Pre-Arrival Guide Fall 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS Preparing for Your First Day
4
Enrolment
5
Orientation
9
Student IDs & Bus Passes
13-14
What to Bring
17
Accommodations
21
Arrival
27
Essential Information
33
Insurance
34
Banking
35
Mobile Providers
37
Additional Resources
40
Welcome to ICM! Congratulations and we look forward to your arrival into Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada! This guide will help you in preparing for your arrival at ICM. Please read this guide carefully.
For more information: ▪ Visit our website @ icmanitoba.ca ▪ Check out our blog @ icmanitoba.wordpress.com ▪ Like us on Facebook @ facebook.com/icmanitoba ▪ Follow us on Instagram @ instagram.com/icmanitoba icmanitoba.ca
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PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST DAY
Enrolment Online course registration date: August 15, 2019 Registration remains open until Orientation day but students are strongly encouraged to register on this date as popular classes and timeslots fill up quickly.
▪ To enroll, visit https://learning.icmanitoba.ca ▪ Tips on how to enrol in courses: icmanitoba.ca/howto-enrol-in-courses ▪ For guides on how to use your Student Portal and which courses to select, please visit: icmanitoba.ca/pre-arrival-and-registration-resources icmanitoba.ca
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Math Placement Test •
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Students with admission to UTP Stage I or who have a UTP I Math fee on their Letter of Offer are required to write the test. These students have been emailed. If you need to write the Math Placement Test, don’t worry! The test is not a pass or fail test. It will have no effect on your GPA or grades at ICM. It is only to place you in the most appropriate math course for your level. The test will be written online using a link emailed to you. Be sure to write the test before enrolment opens, or your enrolment will be delayed. Need more info about the MPT? Visit icmanitoba.ca/mathplacement-test
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Prerequisites ▪
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Are you blocked from enroling in certain courses? This is likely because: ▪ You have not cleared your conditions on your Letter of Offer ▪ You have not written the Math Placement Test (if applicable) ▪ You do not meet the prerequisites or corequisites to enrol If a course has a prerequisite, you must first successfully complete the prerequisite course(s) before you can enrol (ex. year 12 math) If a course has a corequisite, you must enrol in both courses at the same time if you have not already completed the corequisite For more details, please see icmanitoba.ca/prerequisites
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Student Portal (learning.icmanitoba.ca)
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You CAN log into your student portal at any time after submitting payment
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You CANNOT register for classes until you pay your fees and clear your conditions
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You CAN access the Student Portal from our website
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NEW STUDENTS: Log on with your student number (ex. XXXX1903) and birth date (YYYYMMDD). Course registration for new students starts August 15! navitas.com
Orientation ▪ Orientation is mandatory.
This is a great way to meet many other students from around the world, while you receive crucial information about starting your university career!
▪ Upcoming Orientation Date: • August 29, 2019
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Orientation ▪ Join in on the fun! ▪ Make new friends! ▪ Meet the ICM staff and student volunteers ▪ Learn about the campus ▪ Participate in fun games and informative workshops
▪ Group lunch & snacks provided!
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Month of Welcome Don’t miss it! ▪
Fun events on and off campus throughout your first month at ICM
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Previous activities included: ▪ Campus tours ▪ Sightseeing ▪ “Meet the Staff” free lunch ▪ Sports Day ▪ Movie Night ▪ Math Skills Workshop ▪ Free breakfast
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Full details about the Month of Welcome activities will be provided at Orientation
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Late Arrival Policy ▪ All new students must arrive in Winnipeg in time to attend Orientation ▪ ▪
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Any student who cannot make this deadline will need to defer their application to our next intake The reason we don’t allow for late arrivals is that historically students who arrive late, even by just a few days, have had a difficult time adjusting to their new environment and catching up with their workload As academic success is our top priority, we do not allow students to arrive late If you have not received your visa in hand by August 22, please contact the ICM Marketing Team by email to discuss your deferral
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Student ID Card ▪
You can obtain your student ID card before or after Orientation
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You cannot obtain your student ID card during Orientation
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To obtain your student ID card: 1. Check your Student Portal the week of Orientation 2. Note down your U of M student number (UNI NO) ▪ In your Student Portal, click on Student Resources and write down the UNI NO under Student Profile ▪ Important: Your U of M student number will be seven digits. This is different from your ICM student ID which consists of letters and numbers 3. Bring your passport, study permit and U of M student number to the ID Centre in University Center. Student IDs cannot be obtained during Orientation.
