Graduate Student Pre-arrival Orientation: Key Dates, Registration, and Settling in Hamilton

WELCOME School of Graduate Studies International Graduate Students Pre-arrival Orientation Webinar KEY DATES PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

KEY DATES WELCOME From Application to Admission An Overview for OUAC101 / Canadian Applicants - September 2019 Entry PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION INTRODUCTIONS HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Getting started as a Graduate Student KEY DATES • Where to find key dates 2. Pre-Departure (travel documentation, travel arrangements) 3. Arrival & Getting Settled in Hamilton (local transport, banking, housing, student card, etc) 4. Registration (enrollment, tuition and fees and funding) • Health & Wellness • Community Resources PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

iCent App • Pre-arrival information • Post-arrival information • Health insurance • Local transportation • Events and registration • “How to’s” such as banking, shopping, and cell phone information KEY DATES PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON How to get the App: Check the email account you used on your McMaster admissions application and offer. The download instructions have been sent there from iCent REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

KEY DATES PRE-DEPARTURE KEY DATES ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Key Dates KEY DATES • Registration for fall 2019 is now open. Deadline to register is August 27. • Tuition deadline for fall 2019 term is September 25. Information on tuition payment deadlines • First day of Class: Variable. Please check with your program and course schedule. • Holidays & Campus Closures: The University will be closed on September 2nd for Labour Day. PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

KEY DATES PRE-DEPARTURE PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Pre-departure KEY DATES • As you are getting ready for this new experience, you may visit Educanada’s website. • You will find comprehensive information on many topics that will be useful before and during your studies in Canada. Including: • Culture shock, it is real! • Canadian currency and banking • Permits and visas • Housing and accommodations • Working while studying PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Travel Documentation KEY DATES After you arrive: • Bring your study permit to the School of Graduate Studies at Gilmour Hall 212. We will make a copy. • Maintain a valid study permit until your program is completed. • Information for renewal is in the Government of Canada website. • For specific information on Immigration topics you may also view our Predeparture Webinar where McMaster’s Immigration and Mobility advisor addresses most common questions. • McMaster International Student Services (ISS) PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

What to bring to the airport? KEY DATES • A valid passport or travel document • A letter of Introduction the visa office sent you when they approved your study permit (this letter has your permit Reference Number which is used to issue your study permit) • A copy of your valid Letter of Acceptance from McMaster University • Proof that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada • Letters of reference or any other documents the visa office told you to bring PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

What to bring to the airport? KEY DATES • Either a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) • If you have a valid eTA, it will be linked to the passport you used to apply for your study permit PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

KEY DATES ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Airport Welcome KEY DATES • Dates: August 1st – September 1st • Location: Pearson Airport Terminal 1 & 3 arrival doors • Some orange shirt volunteers may be at the airport when you arrive, there will also be a Destination Ontario Booth in case you have any questions or just need someone to direct you to the right place. PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Transportation KEY DATES • TorontoLester B Pearson Airport (YYZ) transportation options • Multiple options available at various prices so make sure to choose the option that better suits your needs. • Go Bus/Transit - Route number 40 from Pearson Airport Terminal 1 to Hamilton Go Center (About 1 hour 10 mins) – Approx. fare: $12.70, keep in mind that you may need to take a taxi to get to your final destination if its not walking distance from the Hamilton Go Center. • Other: Uber/Lyft, Taxis/Limos (Flat rates: Approx.. $120.00), AirwaysTransit Approx. $80.00 • Your Graduate Student Association (GSA) is also offering some transportation arrangements, you may find their information here. PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Bus Pass is included in your Supplemental Fees (Eligible full time Students). You will get it in September. • Pass is also known as Presto Card • Pick up your Presto Card from Campus Store (book store) • You will need your Student Card first • Hamilton bus schedules and fares BUS PASS KEY DATES PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Housing KEY DATES • Housing Webinar Offered by ISS and McMaster Off Campus Resource Centre. Includes info on common practices, lease agreements, residential tenancies act and much more! • There are no On Campus Graduate Student residences, so you will need to look for Off Campus Housing. • Online classifieds: • macoffcampus.mcmaster.ca • https://facebook.com/groups/machousing/ • https://facebook.com/groups/MAC.IGSA/ • Symbiosis Program https://www.facebook.com/MacSymbiosis/ • www.kijiji.ca and hamilton.craigslist.ca PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Working in Canada KEY DATES Social Insurance Number (SIN) You need a SIN to work in Canada as a TA or any other employment • No fee to apply • Bring passport and study permit Places you can get your SIN: • On campus - International Student Services book through Oscarplus. • Pearson Airport • Hamilton City Hall (Fridays only) • Service Canada locations (can be found online) PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Getting Paid – Enrolling in Direct Deposit KEY DATES • Your payments for scholarship and employment will be deposited directly into your bank account after Enrolling in Direct Deposit. Depending on the type of payment(s) you receive you may have to enroll in 2 places: • Mosaic Student Center (online portal) • Human Resources (paper form) See ‘How to Enroll in Direct Deposit’ under Banking in the International Students section in the School of Graduate Studies website. • Your first TA and/or scholarship payment will be processed on September 13, 2019, if your bank account is not yet active in the system, you may pick up the cheque for your scholarship at the School of Graduate Studies (GH212) and your TA cheque at Human Resources Services. PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Getting Paid KEY DATES IMPORTANT! Payment information package for full time graduate students' academic year 2019 -2020. This link has all the info you need. Pay Schedule, understanding your funding, and Steps to Getting Paid, where to direct questions. See Info Package here. More Details: http://www.workingatmcmaster.ca/hris/employee/teachingassistants/ http://www.mcmaster.ca/bms/student/SAC_account_statement.html PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Banking in Canada – 5 of the major Canadian Banks KEY DATES • Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) • Scotiabank • TD Bank • Bank of Montreal • CIBC *You will need your passport +study permit + proof of address (copy of lease, electricity, internet or phone bill) to open a bank account. Please note that our office does not endorse any one bank; and you may find additional options in Educanada.ca PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Cell Phones in Canada KEY DATES • May require a credit card (go to bank first) • May require deposit • Prices vary by plan ($50-150+/month) • We do not endorse any company. Make sure you research what each provider has to offer and pick the plan that is right for you. PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Budgeting and Cost of Living KEY DATES • Helpful Resource: • You can see updated list of how much things cost in Hamilton here expatistan.com/cost-of-living/hamilton-Canada • Key point: • Check your payment schedule! • Take advantages of student discount • Transit (Greyhound, Presto) • Phoenix food discount 5% (with GSA sticker) • Grocery stores PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Tuesdays - 10% discount at Fortino’s, Metro & Food Basics • Wednesdays - 15% discount at Bulk Barn • Thursdays - 20% discount at Shoppers Drug Mart (ONLY at Main/Emerson location) • Bring your Student ID! • Cheap produce: Fiddes Whole Sale Produce (60 Ewen Rd, Hamilton: CASH ONLY!) Groceries Tips [Don’t miss out these savings!] KEY DATES PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON $$ REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

