2012/2013
Pre-arrival Information for
International Exchange Students
Compiled by: Ryerson International
11th Floor, 1 Dundas St. W., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Mailing Address:
350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3
www.ryerson.ca/ri
Table of
Contents
3. Welcome/Contact
4. The Exchange Process
5. Study Permits and Visa
6. When to Arrive
7. Arriving in Canada
8. Getting to Ryerson
9. Once you Arrive
10. UHIP Health Insurance
11-13. Accommodations
14. Finances
15. Employment
16-17. Living in Toronto
18. Emergency Contacts
Contact
Welcome!
Congratulations on being accepted as an International Exchange Student at Ryerson
University! You will have three main contacts: Ryerson International (RI Help) and your
exchange coordinator, prior to your arrival. Once you arrive, there is a student run
committee called RISExC that will help you settle in. Please note that this information is
current as of February 2011 - Prices and procedures are subject to change.
Your Exchange Program
Coordinator
Ryerson International
The Ryerson International Student
Exchange Committee (RISExC)
The Exchange Program Coordinator is the
member of your Faculty who assists you
with your academic program at Ryerson,
including such activities as course selection,
course registration, access to computer
laboratories and other academic facilities
as well as thesis/project supervision,
if appropriate. The Exchange Program
Coordinator is also responsible for liaising
with your home university exchange
coordinator.
The staff members of Ryerson International work
in partnership with each Faculty/ School to assist
you in your pre-arrival preparations and settling
in at Ryerson. After your arrival in Toronto, staff
of Ryerson International will provide you with an
orientation to the campus and Toronto. They are
available to provide information and assistance
with immigration documentation, health
insurance, employment regulations in Canada,
etc.
RISExC (pronounced ‘Rye-sexy!’) is a student
committee utterly and completely devoted to
helping exchange students make the most
of their non-academic time here at Ryerson.
Aside from organizing a bi-yearly Toronto tour/
Scavenger Hunt, ski trips, outings to New York,
Montreal and Niagara Falls and arranging
group tickets to sports events and concerts,
these folks are an excellent source of wisdom
on all things Toronto. Need a student opinion
on mobile phone plans, shopping or where
to take your visiting parents out for dinner?
Ask RISExC! Most of this group’s activities are
planned and communicated via ‘Facebook’, just
look them up!
To determine who your
contact is at Ryerson, see:
http://www.ryerson.ca/ri/contact
In addition, Ryerson International organizes
social activities and events for international
exchange students. From your application, your
email address will be used to place you on the
international student exchange email list. Ryerson
International is located on the 11th Floor, 1 Dundas
St. West. If you would like more information, or
have questions, please contact:
Campus Map Online:
http://ryerson.ca/maps/
rihelp@ryerson.ca
416 979 5000 ext. 2611
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The Exchange Process
1
Acceptance by your
Home University
Once you have been selected by
your home university to participate
in a Ryerson International Student
Exchange Program, you are required
to formally apply to Ryerson. The
online application can be found at:
www.ryerson.ca/ri/students/incoming
2
Formal Acceptance as a Ryerson
International Exchange Student
Once your Application for Admission form has been received at Ryerson,
approved and processed, you will be sent a formal Offer of Admission (OoA)
letter. The Offer of Admission letter is required to obtain the appropriate
Canada Immigration documentation, a Study Permit (formerly called a Student
Authorization, commonly called a Student Visa), for studying in Canada.
Students staying in Canada for less than 6 months may or may not require a
student visa. It depends on the student’s nationality. Please see:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
and speak to the nearest Canadian consular office to see if you are exempt.
However, Ryerson highly recommends that all Exchange Students obtain such
documentation since it provides certain privileges that are not available to
those who do not have a Study Permit, such as being able to work on campus
and easier entry and return to Canada if visiting the USA. A Study Permit is
definitely required for a period of study greater than six months.