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Bus Passes ▪
ICM student bus passes and peggo cards can be purchased at Answers (1st floor of University Centre). Students will only be able to purchase a post-secondary monthly bus pass after they have received their student ID card
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The cost of a monthly bus pass is C$80.10 and will be loaded onto your peggo card
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If you are living on campus or are not planning to take the bus regularly, you can also load e-cash on your peggo card. Using e-cash is more economical than paying the regular cash fare (e-cash fares are $2.60/bus ride and regular cash fares are $2.95/bus ride in exact change)
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To find out which bus(es) to take, visit m.winnipegtransit.com from your mobile phone browser to plan your trip or use the Google Maps transit option
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Textbooks UTPI courses include e-textbooks as part of your fees. You will obtain information in class about how to access your e-textbooks online. UTPII courses will often required a textbook. The list of required textbooks for UTPII courses will be posted on Student Portal the week of Orientation.
Where to purchase textbooks ▪ The University of Manitoba Bookstore ▪
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Located on the ground floor of the University Centre (same building as the ICM office) http://umanitoba.ca/bookstore/
Current or past ICM students ▪
Some students choose to sell their textbooks at the end of the term, many of who post their “advertisements” on our Facebook page (facebook.com/icmanitoba)
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What to Expect Be Prepared ▪ Leaving home to study is one the most exciting yet challenging periods in your life. During the first two or three months you will likely experience many emotions. Remember, you are not the only student experiencing this and you are not alone! If you are finding it difficult to adjust, we strongly advise you see an ICM Student Advisor. We’re here to help! Get Involved! ▪ Like anything you do in life, the more involved you are the more enjoyable the experience will be. There is a lot happening on campus that you can be part of! You will find out more about this at Orientation. icmanitoba.ca
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WHAT TO BRING
Checklist: What to bring with you Pack these items in your carry-on luggage: ❑ Letter of Introduction confirming study permit from Canadian Embassy ❑ ICM Files - Letter of Offer, Letter of Acceptance, ICM fee receipt ❑ Visa Files - Proof of funds, temporary resident visa (if required) ❑ Passport ❑ ID with photo and proof of age ❑ Contact numbers & addresses (both local and abroad) ❑ Money - credit card & approximately C$200 in cash on-hand ❑ Health insurance (if desiring additional coverage) Other useful items: ❑ Clothing & toiletries (see next page) ❑ Adaptors (electrical systems in Canada are 110 volts) ❑ Medical records and immunization records (useful but not required) ❑ Original academic certificates & transcripts icmanitoba.ca
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Clothing Winnipeg has a continental climate, with four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. ▪ Average temperatures of +26C in summer (June to August) and -12C in winter (November to March) ▪ The average temperature in August is +25C during the day and +15C during the night. ▪ To check weather conditions, visit theweathernetwork.com to get an idea of what to expect when you arrive
It is advisable to pack: ❑ Casual clothing (jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, etc.) ❑ Warm spring/fall jacket (for -10 to +15C weather) and clothing for summer (for +20 to +30C and warmer) ❑ Cultural clothing or more formal wear for special occasions ❑ Sportswear and running shoes for the Active Living Centre and swimming pool on campus (membership included in your fees) ❑ Comfortable walking shoes and/or boots for winter weather icmanitoba.ca
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Household Items Many students rent private suites or a room in a shared suite or house. ▪ The majority of private rentals are unfurnished, but major appliances such as a refrigerator and stove are usually included, sometimes along with basic furniture ▪ The majority of private rentals are unlikely to include kitchen utensils, bedding, towels, lamps, or laptops. A bed, couch, and other basic furniture may also not be included ▪ When looking for accommodation, check what is included before you sign the rental agreement forms. If you need to purchase items when you arrive, check with ICM staff or other students on where to get the best prices
If you are bringing appliances with you to Canada, we recommend you update yourself with the Canadian customs regulations which can be found at the following website address: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca and download the brochure entitled “RC4220: Entering Canada to Study or to Work” icmanitoba.ca
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ACCOMMODATIONS
On-Campus Residence ▪
Pembina Hall Residence (PHR)
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Mary Speechly Hall (MSH)
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University College Residence (UCR)
Application Process –
Wait-list!
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Residences are currently on a wait-list
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Due to limited availability students who have already applied and are on a waiting list are encourage to have a back up plan in case they are not offered a room
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Contact:
[email protected] or +1 204-4749922
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Additional On-Campus Residences There are two additional affiliated on-campus residences, St. Andrew’s College Residence and St. John’s College Residence. Each requires a separate application. For more information, please contact the residence directly.
St. Andrew's College ▪
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At-a-glance: An independent co-ed college, affiliated with the University of Manitoba. Friendly, quiet residence has single and double rooms available for 40 residents. Rooms are furnished with the basic necessities for a comfortable study life. More info and to apply: umanitoba.ca/colleges/st_andrews
St. John’s College ▪
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At-a-glance: A small, close-knit residence sponsored by the Anglican Church of Canada. Offers room for up to 100 co-eds. Features include a full meal plan, student lounges, games room and a fully equipped kitchen. More info and to apply: umanitoba.ca/colleges/st_johns/residence/index.html
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Off-Campus Accommodations Homestay Accommodations Homestay Accommodations As a homestay student, you will have As a homestay you have the chance to be a part of a local family, the chance to bestudent, a part of thewill family, taking part part in in family family activities activities and and celebrating special occasions. Homestay taking includes breakfast, lunch and Homestay dinner. celebrating special occasions. includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. ▪
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University of Manitoba Homestay Program umanitoba.ca/student/elc/hom estay E:
[email protected]
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The Canada Homestay Network canadahomestayinternational.co m E:
[email protected] Also offers custodianship services
Polar Trails Homestay polartrails.com E:
[email protected] Also offers custodianship services
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Off-Campus Accommodations Off-Campus Accommodations The following resources are the best places to start looking for off-campus accommodation: ▪
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U of M Off-Campus Housing website provides links to accommodation listings, advice about renting, and much more: och.cc.umanitoba.ca Winnipeg Free Press Classifieds Winnipeg Sun Classifieds
It is strongly advised to personally inspect off-campus properties in person before signing contracts or leases or depositing any money.
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Alternative Accommodations Hotel Royal Plaza (off-campus dormitory) Hotel Royal Plaza is located in downtown Winnipeg and is a 30-45 minute bus ride from ICM. Rooms are fully furnished with a fridge, microwave, LCD TV and ensuite private washrooms. They also have an inhouse restaurant and provide free wifi in the building. ▪ Virtual tour: hotelroyalplaza.ca/gallery.html ▪ Website: hotelroyalplaza.ca ▪ Contact General Manager Saroj Nagpa for student pricing and bookings at +1 204-783-3000 or by email at
[email protected] or
[email protected]
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Temporary Accommodations Students who need to book temporary accommodations upon arriving in Winnipeg may wish to consider the following options near campus: ▪
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Queen Bee Hotel, 2615 Pembina Hwy (recommended – nearest to campus) P: +1 204-269-4666 or +1 866-431-6666 W: queenbeehotel.ca E:
[email protected] $85 - $90 Canad Inns Fort Garry, 1824 Pembina Hwy P: +1 204-261-7450 W: canadinns.com E:
[email protected] $130 - $170 Holiday Inn Winnipeg South, 1330 Pembina Hwy P: +1 204-452-4747 W: ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/winnipeg/ywgso $130 - $170
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ARRIVAL
Arriving into Canada ▪
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You will arrive into Canada through either Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal. Familiarize yourself with your flight schedule and airport maps. More tips for your arrival into Canada can be found at icmanitoba.ca/microsites/predeparture/your-arrival-tocanada Your Study Permit will be issued at your first port of arrival into Canada. Be sure to check your Study Permit details to ensure your information is printed correctly Do not be afraid to ask airport staff for directions to your connecting gate There are multiple daily flights to Winnipeg from Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal via Air Canada, WestJet, and others
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Arriving into Canada ▪
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Upon arrival you will go through Immigration and may be asked the following questions: ▪ What is the purpose of your visit? To study at the International College of Manitoba ▪ How much money are you bringing into the country? Show access to funds, e.x. bank statements, etc. Ensure you have proof of access to funds to pay for your tuition and living expenses for at least one year (this can be your parents or sponsors bank statements as provided in your visa application). Annual living expenses for Winnipeg are estimated at C$12,000 per year. ▪ Where are you going to school? Which program? International College of Manitoba; show your Letter of Offer and Letter of Acceptance. If you are confused, tired, jet-lagged etc. you can request a translator for assistance!
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Arriving into Winnipeg
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You will arrive at the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)
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Watch a virtual tour of the airport
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Make arrangements with family/friends, your homestay family, book private airport pickup for when you arrive into Winnipeg, or take a taxi from the airport
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Know the name, phone number, address, and hours of operation of your accommodations and have the information typed and printed navitas.com
Arrival Transportation Taxi Service ▪ There are always taxis available right outside the airport Arrivals level. Taxis in Winnipeg are clean and safe and will accept both Canadian cash and major credit cards. Follow the “Ground Transportation” signs after collecting your baggage Homestay Students ▪ Make sure the homestay family/company have your arrival details and have confirmed this service is available Airport Pickup ▪ If you want someone waiting for you at the baggage claim, you can contact Winnipeg Limo. In order to use their service you need to complete the Airport Pickup Form and return it to
[email protected]. The cost is approximately C$79 for private pickup icmanitoba.ca
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Campus Map A ICM Main Office • Student Advising • Admissions • Finance • All staff
F
B University Centre ▪ Bookstore (1st Floor) ▪ Campo Food Court (1st Floor) ▪ IQ’s & Degrees Restaurant (3rd Floor) C U of M Station (main bus stop)
G
A
B
D Pembina Hall & Mary Speechly Hall Residences E University College Residence
E C
D
F St. Andrew’s College Residence G St. John’s College Residence
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Medical Insurance Medical Coverage All ICM students have emergency medical coverage through guard.me as part of their fees. This is an emergency medical plan covering new and emergent illnesses and accidents (ex. broken bones). The ongoing maintenance of a chronic condition or elective treatments, for example, are not covered. Full details will be provided at Orientation.
