New Student Arrival Checklist for Undergraduate and Exchange Students
1. Complete the required Gender Based & Sexual Violence Online Training if you did not complete this before your arrival.
For all incoming first-year undergraduate students (DOES NOT INCLUDE exchange students):
- Login to your offer portal at choose.uwo.ca and check your admission conditions.
- Complete the online training in OWL.
Please note, you will not be able to get your WesternONE student card until this online training is completed.
If you have questions or concerns about the training, email gbsv.edu@uwo.ca.
2. Get your WesternONE Student Card
Upload your photo and government issued ID (passport).
Get details on where and when to pick up your WesternONE card here.
You can request to use your preferred name on your student card and class list by filling out this online form and send it via email from your Western email to contact@uwo.ca. Your student card can also be used for your bus pass, meal plan, Campus Recreation (gym) access, library card and more!
3. Pay Your Tuition Fees
Login to your Student Center account to check your Online Statement of Account. Pay any outstanding tuition fees by the required deadline(s).
4. 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. 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.
USC (University Students' Council) Extended Health Plan - Purple Care
Includes some coverage of prescription drugs, as well as basic dental care and vision coverage. Please visit the PurpleCARE website for more information.
More information is available on our Health and Wellness web page.
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.
For more information, visit the Social Insurance Number page, register to attend a SIN Clinic on campus, or apply at Service Canada.
6. Update Your Address and Emergency Contacts
Login to your Student Center account and update the following:
- Your home address to 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).
Note: You should also go to AlertWesternU and update your contact information to receive important messages in case of a campus-wide emergency.
7. Complete the International Pre-Arrival Welcome Modules
Complete 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! You will be directed to a short survey before being redirected to the modules page.
Students should also review the online learning and academic resources and presentations available to support you with your online learning.
8: Review COVID-19 Specific Resources
Stay up to date with Western’s COVID-19 processes, procedures and resources for students:
9. 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.
Other Important Things to Do
- Check your Western email account regularly: all communication from Western and Western International will be sent to that email.
- Make note of your Passport & Study Permit expiry dates. It's very important that you apply for any extensions prior to the deadline required.
- Apply for an Ontario driver's license or Ontario Photo Card/ID (if applicable)
- Be aware of scams and phishing emails. Complete Western's Cybersmart Awareness Training
- Connect to Western's Wi-Fi
- Open a bank account
- Set up your phone/cell phone service
- Buy your textbooks
- Register for upcoming IESC Workshops and Events
- Become familiar with the various supports, services and resources available to all Western students
- Visit the Student Experience website to learn about academic supports, career services and more.
- Check out the programs and services offered by the USC (University Students' Council)