KEY DATES PRE-DEPARTURE REGISTRATION ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Registration KEY DATES • This site has all of the details on Enrollment • Make sure to register on time. • There are three terms in an academic year (fall/winter/summer). • Your must enroll in at least one course for each term you are at McMaster. If you are not taking an academic course, you must enroll in a placeholder course. PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Tuition & Fees KEY DATES • Tuition + Supplementary Essential and Non Essential Fees. • https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/student-choice-initiative/ • Dates and Deadlines PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Tuition & Fees KEY DATES • Bank transfer is the most convenient, secure and recommended method. • Student Accounts • Payment Information Package September 2019 • Check your tuition and fee amount on your Student Account: • Once enrolled, several ways to check your financial account information: • Log on to Mosaic > Student Center (tab) > Finances section • Under “My Account” > Account Inquiry. This will show balances by term. • In the dropdown menu called “other financial…” select “Charges Due” Note: • You will not receive a bill or invoice • You can print invoices directly from your Student Center. PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Conditions clearing KEY DATES • If you need to clear your conditions of admission pleasemake sure you work closely with your program to submit the proper documentation before the deadline. • Your condition(s) of admission are listed in your offer of admission. • There are firm deadlines for conditions clearing and for requesting an extension. do not risk your offer being rescinded. PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

KEY DATES PRE-DEPARTURE HEALTH & WELLNESS ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

General Information on UHIP KEY DATES Covers the cost for: • Emergency Medical Care (hospital) • Physician visits • Mandatory for ALL International Students and their accompanying dependents • You will be automatically enrolled, and charges will be added to your student account • You must enroll your accompanying dependents (spouse and/or children) into the UHIP plan if they are residing in Ontario with you(only be added once they are physically in Ontario) • You are required to enroll your dependents into the plan within 30 days of their arrival date in Ontario (it is not automatic) • If enrolled after the 30 days limit, you will be charged a $500.00 late fee in addition to UHIP charge from the date of the dependent’s arrival in Canada. PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

General Information on UHIP- Add dependent KEY DATES • To add dependents to the UHIP plan, you can either book an appointment with UHIP representative Ana Pereira via OSCARplus or visit the Student Success Centre in Gilmour Hall room 110 on Wednesday’s from 1:30pm-4:00pm for drop in hours- no appointment needed- first come, first served • Please bring your student number, dependents passport photo page and flight itinerary with you. PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

General Information on UHIP- Cover Period KEY DATES • Coverage period: September 1 – August 31 of any given year- all students are automatically charged for 12 months of coverage • Is effective the tenth day of the month before the academic term begins or the day of arrival in Canada (whichever is later) Example: If you arrive August 10th you will be covered. If you arrive August 1st, you will not be covered and will need other health coverage PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