*Note
As an International Exchange
Student, you are generally not
required to pay standard tuition
fees to Ryerson. You are responsible
for covering the costs of course
materials and books, residence,
and other living expenses. If you
wish to make use of the Ryerson
Athletic Centre, you will be required
to pay a student membership fee
of approximately $40.00 for one
semester.
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Study Permits & Visa
Requirements
For entry into Canada as an International Student, you may require a Study Permit and, in some cases, a Visitor’s Visa. Both these
documents can be obtained from a Canadian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in your home country or elsewhere. The
application process and time varies slightly depending on your home country so we urge you to contact the Canadian foreign
mission closest to you for the application kit. The following website lists Canadian diplomatic missions abroad (including the
USA):
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/contact/offices-list_liste-bureaux-eng.asp
*Please note that you cannot obtain a Study Permit from within Canada.
* Citizens of the United States, Saint Pierre and Miquelon and Greenland may obtain a Study Permit at the border upon entering Canada. If you are driving into
Canada, be sure to stop at the Canada Immigration Office (just after the first check point) to obtain your Study Permit.
In general, the following documents are required for application for a Study Permit:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Original Offer of Admission letter from Ryerson
Valid Passport
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your anticipated expenses for the duration of the exchange study period.
(Living Expenses: Immigration standard is approximately $12,040 for one full year).
Medical clearance, if required. Note: If you plan to participate in an internship or work practicum, a medical
clearance will be required after arriving in Canada.
*An application processing fee of approximately $125 Canadian is required to obtain a Study Permit.
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When To Arrive
6
We recommend that you arrive at least one week before the first day of classes. This will give you enough time to settle in, meet with
your Exchange Program Manager and finalize your academic program, complete course registration procedures, register for UHIP
health insurance, and become familiar with the campus and university community.
Orientation
It is very important that you attend the international exchange student orientation. Dates and times for the orientation will be sent to
you once you have registered for the exchange program with Ryerson University.
Please also make note of the following important dates: http://www.ryerson.ca/calendar/2012-2013/pg11.html
Semester Dates
Fall 2012 Winter 2013
Tuesday September 4th
Saturday December 15th
Classes Start:
Tuesday, September 4th
Exam Period:
December 4th - December 15th
Friday January 11th
Saturday April 27th
Classes Start:
Friday January 11th
Exam Period:
April 15 - April 27
• It is best to arrive on a weekday, Monday through Friday, between the working hours of 9:00 am-5:00 pm.
• For those arriving for the Fall Term, Monday, September 3rd is a national holiday and all university, government, and banking offices
are closed.
• For those arriving in the Winter Term, the University will close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 21 and the University will re-open at
8 a.m. on Monday, January 7, 2013.
Arriving in
Canada
After landing at the airport, you will pass through Canada Immigration
and Canada Customs. Be sure to carry the following documents in your
hand luggage as you will require them at the Canada Immigration post:
1.
2.
3.
Passport- along with your Study Permit
Copy of the Offer of Admission from Ryerson
Proof of funds available for support
examples: bank statement, traveler’s cheques
The first Canadian official you will come in contact with is a Canada Customs officer, who
will direct you into Immigration Canada office. You must indicate to this officer that you
are here to study and only then will you be referred to Immigration. As a general rule at
the airport and when dealing with Immigration/Customs officials, “when in doubt, be
sure to declare or to ask.”
Canadian Customs permits you to bring along all personal items such as clothes and
books. There are, however, restrictions on the amount of liquor and tobacco allowed,
and on the importing of agricultural produce such as food, seed, or meats of any sort.
It is best to check with the Canadian mission in your country about customs restrictions
and regulations on personal goods, food items, etc. Upon landing in Canada, you will be
provided with a Customs declaration form. You are required to declare any such goods
on this card and sign.
Tips for dealing with Canada Immigration
Officials:
DO have your passport and relevant
documentation ready.
DO respond to any questions you are asked
both simply and truthfully. Service will be
available in both English and French.
If you do not understand what is being said,
DO ask if an interpreter is available for other
languages.
If you are shipping additional luggage, be sure to inform the Customs Officer as you pass through Customs to avoid duty tax on the contents when they arrive in
Canada.
