More Ways to Save Money on Grocery Shopping

5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23

18. Ethnic Grocery Stores in Brampton 19. Ethnic Grocery Stores in Mississauga 20. Ethnic Grocery Stores in Oakville 21. Personal Hygiene 22. Improving Your Physical Wellness 23. How to Expand Your Network 24. Healthy and Unhealthy Relationship 25. Sexual Consent Checklist 26. Sexual Health 27. Safe Party Practices 28. Drugs and Alcohol 29. What to do When You are Sick 30. What Can Impact Your Mental Health 31. Mental Health Supports at Sheridan 32. How to Sleep 33. How to Dress for Winter in Canada 34. Where to Buy Inexpensive Winter Clothes

24 25 26 28 29 31 32 33 34 36 37 39 40 41 43 45 46

College 101

Transportation

Student Affairs

College 101: How to Travel on Public Transportation Sheridan College

Transit App & PRESTO

Download the Transit App to get real-time schedules information and to plan your trip for all the services such as MiWay, BT etc. Buy a PRESTO Card to receive student discount on public transportation.

Mississauga Transit (MiWay) MiWay is the public transportation that operates within Mississauga. MiWay has two types of bus routes: MiLocal (local busses that make frequent stops, and MiExpress (express buses). MiWay also offers connections to other parts of GTA like Brampton and Toronto. Sheridan’s HMC Campus is located in Mississauga.

Transit App & PRESTO Go Transit is a regional transit system that operates within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Go Transit has two modes of transportation: Go Trains and Go Buses.

Oakville Transit Oakville Transit operates public buses in the City of Oakville. Sheridan’s Trafalgar Campus is located in Oakville.

Brampton Transit (BT) BT is the public transport bus that operates in the City of Brampton. BT also offers connections to other parts of the GTA like Mississauga.

Sheridan’s Davis Campus is located in Brampton.

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

TTC is public transport that operates buses, subway and streetcars in Toronto and York Region. TTC also offers connections to other parts of the GTA like Mississauga.

College 101: How to Apply Student Discount to PRESTO Cards Before you begin your journey, you should get a PRESTO Card which eliminates need for physical tickets, pass or cash. As a post-secondary student, you get a student discount on all modes of public transportation. Follow the steps below to receive Student Discount on public transportation. For more information, click here.

01

02

Get your ONE Card Sheridan Student ID.

Buy a PRESTO card for $6 online or inperson at Shoppers Drug Mart or Bus Stations

03 Activate your PRESTO card if you bought it online.

04

05

To receive a full-time student discount, take your PRESTO Card & your ONE Card to a GO Station Attendant or visit a Customer Service Outlet.

Create an account to load funds and to review your card activity

College 101: Pedestrian Safety Being mindful as a pedestrian is essential to keep yourself and others safe when walking around in the community.

Pedestrian Signals Pay attention to pedestrian signals which indicate when it is safe to cross the road.

Be Seen Follow pedestrians’ safety signals; and be aware of your surroundings.

Stop, Look, & Listen Even if the pedestrian sign signals you to go, always stop, look and listen before you begin to cross the road.

Avoid Distractions Avoid texting, talking on your phone, and wearing headphones when walking and crossing the street.

No Jaywalking Do not jaywalk; cross at pedestrian crossings only.

Be noticable After dark, it’s difficult for drivers to see people in dark clothing. Wear brighter clothes at night and or a reflective material jacket.

College 101: Bike Safety

Simple Steps to Bicycle Safety Make your safety a priority.

Protect Your Head

Be Seen

80% of fatal collisions are due to head injuries. Wearing a helmet reduces head injuries. Did you know helmets are good for ~5 years or 1 crash?

Riders are safest when others can see them. Ensure you wear bright colours and have lights on when riding around sunset/sunrise/dark.

Obey Traffic Rules

Be Predictable

Bicycles are considered vehicles & must follow traffic rules. Communication between users of the road is important to keep everyone alert & safe.

It is vital that other users of the road know your intentions. Ride in a straight line to be predictable. Use your hands to signal left, right, stop/slowing.

See

Lifesaving Shoulder Check

Look ahead to anticipate road conditions

Check your surroundings by tilting your

especially at intersections. Eye contact with other users of the road will help you

chin to look over your left shoulder. Make sure you continue to ride straight.

predict their movements.