Did you know that your medical coverage will begin August 25? If you plan to arrive in Canada before this date, you may wish to purchase additional medical insurance. Health Services on Campus ICM students have access to the health services provided by the University Health Service located on campus. For more information on the services, including how to make an appointment, visit their web site umanitoba.ca/student/health or call +1 204-474-8411 icmanitoba.ca
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Banking We advise you to have C$200 cash on you when arriving in Canada.
Large financial institutions in Canada include Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Bank of Montreal (BMO), TD Canada Trust, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Scotiabank. Most banks offer special student rates and complimentary internet banking services.
The U of M campus has CIBC bank machines – you may wish to consider using their services to avoid extra fees icmanitoba.ca
To obtain a credit card you will need to speak with your bank. Many new arrivals to Canada need to apply for a secured credit card when they first arrive in Canada. For more info, please download: umanitoba.ca/research/international_ centre/media/Opening_a_Bank_Accou nt.pdf.
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More Essential Information Transferring Funds to Canada ▪ Money can be wired from your home country to your Canadian bank account once it is open ▪ You can also obtain a bank draft and bring it with you to Winnipeg. Be advised that Canadian banks can put long holds on deposits, sometimes up to 30 business days. Make sure to keep copies of all transactions for future reference Sales Tax (PST & GST) ▪ Purchases in Manitoba are subject to a sales tax. Note that these taxes are not usually indicated on the price tag and will be added to the price of most goods and services when you pay Internet and Phone ▪ The U of M campus is covered by a free wifi network for students. There are also several computer labs available to students. Your wifi login details will be sent to your ICM Student Portal email address. ▪ To call overseas from within Canada, dial 001 - country code - phone number icmanitoba.ca
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Mobile Providers Several mobile providers operate in Manitoba. This includes: ▪ Phonebox (can ship a SIM card to your home country for free) ▪ Bell MTS ▪ Rogers ▪ Telus ▪ Koodo ▪ Virgin Mobile Mobile providers often provide discounted plans for students but may also require you to sign a contract of 1-2 years. Compare plans to find what works best for you and your budget! Note that mobile contracts cannot exceed your study permit validity. If your study permit will expire within two years, a prepaid plan may be required and for this you may wish to bring a smartphone from your home country (or purchase one in Canada at full cost).
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Active Living Centre Students also have membership to the state-ofthe-art 9300 m2 Active Living Centre! This includes: ▪ 1000 pieces of free weights & accessories and 49 pieces of strength equipment ▪ 160 pieces of brand new cardio equipment ▪ 200 metre indoor track ▪ 40 foot climbing wall ▪ Salt-water swimming pool ▪ Squash & racquetball courts ▪ Ice rink ▪ Table tennis ▪ Free group classes ▪ Free access to campus athletic events
Visit the ALC to activate your membership using your student ID! icmanitoba.ca
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Intramural Sports Students are also able to join intramural sports teams at an additional cost. For more information, please visit the Active Living Centre reception desk. ▪
Teams include: ▪ Soccer ▪ Basketball ▪ Floor Hockey ▪ Ice Hockey ▪ Volleyball ▪ Badminton ▪ Ultimate ▪ Inner Tube Water Polo ▪ Kickball ▪ Climbing ▪ Quidditch ▪ Dodgeball
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Additional Resources Pre-arrival Information Things to do in Winnipeg ICM FAQs Student Portal Scholarships U of M Meal Plans and Food Services • On-Campus Dining • Study Permit Processing Times and Information • • • • • •
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Contact Information International College of Manitoba University of Manitoba Room 190, Extended Education Complex 406 University Crescent Fort Garry Campus Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2 CANADA Telephone: +1 204 474 8479 Web: www.icmanitoba.ca Email:
[email protected] U of M Student Residences:
[email protected] U of M Homestay:
[email protected] Polar Trails Homestay:
[email protected] Canada Homestay Network:
[email protected]
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See you soon!
