Information for New Students
Beginning your studies at Carleton involves a few important steps. From getting your campus ID to understanding your health coverage and connecting with student services, the information below will help you get set up with confidence.
Campus Card
Your Campus Card serves as your official on-campus identification and credential. It will feature your photo, student number, name, U-Pass, barcode, and provide tap or swipe functionality for access and payments throughout campus.
University Health Insurance Plan
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is a mandatory health insurance plan for all international and/or non-residents (and their dependents) studying or working at Carleton University.
For more detailed information about UHIP coverage, eligibility, premiums and more, explore the following resources:
Build Your Timetable
Building your timetable is an important step in preparing for your first term. Carleton’s timetable planning guide will help you explore available course sections, understand scheduling considerations, and prepare a timetable that supports your academic success.
Global Opportunities & International Student Services Office
Carleton’s Global Opportunities & International Student Services Office (GO-ISSO) supports international and exchange students at every stage of their journey — from pre-arrival preparation to graduation. Their office provides guidance on study permits and immigration matters, transition support upon arrival in Canada, and ongoing student services throughout the academic year. GO-ISSO also offers information and assistance related to Carleton’s University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), helping students understand their coverage and access health care with confidence.
Throughout the year, GO-ISSO offers a range of information sessions and workshops designed to help international students navigate life at Carleton and in Canada. These sessions cover topics such as preparing for winter, housing, finances, cultural adjustment, immigration processes, and more. Attending these sessions can provide valuable guidance, resources, and practical tips for adjusting to student life in Canada.
In addition to academic and immigration guidance, GO-ISSO organizes peer-led social and cultural activities designed to help students feel connected and at home in the Carleton community. Events such as Global Café gatherings, snowshoeing trips in Gatineau Park, museum visits, and other excursions create opportunities to build friendships, share experiences, and explore Canadian culture in a welcoming environment.
Graduate Studies
Carleton’s Graduate Studies office serves as a central resource for more than 5,000 graduate students across the university. They provide guidance on a wide range of academic and administrative matters, including graduate policies and procedures, required forms and documentation, and information about awards and funding opportunities.
Graduate Studies also offers a variety of professional development opportunities, with workshops and events throughout the year exploring topics such as networking and interview strategies, navigating the job market, and emerging tools in artificial intelligence. Students can also access writing support and career planning consultations to help strengthen their professional skills.
To help new students get started, Graduate Studies provides a comprehensive orientation guide available as a course on Brightspace, Carleton’s online learning management system. The guide introduces key university resources, offers practical advice for navigating graduate studies, and provides an overview of the services available to students across campus.
TheGraduate@Carleton
Graduate students are also automatically subscribed to TheGraduate@Carleton, a weekly newsletter sent during the academic year that shares important updates, deadlines, events, and opportunities across the university.
Additional On-campus Resources
Carleton offers a wide range of offices and programs that support students throughout their academic journey. The resources below highlight some of the services available to assist with academic success, career development, campus safety, wellbeing, and employment opportunities.
Campus Safety Services
Campus Safety Services maintains a safe and secure environment for everyone at Carleton University. Their team provides 24-hour security coverage across campus and offers a range of services including emergency response, incident reporting, crime prevention programs, and safety escorts for students travelling across campus at night.
Career Services
Carleton’s Career Services office supports students as they explore career options, develop professional skills, and prepare for the job market. Through individual advising appointments, workshops, and online resources, students can receive guidance on résumé and cover letter writing, interview preparation, job search strategies, and networking. Career Services also hosts career fairs, employer information sessions, and other events throughout the year that connect students with potential employers and provide insight into different industries and career paths.
Centre for Student Academic Support
Carleton’s Centre for Student Academic Support (CSAS) offers programs and services designed to help students strengthen their academic skills and succeed in their courses. Through workshops, one-on-one support, and online resources, students can receive guidance on areas such as study strategies, time management, exam preparation, and academic writing. CSAS also provides personalized writing support and learning resources to help students develop effective approaches to coursework, assignments, and exams throughout their studies.
Health and Counselling Services
Carleton’s Health and Counselling Services provides medical care and health support for students on campus. The clinic offers a range of services including appointments with physicians and nurses, laboratory testing, and referrals to specialists when needed. Appointments can be booked online through the CHR Connect App or through the CHR Connect Website.
International Student Employment Program
The International Student Employment Program (ISEP) helps international students gain paid work experience while studying at Carleton. Through the program, students can access job postings for part-time internship placements on campus and in the community, allowing them to build professional skills and gain experience in the Canadian workplace. ISEP also provides career development resources and training modules that introduce key aspects of the Canadian job market, including job search strategies, résumé preparation, interview expectations, and workplace culture.
MacOdrum Library
Carleton’s MacOdrum Library offers a wide range of study spaces, research support services, and access to extensive collections of books, journals, and digital resources. Library staff are available to assist students with locating materials and navigating academic databases. The library also provides workshops and online guides on topics such as research methods, citation practices, and academic writing, helping students build the skills needed to succeed in their coursework and assignments.
Mental Health and Wellness
Carleton’s Mental Health and Wellness services provide a range of supports to help students maintain their mental, emotional, and physical well-being throughout their studies. Through Health and Counselling Services, students can access short-term counselling, medical services, wellness programs, and a variety of resources designed to support both personal and academic success. The office also offers workshops, health promotion initiatives, and resources on topics such as stress management, resilience, nutrition, and self-care. Students can explore available supports through tools like the Wellness Services Navigator or connect with staff at the Wellness Desk in the MacOdrum Library for guidance on finding the right services.
Need More Information?
Connect with us to learn more about Carleton’s on-campus resources.