New Student Checklist

Whether you apply for a study permit or not, you must have either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in order to enter Canada. US citizens are the only foreign nationals who are exempt from this requirement, and all other foreign nationals require either a TRV or eTA. The TRV or eTA will be automatically issued to you when you apply for a study permit. If you don’t apply for a study permit, you must apply for your TRV or eTA separately.

Study Permit and Working in Canada

As an exchange student, you can work on campus or off campus (up to 24 hours a week) if you have a post-secondary study permit with work eligibility stated on it and you’re registered in a full-time course load. If you're going to study at Dalhousie for only one term, you still need to apply for a study permit. In your study permit application, it's important that you include a letter of explanation to clarify why you are applying for a study permit for one term of study. If you receive approval for a study permit and wish to work on and/or off campus during your studies, we strongly encourage you to verify that the study permit states eligibility to work on and off campus when it is issued to you at the airport.

Once you pay your admissions deposit you can set up your Dalhousie email account. This is where the uinversity will be sending all official communications, so make sure it's active early! You'll also need to set up your netID and Dalhousie ID (also called your banner number). Visit the ITS website for information on how to set up your email and accounts.

Visit the Academic Support site to learn everything you need to know about course registration.

Graduate students can visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies site for registration information.

Residence

Residence is a convenient, safe and easy way to transition to living independently. It offers a friendly and supportive environment where you can make new friends and quickly access classes and other on-campus services.

Other residence updates and information, including room and meal plan rates, can be found at dal.ca/residence.

Off-campus housing

Find your home away from home. While vacancy rates are low, there are off-campus housing options within walking distance or along bus routees. Visit Dalhousie's Off-Campus Living website, where  you can find tips and resources to prepare you for off-campus living. 

New to Dal Orientation is the best way to get all the information you need to know about life at Dal and in Halifax and meet other international students.

During New to Dal orientation, you will have a chance to:

• explore the campus
• meet the International Centre staff
• learn about Dal's services and resources
• learn how to get involved in clubs, teams, and other groups
• meet other students and make new friends

Our health checklist and immunization checklist are great resources to review prior to your arrival at Dalhousie.

Review our Planning for Arrival site for information about arriving in Halifax. 

Don't forget to attend our New to Dal orientation events!

Exchange students

Your tuition fees are paid to your home university. There are some fees you will be responsible for paying during your time at Dalhousie. Please see Student Fees at Dal for more details.

Study Abroad students

You are responsible for paying all your tuition fees to Dalhousie University.

You can access your account statement through DalOnline, under Web for Students and Student Records. Your account statement will include your list of payments. You will be able to see your full list of payments a week or two after the beginning of each term.

Outstanding balances must be paid by late September (fall term) or January (winter term) to avoid interest and related fees.

DalCard

Your DalCard is more than your official Student ID Card – it’s a debit card, library card, gym pass, key to residence and bus pass! You can go to pick up your DalCard at the DalCard Office. 

UPass

If you’re a full-time student in Halifax, a Metro Transit UPass is included in your tuition. The UPass is a sticker placed on your DalCard and will act as your bus pass until April 30. For more information about the UPass, visit dal.ca/upass.

As an international student, you must get both the Health and Dental Plan AND the International Student Health Plan. 

If you start school in September, you are automatically billed and enrolled in both. 

If you start school in January or May, you are only enrolled in the International Student Health Plan and so you must opt-in to the Health and Dental Plan. 

For more information, visit the Student VIP website or contact the DSU Health Plan office. 

Health and Dental Plan

The DSU Health and Dental Plan provides coverage for medical, dental, travel, accident, vision and many other services and perks. 

International Student Health Plan

The DSU International Student Health Plan provides international students with basic health insurance coverage such as doctor and hospital visits. This plan is different from the DSU Health and Dental Plan above. The DSU International Student Health Plan is required unless you carry MSI or equivalent insurance.

Already have health insurance?

If you already have comparable health & dental coverage, you may be able to opt-out. Opt-out deadlines are strict so please visit the StudentVIP website for more information. 

Pick-up your health insurance card/s from the DSU Health Plan Office, located on the 3rd floor of the Student Union Building. 

Below is a list of banks in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Visit their website to learn more about student banking.

When choosing a bank, don't forget to ask about:

• Unlimited banking versus charges after a number of transactions and/or fees associated with the account
• Access to a credit card that is pre-approved and preferably unsecured (i.e. does not require monies deposited to the credit card)
• Additional incentives e.g. points card for movies, etc.

Cell phone plans can vary amongst providers.  It is a good idea for you to explore your options before signing a contract.  Here is a list of the main cell phone companies.

• Bell
• Koodo
• Rogers
• Telus
• Fido

Tips for choosing a cell phone provider

• Ask about extra charges
• Find out the cost of cancelling your plan 
• Ask about the benefits and the downsides of contacts versus pay-as-you-go options

Setting up your cell phone

Visit your chosen cellphone service provider and present:

• Photo Identification - either a Passport or Driver’s License
• Second piece of identification - either a credit card, Social Insurance Number card, or bank cheque

If you live in residence, you will have access to high-speed Internet, which includes both ethernet and wireless connected. 

If you live off-campus, Internet providers  in Nova Scotia to consider include: 

• Bell Aliant
• Eastlink
• City Wide

Visit the ITS site for how to connect to Wi-Fi on campus.