Plan for your arrival

At this point in your pre-arrival journey, you should be have a good sense of immigration, finances, accommodations, your academic schedule and your health coverage. Next up, it's time to sort out the details of your travel! So when should you arrive? 

Fall 2024

Fall 2024 classes will start on September 4. 

Plan to arrive at least 2 weeks before the start of classes to settle down and participate in orientation. If you will be living on-campus, make sure to check YorkU email from Housing Services for move-in date and instructions.  

Winter 2025

Winter 2025 classes will start on January 6

Plan to arrive at least 2 weeks before the start of classes to settle down and participate in orientation. If you will be living on-campus, make sure to check YorkU email from Housing Services for move-in date and instructions. More information provided December 2024. 

Summer 2025

Plan to arrive at least 2 weeks before the start of classes to settle down and participate in orientation. If you will be living on-campus, make sure to check YorkU email from Housing Services for move-in date and instructions. More information provided March 2025. 

There's only so much you can prepare for before you officially arrive at York. For everything else, the best place to start is with Orientation Week! There are so many events on offer to help you transition, socialize and acclimatize to life at York. 

Orientation Week

With so many events, focuses and types of orientation, it helps to have a bird's eye view of everything going on. Explore the main orientation website to see a complete schedule, FAQs and more. 

Academic Orientation

Your faculty will host an Academic Orientation during Orientation Week where you can meet your faculty peers, professors and learn more about your program. You'll also get to know more about the resources available to you through your faculty!

International and Exchange Student Orientation 

As an international student, your transition to York has to cover double the information. Not only are you beginning your studies at a new institution, but you're also orienting to a new city, country and culture. International and Exchange Student Orientation is designed to help acquaint you with services and offerings most relevant to your experience. 

Whether you're days, weeks or months away from arriving on campus, we have programming created specifically to help support you before you arrive. Make sure you take advantage of these offerings!

As a newcomer in Canada, having access to the internet is one small step that can bring you closer to settling into your new life as a student. Whether its staying connected with your loved ones, or searching for resources, a phone plan can provide you with the access you need! Phone companies offer a variety of plans to fit your budget and your needs. 

DISCLAIMER: York International does not officially endorse or represent any of the phone companies mentioned below. This list simply provides students with consolidated information relating to phone plans. Here are some options: 

Rogers
Freedom
Fido
Virgin
Lucky
Bell
Koodoo
Phone Box 

Where can I get a SIM card? 

Here are a few places to get a SIM card online that may deliver: 

Public Mobile
Lucky Mobile 
Bell 
Telus

For more information on other important documents and preparing to travel to Canada visit the Immigration Handbook. 

Passport

An official document issued by the government of your country of citizenship, certifying your identity. It is used when travelling to and from foreign countries. Must be valid for the duration of your time in Canada. 

Study Permit

A study permit is a document that gives you permission to study in Canada on a temporary basis. If you will be studying in Canada for more than six months, you require a valid study permit for the duration of your studies. 

Please Note: Study permits will only be issued to applicants studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). York University is a designated learning institution: York University's Designated Learning Institute (DLI) Number is O19361109242 (O stands for Ontario). 

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Depending on your citizenship, you may require a Temporary Resident Visa or eTA to enter Canada. As of November 10th, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada.