Before You Arrive

Complete the following steps prior to your departure to Ottawa so you can thrive when you arrive!

New International Graduate Students also need to access the Checklist for New Graduate Students by visiting the Grad Student website.

Steps to Follow Before You Arrive in Ottawa

The Top 9 Before You Arrive

1. Apply for your study permit immediately after accepting your Offer of Admission.
2. Note important dates and deadlines within the New Student Checklist available through the Registrar’s Office.
3. Register for the I-Start Orientation program on Brightspace for all incoming international students.
4. International Orientation Day Fall 2025 (registration opening July 15th)
5. Register for Ask Us Anything Sessions.
6. Join us at  Global Ravens Connect: International Students Drop-in
7. Register for classes on Carleton Central.
   • Undergraduate students can access registration assistance on the Registrar’s website
   • Graduate students can find registration information on the Grad Student website.
8. Make copies of your identification and other important documents. Make note of where you store copies for safe-keeping.
9. Download the Carleton mobile app.

Bonus Tip: Check your Carleton University e-mail regularly for important university updates.

Accommodations

• Find a place to live. Apply to live on campus on the Housing Services page OR visit the off-campus living resource page.
• Be sure to pack a universal or travel power adaptor for any technology you are bringing in the event that your technology does not correspond with voltage or plugs in Canada.

Finances

• Make a plan for transferring funds from home to Canada.
• View your account balance on Carleton Central and pay your tuition, residence, and auxiliary fees through your student account.

Wellness

• Learn what is included in your mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and consider travel insurance for the journey to Canada.
• Pack important medical records and order extra prescription medication you may need.

Campus Life

• Follow our Ravens Student Life team on social media on Instagram and TikTok.
• Pre-order your Campus Card online.

Navigating Ottawa

• Familiarize yourself with Ottawa’s transportation systems.
• Read about Canadian culture to get ready for your Canadian adventure

Specific Resources for Undergraduate, Graduate, and Exchange Students

• New graduate students should access the Checklist for New Graduate Students at the New Grad Student webpage.
• New exchange students will be sent a Checklist for Exchange Students and a How to Prepare for Your Studies Guide by the Global Learning Coordinator (Incoming)

International Student Connect

Studying in a different country can be both exciting and challenging. International Student Connect videos and resources were created to provide customized information and settlement resources geared towards the needs of international students and their accompanying family members.