It is strongly advised that you carry photocopies of all your official documents in a place separate from the originals so that if you lose your passport or other
document, you have copies to assist you in replacing the lost ones. Also leave copies of your documents with family members at home.
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Getting to
Ryerson
Toronto’s Pearson International Airport is located in North West Toronto. Allow
approximately one hour to get from Pearson International to downtown Toronto. There
are several means of transportation that you can take.
AIRPORT BUSES (www.torontoairportexpress.com) will take you to the Delta
Chelsea Hotel, which is a five minute walk from Ryerson. The bus service runs between
Pearson International Airport and 14 downtown locations every 20 minutes from
04.55-00:55. Upon presentation of your International Student Identity Card (ISIC) your
student fare will be approximately $16.65. The Delta-Chelsea Hotel is the nearest stop
to the Ryerson campus. It is a five-minute walk to the Ryerson residences and NeillWycik Co-op (co-operative housing for students). You can ask the driver to stop at
Pitman Hall, 160 Mutual Street at Ryerson, and she/he may be able to drop you off at
the residence door.
AIRPORT TAXIS are available at set rates. The trip to Ryerson costs approximately
$55.00 with Airport Taxi Service. Telephone: (416) 445.1999
If you wish to take local PUBLIC TRANSPORT referred to as the TTC, you can take the
192 Bus to Kipling Station then get on the Bloor-Danforth Subway line. A one-way fare
for the TTC is $3.00. Refer to the TTC website for exact stops:
http://www3.ttc.ca/Routes/index.jsp
If you arrive by train:
Ryerson is a short taxi ride from Union Train
Station (approx.$7.00).
If by airport bus:
A 10 minute walk from the main bus terminal
located at Elm and Bay.
If by Public Transit:
Ryerson is around the corner from the Dundas
Subway Station on the Yonge/University Subway
Line.
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Once you
Arrive
1. Visit your Exchange
Program Coordinator:
www.ryerson.ca/ri/contact
2. Visit the Ryerson
International office:
Located on the 11th Floor, 1 Dundas St. W.,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They will be pleased
to welcome you to Ryerson and explain what
you need to do next, including:
• UHIP Registration
• Obtaining a Ryerson Student Identity Card
• Orientation Programming and Activities
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UHIP
10
Mandatory
Health
Insurance
University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)
The UHIP Plan is comprehensive and is designed to pay the cost of hospital
and medical services international students may need while in Canada.
Coverage includes basics such as routine examinations and emergency
care, and is effective from the date of arrival in Ontario. Some pre-existing
medical conditions are not covered. Please note that UHIP does not cover
routine dental expenses, only emergency care as a result of a major
accident.
In addition, it is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance
to cover the time period from your date of departure until arrival at
Ryerson.
If you already have medical insurance, you can apply for exemption from
UHIP. However, (a) you must purchase UHIP upon arrival at Ryerson
before applying for exemption, and (b) you should be aware that, because
coverage under UHIP is so extensive compared to most other insurance
programs, no exemptions have been granted to date with the exception
of citizens of Norway.
Should you decide to apply for a UHIP exemption, you should begin the
process before leaving your country. For more information about the
procedure, please refer to the UHIP website (www.uhip.ca) for exemption
information, or contact the Health Insurance carrier directly, email uhip@
sunlife.com
If you have any questions regarding UHIP please contact:
rihelp@ryerson.ca
Tel: (416) 979.5000 extension 2611
Ryerson Health Services
The Ryerson Campus Health Centre is open to all Ryerson students. It
is located in Kerr Hall West 181. Physicians are available from 9:00am5:00pm, Monday through Friday. The Health Services is closed on
weekends and evenings.
If you have any questions about the Health Centre please contact:
(416) 979.5070
UHIP Fees
The 2011/2012 UHIP fees:
One term: Academic year: September - April
Full year: September - August
$228.00
per semester
$456.00
$684.00
We recommend the following:
• A visit to your physician and dentist before departure for Canada.
