Stories & SpotlightsSCS Student Portal
The Cannon painted with English Language Programs.

Current ELP Students

As a current English Language Programs (ELP) student, you can take advantage of our 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

Undergraduate Studies

The open learning program counsellor can provide the following assistance to English Language Programs (ELP) 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 academic coordinator can provide the following assistance to ELP 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 academic coordinator.

Please request an appointment with the appropriate academic counsellor if you have any questions.

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.

Athletics

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.

About Conversation Peers

Conversation peers are University of Guelph student volunteers who help ELP students improve their English conversation skills and social and cultural knowledge.

Through this program, ELP 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 ELP 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.

As an ELP 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 Programs (ELP) 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

Welcome to Guelph, Ontario. Our city is vibrant and welcoming, with a number of cultural events, festivals, restaurants, sports and recreation areas, and green spaces to enjoy. As government statistics show, Guelph is consistently ranked one of the safest cities in Canada.

Guelph is an ideal place to live and study for international students. Visit the City of Guelph website for more information.

Homestay

Live with a local family and be immersed in language and culture. Improve your English, and experience family and daily life culture.

Please visit the Canada Homestay Network website or email the Canada Homestay Network for complete information on homestay or to submit a homestay application.

Campus Residence

Space in campus residence is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. On-campus residence is only available for students who will be here for an entire University of Guelph academic semester (September to December and January to April). 

English Learning House

If you have ever thought about living with Canadian undergraduate students and students from other countries, the English Learning House, located in one of our residence buildings, offers a fun, well-supported and safe living environment. The English Learning House provides a perfect opportunity for you to practice and develop your English conversational skills, learn about new cultures, participate in organized activities, and create new friendships.

Virtual Tours:

East Residence

East Residence is home to 610 students and is made up of several co-ed apartment-style units. These apartment-style units are shared between 6 to 12 students. There are single and double rooms available in each unit. All units include cooking facilities and a shared bathroom.

Shared space in each apartment includes the following:

  • lounge
  • kitchen (equipped with stove, refrigerator and cupboard space)
  • bathroom

Please note that you are required to bring your own cooking utensils. There are several stores located near the University where you can purchase cookware, dishes, cutlery and other kitchen items at a reasonable price.

Your personal bedroom includes:

  • single bed* (mattress size standard twin - 75" × 36")
  • desk and desk lamp
  • closet
  • shelving
  • high speed cable Internet network

*You are required to supply your own bedding, pillows, towels and personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.). Blankets and sheets can be rented from the residence desk for $25/ semester.

Additional Features

We now have wifi in our residence buildings! East Residence is equipped with high wifi.

  • Fireplace Lounge - There is a large lounge open to all residents of the building that is available on a drop-in basis or may be reserved for a special function. The room features a television, pool table, ping pong table, kitchen and fireplace.
  • Laundry - Laundry facilities are located on the first floor of the building and include card-operated washers and dryers. Cards for the laundry machines are sold at the residence desk. You are required to purchase your own laundry detergent.
  • Music Room - A music practice room with a piano is available for reservation.
  • Study Room - A study room with individual study carrels is located on the main floor of the residence.
  • Convenience Store - The East Side Variety, is a small convenience store which stocks a range of everyday items such as groceries, snack foods, candy, toiletries, soft drinks and newspapers.

Virtual Tours:

East Village Town Houses

The East Village Townhouses consist of 164 self-contained townhouse units. Units are shared between 2 to 6 students and can be co-ed or single gender. All rooms are single occupancy.

Shared space in each townhouse includes the following:

  • living room
  • kitchen (equipped with stove, refrigerator and cupboard space)
  • storage room
  • bathrooms

Your personal bedroom includes the following:

  • single bed* (mattress size standard twin - 75" × 36")
  • desk and desk lamp
  • closet
  • shelving
  • high speed cable Internet network

*You are required to supply your own bedding, pillows, towels and personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.). Blankets and sheets can be rented from the front desk for $25/ semester.