Practice to avoid swerving into traffic.

College 101

Your Finances

Student Affairs

College 101: Banking in Canada The banking system in Canada is divided into a two-tier system. Each bank offers student accounts and their own perks. Choose a bank that’s the most convenient for you.

Tier One: Consists of Canada’s 5 largest banks, often referred to as “The Big Five.”

Tier Two: Smaller banks that often only have a few physical locations.

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)

National Bank of Canada

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)

HSBC Bank Canada

Bank of Montreal (BMO)

Tangerine

Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)

Canadian Western Bank

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)

Equitable Bank

College 101: Opening a Bank Account Banks are a safe place to keep your money. You will need a bank account to make payments, pay for tuition and to safeguard your money.

Open Your Bank Account Tell the bank you're a student: Student accounts usually have low or no fees. Check out this post to learn more.

Bring your ID: Domestic students need any 2 pieces of government issued ID. International students need passport and Sheridan Enrollment Letter. Learn more about opening an account.

Chequing Account: This type of account is used for everyday banking and to pay bills.

Talk with your bank to determine the features of your chequing account.

Savings Account This type of account is used to put money away for the future, not for day-to-day expenses.

Talk to your bank to determine which savings account is right for you.

Managing Money

College 101: How to Manage Your Money Create a Budget

Apply for Awards

Be aware of your incoming funds, and your expenses. Check out this video for more tips.

Apply for awards, scholarships and bursaries by filling out the General Online Awards Application.

Track Payment Deadlines

Open a Bank Account

Be aware of when and how much is due for your tuition fees and other bills. This will help you plan better and avoid missing deadlines.

Setting up your own bank account provides you with services and flexibility to access your money in Canada. To learn more about how to open a Student Bank Account, check out this post.

Connect for Support

Be Aware of Scams

The Financial Aid and Awards Office can assist you with any questions you have about your finances or financial aid. Email at fin.aid@sheridancollege.ca.

Be careful when sharing your personal and financial information, especially if doing so over the phone or computer. If in doubt, ask us.

For more information, check out this post on Financial Wellness.

College 101: How to be Thrifty Life is expensive. Here are some ways you can save money.

Rent or Borrow Textbooks Renting textbooks online can be more affordable Buy or borrow a textbook from a student who took the course already.

Online Options Amazon Warehouse Deals Online marketplaces like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace Buy Nothing groups are online communities where people offer items they no longer use for free

Always use precaution when buying or collecting an item from someone you’ve met online.

Check out the advice from Peel Police and Halton Regional Police.

Buy Secondhand Secondhand can be a great option to buy clothes, kitchen items or home goods at a low cost.

Popular thrift stores include: Value Village Goodwill Talize Habitat ReStore

Campus Resources The Mission Zero Freeuse Pop up Shop lets you “shop” for free goods others have donated The Dress for Success program offers free clothing If you’re experiencing food insecurity, check out the SSU’s Food First program Find where you can get free menstruation products on campus

College 101: Services you can get at low or no cost Sheridan students have exclusive access to services at a low cost or for FREE! Price as of October 2023

Average Price Off-Campus

Starting at $7/week

$15/day

Career Counselling

FREE

$150/session

Counselling

FREE

$150/hour

Gym Membership

FREE*

$20/month

Immigration Advising

FREE

$250 - $750

Interview Preparation

FREE

$150

Legal Advice

FREE

Starting at $90/hour

Resume and Cover Letter help

FREE

$175

Study Permit extensions

FREE

$500

Tax Services

FREE

$70

Tutoring

FREE

$50/hour

Service Bike Rental

Cost at Sheridan

Prices do not include tax

If there is a service you need, see if it’s offered at Sheridan first! *Free for full-time students.

May have a cost for part-time students.

College 101: Student Perks

Student Discount Programs SPC Exclusive student deals and discounts for $11.99/year!

UNiDAYS Free membership to exclusive offers.

Transit Discount PRESTO Full-time post-Secondary students can save 40%* with PRESTO on GO. Air Canada Student Flight Pass Pre-paid bundle of one-way trip credits with the Student Flight Pass.

Computers & Electronics Apple Education Pricing.

Microsoft Education Store.

Subscriptions Amazon Prime After your 6-month free trial, pay only $4.99/month.

