Fall 2024 Pre-Arrival Sessions Key Takeaways
Each year, prior to the start of each new semester, the CBU Student Services team hosts virtual Pre-Arrival Sessions for international students to help prepare them for their arrival in Canada. The goal of these sessions is to cover a wide range of topics to ensure students new to the country are well-equipped before the first day of classes at CBU.
Each session below covers a different topic, highlighting key takeaways and a link to the recorded sessions. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to internationaloffice@cbu.ca.
Sessions and Key Takeaways:
- Learn About the Supports and Services in Student Affairs
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- The CBU Career Services team is a great resource that provides students with various workshops and helpful information about employment in Canada. You reach them at career_services@cbu.ca
- There is tons to do on the CBU campus, so we encourage you to check out the Events page for activities happening throughout the semester.
- Student Success Coaching is where you can meet with our Academic Success Coaches to learn invaluable skills that will help you throughout your journey.
- New students are encouraged to enroll and complete the Start Smart Program. Start Smart is an online learning experience aimed at giving you the opportunity to learn about CBU before arriving on campus.
- As a reminder – You cannot begin working until your classes for the semester begin. You also need your SIN (Social Insurance Number) to begin to work in Canada.
- You can view the recorded session here.
- What You Need to Know About Coming to Canada.
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- International Students are here on a study permit and should keep the following things in mind:
- Review your Study Permit Conditions
- Rules surrounding working as an International Student
- If you have not received your study permit approval by the middle of the month before your first semester starts, you are encouraged to postpone your travel to Canada
- If you have not secured housing by the middle of the month before your first semester begins, it is also encouraged that you postpone your studies
- Airport pick-ups are free during designated periods but you have to sign up before your arrival. This link will only be active when airport pick-up is being offered
- You can view the recorded session here.
- What You Need to Know About Academic Advising
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- Academic Advising provides you with individualized guidance and support in the planning and completion of your academic programs.
- Before classes begin, a CBU Team Member will email you your First Year Advising information via your official CBU Email. This email explains your program requirements, as well as how to register for courses.
- You are encouraged to save a copy to refer back to throughout your studies. Once you’ve reviewed this email in full, you are ready and eligible to register for classes once registration opens.
- After you arrive at CBU, Academic Advising is also available at The Advising Centre, located in the Marvin Harvey Building.
- Please note that registration deadlines for all programs can be found in the Academic Calendar.
- You can view the recorded session here.
- Finding Your Home in Canada: A Guide to Accommodation
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- You are strongly encouraged to find housing within the CBRM (Cape Breton Regional Municipality prior to your arrival in Canada.
- Residence on the CBU campus is available and encouraged for CBU students. To apply, please click here.
- Living off-campus recommendations:
- Please be aware of scams. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Do not under any circumstances provide anyone with personal or financial information without first doing your research. For more help in identifying scams, email the CBU Off-Campus Housing Coordinator, Kelsey Johnston, at kelsey_johnston@cbu.ca
- It is also recommended that you do your research before entering into an agreement with a landlord. Be sure you are comfortable and agree with everything that you are signing.
- Please click here to search for off-campus accommodations.
- You can view the recorded session here.
- Learn About Health Insurance in Canada
- Learn About Health Care & Wellness Support on Campus
- Managing Your CBU Student Account: The Registrar’s Office and Finance Office
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- In order to be considered a full-time student, you have three options:
- You are registered for a minimum of 9 credits (three 3-credit courses)
- You are registered for an Internship
- You are registered for a Capstone Project in one of the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma programs in the Fall or Winter semesters.
- If you wish to change programs, you need to complete at least one semester before being eligible to apply for a program change.
- Remember, being on a waitlist for a course does not guarantee you a seat in the course. If you are currently on a waitlist, it is recommended that you register for a different course or section that is available as a backup. If you’re having trouble, you can reach out to an Academic Advisor to discuss an alternate course option.
- Be aware of CBU’s financial policies and payment deadlines.
- If you see a negative balance in your Compass Student Account, don’t be alarmed; this means there is a credit on your account that can be used for future tuition and fees.
- For any general questions, students can reach out to the following emails:
- You can view the recorded session here.
- Understanding Canadian Government Services: Service Canada and Canada Revenue Agency
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- If you are looking for employment opportunities while studying at CBU you must have a condition in your study permit that allows you to do so, along with a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). You can apply for your SIN numbers online here.
- CBU occasionally hosts SIN clinics, so please continue to monitor the Events page if you’d like to attend.
- Once you have a SIN number, please, keep it secured.
- Unfortunately, scams/frauds are on the rise across the country, so students are advised to be extra careful when engaging with phone calls or emails from unknown contacts. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Service Canada sometimes contact residents using phone calls and mail. When they do, they do not use scare tactics. If you are unsure, you can call the CRA or Service Canada directly to verify if you have been contacted legitimately.
- International students are eligible for GST/ HST credit and can find more information on how to apply through this link.
- If you become a resident of Canada, you are expected to file for income tax for March 1 of the previous calendar year to April 30 of the current year.
- You can view the recorded session here.
This blog covers each of this year’s Pre-Departure Sessions and their key takeaways. If you have any additional questions after reading through this blog, please reach out to internationaloffice@cbu.ca.