New Student Arrival Checklist for Graduate Students

1. Activate Your Registration

If you did not present your study permit at our Welcome Centre, you can activate your registration and clear any admission conditions by emailing a clear copy of your study permit to Thomas Bilotta, or by presenting it in person at the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies front desk (International & Graduate Affairs Building, Room 1N07).

Once your admission conditions have been cleared and your registration has been activated, login to Student Center to complete Steps 3 through 5.

2. Check in with your Graduate Program

Contact your graduate program to let them know you've arrived and for any questions about:

• course enrolment
• funding support package and part-time employment (if applicable)
• program-specific questions

3. Get your WesternONE Student Card

One day after you activate your registration, upload your photo and government issued ID (passport).

Find details on where and when to pick up your WesternONE card.

You can  request to use your preferred name on your student card and class list by filling out this  online form and sending it from your Western email to contact@uwo.ca.

Your student card can also be used as an identification card for exams and bus pass. It is your library card, can be used for your  meal plan, can be used for door access and vending machine purchases. It is also required to access  Campus Recreation and to pick up a parking permit or keys.

For more information regarding Western OneCard, visit The Office of Registrar webpage.

4. Pay Your Tuition and Ancillary Fees

In Student Center, check your Online Statement of Account. By the deadlines indicated, pay any outstanding tuition and ancillary fees not covered by your funding support package (if applicable).

If you have questions about your funding package, please contact your graduate program.

Find details about  fee payment methods .

Western University is welcoming international students who are new to Canada to our community with a grant of $1,000 to assist with settlement costs. Once you have paid your fees and presented your study permit, eligible students will see these funds in their tuition account as “New to Canada Grant."

More information about the grant and how to access the funds as a refund (and not applied against amount owing on student account).

5. Apply for a Social Insurance Number

If you plan to work while in Canada, either as an on-campus or off-campus employee, or a teaching or research assistant, you must have a Social Insurance Number in order to receive payment for work in Canada.

Once you receive your SIN, be sure to update your information on student.uwo.ca and on myhr.uwo.ca (for students working at the university)

For more information, visit the banking information page,  Social Insurance Number page, register to attend a SIN Clinic on campus, or apply at Service Canada.

6. Update Personal Information and Emergency Contacts

In Student Center, 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.

7. Review Your Health Insurance Plans 

University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)

• Mandatory for all international students and their family members (spouse and children) who are in Ontario. You are automatically enrolled and 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.
• Enroll your family members within 30 days of arriving.
• See  iesc.uwo.ca/uhip for complete details.

Society of Graduate Students (SOGS) Extended Health Plan

Includes some coverage of prescription drugs, as well as basic dental care and vision coverage. Visit the SOGS Health & Dental Coverage page f or details.

More information is available on our  Health and Wellness web page.

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 vacine 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.

8. 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.

9. Get Connected to Graduate Student Life

• Become familiar with the various supports, services and resources available to all Western students.
• Discover opportunities available across campus to thrive personally and professionally.
• Check out the programs and services offered by the SOGS (Society of Graduate Students - your student council).
• If you are a Teaching Assistant, get to know your union, PSAC Local 610, and its associated benefits and support.
• Explore the Centre for Teaching & Learning programs for graduate students.
• Visit The Grad Club for food and social connections.
• Participate in orienation offered by Graduate Student Life including Grad Life 101 (online) and Graduate Student Orientation and the Graduate Student Resource Fair (in-person).

10. Sign up for Programs and Services

• Sign up for an International Peer Guide - an upper-year student who can support your transition to Western and Canada.
• Join the English Conversation Program - a great way to meet people and practice English in an informal setting.
• Plan to attend our weekly Global Café, every Thursday, 3-5 pm to meet friends and make connections to the campus community.
• Visit the International and Exchange Student Centre when you arrive or book an appointment with an International Student Advisor if you need assistance.