• Bring along a copy of your health records, with information on your allergies
and immunizations, especially if you had previous medical concerns or an
existing medical condition.
• Bring along an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, if you use them.
• Be sure to carry adequate prescription medication if you are presently
taking any.
• Be sure to bring along the prescription from your local doctor and ensure
that all medication is clearly labeled. When traveling to Canada, it is best
to have a doctor’s note for injection kits if you are insulin dependent.
Accommodations
*Please note that it is your responsibility to
secure accommodations in Toronto. Neither
your exchange coordinator nor Ryerson
International are able to secure a place to live
on your behalf. It is highly recommended that
all exchange students secure accommodation
well in advance of their arrival in Toronto.
While private accommodation may be found
in Toronto upon arrival, appropriate and
affordable options can be very difficult to
come by, particularly during the late August/
early September ‘Back to School’ period. Also
keep in mind that, in Toronto, a standard
private residential lease is one year in length
– inexpensive, short-term (4-6 months)
accommodation is generally difficult and/or
expensive to arrange.
September to December, January to May
Accommodation OR September to May (single term)
Off-Campus Housing
PRIMROSE BEST WESTERN HOTEL is a five minute walk from campus. Several floors
have been converted into student residences. Each ‘suite’ houses two students (very small
private bedroom, shared common area, cooking facility and bathroom). A meal plan is
required, but several options are offered. Very clean and secure, but small. This option
requires a deposit which is non-refundable.
Contact information:
Tel: (416) 977.8000 ext. 4474
Fax: (416) 977.4874
111 Carlton St., Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2G3
Email: joseph@torontoprimrosehotel.com
www.torontoprimrosehotel.com (Click on Hotel Info, then Student Area. password: student)
CAMPUS COMMON is an unfurnished student apartment complex in the heart of
downtown Toronto and adjacent to Ryerson University. A number of options are available
including single, double and triple occupancy. Please note that accommodatons at Campus
Commons are only available for a full academic year (two terms).
Web Site : www.campuscommon.ca
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Accommodations
Off-Campus Housing Continued
NEILL-WYCIK is an independent cooperative residence directly across
the street from the main Ryerson campus. Although Neill-Wycik is very
popular with Ryerson students, mixed reviews, with particular emphasis on
cleanliness and the presence of vermin in the rooms, has been received from
former exchange students.
Exchange students who will be arriving in Toronto for the Fall Term only are
strongly encouraged to request a “New Member Application” form for NeillWycik and apply as soon as possible. You will need some cooking utensils and
bedding, but these can be purchased very cheaply near the University.
Contact information:
Noreen - Housing Coordinator
Tel: (416) 977.2320 ext 3019, Fax: (416) 977.2809
96 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1G7
E-mail: housing@neill-wycik.com
Web Site: www.neill-wycik.com
TARTU COLLEGE is an independent cooperative near the University of
Toronto that is used by university and college students in the down town
area. Applications are available online as of early March.
Contact information:
Tel: (416) 925.9405
Web Site: http://www.tartucollege.ca/
September to May
Accommodations (Two Term)
*Unfortunately, students coming to Ryerson for the Fall term (September to December) do not
have the option of living on campus. For various reasons, spots DO become available for the
Winter term (January to May). If this is of interest, get in touch with the housing office (see
below) by early November to let them know.
RYERSON HALLS OF RESIDENCE: PITMAN HALL, THE INTERNATIONAL
LIVING AND LEARNING CENTRE (ILLC) AND O’KEEFE HOUSE.
The first two choices are popular among international students; the ILLC being more
expensive than Pitman Hall. Although living on campus is not the least expensive
option, there are many advantages for new international students. There are many
services and activities to assist new students to make friends, become familiar with
Ryerson and Toronto, and particularly the university academic environment. Staff
members on each floor are available 24 hours a day. The most common negative
comment is that the cafeteria meals tend to be more expensive than if you live on
your own and do your own cooking.