Spotify After your 1-month free trial, pay only $5.99/month.

Sheridan Onecard Follow Onecard on Instagram and Facebook to learn about exclusive discounts and promotional events for the Sheridan community.

SSU Perk Partners Primus Save up to 30% on unlimited Internet plans.

Hello Fresh Get easy-to-prepare meals delivered right to your door.

Full Perk Partners on SSU website!

College 101: Internet & Cellphone Providers Common service providers in Ontario.

Internet Provider

Cellphone Provider Afforable ($)

Standard ($$)

Premium ($$$)

College 101: Internet & Cellphone Plans Canada has some of the most expensive internet and data plans.

Choose the plan that’s right for your budget.

CHOOSING AN INTERNET PLAN

CHOOSING A CELLPHONE PLAN

Consider how many people will be using it Know how will you use it (web-browsing, streaming, gaming, etc.)

Check who offers service for your address Learn more.

Know your call and texting needs Consider how much data you will need Check the provider’s coverage map Learn more.

WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

AVOID ADDITIONAL CHARGES

Student discount offers

Read and understand your plan

Providers with both internet and cellphone plans may have deals if you bundle (buy both)

Data overage charges are very expensive! Use wifi instead of cellphone data whenever possible

If you already have a cellphone, you may save money by using that and just getting a SIM card instead of buying a new phone.

Use your home and campus wifi Set data limits in your phone settings Use alternative services for international calls

College 101: Email Scams Cyber criminals use phishing emails and fake websites to fool people into giving them personal information or to click malicious links. Learn how to spot an email scam and to protect yourself.

Mismatched and misleading information

Use of urgent or threatening language

Promises of attractive rewards

Request for confidential information

Unexpected emails

Suspicious attachments If you have questions or concerns contact Sheridan IT.

College 101

Grocery Shopping

Student Affairs

College 101:

What to Eat

Check out our College 101 Video: Healthy Eating

For recipes and tips, check out Canada’s Food Guide Fruits & Vegetables

Food that is Safe to Eat

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is the way to go. Fresh and frozen are both good options.

Preparing, cooking and storing food properly helps to avoid food poisoning.

Drink Water First

Protein and Fat

Make water your drink of choice. It’s free, hydrating, and will help you to think more clearly.

Including lean or plant-based proteins, and unsaturated fats in each meal and snack will help keep you energized and full longer.

Comfort Food

Home Cooked Food

If you are feeling homesick, eating foods and recipes that you like can help give you comfort. Asking friends and family for their virtual help with cooking these dishes can help you feel more connected to home.

Avoiding processed, store-bought or takeout food can save you money. Home-cooked meals can be much healthier as they are often lower in sodium and saturated fats.

If you need support in accessing food, The SSU Food First program can help

College 101: How to Meal Plan & Grocery Shop For more tips, check out the nutrition section of “How do I take better care of myself"

Find Recipes You Like Finding recipes that you enjoy cooking and eating is key in planning meals that you will look forward to preparing and eating. Ask friends and family members for suggestions.

Get Organized

Create a Shopping List

Get Shopping

Go shopping with a list of what you need to make your meals for the week on a budget. Apps can help you get organized and provide you with ideas.

Get Prepping Get Cooking

Get the Basics Look for staple foods (fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, grains, legumes and milk products) that you will use for multiple meals or recipes. Sale items and generic brands are good options for saving money.

Cook in Large Batches Making a large batch of a recipe and then freezing or portioning into smaller meals is a great way to eat healthily and save money. It also takes the work out of meal prepping because you are only cooking once.

College 101: How to Save Money on Grocery Shopping

Make a Shopping List & Stick to it

Buy Food You Can Use in Multiple Meals

Price Match

Reward Programs

Making a list before hand is one of the simplest ways to save money.

