Move to Canada and Succeed in Your Studies!

Three tips from the University of Alberta

Going to a new university in a new country is an exciting adventure that requires some planning as you get used to an academic life with new professors and assignments, make new friends, and explore your new home’s culture and language.

Here are some things that you can do at UAlberta to help you with your transition into university life:

1. Attend Orientation
   At the University of Alberta, there is a special orientation program for incoming International Students called Transitions Orientation. Students who attend the Transitions Orientation have fewer difficulties with their adjustment to Canadian life, and it’s a great place to meet other International Students who are going through the same experience as you are. Some of the highlights include seminars on: Achieving academic success and meeting professor expectations, Immigration Regulations, Cross-cultural adjustment, living day to day in Canada etc. Tours of campus and downtown Edmonton are also offered to students.


2. Visit the International Center
   The International Center is here to help you adjust to life in Canada at UAlberta. The international student advisors at the International Center can help with your immigration, financial, academic, intercultural, and personal questions. They host workshops to help guide you in everything from Canadian academics to beginning your Canadian work search, plan socials for you to meet both Canadian and other international students, and host discussion panels to talk about international issues. The International Center at UAlberta also sends out a monthly newsletter for international students called “On Your Way to the U of A”, which includes topics such as housing, health care, and what to expect when coming to Canada for the first time.


3. Explore and join Clubs
   With over 400 student groups and associations that you can join at UAlberta, there is never a shortage of ways to meet like-minded people, have fun, and explore new activities. At UAlberta, each September and January, Student Group Services hosts Clubs Fair. As part of Week of Welcome and Orientation, September Clubs Fair is a large event that showcases the many student groups on campus. With over 150 participating groups, from anything to the Gateway (the official UAlberta Newspaper) or the Japanese club, Clubs Day is something you for sure don’t want to miss, but if you do you can always visit BearsDen, an online directory that lists the student groups you can join at UAlberta!