Please note that wireless Internet is not available in your room; however, some students may choose to purchase a router and set it up on their own.

Additional Features

The village features a community centre town hall where you can collect your mail, do laundry, and access lounge spaces and games room.

  • Fireplace Lounge - There is a large lounge open to all residents of the building that is available on a drop-in basis or may be reserved for a special function. The room features a television, pool table, ping pong table, kitchen and fireplace.
  • Laundry - Laundry facilities are located on the first floor of the building and include card-operated washers and dryers. Cards for the laundry machines are sold at the residence desk. You are required to purchase your own laundry detergent.
  • Music Room - A music practice room with a piano is available for reservation.
  • Study Room - A study room with individual study carrels is located on the main floor of the residence.
  • Convenience Store - The East Side Variety, a small convenience store, is located in East Residence. 

Virtual Tours:

Family Housing

For rental rates for Family Housing units at Wellington Woods (252 Stone Road West) and College Avenue (78 College Avenue West), please visit our Family Housing website.

Summer Hostel

During the summer months, the University of Guelph makes its on-campus accommodations available to the university community and the general public. Situated right on campus, guests are placed within close proximity to many attractions in Guelph, and the surrounding areas. We are proud to say that our accommodations are safe, clean, and affordable.

Summer Hostel includes the following:

  • bed sheets
  • on-campus parking
  • wired internet (ethernet cables to be requested at front desk)

You are required to supply your own towels and personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.). Dishes can be rented for a fee if booked in advance. Meals are not included.

Please note that Summer Hostel is only meant for groups and short-term accommodations.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the On-Campus Residence Request Form and send it by email to the ELP accommodation and activities coordinator.
  2. An email confirmation will be sent with further information.
  3. Upon acceptance, all deposits and payments will be processed directly by the Student Housing Department.

Airport Transportation

It is your responsibility to arrange airport transportation. Red Car Service is a great option.

There are many things to organize and bring along when you are coming to Canada for international study. Pre-arrival information and considerations are outlined below.

Pre-Arrival Information and Considerations

Travel Preparation Checklist:

  • Passport: Please ensure your passport is valid for your entry into Canada and for the duration of your studies.
  • Visa/Study Permit: You need a visa or study permit to study in Canada. Consult your nearest embassy or consulate for details.
  • Flight Ticket: Flights must be booked before term placement testing. If you are arriving after placement dates, please contact the English Language Programs (ELP) office for further arrangement.
  • Airport Transportation is your responsibility to arrange. Red Car Service is a great option.

Items to Bring and Arrange

Letter of Acceptance (LOA): Your LOA must be up to date and for the correct semester of study.

  • Money: As an international student, you are required to open a bank account upon your arrival in Canada. To get started, bring money—either in cash or bank draft—to a Canadian bank of your choice.
  • Tuition Payment: Your tuition balance is to be paid upon arrival in Canada. Cheque, money order, Visa, MasterCard, cash and debit are accepted methods of payment.
  • Clothing: There are four seasons in Canada and it is important that appropriate clothing be worn for each. Consult pre-arrival emails for more information.
  • Academic Documents: It is important to always have access to notarized copies of academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees and/or entrance exam scores for application into university or college.
  • Language Testing Scores: Please bring a copy of the results from any language tests you have taken—such as TOEFL, IELTS or CAEL.
  • Photos: Please bring passport-size photos to acquire an international student card.
  • Accommodation: Arrangements must be made for living in Canada. Please bring confirmation of information—including your address and phone number—of your living arrangement.
  • Medical insurance: Medical insurance is important and must be activated upon arrival in Canada. Please contact the ELP office for more information.

Check-In/Arrival

  • Check-in is done with the Student Services team in the ELP office before the start of the school term. Information about the first week's schedule, program orientation, medical insurance, the city of Guelph and the University of Guelph will be provided.

If you require any additional information, please contact the ELP office.