Often, we end up buying things we don’t need, only to have them go to waste later. Make a list according to your needs before you go to the grocery stores and stick to it. ​

Staples like rice, beans, pasta and flour as well as flavor boosters like garlic and ginger can be used to cook multiple meals. These ingredient lists can help you make a variety of recipes and stretch your dollar. ​

Some stores that price match will reduce their price of product to match the lower advertised price from another store. Just show them a digital copy on your phone at check out. Use the Flipp App to find deals.​

Sign up for free rewards that are available at most grocery chains such as Save-On Foods, or PC Optimum card, which modifies deals according to your purchase.​

College 101: More Ways to Save Money on Grocery Shopping

The Lower Shelves

Affordable Store Options

Student Discounts

Farmer’s Market

Did you know your best saving deals are hiding at the bottom shelves? Shelves that are at the eye level are prime real estate, so companies pay to have their products displayed at those shelves. Just look a little lower to find great deals.​

Not all grocery stores charge the same amount for the same product. These stores tend to have lower prices: No Frills FreshCo Giant Tiger Food Basics Walmart Real Canadian Superstore

Some stores offer student discounts on specific days.

For example, at Bulk Barn students are eligible for a 15% discount every Wednesday! Student ID required.

Tips to save money shopping at a Farmer’s Market: Go near closing time Get a quantity deal if you buy in bulk Buy seasonal produce Local Farmer’s Markets Dorval Crossing Civitan Farmer’s Market Brampton Farmers' Market Lakeview Farmers' Market

College 101: Ethnic Grocery Stores Davis Campus - Brampton Indian Grocery

Middle Eastern Grocery

East Asian/Pan-Asian Grocery

Latin Grocery

Subzi Mandi McLaughlin & RayLawson Indian Punjabi Bazaar Inc

Fresh Win Foodmart Oceans Fresh Food Market

African Grocery

Naomi African Food Market Folak African Foods

Shukran Halaal Meat Kabul Farm Supermarket

La Favorito Market Kabul Farm Supermarket

College 101: Ethnic Grocery Stores HMC Campus - Mississauga Indian Grocery

Middle Eastern Grocery

East Asian/Pan-Asian Grocery

Latin Grocery

Mr. India Grocers India Town Supermarket

T&T Supermarket Yuan Ming Supermarket

African Grocery

African Caribbean Grocery Naomi African Food Market

Adonis Alnejmah Fine Foods

Fiesta Wholesale Inc Rincon De Espana Inc

College 101: Ethnic Grocery Stores Trafalgar Campus - Oakville Indian Grocery

Middle Eastern Grocery

East Asian/Pan-Asian Grocery

Latin Grocery

East Indian Supermarket Lakshmi Stores Inc

Famijoy Supermarket Galleria Supermarket

African Grocery

Dominion Foods: African, Caribbean and Tropical Foods Inc Kaf African Caribbean Market Inc

Freshway Market Freshway Market Plus

Nostalgia Latin Market Rincon De Espana Inc

College 101

Personal Wellness

Student Affairs

College 101: Personal Hygiene Personal hygiene is how you care for your body. This practice includes bathing, washing your hands, brushing your teeth, and more.

Wash Your Hands with Soap

Shower Daily

Avoid Bad Breath

Wash Your Clothes

It is very important to wash your hands with soap and not just water after using the toilet every time! Washing your hands with just water does nothing for the germs and bacteria.

It’s not just armpits that get sweaty! Bad odour can be caused by smelly feet and even a sweaty scalp. Shower regularly to keep smelling fresh.

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily will not only keep your breath fresh but will decrease your visits to the dentist as well!

It's important to wash your clothes when you have spent a day in them. We often cannot smell ourselves however, our sweat lingers on our clothes. If you want to smell pleasant, do your laundry weekly including, washing your towels and bedding.

Keep Sweat and Smell in Check When humans sweat, they smell.

Perfume/cologne is not a replacement for deodorant and showering. Stay fresh by using deodorant daily.

Don’t Overdo Scents Going overboard with deodorant and perfumes can cause others around you to feel overwhelmed due to scent sensitives. So, go easy on the scents.

College 101: Improving Your Physical Wellness Physical wellness consists of recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep, as well as preventing illness and injury or managing chronic health conditions.

Get Enough Sleep

Move Your Body

By not maintaining a good 7-8 hours of sleep, our bodies cannot function to our greatest ability physically or mentally. If you need help getting back on schedule, check out the College 101 How to Sleep.

Keep your body moving with activities you enjoy for at least 150 minutes a week and 10 minutes at any time. Take advantage of the gym facilities and programs offered by Sheridan Bruins Athletics.

Avoid Liquid Calories

Manage Your Stress Stress increases health concerns and decreases productivity. Although stress is normal, living with it constantly should not be. Explore Mental Health Supports.

