Tips to help international students adjust to first-year
Changes to citizenship laws have restricted what the international centre can do for students
File Photo: Brittany Barber/The Dialog
Being a first-year international student in a new city can be really overwhelming and these tips can help make your first semester easier and more exciting:
1. Get all the paperwork done
Bring a copy of your study permit to the International Centre and submit a photo for the student ID online to avoid long lines. To make sure you have a method of transportation get a post-secondary TTC Photo ID at Sherbourne station for $5.25 to be eligible for the post-secondary student Metropass. Also, apply for a bank account and make sure to get a student account to avoid all the fees.
2. Work options
Some people are not aware of this but you are eligible to work off campus without a work permit as of June 1, 2014, according to Citizenship and Immigration Canada. However, you have to be a full-time student with a valid study permit, gaining a degree, diploma or certificate at a designated learning institution at the post-secondary level. If you meet those criteria you can work 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time, 40 hours per week, during scheduled breaks.
3. Volunteer
To get involved with college life start networking and making new friends join the Dean’s Volunteer Recognition Program. All full-time students are welcome to join through the school of business. It is a free opportunity.
4. Explore the city
Use your student ID card to get free or discounted admission to major city attractions. Post-secondary students get free admission to the Royal Ontario Museum on Tuesdays and can enjoy the free concert series from the Canadian Opera Company. Students also get special rates at the Ontario Science Centre, Rainbow Cinemas, TIFF Bell Lightbox, and at a variety of retail stores. Do not be afraid to ask for special rates or offers!
5. Explore the country
Although your main focus is studying that doesn’t mean you can’t take a nice weekend getaway. With all major transportation companies offering special student rates such as Via Rail, Go Transit and Greyhound, travelling has never been easier and cheaper.
6. Stay connected
Set up your George Brown College email, download the Transit app for the TTC so you’ll always know when is the next bus or streetcar is coming. Also, download the George Brown College app and GBevent, a new Android app developed by GBC students, to stay updated on college events.
