Arriving early and making preparations in advance will make your first few weeks run more smoothly.
Travel Early
Plan to land in Alberta at least two weeks before your institution's student orientation event. This will give you time to move into your new accommodations, explore your community and become familiar with your higher education institution's campus.
Arriving in Canada
When you arrive in Canada, you will be directed to speak with an officer at the Canada Border Services Agency. They will ask for your study and travel documentation. Make sure you review these pages before you leave to confirm you have everything you may need:
Travel from the Airport
If you are travelling to Alberta by air, you will land at one of our two major airports in either Edmonton or Calgary. You will then be expected to arrange travel to your institution. Use the regional map to find out where your university is relative to the airport you are arriving at.
Some Alberta higher education institutions will help their international students arrange travel from the airport. Contact your institution for more information.
Ground Transportation
Depending on how far away your higher education institution is from the airport, you can choose to take a bus or taxi, or rent a vehicle to get to your destination. You can find service providers in your area by searching either "Taxi", "Vehicle Rental" or "Passenger Bus" in Alberta's online phone directory.
If you are driving yourself, map out where you are driving from, and where you are going to. Google Maps and other online map services can provide you with easy to follow directions to reach your destination. Make sure you do this in advance and bring printed copies with you in case you need them.
Check In With Your Institution
After you confirm your letter of acceptance with your higher education institution, you should receive more information about how to check in when you arrive. Read these materials carefully, and bring them with you to Alberta. Some institutions set up a welcome booth, while others ask you to contact their International Student office. If you are unsure about anything, or have any questions, please contact the Student Services office at your institution.
Get Involved
Your experience in Alberta will be as rewarding as you make it. Look for opportunities to get involved in your campus community - by joining student associations, study groups or participating in other extracurricular activities. It will help you make friends and ease your transition into your new home.
Explore Your New Home
Take some time to explore your new community, and become familiar with the local grocery stores, medical offices and other important services you will need while you live here. We also encourage you to sample some of the local attractions, restaurants and entertainment opportunities in your area! There are so many things to do and discover in Alberta. We hope you enjoy your time with us!