New Student Arrival Checklist for Exchange Students

1. Get your Western ONE Student Card

Upload your photo and government issued ID (passport).

Complete Training One: Part A (Gender-Based and Sexual Violence Response and Prevention training). If it is not completed you will not be able to pick up your Western ONECard.

Your Western ONECard can also be used for your bus pass, meal plan, Campus Recreation (gym) access, library card and more!

For more information regarding your Western ONECard, visit The Office of the Registrar's page.

2. Pay Your Ancillary Fees

Login to your Student Center account to check your Online Statement of Account. Pay any outstanding fees by the required deadline(s).

Fee payment methods.

3. Review Your Health Insurance Plan

University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)

• Mandatory for all international students and their family members (spouse and children) who are in Ontario. This is your main health insurance plan if you need to see a doctor.
• Check your Western email for your UHIP card. Students who are in Ontario while enrolled in online classes are still required to have UHIP.
• See our UHIP page for complete details.

Familiarize yourself with health and wellness supports

Western offers a number of health and wellness services including a doctor's office, counselling, group supports, peer support and more. Visit health.uwo.ca for details.

More information on health care in Canada.

Check your vaccination status

Do you know if your vaccines are up-to-date? If you moved to/ are moving to Canada from a country where vaccines were not as accessible, you may not be fully immunized against diseases like measles.

Before you come to Western, it's important to review your vaccine history and learn more about our recommended vaccines.

If you are in need of vaccinations or testing, once you arrive at Western, Student Health & Wellness Services can help! Book an appointment to speak with a physician. Costs for physician appointments and for vaccinations are covered under the University Health Insurance Plan.

Register at the Student Health Clinic

Visit Health & Wellness Services (Thames Hall room 2170) or call the clinic at 519-661-3030 to register. If you have any pre-existing conditions, we recommend making an appointment to facilitate medication renewals and follow-up. Even if you don't need to see someone right away, registering in advance will allow you to easily book online if you ever need to see a doctor or mental health counsellor.

4. Update Your Address and Emergency Contacts

Login to your Student Center account and update the following:

• Your new London address.
• Your emergency contacts (can be worldwide). It is recommended that you include a family member.
• Your Social Insurance Number (once you receive it).

Visit AlertWesternU and update your contact information to receive important messages in case of a campus-wide emergency.

5. Set Yourself up for Success

Review the International Pre-Arrival Welcome modules to learn more about Western and Canadian culture, unwritten rules of the Canadian classroom, key academic values in Canada, important immigration information, wellness, and safety tips and more!

Check out Learning presentations and workshops for tips on creating effective learning habits, successful time management and more.

6. Review Your Courses

Enrol in courses. Before you arrive, make sure you are enrolled in the minimum number of required courses

• 2.0 credits if you are here for one term;
• 3.5 credits if you are here for the full term.

If you would like to make changes to your course schedule, please follow the instructions we have sent you or email us at goabroad@uwo.ca if you need additional support. You can also visit us in person at the International and Graduate Affairs Building after you arrive in London.

7. Participate in Virtual and In-Person Orientation Programming

Participate in our 3-Part webinar series for new students and plan to attend our in-person social events to connect with your international community at Western. For more information, see the International Student Orientation Schedule.

8. Sign up for Programs and Services

• Join the English Conversation Program - a great way to meet people and practice English in an informal setting.
• Attend our weekly Global Café, every Thursday, 3-5 pm to meet friends and make connections to the campus community.
• Visit Western International when you arrive or book an appointment with an International Learning Coordinator if you need assistance.