English Language Students: Welcome & Orientation
Hello and welcome!
As a new English Language Communication & Culture (ELCC) student, you can take advantage of a wide range of activities and support services. Whether you need help settling in, improving your language skills, or connecting with others, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Student Support Services & Information
Below you will find important information about academics and technology, along with everything you need to know about campus, health and wellness, and living in Guelph. Explore the information so you can become familiar with everything the University of Guelph has to offer.
Note: The University of Guelph campus is cash free.
For information about our policies and procedures, see our English Language Communication & Culture Handbook.
If you need additional assistance, please email our ELP program logistics coordinator.
Academics
Undergraduate Studies
The open learning program counsellor can provide the following assistance to English Language Communication & Culture (ELCC) students who are transitioning to a University of Guelph undergraduate program:
- Procedures and deadlines required to transition to University of Guelph undergraduate programs
- Course selection information
- University of Guelph undergraduate policies
Email the learner success advisor.
Graduate Studies
The ELP Program Logistics Coordinator can provide the following assistance to ELCC students who are applying to a graduate studies program:
- Choosing a suitable post-graduate degree
- Setting goals and planning
- Understanding the application process for the University of Guelph and other institutions
- Writing a Statement of Interest or Research Statement
- Initiating contact with potential advisors
- Writing a resume
Email the ELP program logistics coordinator.
Please request an appointment with the appropriate academic counsellor if you have any questions.
About Conversation Peers
Conversation peers are University of Guelph student volunteers who help ELCC students improve their English conversation skills and social and cultural knowledge.
Through this program, ELCC students can:
- Develop their speaking and listening skills through conversation practice in small groups or one-on-one
- Learn about university academic life, Canadian culture and customs, and local information
- Create connections between the international community and the University
- Participate in social events and visit local areas of cultural interest together
Application Process
If you are an ELCC student interested in meeting a conversation peer, you will receive more information in the first week of class.
If you are a University of Guelph student interested in making a difference in an international student's university experience, please consider applying through the Peer Helper Program.
Access to your CourseLink portal will be available after level placement is finalized; therefore, when you log in, you may see a notification that says, There was a problem processing your authentication. This status will change no later than the weekend before classes start.
Please be aware that in order to access GryphMail and CourseLink, you must set up multi-factor authentication (MFA). Instructions for setting up multi-factor authentication can be found on the Microsoft website.
When setting up your MFA, we strongly recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator App instead of the other options (i.e., text to your phone number, especially if you don't have access to that phone number after you arrive in Canada). For instructions on how to download the app, click on the following link: Microsoft Authenticator App
Log into the SCS Student Portal to access your grades.
Log into the SCS Student Portal to access to your student profile, invoices, and final grades. Use the same login information for CourseLink.
Technology
U of G Email Address
If you do not remember the password assigned to your account, you cannot find the email with the login information, or your password is not working, please email CourseLink Support to request a password reset.
Example of the email to ask for a new password:
Hello CourseLink Support,
I would like to request a password reset.
My U of G central login is:
Thank you.
CourseLink Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST
Friendly Reminders
- Set up security questions to reset your password - Create security questions so that you can retrieve a new password if you forget your current one.
- Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - The University of Guelph, like other businesses and higher education institutions, has tools in place to protect its systems and information from cyber threats. MFA requires users to verify their identity through a second method (e.g., an app or text message) before logging into a secure system. Note: When setting up MFA, please use the option Microsoft Authenticator App.
IT Help Desk
The IT Help Desk is located in the library if you have issues with central login, internet connection, software, and computer-related issues. They can also be contacted via email or online chat.
CourseLink Support
Please contact CourseLink Support if you need assistance using the CourseLink online learning management system:
Johnston Hall, Room 064
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
Canada
Phone: 519-824-4120 ext. 56939
Toll Free: 1-866-275-1478 (Canada and USA)
Email: courselink@uoguelph.ca
Hours of Operation
Walk-in Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone/Email Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m.
Campus
All registered full time students have a basic membership to the Athletic Centre. Your basic membership* allows you to enter the Athletic Centre and participate in all drop-in recreation activities.
*This basic membership does not include access to the weight room or fitness classes. Access to the weight room and fitness classes cost an additional fee.
For more information on your Athletic Centre membership, please contact our accommodations and activities coordinator.
Learn more about the Athletic Centre.
Sports Clubs
If you are interested in joining a sports team or club, visit the Clubs page on the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre website.
There are two bookstores on campus, and both sell more than just books! You can find University of Guelph clothing, study supplies, stationary, gifts, and more. Visit the following websites to learn more about our two unique bookstores:
Visit our Campus Safety Office website to learn how to be prepared in case of an emergency.
It's important to sign up for U of G Alert. Visit the U of G Alert & Safe Gryphon App page for details.
As an international student, you may need guidance and support to help you succeed academically and personally while studying in Canada. Advisors can assist with immigration questions, campus resources, and adapting to a new culture and community. Visit our International Student Advising website for a full list of available services.
