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!
International Centre orientation and events
All Fall 2021 International Student Orientation sessions were offered online, please access the recordings below.
Please visit the Covid-19 information for students page for the latest UM information and updates.
1. Complete your UM Essentials online training
All new undergraduate students are expected to complete UM Essentials online orientation.
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
International Student Orientation sessions were organized to help you prepare for life as an international student. The sessions will help you be informed healthy and successful as you transition to the University of Manitoba.
August 18 - 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.
August 19 – Canadian Culture, Communication & Adaptation
Learn about Canadian values, communication styles, and feel prepared and equipped to adapt to Canadian culture.
August 20- Academic Culture at the University of Manitoba
Learn about the rules and expectations at the University of Manitoba and common challenges that international students face.
August 23 & 26 - Manitoba International Student Health Plan
Learn about aspects of the Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MISHIP) including what it covers and how to expense claims.
August 23 - Knowing Your Rights and Staying Safe on Campus
Learn practical tips on how to stay safe on and off campus, your rights as a student, and ways to avoid scams and frauds.
August 24 – Indigenous History and Reconciliation in Canada
Learn about the Indigenous history in Canada and reconciliation in the Canadian context.
August 24 – Finding Part-time Work in Canada
Interested in finding a part-time job? This session will help you to learn about resources and connect to your goals.
August 25 - Renting Housing in Manitoba
Learn how to find safe off-campus housing in Manitoba and what to watch out for to avoid being a victim of rental advertisement fraud.
August 25 – Writing Essentials for International Students
Learn about specific study skills, practice with some writing examples and find out where to get academic writing support.
August 26 – Resources on Campus for International Students
Learn about some of the resources and programs on campus that adds to your student experience.
August 27 – Taking Care of Your Health and Wellness
Learn about how to take care of your health & wellness as an international student at the University of Manitoba.
August 27 – Money Basics for Newcomers
Learn about the banking and credit system in Canada, and practical tips on how to manage money as newcomers to Canada.
To access a PDF of the slides used, please email Mercy.Oluwafemi@umanitoba.ca
3. Things to do
- 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
- Claim your University of Manitoba UM Net ID in signUM
- Activate your U of M email account
- Review our Immigration information to help you understand your responsibilities as an international student before you arrive
- Familiarize yourself with UMLearn
- Self-enroll in Sexual Violence Awareness course in UMLearn (found under Self-Registration tab on the UMLearn home page)
- 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)
- 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.
- Graduate students are not able to access the UM Essentials course. Instead, plan your success with #UMGradGoals
- Undergraduate students: email to an Academic Advisor in your Faculty if you have questions about course selection and registering for courses
- Graduate students: contact your department/unit for information on how to register for your courses
- Request your Photo Identification (ID) card if you are in Canada
- For current access to library materials or research support from one of our library staff, visit the Libraries page for updates
- Order your textbooks from the UMBookstore
- Review information on International student health coverage and attend one of our virtual sessions on International Student Health Plan
- 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
- 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!
-
Virtual support chat for all students
Thursdays
6:00-7:00 p.m. (CT) -
Culture and connection: A series for new international students
Learn more about interactive advising sessions, hosted by International Centre advisors, help you make sense of your new life as an international student in Winnipeg.
-
While you’re in Canada: Study permit rules & working in Canada information session
September 15, 2021
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CT) -
Study Permit Extension Information Session
October 13, 2021
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CT) -
Scams: Protect Yourself Against Fraud Information Session
October 14, 2021
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (CT) -
Permanent Residency Information Session
November 9, 2021
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CT) -
Post-Graduation Work Permit Information Session
November 10, 2021
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CT) -
Doing your taxes - What's in it for you?
November 24, 2021
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (CT) -
Digital Services at the Canadian Revenue Agency: How can they help you?
December 8, 2021
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (CT)
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
204-474-8064
204-474-7562