New Students

JW mascot standing with a group of international students smiling off-camera

International Pre-arrival Welcome Modules

All new international and exchange students should complete our five helpful Pre-Arrival Modules to help answer the many questions you may have about studying at Western and living in Canada. These modules are a quick way to learn more about what to expect in your first year - academically, socially and emotionally.

Topics include:

  • Services and Supports available at the International and Exchange Student Centre
  • Academic Values in Canada, Academic Culture and Unwritten “Rules of the Canadian Classroom”
  • Finding Housing and Tips for Living in London
  • Important Immigration Regulations for International Students
  • Health Care, Health Insurance, and Staying Well in Canada


Study Permit and Immigration Information

  • Applying for your Study Permit
  • Important steps & documents
  • Your responsibilities

International Student Orientation

  • Event schedule
  • Pre-arrival Welcome Modules
  • Other orientation activities

What to Bring to Canada

  • Essential documents
  • Personal items and money
  • Electronics and Chargers

Finding Housing

  • On-Campus housing
  • Off-Campus housing
  • Temporary accommodations

How to Get Here

  • How to get to London
  • How to get to Western
  • London public transit

Health Care & Wellness

  • UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan)
  • Physical and mental health services
  • Health care providers and extended health insurance

Money & Banking

  • Tips to prepare before you arrive
  • Expenses to expect when you arrive
  • Banking information

Arrival & Settling In

  • When you should arrive
  • Setting up your home (Utilities, Mobile Phones, Internet)
  • Programs to help your transition

Western Basics

  • Key services for new students
  • Fees & tuition and your Western Identity
  • Course registration, Student Center, OWL, Western ONECard, bus pass

Undergraduate Student Arrival Checklist

Exchange Student Arrival Checklist

Graduate Student Arrival Checklist