For students applying for the Winter semester (January - April) application details can
be found at:
http://www.ryerson.ca/studentservices/housing/datesdeadlines/
Check with your Exchange Manager for availability.
More information on the residences of Ryerson University can be found at:
http://www.ryerson.ca/studentservices/housing/
Tel: 416.979.5284
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13
Short-Term
Accommodations
If you will require short-term temporary accommodation when you arrive
in Toronto, you may wish to contact the following guest houses or hostels
to reserve a room in advance.
YWCA (women only), 80 Woodlawn Ave E, Toronto, Ontario M4T 1C1, Canada.
Phone: (416) 923.8454. Room rate: From $48/night with shared bath and
breakfast. From $420/month. e-mail: woodlawn@ywcator.org website: http://
www.ywcatoronto.org/
CITY’S HEART BED AND BREAKFAST, 8 Linden St (close to Bloor and Yonge)
Single daily rate $50/person. Website: http://www.bbcanada.com/3691.html
email: citys_heart@yahoo.com
HAVINN INTERNATIONAL, http://www.havinn.com/ Dorm rates from $25/
night 118 Spadina (Bloor and Spadina) Phone: (416) 922.5220. Email: havinn@
eol.ca
HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL TORONTO, 76 Church Street W, Toronto,
Ontario M5C 2G1, Canada. Phone: (416) 971.4440 or 1.877.848.8737 (tollfree, North America only). Room rate: $30 per night and up or $26 with
membership. (5 minute walk to Ryerson) www.hihostels.ca or also see http://
www.hostels.com/ca.on.to.html
GLOBAL VILLAGE BACKPACKERS, 460 King Street W, Toronto, Ontario M5V
1L7, Canada. Phone: (416) 703.7540 or 1.888.844.7875 (toll free, North
American only). $24+ per night. 15 minute streetcar ride to Ryerson. www.
globalbackpackers.com/toronto/tor.htm
ASHLEIGH HERITAGE HOUSE, pvt bedroom shared bathroom, College and
Dovercourt, (416) 535.4000 email: ashleigheritage@hotmail.com $30 to $60
ADMIRAL HOUSE, 32 Admiral Road, pvt. Bedroom shared bathroom, (416)
966.3696 $35 to $45.
CANADIANA BACKPACKERS INN, Voted best hostel in North America for
2003 and was voted third best hostel in North America in 2006. Room rate:
$25 and up
COLLEGE HOSTEL, 280 Augusta Street, Tel: (416) 929.4777; private rooms
or shared dorm rooms ($25 and up), email: reservations@affordacom.com
website: http://www.collegehostel.com/
METROPOLITAN BED AND BREAKFAST REGISTRY OF TORONTO, 650 Dupont
St., Suite 113, Toronto, Ontario M6G 4B1, Canada. Phone: (416) 964.2566, Fax:
(416) 960.9529. Room rate: From $40 to $165/night; includes breakfast and
free parking.
LESLIEVILLE HOME HOSTEL, 185 Leslie Street, Toronto, Ontario M4M 3C6,
Canada. Phone: (416) 461.7258. Room rates: $195/week for a single room,
from $300 (dormitory) $595 (single room)/month; all with kitchen and laundry
facilities. e-mail: leslieville@sympatico.ca
B AND B HOMES OF TORONTO, a group of 10 homes in interesting
neighborhoods. Phone: (416) 363.6362
If you require additional information about housing options, please
contact your Exchange Manager http://www.ryerson.ca/ri/contact/.
Finances
Some banks offer special student accounts and student packages. You should research all
options and select a bank that best suits your needs. It is advisable to arrive in Canada with at
least $200 in Canadian currency and immediate access to about $500 - $1000 to cover initial
expenses. Remember, if you choose private residence, that it is standard practice for landlords
to request two months rent in advance of moving in.
The Canadian dollar is the only currency commonly
accepted across Canada. You can exchange most
currencies for Canadian dollars at most commercial
banks. Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard
or American Express are widely accepted. Diner’s
Club and JTB are not commonly used.
