Student AffairsQueen’s University International Centre operates remotely on December 20, 12:00 - 4:30 pm, and on December 23, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
The Centre and the university will be closed for winter break between December 24, 2024 - January 1, 2025, and will reopen on January 2nd, 2025, with standard operating hours 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Winter term classes generally begin on January 6, 2025.
During the break, international students are invited to join our student staff at a social meet-up, 2:00 - 3:00 pm at the Crave (166 Princess Street) on December 27 and on December 30.
Welcome Days at the QUIC
Get your Social Insurance Number on site! Service Canada will issue SIN numbers to international students at the QUIC on January 2 and January 3 between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. This is an in-person walk-in free service.
January 2, 2025
| Date | Activity | |
|---|---|---|
| January 2, 2025 9:30 am - 10:30 am |
Welcome and Health Insurance |
Warm Welcome from the QUIC staff, plus, learn about your health insurance coverage with the UHIP plan, and how to access health care facilities while in Canada. |
| January 2, 2025 10:40 am - 11:30 am |
Canadian Classroom |
The Intercultural Academic Support Coordinator will share some tips for adjusting to the expectations in a Canadian classroom, such as: - How may a classroom in Canada be different from one at home? - How do you work in teams? - Where can you go for help? |
| January 2, 2025 11:40 am - 12:30 pm |
Job Search in Canada |
Join the Job Search Advisor from Career Services to discuss: - working while studying - how to find a job on or off campus |
|
January 2, 2025
|
Tour of the Athletic and Recreation Centre (ARC) | We will meet at the QUIC at 12:45 pm. Come to see the gyms, workout rooms, and become familiar with the ARC facilities. |
|
January 2, 2025
|
Campus Tour | Meet up with our group in the QUIC lounge at 1:20 pm by the refreshments station. |
| January 2, 2025 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Meet and Greet Social hosted by World Link students | This is your opportunity to meet others and get to know some of the QUIC student staff at this casual social event. Registration is not required. |
January 3, 2025
| Date | Activity | |
|---|---|---|
| January 3, 2025 9:30 am - 10:30 am |
Welcome and Health Insurance |
Warm Welcome from the QUIC staff, plus, learn about your health insurance coverage with the UHIP plan, and how to access health care facilities while in Canada. |
| January 3, 2025 10:40 am - 11:30 am |
Canadian Classroom |
The Intercultural Academic Support Coordinator will share some tips for adjusting to the expectations in a Canadian classroom, such as: - How may a classroom in Canada be different from one at home? - How do you work in teams? - Where can you go for help? |
| January 3, 2025 11:40 am - 12:30 pm |
Job Search in Canada |
Join the Job Search Advisor from Career Services to discuss: - working while studying - how to find a job on or off campus |
|
January 3, 2025
|
Tour of the Athletic and Recreation Centre (ARC) | We meet at the QUIC at 12:45 pm. Come to see the gyms, workout rooms, and become familiar with the facilities. |
|
January 3, 2025
|
Campus Tour | Meet up with our group in the QUIC lounge at 1:20 pm by the refreshments station. |
|
January 3, 2025
|
Meet and Greet Social hosted by World Link students | This is your opportunity to meet others and get to know some of the QUIC student staff at this casual social event. Registration is not required. |
Come to the QUIC (in Mitchell Hall) for these workshops and socials. Enjoy a warm beverage and snacks Meet the support staff, and other new international students. Get to know the resources and facilities that are here for you.
Important: Please review the QUIC Pre-Arrival Guide's modules that include essential information and topics from pre-arrival sessions.
| Date | Pre-Arrival Session on Zoom | Pre-Arrival Guide modules to review |
|---|---|---|
| December 11, 2024 11:00 am |
Ask an International Student Advisor and What to Expect during Welcome Days
|
|
| December 4, 2024 11:00 am |
Understanding Health Insurance Join the International Student Advisors to talk about Health Insurance: What are primary and supplementary health insurance? What health services are available on campus? Where are the nearest emergency room and urgent care centre? |
Module 6. Health and Wellness. |
| November 27, 2024 11:00 am |
Finding Housing and Living Off-Campus The Off-Campus Living Advisor provides information about search for housing in Kingston, including:
|
Module 4. Now that you're here: Living in Kingston. |
| November 20, 2024 11:00 am |
Welcome to QUIC: Meet the International Student Advisors and Preparing for Arrival in Canada. We will discuss:
|
Module 1. Get to Know Queen's Module 3. Arriving in Canada. |
Zoom account is required to register and attend any online pre-arrival sessions.
What is the Queen's University International Centre (QUIC), and how can you benefit from its programs and services? Who works at the QUIC? Knowing your campus resources and opportunities early on can make a positive difference in your transition and finding a new home in Kingston.
Off-Campus Housing
The Off-Campus Living Advisor (ocla@queensu.ca) outlines the timelines for your housing search, how to best navigate the Kingston rental market, budgeting, how to pick the best housemates, what to expect in a lease or a sublet arrangement, how to avoid housing/rental scams, and more.
Cell Phones in Canada – What Plan is Right for You?
How much does a cellphone plan cost? What are the “big three”? Can I get a new SIM or do I need a new phone? Can I use my current plan in Canada? Get answers to these and more questions in this video.
Introduction to Student Academic Success Services (SASS)
Follow the Intercultural Academic Support Coordinator as they show you how to use the Student Academic Success Services website and all the supports available. Check out our Academics page as well!
SASS is here to support you with your academic transition and the academic expectations at Queen’s. Check out these programs:
Financial Planning: Budgets are Important
Queen’s Financial Aid and Awards staff share tips on student finances and budgeting in this International Student Financial Aid session. Learn about the cost of attending university, supplies, and living expenses, as well as student budget examples, financial aid options, and fraud prevention.
Banking in Canada – How Do You Get a Bank Account?
Watch this video to learn about banking in Canada and what to consider when deciding which bank to use.
- Are banks safe?
- Which plan is right for me?
- What do I need to set up my account?
- Can I set up my account from overseas?
Introduction to Career Services
Learn about career supports and resources available to international students, including:
- Appointments with career educators and advisors
- Drop-in advising
- Workshops
Job Searches and Working with a Study Permit
Students Who are Parents
The Immigrant Services Kingston and Area (ISKA) settlement advisor shares tips on finding childcare, enrolling children in school, and after-school programs. Check out resources on our page and other Queen's resources.