New International Students
Welcome to Your Pre-Arrival Guide!
As an incoming international student, your journey to U of G involves many important steps, from immigration and travel plans to housing. The Global Pre-Arrival Support (GPS) Team is here to guide you with resources, answer your questions, and help make your arrival in Canada as smooth as possible.
Just as you would have a GPS navigation tool for any journey, you have the GPS Team to guide you every step of the way.
If you have any questions about these resources, please email gpsadvisor@uoguelph.ca.
Immigration and Arrival to Canada
The following resources will support your journey as you prepare for arrival to Canada. Use the links below to learn more about study permits, provincial attestation letters, airport information, packing lists, and more.
Life at U of G
Orientation Programs
Explore the events and opportunities available in the days following your arrival on campus.
Course Selection & Academics
Learn our top tips and instructions as you select courses for your first semester.
Finances
How to pay your tuition and earn money to fund your education at U of G.
Clubs & Community
Find all the opportunities to make friends and get involved in student life at U of G.
Living in Canada
Housing
Live on campus or connect with our Off-Campus Living Advisor.
Transportation
Use your student bus pass and navigate the city with ease.
Health and Wellness
Health insurance, accessing care, mental health support, and more.
Working
Eligibility to work part-time while you study to help fund your education.
Setting Up Your Phone
Things you should know as you select a phone plan.
Food and Shopping
How to find all your favourite foods and items to make Canada feel like home.
We're Here to Help
U of G's Global Pre-Arrival Support Advisors are here to answer your questions and provide guidance.
Global Pre-Arrival Support Services
The Global Pre-Arrival Support team offer support from the moment you receive an offer until you arrive at U of G. Our services include:
The GPS team runs webinars throughout the year to help prepare incoming international students.
Topics include:
- Study permit application guidance
- What's next after receiving an offer of admission
- Practical advice for international students
- Preparing for your arrival
Visit GryphLife and monitor your U of G email for upcoming dates and registration links.
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. Learn more about your central login.
Email topics include:
- Webinar invitations
- Important dates and deadlines
- Housing tips and resources
- Orientation and pre-arrival program reminders.
Be sure to check your U of G email to stay up-to-date!
The GPS team offers events and opportunities to meet your peers and make connections before you arrive on campus!
Be sure to check your U of G email for upcoming virtual event invitations.
U of G’s Global Pre-Arrival Support (GPS) Advisor is a central point of contact for new international students from the moment you receive an offer of admission through to your first semester.
The GPS Advisor can help you to:
- Navigate the university system;
- Explain and clarify immigration and institutional policies;
- Describe the overarching expectations of students; and
- Facilitate connections with other campus or community supports, resources or services.
Join Our Digital Community
Incoming international students have access to an exclusive space on Microsoft Teams. Login with your U of G credentials and install the app or use the web version for access to:
- Webinar and event reminders
- Important announcements
- Virtual space for you to connect with fellow incoming international students
- Participate in activities and social events
- And more!
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).