The McLaughlin Library is a popular destination on campus for its modern facilities, Starbucks Coffee, and quiet study spaces. Be sure to visit the library so you can enjoy all it has to offer during your stay in Guelph.
Health & Wellness
We organize many fun trips and activities to help you meet other students, practise your English, and explore Canadian culture. Depending on the time of year, we organize a variety of extracurricular activities such as trips to Niagara Falls, skiing and snowboarding, Toronto shopping trips, and volunteer opportunities. As well, there are local campus-based activities, such as soccer and karaoke.
Please note that some of our activities require payment along with registration.
Visit our Facebook page to stay connected to what is happening with ELP activities, and with your fellow students.
If you have a question or would like more information about our events and activities, please contact our accommodations and activities coordinator.
As an ELCC student, it is important to ensure that you have health insurance while studying in Canada. We order insurance from guard.me for all of our students. If you already have health insurance, please provide us with a copy of your card.
Emergency Health Services
If you have a medical emergency, dial 911. If you're on campus, you can also dial 519-840-5000 from your phone or call extension 52000 from any office phone.
In Canada, the hospital is reserved for medical emergencies.
Guelph General Hospital
115 Delhi St
Guelph, ON N1E 4J4
Hours: Open 24/7 for medical emergencies
Non-Emergency Health Services
If you are not feeling well, you can see a doctor on campus at the Student Health Services Clinic. Please note that the Student Health Services Clinic is not open on evenings or weekends.
Student Health Services Clinic*
1st floor John T. Powell Building (beside the Athletic Centre)
Phone: 519-824-4120 ext. 52131
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
Website: Student Health Services
Payment: Always bring your health insurance card with you when you go to the clinic. The receptionist at the clinic will let you know if you have to pay a fee for your visit. Payment will depend on your insurance policy.
*Please note that you must be a registered English Language Communications & Culture (ELCC) student to visit the Student Health Services Clinic.
Other Health Clinics in Guelph
There are other medical clinics in Guelph that are open on evenings and weekends. Make sure you call first to confirm the hours.
Arkell Walk-in Clinic
403 Arkell Rd., Unit 4.
Guelph, ON N1L 1E5
Phone: 519-822-7841
Website: Arkell Walk-in Clinic
Silvercreek Medical Clinic
105 Silvercreek Parkway North, Unit 103
Guelph, ON N1H 6S4
Phone: 519-822-8000 or 519-822-9363
Website: Silvercreek Medical Clinic
Other Health Services
- Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) - CAMH has pamphlets on mental health, reaction to living in a new country, stress, feeling alone, and other matters in many languages.
For information about medical insurance coverage, visit the GuardMe website.
GuardMe is a mental wellness student support program available to University of Guelph international and ELCC (English Language Communication & Culture) students.
Visit our Student Wellness page for information about our international student support programs.
Living in Guelph
In order to open a bank account at a local branch of a Canadian bank, you will need to bring the following items:
- Passport
- U of G/Continuing Studies acceptance letter
- Money (cash, traveler's cheques, bank draft, or money order)
Here is a list of banks close to campus:
- RBC - On campus! Main level of the Athletics Centre | Phone: (519) 767-4511
- Bank of Montreal (BMO) - Stone Road Mall | Phone: (519) 826-1889
- CIBC - 374 Stone Road West | Phone: (519) 824-6520 (bank machine on campus)
- Scotiabank - Stone Road Mall | Phone: (519) 821-5780
- TD Canada Trust - 496 Edinburgh Road South | Phone: (519) 821-2200
The University offers a diverse range of dining options. Visit the Hospitality Services page to learn more about meal plans, dining locations (on and off campus), and hours of operation.
A bus pass is included with your tuition. We will let you know when bus passes are ready for pickup. To collect your pass, please bring photo ID (passport or student ID card) and your permit (i.e., study permit, visitor’s permit, etc.) to Johnston Hall, Room 154C.
Guelph Transit has a pay-as-you-go monthly fare cap program. More information can be found on the Pay-as-you-go program website.
Visit the Guelph Transit website for information on Guelph bus routes, maps, and service disruptions.
For travel outside of Guelph, see the following options:
For airport information, visit our Getting to Guelph | New International Students page.
The following information outlines what you can expect during each season and will help you decide what clothing to bring.
- Spring (March to June) - It is the rainy season in most parts of Ontario. Temperatures are usually above 5°C.
- Summer (June to September - Temperatures are usually above 20°C. July and August can be very hot and humid. Sometimes temperatures can reach above 30°C during this time.
- Fall (September to December) - The temperatures start to get cooler and the days start to get shorter. The early part of fall can be rainy in parts of Ontario.
- Winter (December to March) - The temperature is usually below 0°C and snowfall is common. Temperatures can drop below -30°C from time to time.
Visit the Weather Network for a detailed short-term forecast or to monitor the weather in Guelph or other Canadian cities.