The cost of living in Toronto may differ from that of
your home country. The absolute minimum cost for a
12 month period in Canada is approximately $12,850,
including accommodation, food, local transportation
and incidentals.
Do check with your Exchange Program Manager for
an estimate of the cost of books, course materials, lab
fees and academic field trips for your program.
There are several ways to transfer money to Canada,
including bringing travelers’ cheques, a bank draft or
having a telephone or cable transfer of funds from your
bank at home to the Canadian bank where you open
an account. Remember to inquire about the service
fees and length of time required for each transaction.
Some foreign banks have branches in Toronto but
they may focus on corporate business and may not
provide an appropriate range of personal financial
services. Check if your home bank has a special
linkage agreement with one of the banks listed below.
There are five main Canadian banks and a few major
trust companies.
The following bank branches are close to the
Ryerson campus:
TD Canada Trust Bank:
College Park Branch, 777 Bay Street,
Toronto,Ontario M5G 2C8, Canada.
Phone : (416) 982.4364, press « 3 ».
Website: www.tdcanadatrust.com
Royal Bank of Canada:
Yonge and Grenville Branch,
468 Yonge Street,
Toronto, Ontario M4Y 1X3, Canada.
Phone: (416) 974.7763
Website: www.royalbank.com
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce:
Queen and Yonge Branch,
1 Queen Street East,
Toronto, Ontario M5C 2W5, Canada.
Phone: (416) 980.2939
Website: www.cibc.com
Bank of Montreal:
Dundas Street West and Chestnut.
Westward from Dundas and Yonge.
Phone: (416) 867.6810
Website: http://www.bmo.com
Bank of Nova Scotia:
1 Carlton Street, Toronto, Ontario
M5B 2M3, Canada.
Phone: (416) 866.6577
Website: http://www.scotiabank.com
Sales Tax:
The HST is a 13% tax that is added to the price of items such as books, cell-phone services, movie tickets and clothing.
Tipping is customary for services such as taxis, restaurants and hair salons. 15% of the bill is sufficient.
14
Employment of international students in Canada is RESTRICTED. As a Ryerson student, you are eligible to work on campus at
Ryerson without an Employment Authorization AS LONG AS YOU HAVE A VALID STUDY PERMIT. Spouses of students holding a
valid Study Permit are allowed to work off campus after applying for an Employment Authorization. It should be noted that there
are very limited job opportunities on the Ryerson campus for exchange students. NOTE that off campus placements/practicum,
paid or unpaid, are not generally legal.
Employment
Check out: http://www.ryerson.ca/career/students/oncampus
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Living in
Toronto
Winter is cold!
But we also have a wonderful summer! In
fact, in Toronto we enjoy four distinct seasons.
Temperatures can range from 32c or more
during the summer, to occasional lows of -20c
(or colder!) in the winter. Students find they
require several sets of clothing.
Winter clothing can be bought once in Toronto,
with costs averaging $500- $750 for basics
such as a winter coat, boots, mittens, warm
undergarments and a few sweaters.
Ryerson International and the RISExC group will
provide guidance in purchasing appropriate
clothing at reasonable rates.
The following websites can be used as reference on how to dress
for winter in Canada:
The Weather Network
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/toronto_com/toronto.html
Weather and Clothing
http://www.canadaalacarte.com/TravelTips/Weather.asp
Note that if you plan to bring along with you any electrical equipment, Canadian voltage is 110 volts or 60 Hertz.
16
Living in
Toronto
Useful Resources
http://www.blogto.com/
http://www.torontolife.com/
http://www.thegridto.com/
http://www.nowtoronto.com/
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Emergency
Contacts
In case of an emergency
OFF CAMPUS call:
In case of an emergency
ON CAMPUS
911
call Campus
Security at:
416.979.5080
*Note:
If you need to leave a message, please state your name clearly, where you are, what the difficulty
is, and be sure to leave a phone number where we can reach you. Please also provide these
numbers to your family members in case of emergency. (Please note: 416 is the area code for
central Toronto.)
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