International student orientation and welcome
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.
Pre-arrival Online Orientation
Start with pre-arrival information to learn what you need to know before you arrive in Canada.
Our International Student Pre-Arrival Online Orientation is intended to help you prepare for your arrival in Canada.
It is MANDATORY for all international students to complete their online orientation.
In the online orientation, you will learn very important information about:
- Services and supports from the International Centre, including before and after you arrive
- Winnipeg: get familiar with transportation, weather, and safety in your new city
- Housing options, and your renting rights and responsibilities
- Healthcare: including the Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MISHP)
- Canadian Culture: learn about Canadian culture and communication styles, Indigenous culture, and how to adapt to culture shock
- Registration, Finances and Fees, including how to register, when to pay your fees, how to set up a bank account, and ways to find scholarships and awards.
- Family resources, support for students who are bringing their families
Work through each of the modules at your own pace with the ability to stop and return to your last spot to complete later. The time taken will vary depending on each individual learner, but you can expect it to take you anywhere from several hours or longer if you want to take your time. Ideally you should complete the course before arriving in Canada. However, it is still beneficial if you still complete it within your first month on campus.
Summer 2025 admitted students will be enrolled in the course for March 28, 2025!
After finishing the Pre-arrival Online Orientation modules, it's safe to say I've learned a ton of valuable information to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during my upcoming time in Winnipeg...
Quoc
Completed Online Pre-arrival course Fall 2023
How to get access
1. Enrolment: After you have accepted your offer, you will automatically be enrolled in the course. Enrolments occur weekly, on Tuesdays. You will receive an email to your @myumanitoba.ca email once you are enrolled in the course.
2. Signing in: you need to sign into our online course system, UMLearn using your UMNetID (same as your Email account). Don't have your email account yet? Claim it here.*
*You can claim your ID 48 hours after you’ve accepted your offer.
3. To access the course, once you are logged into UMLearn, navigate to the menu bar at the top of the screen and search International Student Pre-arrival Orientation.
Need additional support?
If you want to learn more about how to navigate courses in UMLearn, you can watch this video: UM Learn Navigation Tutorial - Learner
If you need support accessing your course, you can contact crystal.stewart@umanitoba.ca.
Welcome Mentors
Get a Welcome Mentor who is an experienced UM student to help you during your first term on campus!
The Welcome Mentor program pairs new international students with experienced UM students, allowing both to develop skills and meaningful relationships.
Welcome Mentor Application
Who can apply to receive a Summer Buddy (Mentor)?
New international UM students are encouraged to apply. New students (called mentees) must be:
- Enrolled at UM starting in the Summer 2025 term in their undergraduate or graduate program.
How can a Summer Buddy (Welcome Mentor) help me?
A Welcome Mentor will:
- provide information and support as you prepare to leave your home country and arrive in Canada. Your mentor would start contacting you by email and you can meet virtually to ask questions
- create a safe and open environment that encourages you to discuss any concerns and ask questions
- make appropriate referrals for supports and resources, both on and off-campus
- create a supportive environment to help you transition to UM
Time Commitment
Mentors begin meeting virtually (by email and video chat) before you leave your home country, then meet in-person once you arrive on campus. Meet with your summer buddy for your first month on campus and attend events together!
International Student Orientation
To help you prepare to start your studies, we have designed International Student Orientation and Welcome sessions specifically for international students. We offer sessions at the beginning of every term.
Summer 2025 Orientation, Friday, May 2, 2025
Room 210 (MPR), second floor, UMSU University Centre
For students entering their studies this Summer 2025 in your undergraduate or graduate program. Students entering ICM, entering ELC, or Exchange students will have their own program-specific orientation to attend. Please contact your program coordinator/advisor for more details.
Event Details:
Friday, May 2, 2025
- 12:30 PM - Registration & Sign-in
- 1:00 PM - Program Starts
- 4:00-5:30 PM - Sponsor/Resource Fair
Register using our event management system, WaitWell here: Register here.
Please note: it will ask you to screenshot or save your QR code to gain quick entry into the event. Sometimes your confirmation email will be sent to JUNK or SPAM folder, so check your folders when looking for email confirmation from "International Student Orientation" as sender name.
Orientation Slides
Welcome Events
These workshops and events will help you be informed, healthy, and successful as you transition to the University of Manitoba.
Land and Water Walk and Talk (Date TBA)
Meet outside Migizii Agamik Bald Eagle Lodge for a walking tour of campus to learn about Indigenous teachings.
Space will be limited. Sign up required.
Writing Essentials for International Students (May 6)
Tuesday, May 6, 2025. 12:00-1:00 pm, 308 Tier building.
Learn about specific study skills, practice with some writing examples and find out where to get academic writing support.
Email confirmation with room location send 24 hours prior.
Working in Canada as an International Student (May 7) Session 1/2
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 3:00-4:00 PM Virtual
The International Centre is organizing an information session for international students on the subject of working while you study and study permit conditions.
Attend the other session on working to get a full-rounded picture on expectations on working! Start with this session to learn about the immigration impacts of following your study permit conditions and working.
Sign up here to read more details: Student Affairs - Working in Canada as an international student – information session
Meet IC for Coffee & Tea (May 8)
Thursday, May 8, 12:00-2:00 pm, 541 UMSU University Centre, IC Global Lounge
Come visit the International Centre staff and on-campus partners: Spiritual Care and Student Care! Have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about programs for international students.
Come and drop in anytime between 12-2 pm, coffee and snacks provided!
Take a look at our winter clothing display so you can learn what type of clothing to shop for, what to look for, when to buy and prepare for winter.
Finding a Part-time Summer Job (May 8) Session 2/32
Thursday, May 8, 2025 3:00-4:30 pm, in person room to be announced
Getting a part-time can be tricky, but necessary and critical for building skills to reach your long term career goals! Attend this session to learn how to find a part-time job in Canada – and how you can gain skills to help you become employable after graduation!
Presented by Career Services.
This session is ideal to attend after the Working in Canada as an international student session on May 7.
Sign up now
Our Sponsors
Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors!
Your support helps to welcome new UM students to our campuses and set them up for success as they start their studies at UM.
Contact us
Crystal Stewart
International Transitions Coordinator
541 UMSU University Centre
75A Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
204-474-8501