International student orientation

Studying in a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. To help international students with their transition to Canada and the University of Manitoba, the International Centre offers orientation and welcome programming at the beginning of each term. Get the information you need and connect with other international students going through the same experience.

No matter where you are in the world, we still have a complete series of online events to welcome you virtually!

Five international students dressed in winter gear chat outside on campus, with snowbanks in the background.

International Centre orientation and events

All Winter 2022 International Student Orientation sessions will be offered online, please access the Orientation schedule.

Please visit the Covid-19 information for students page for the latest UM information and updates.

1. Complete your UM Essentials online training

Undergraduate students are automatically registered for UM Essentials. You will receive an email when you have been enrolled.

All new undergraduate students are expected to complete UM Essentials online orientation. This is a course that will give you the information you need to be successful as well as provide you the opportunity to ask questions of upper-level students and get to know your fellow first-year students.  Some of the topics covered include:

  • Moving to Winnipeg

  • Finding your community at the U of M

  • Preparing for online learning

  • Supports for your academic success

  • Planning your study schedule

  • Building skills through volunteering

  • Career planning

  • Study strategies

  • And more!

Undergraduate students are automatically registered for UM Essentials. You will receive an email when you have been enrolled.

Graduate students are not able to access the UM Essentials course. Instead, plan your success with #UMGradGoals.

To access the course, log in to UM Learn using your UM Email. 

 

2. Review International Student Orientation Sessions

We have organized three main events to help you prepare for life as an international student:

  1. About The University of Manitoba & The International Centre (Thursday, January 6th)
  2. Canadian Culture, Communication & Adaptation (Friday, January 7th)
  3. Academic Culture Writing Essentials for International students (Monday, January 10th)

In addition, you are encouraged to attend as many of these additional events as you can, so that you can be informed, healthy and successful:

  • Manitoba International Student Health Insurance Plan
  • Renting Housing in Manitoba
  • Taking Care of Your Health & Wellness
  • Money Basics for Newcomers

All Orientation sessions will be held virtually over Zoom. Once, registered, you will receive a unique link to access the Zoom platform at least 24 hours before the session.

View our listing of events below and register for the three main sessions January 6, 7, 10, and as many additional events as you are able.

To register, you need to sign up with your University of Manitoba @myumanitoba email account.

 

Date & Time (CST) Title Description Click to register

Thursday January 6

9:00 - 11:00am

 About The University of Manitoba and The International Centre In this session, you will learn about how to navigate the University of Manitoba system, resources for students and supports for international students. You will have an opportunity to have discussions with experienced students and meet other new students virtually.
 		 https://forms.office.com/r/Y2WF7FcXbp

Friday January 7

9:00 – 11:00am

 Canadian Culture, Communication & Adaptation This session is to learn about Canadian values, communication styles, and feel prepared and equipped to adapt to Canadian culture. You will have an opportunity to hear from current international students on how they were able to go through the cultural adaptation process. https://forms.office.com/r/VVerzk5VwA

Monday January 10

9:00 – 11:00am

 Academic Integrity and Writing Essentials for International Students This session goes over academic integrity, rules and expectations at the University of Manitoba, and common academic challenges that students face. You will also learn about specific study skills, proper citation and practice with some writing examples. https://forms.office.com/r/2SrgzRcik6

Tuesday January 11

10:30 -11:30am

Or

Thursday January 13

11:30 -12:30pm

International Student Health Plan

Please attend one of the two sessions. Both contents are the same.

 This session is facilitated by the Student Care Office and will explain aspects of the Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MISHP) including what the primary health coverage covers and how to expense claims. https://forms.office.com/r/redP44N1LG

Wednesday January 12

9:30 – 11:00am

 Renting Housing in Manitoba This session is designed to educate you on how and where to find safe housing in the city and tips to avoid rental advertisement fraud. This session is open to all UM students. https://forms.office.com/r/xb4SGdH7y3

Thursday January 13

9:00 – 10:30am

 Money Basics for Newcomers
This session will cover the banking and credit systems in Canada, and practical tips on how to manage money as a newcomer to Canada.		 https://forms.office.com/r/rspX3BCkfX


Friday January 14

9:00 – 10:30am

Friday January 14

11:30 - 1:00pm

 Taking Care of Your Health and Wellness This session will cover various ways to reduce stress, promote well-being and access resources that can support their health & wellness needs. https://forms.office.com/r/HVNajvTCKx

 

3. Things to do

  1. Make sure that you review the important dates and deadlines page to know when you can view the course calendar, when you can find out your registration access time and when registration opens
  2. Claim your University of Manitoba UM Net ID in signUM
  3. Activate your U of M email account
  4. Review our Immigration information to help you understand your responsibilities as an international student before you arrive
  5. Familiarize yourself with UMLearn
    • Self-enroll in Sexual Violence Awareness course in UMLearn (found under Self-Registration tab on the UMLearn home page)
  6. Review various supports for students learning remotely, as all classes are currently held online for the 2020-21 academic year
    • Self-enroll in Learning Online, UM Essentials course (LEARN_ONLINE_CENTRE_CO)
  7. Undergraduate students: Complete your UM Essentials online training (log in to UM Learn using your UMnetID) before attending one of our International Student Orientation sessions.
  8. Graduate students are not able to access the UM Essentials course. Instead, plan your success with #UMGradGoals
  9. Undergraduate students: email to an Academic Advisor in your Faculty if you have questions about course selection and registering for courses
  10. Graduate students: contact your department/unit for information on how to register for your courses
  11. Request your Photo Identification (ID) card if you are in Canada
  12. For current access to library materials or research support from one of our library staff, visit the Libraries page for updates
  13. Order your textbooks from the UMBookstore
  14. Review information on International student health coverage and attend one of our virtual sessions on International Student Health Plan
  15. Purchasing travel health insurance before leaving your home country is strongly encouraged, to cover you until you can receive coverage under the International Student Health Plan

  16. Download your FREE copy of Office 365, with the newest version of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote

Additional orientation resources

Join our events

Check back often for events hosted by the International Centre!

Contact us

Mercy Oluwafemi
International Transitions Coordinator
541 UMSU University Centre
75A Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

Mercy.Oluwafemi@umanitoba.ca
204-474-8064
204-474-7562