What you drink matters! Ditch sugary drinks like pop, and hydrate yourself by making water your drink of choice.

Focus on Nutrition It is important to fuel your body with nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to have a well-balanced diet to aid in better health. Explore: How to Eat Healthy and How to Meal Plan & Grocery Shop

Student Affairs

Relationships

College 101: How to Expand Your Network Ways to build social connections on campus.

Student Leadership Explore Sheridan’s many leadership opportunities to build your leadership capabilities and get involved in Sheridan's community!

Student Union Attend SSU events to meet other students and add to your sense of involvement on campus!

On-Campus Jobs Apply for on-campus jobs to learn more about your campus and make useful contacts!

Volunteering Volunteer to grow your social network and establish a sense of achievement! Feel prepared by reviewing Sheridan Library Guides.

Athletics Stay active and make new friends through Sheridan Athletics!

Sheridan Social Media Follow Sheridan’s social media pages to stay connected and informed about events and opportunities on campus!

College 101: Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships There are many different types of relationships such as your relationship with yourself, friends, family, and coworkers.

However, all relationships should be respectful of one another and have healthy boundaries.

Healthy Signs

Unhealthy Signs

Respecting each other's boundaries.

Teasing or making fun

Engaging in ongoing healthy communication.

Controlling an individual i.e. deciding who they see, what they wear, or what they buy

Able to express themselves in a respectful way

Pressuring an individual to engage in uncomfortable behaviors

Being cooperative and understanding to each other

Handling disagreements with silence or pressure

College 101: Sexual Consent Checklist Consent IS

Consent IS NOT

A clear verbal statement of "Yes".

An absence of "No"

Willingly and enthusiastically given by the person you want to engage with.

Valid when someone is sober/unimpaired.

Only good for the activity for which you receive it.

SEXUAL CONTACT WITHOUT CONSENT IS CALLED SEXUAL ASSAULT.

Silence Based on body language or clothing choice Flirting Given out of fear or pressure

Able to be withdrawn or can change at any

Given on someone else's behalf

time.

Given under the influence of drugs

Essential to get every time you engage in

/alcohol

sexual activity.

Sexy and shows your confidence.

Key in ensuring that everyone feels cared for and enjoys the activity.

Specific: Saying yes to one thing (kissing) doesn't mean it's a yes to other activities (like sex).

CLICK HERE TO KNOW HOW TO REPORT A SEXUAL ASSAULT

Transferable or "good for" future encounters Based on previous behaviour Automatic because you are in a relationship.

Assumed

College 101: Sexual Health Sexual health isn't just about preventing sexually transmitted infections.

It's about being aware of your body, and your overall health.

Sexual Health

Sexual Violence

Involves taking care of your health, and the health of your sex partner(s).

Any form of non-consensual behavior to force or manipulate someone into unwanted sexual activity, including rape, sexual assault and harassment.

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) An infection is passed from one person to another through sex or intimate contact.

Pregnancy Pregnancy can be prevented and managed safely using contraceptives. Talk to your doctor about which contraceptive is right for you.

Student Affairs

Partying

College 101: Safe Party Practices

Plan Ahead Know when and how you'll get home Set a limit on what you plan to consume Surround yourself with people you trust Eat and drink water before and during

If Using Alcohol Only bring/buy what you plan to drink Pour your own drinks so you know how much alcohol is in it Keep your drink with you

Peer pressure can make it harder to make the right decision for yourself.

Stand up for yourself, your safety, and the safety of others.

If Using Drugs Don't mix drugs and alcohol Choose the least harmful method of use Know the signs of an overdose Be with someone who will help in an emergency If you're using needles, only use clean ones or access a needle exchange program

College 101: Drugs and Alcohol If someone chooses to use alcohol or drugs, the aim is to minimize harm from substance use on their body.

This is referred to as a harm-reduction approach.

Alcohol

Drugs

Signs of Harmful Consequences

Acts as a sedative. This means it slows down brain activity, the nervous system, and the communication that goes on between the two.

Drugs interfere with how the brain sends, receives, and processes information, but this interference can occur in a variety of ways.

Substance abuse can result in irritability, depression, issues with personal relationships, and feelings of anxiety or loss of hope.

