New International Students

These guides include lots of important information, including pre-departure checklists to help you with your transition to life in Canada and at the University of Guelph.

Welcome Emails

Fall Admission: In June we will send you an email to welcome you to the University. This email will highlight some important pre-arrival supports that you should be aware of, tips on how to get prepared for coming to Canada, how to connect with other students, and a Pre-Arrival Guide.

Winter Admission: The information noted above will be sent to you in November.

Email Communication

Check your University of Guelph email address (@uoguelph.ca) regularly. After the initial welcome email, all communication from the university will be sent to your university email address. It is important to check this often to avoid missing out on important information and engagement opportunities at the university.

We encourage you to get in touch with us by emailing us at gpsadvisor@uoguelph.ca after you have accepted your offer of admission and as you prepare to come to Guelph. We want to get to know you and make the process as seamless as it can be. Email us, even if it is just to introduce yourself.

Important note: You will be prompted to set up Multifactor Authentication (MFA) the first time you access your "@uoguelph.ca" email account. We strongly recommend the use of the Microsoft Authenticator App as your default authentication method. We do not recommend using only your phone number as an authentication method as you may not be able to access this number at all times (for example while traveling). During the MFA set-up process, make sure to uncheck the check box that says "Allow my organization to manage my device". Instead, please choose, "No, sign in to this app only". 

If you have already set up MFA with your phone number, we strongly recommend that you switch to using the Microsoft Authenticator App by following these step-by-step instructions.

If you are experiencing issues with your email, or single sign on, you can visit the IT Help website

Exchange Students

If you are an exchange student, you will receive all your information from Education Abroad Advisors at the Centre for International Programs. Please contact the Centre for International Programs if you have any questions (cip@uoguelph.ca).

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As an international student, you are not only coming to a new learning institution but an entirely new country. This means there is more to think about in terms of your transition to life at the University. The University of Guelph provides orientation specifically for international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

START International is a free orientation program for new international students, new permanent residents to Canada, new exchange students and out-of-country Canadians. The program will introduce you to the campus environment, the resources available to aid in your social and academic transition, and what you can expect from your University of Guelph experience. Attendance is highly recommended as the sessions will cover useful information on topics such as cultural adjustment, the Canadian university academic system, health insurance, professional development, and other support services that can help students make successful transitions.

Fall Semester start: START International Orientation for students starting classes in the Fall Semester is held in late August / early September (the week before classes begin for the fall semester, or the Tuesday before the weekend of Move-In Day). 

Winter Semester start: START International normally takes place the Sunday before the first day of classes.

For further information visit GryphLife - International Student Connections.

This event provides the opportunity for all new graduate students to learn more about what it means to be a graduate student, receive tips on how to succeed in graduate school, become aware of services available on campus and meet other students. Orientation is typically held in the first week of the semester in which you begin your studies.

Make sure you stay tuned to your email, the Graduate Studies website and the Graduate Studies Facebook page for more details. Look out for information about this from your Graduate Program Assistant. Contact Graduate and Post-Doctoral Studies for more information.

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Deadlines in Canada are strict and it is important that you do not miss any of them. Below is a list of some of the important dates and major deadlines to be aware of as an undergraduate or graduate student. Remember to check your University of Guelph email address to stay connected and informed about upcoming deadlines!

• Student Financial Services Dates & Deadlines

• Student Housing Services Important Dates

• Undergraduate Academic Calendar (under "Schedule of Dates")

• Graduate Academic Calendar (under "Schedule of Dates")

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The University of Guelph honours the Jay Treaty of 1794. If you possess a Native American, Alaskan Native, or Native Hawaiian citizenship document from tribes that are state or federally recognized, or an Indian Status card from the government of Canada, you will be eligible for domestic tuition. Documentation must be presented to qualify. Undergraduate students submit the documentation to Enrolment Services. Graduate students submit the documentation to Graduate & Postdoctoral Program Services. Please contact Global Pre-Arrival Support Advisor and the Indigenous Student Advisor to ensure that you are connected to the supports available to you.

 

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