After Arrival Information - International Student Services Office

Welcome to Carleton! Here’s a guide for what you can do after you arrive to get settled in.

Attend Orientation Programming

International Winter Welcome is on January 9th and 10th, 2025. Incoming students are also encouraged to take part in I-Start International Orientation (on Brightspace).

Pick up your U-Pass and Campus Card

Collect your OC Transpo U-Pass (included in your full-time student fees) and Campus Card from the Campus Card office (407 Nideyinan – formerly University Centre). The OC Transpo travel planner will be a helpful resource as you figure out the Ottawa transit system.

Once you arrive we advise you print off your UHIP card as soon as you get a chance.

Buy Your Textbooks

There are several different locations, including the campus book store, where you can buy your text books. Be sure to check your course outlines for information about which textbooks you need and where you can buy them.

Open a Canadian Bank Account

Some of the major Canadian banks with branch locations throughout Ottawa include BMO (Bank of Montreal), CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce), RBC (Royal Bank of Canada), Scotiabank, and TD Bank. There is a Scotiabank branch located on campus in Paterson Hall. Contact the bank of your choice to establish what documentation you will need to bring with you in order to set up your account, and to see if any restrictions may apply. You may find the Canadian Bankers Association’s “Banking for Newcomers to Canada” guide a helpful place to start your research. Citizenship and Immigration Canada also provides a useful introduction to banking in Canada. Some restrictions may apply when opening a Canadian bank account.

Buy a Canadian Cell Phone or SIM Card

The Office Of Consumer Affairs (Industry Canada) provides a series of resources on shopping for a cell phone and service plan. The three major cell phone providers in Canada are Bell, Rogers, and Telus. Other providers in the Ottawa area include Koodo, Fido, Virgin Mobile, and Wind. Before committing, consider whether you are interested in a long-term contract, a pre-paid/pay-as-you-go plan, or a month-to-month plan. Be sure to take your time to explore your options and, whatever option you choose, make sure you understand all the details including all fees that will appear on your monthly bill and any penalties for exceeding your minutes/data or cancelling your service. If you intend to use your phone to make international calls, be sure to consider what plans or apps will be most practical and economical for your purposes.

Shop for the Basics

Moving to Ottawa for another country means you will have to purchase many of the basic items for your room or apartment once you arrive here in the city. Below are some shopping destinations accessible from campus to help you get started.

Shopping Malls: South Keys Shopping Centre is located on the O-Train line (Greenboro Station), and includes a variety of stores including Loblaws (grocery), WalMart, Winners (clothing/household goods), Bulk Barn (dry goods), Staples (office supplies), and Future Shop (electronics), among others. The Rideau Centre is a large mall located in downtown Ottawa (from campus, take bus #4, direction Rideau Centre). Other Ottawa area malls, slightly further away, include the Bayshore Shopping Centre and the St. Laurent Centre.

Second Hand/Used: You may be able to find many of your required clothing and household items at a second hand or used stores. These include Value Village (1824 Bank St. and 1375 Clyde Ave.) and the Salvation Army (1322 Carling Ave. and 2654 Alta Vista).

Groceries: In general, avoid purchasing food items at corner or convenience stores as they will often charge higher prices. Many grocery stores will offer a student discount on a certain day of the week so be sure to bring your Campus Card with you. When shopping for groceries, bring your own reusable bags as grocery stores in Ottawa charge a small fee for the disposable kind.

Preparing for Winter: If this is your first encounter with winter, particularly in the context of a Canadian winter, it’s natural to have a range of emotions and concerns. To help alleviate some of these worries and ensure you feel adequately prepared, this Preparing for Winter WEB offers essential information. From understanding the local climate to knowing where to procure winter clothing, caring for yourself in the winter, and discovering enjoyable winter activities, this presentation aims to provide a comprehensive guide for a successful and comfortable winter experience. The goal is to equip you with practical knowledge, so you can navigate the upcoming winter confidently.

Ontario Photo ID Card

The Ontario photo ID card is a piece of government-issued photo ID for Ontario residents who do not have a provincial driver’s license. This is not a mandatory piece of identification, but many international students find it useful as it allows them to leave hard-to-replace documents, like passports, at home as they go about their day-to-day activities.

Visit the ISSO in Person

Visit our office at 128 Nideyinàn (formerly known as University Centre). Throughout the year, the ISSO offers a variety of social programs and student services that will help you adjust to life in Ottawa and at Carleton. We are here to help you!

More information about Canada

Sales tax and tipping: Sales Tax: In the province of Ontario, a harmonized sales tax (HST) of 13% is added to the ticket price of many goods at the time of purchase. Tipping: In Canada, tipping is the norm for food and drink service. In restaurants, it is normal to tip between 15% and 20% of the pre-tax total based on the quality of service received. In food service establishments where you receive counter service (e.g. coffee shops, ice cream shops, etc.), a tip jar is usually provided on the counter. Tipping here is optional and it is typically not considered rude if you choose not to do so. Other services where tipping is the norm include taxi service, hair styling, manicures, etc.
Dressing for Canadian winter: If you arrive in the fall, you’ll have time to shop for appropriate seasonal clothing before winter. In general, you should look for a warm hat (that covers your ears), a scarf, mittens or gloves, a winter jacket (windproof and water resistant), and warm boots (with a rubber sole for a good grip on icy sidewalks). Clothes that can be layered are best for outdoor activities. Department stores like Walmart, Target, or The Bay are good places to start to look for winter clothing. Second hand or used clothing stores may also have what you need. Keep your eyes open for sales at sporting goods stores as well (especially after the winter holiday).
Climate in Ottawa: The summer in Ottawa tends to be sunny, warm, and humid. The average daily high in July is 26.5 degrees celcius. Keep in mind that humid conditions may make it feel warmer than the thermometer reads. In January, usually the coldest month of the year, the average daily high is -5.8 degrees celcius, while the average daily low is -14.8 degrees. In the winter, you’ll often hear the temperature being reported as “with the wind chill.” This means that the air temperature may feel significantly colder than it reads. Ottawa typically experiences a snowy winter with the majority of snow days occurring between December and March (although it is not uncommon for snow to fall as early as October or as late as April). To check weather conditions in Ottawa, refer to the Weather Network or Environment Canada.

Be sure to check out our Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) webpage for further advise.

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