College 101

Health

Student Affairs

College 101: What to do When You are Sick

Health Centre

Wash Hands

Call a Nurse 24/7

Phone Sheridan Health Services first if it is not an emergency.

Wash hands often, to stop the spread of germs to others.

Call 811 if you need free health advice outside of the Health Centre hours.

Health Insurance

Rest

Call 911

Review your guard.me or Student Care plan to be aware of coverage.

Stay home and rest.

This will help you get better faster.

In Canada, call 911 if you need immediate help.

For more information, check out the Health Services Page

Check out our College 101 Video: Feeling Sick

College 101: What Can Impact Your Mental Health Finances Finances can potentially increase stress and cause a toll on your mental well-being.

Explore Sheridan's College 101 to help Manage Your Money.

Academics Academic pressures such as excessive workload, and high expectations can contribute to increased stress and anxiety.

Career Job insecurity, high work demands, and stressful work environments can further add to poor mental health such as stress.

Explore Sheridan's career guides to help plan your career.

Future Worries Students often worry primarily about next steps, and how successful they will be in the future, causing excess pressure and stress.

Personal Issues Personal traumas, family problems, and relationship difficulties can create emotional distress and impact one's overall well-being.

Time Management Learning to manage one's time can help alleviate future stress and anxiety. Proper time management can help you work smarter, not harder - to get more done in less time.

College 101: Mental Health Supports at Sheridan Mental health care is not a one-size fits all model. Some people may benefit from online resources, while others prefer group support or counselling.

Online Resources Need some tips to stay healthy?

Explore Sheridan’s Health and Wellness supports.

Build Community

Want to create a new network of friends? Explore upcoming events and connect with Peer Mentors for guidance by filling out the Meet with a Peer Mentor form.

Group Support Know you are not alone, and others are experiencing similar issues. Explore for more information on some of the groups offered.

Skills and Self Care Sheridan offers many ways to expand your knowledge, move your body and connect with others.

Explore to learn about opportunities to support your wellness journey.

Counsellor Connection

Sheridan students have access to free counseling support to address personal and emotional concerns.

Drop-in appointments can be booked up to 3 days in advance, book online.

College 101

Sleep

Student Affairs

College 101: How to Sleep

Check out our College 101 Video: Getting Better Sleep

7-8 Hours of Sleep Reduce Light & Noise

Set a bedtime, and a morning alarm that will allow for 7-8 hours of sleep.

Do your best to keep your bedroom dark when sleeping. Try using a sleep mask and earplugs if you have a roommate.

For more information, check out the Mental Wellbeing Libguide

Move Your Body Make time for physical activity during the day, this will help you sleep better at night.

Get in Routine

Don't Work in Bed

Create a bedtime routine that is relaxing. Including meditation, deep breathing or journaling can help.

Your bed should be for sleeping not schoolwork. If you study in your bedroom, do so in a chair or at a desk.

Turn Off Screens

Avoid Caffeine

Reduce the use of screens close to your bedtime. Try to use blue-light filters on electronics in the evenings.

If you do consume caffeine (coffee, some teas, energy drinks), try to do so in the morning only.

College 101

Getting Ready for Winter

Student Affairs

College 101: How to Dress for Winter in Canada Canada is often referred to as “the great white north” because of its very cold winters. During winter, many regions will experience temperatures well below freezing (think below -20 degrees Celsius). Your first winter in Canada can be a great experience, if you’re well prepared.

Neck Scarf

First Layer Invest in thermal innerwear as your base layer

Second Layer Regular clothes such as sweaters, hoodies, or vests

Third Layer Thick and heavy winter Coat

Hands Gloves or Mittens

Black ice is no joke! Roads and sidewalks during winter can get very icy, that’s why having insulated, slip-resistant, and waterproof boots is essential. Good boots will also protect you from getting a frost bite.

Winter coats are items you will need every winter so choose one that is properly lined and is well made. Think of your winter coats as investment for many years to come.

Feet

Socks or Insulated Boots

College 101: Where to Buy Inexpensive Winter Clothes

Thrift Stores

Stores

Clothing Drives

Search for used but quality winter clothes at thrift stores

Sports and outdoors stores tend to have better quality winter wear

You can get a winter coats for free at various clothing drives

You've got this Bruins!

Illustrated by Juliana Monize Bachelor of Arts, Illustration 2023