General Information on UHIP- Cost KEY DATES • Coverage: $636 CAD for 12 months for single coverage (1 person) • $ 1,272 Student + 1 Dependent • $1,908 Student + 2 or more dependents • Exceptions: exchange students and other students with defined shorter stays at McMaster with be charged less than 12 months PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

UHIP Card KEY DATES • You will receive an email from SunLife Financial in your McMaster email with your UHIP card attached. Make sure that your McMaster email is active and NOT being forwarded to another email or you will not receive your card • Make sure you print your UHIP card and carry it with you in case you need to seek medical attention • Exemptions: There is a list of pre-approved plans and these are the ONLY plans that allow members to be exempted from UHIP. • For more information on the UHIP plan you may visit this link and make sure to register for a UHIP workshop that happen each month starting in September. PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

UHIP – What happens if I get sick? KEY DATES • Emergency? Call 911 and/or get yourself to hospital • Non-Emergency Illness? Make an appointment with the Student Wellness Centre doctor • After-hours non-emergency? You can visit a Walk-in Clinic (may require payment upfront) Walk-in clinics and Urgent Care centers usually close at 9pm. Check before going! • All of this is covered by UHIP. Not sure if something is covered, connect with the UHIP representative at ISS. • If you require specialized care, start by seeing a regular physician first PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Who Pays for What? KEY DATES UHIP Card • Emergency/Hospital/ Surgeries/ Blood Work • Doctor’s Visit (physical or mental health at the Student Wellness Centre and outside McMaster University) Coverage for Vision, Dental and Prescription medication is not covered under the UHIP Plan • Graduate students have coverage through GSA and/or CUPE supplementary Health and Dental Plan • MBA and MELD students have coverage through MSU Health and Dental Plan • Note: Exchange students are not eligible for either MSU or GSA health insurance plan. *CUPE Members are covered up to $1000/year. TA/RA’s are automatically enrolled in this for dental PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

KEY DATES COMMUNITY RESOURCES PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Community Support - Your Grad community KEY DATES PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Your Grad Community (continued) On-Campus KEY DATES PRE-DEPARTURE Grad Student Groups ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Off- Campus Q & A

If you are a grad student with parenting responsibilities, join the GradParent network to meet and connect with other graduate students and their families. Grad Parent Network KEY DATES PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Supervisory Relationship Resources KEY DATES PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON • Getting the Supervisory Relationship off to a Good Start Template • Graduate Work Supervision Guidelines for Faculty and Students REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

MODEL, McMaster Office for the Development of English Language Learners, is a free service designed to help both undergraduate and graduate students who may be struggling with the English Language. • MODEL offers English-language training, workshops, and support, developed by certified ESL and EAP experts, to meet the needs of McMaster students of all academic backgrounds and levels of English language proficiency. MODEL KEY DATES PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Grad Student Events KEY DATES The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) organizes events throughout the year, and specially around the beginning of each semester. We will post them on our website and send them to your McMaster email. Social Events are a great way to: • Meet new and returning grad students • Meet the Grad Student Association (GSA) and Staff from Grad Studies • Meet the International Graduate Student Association (IGSA) members • Learn more about resources available for you. The International Student Services Office (ISS) also organizes many activities that you may be interested in participating in. WATCH FOR REGISTRATION DETAILS BY EMAIL PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

Grad Student Events – Welcome Week Orientation KEY DATES WATCH FOR REGISTRATION DETAILS BY EMAIL • Resource Fair • New Graduate Student Welcome and Clubfest • Scavenger Hunt • Family Picnic • International Graduate Student Board Game Night • Teaching and Learning Forum by the McPherson Institute • More information on Orientation Events PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

International Student Services KEY DATES • Student Success Coach • staplesa@mcmaster.ca • Book an appointment through OSCAR Plus • Immigration and Mobility Advisor • International Undergrad Program Coordinator iss.mcmaster.caGH Room 110 PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

REGISTER FOR UPCOMING WEBINARS International Student Panel Q & A: • August 1 at 1pm KEY DATES PRE-DEPARTURE ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED IN HAMILTON REGISTRATION HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Q & A

IMMIGRATION GETTING TO CAMPUS HEALTH INSURANCE THANK YOU! Contributors: Andrea Cole Francesca Hernandez Sebastian Himbert Correen Mascotto Jean Christophe Ono DitBiot Judi Pattison Anthony Quarshie Andrew Staples FIRST WEEK ON CAMPUS AGENDA BANKING & PHONE WHAT TO PACK Q & A

Questions? School of Graduate Studies askgrad@mcmaster.ca iGSA igsa@mcmaster.ca IMMIGRATION GETTING TO CAMPUS HEALTH INSURANCE FIRST WEEK ON CAMPUS BANKING & PHONE WHAT TO PACK Q & A

Graduate Student Pre-arrival Orientation: Key Dates, Registration, and Settling in Hamilton