International Centre

Orientation for New International Students

New to Dal

 

International Student Welcome Sessions will be held from August 27-August 29, 2024. 

Welcome to the Dalhousie University community! We are excited to meet you online or in person as you begin your university life, no matter where you are in the world! Our New to Dal international student welcome sessions are a great way to start the semester. We are all here to support you! 

Welcome Sessions for Fall 2024 will be held on the following dates:

International students have the option to choose a welcome session from any of the days. They are held at different Halifax campuses to match each students' schedule, availability, or program. There also will be fun events after the welcome day session, such as a city tour, scavenger hunt, and trivia! Though this session is optional, it is recommended that you do your best to attend one of the dates. It's a great way to be introduced to Halifax and the Dal campus, and to make friends and start your semester with confidence!

More details are coming soon!

During the International Student Welcome Sessions, you will:
 

  • Learn about how to prepare for the Canadian classroom
  • Learn more about Dalhousie services and resources
  • Meet other international students
  • Prepare for your new life in Halifax

Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions to Attend:

Immigration Essentials: Info Sessions


Prepare for a smooth transition into life at Dalhousie University as an international student! Attend our Immigration Essentials Info Sessions to receive vital guidance and resources. Our expert advisors will cover important topics such as study permits, work permits, and getting settled in Canada.

- July 11 (8:30 – 9:30 a.m. ADT): Join session

- July 25 (3:30 – 4:30 p.m. ADT): Join session

- August 8 (8:30 – 9:30 a.m. ADT): Join session

- August 22 (3:30 – 4:30 p.m. ADT): Join session

Living in Nova Scotia


Get to know more about your new home, Nova Scotia, before you arrive. We've created a "Life in Halifax" video and an "Off-Campus Housing in Nova Scotia" video to provide you with lots of helpful information. We'll also be hosting the following Q&A virtual sessions for you to ask us questions: 

- July 23 (9:00 a.m. ADT): Off-Campus Housing in Nova Scotia 

- July 26 (9:00 a.m. ADT): Neighbourhoods in Halifax

- July 30 (9:00 a.m. ADT): Life in Halifax

- August 9 (9:00 a.m. ADT): Off-Campus Housing in Nova Scotia

- August 13 (9:00 a.m. ADT): Your First Year at Dal

- August 14 (9:00 a.m. ADT): Neighbourhoods in Halifax

- August 15 (9:00 a.m. ADT): Nova Scotian Culture 101

Student Health & Wellness


Dalhousie’s Student Health and Wellness is hosting Q&A sessions to provide information about on-campus health services, wellness management, medication, immunization, health tips, and more. Sessions will be held on: 

- July 24 (9:00 a.m. ADT): Join session

- July 29 (9:00 a.m. ADT): Join session

DSU International Student Health Plan


All students at Dalhousie are required to have valid health insurance for the duration of their studies. The Dalhousie Students’ Union (DSU) administers all student insurance plans. All international students, including exchange students, are automatically added to the DSU International Student Health Plan and charged accordingly. 

We'll be hosting Q&A sessions on this topic for the following dates: 

- July 18 (9:00 a.m. ADT): Join session

- August 6 (9:00 a.m. ADT): Join session

Financial Literacy

We have created a "Be Money Smart” video to address questions you may have about financial literacy, budgeting tips, and financial support at Dal. Yingyi Chen, Assistant Registrar, International Student Awards and Financial Aid, will be hosting a Q&A session to answer any questions about entrance awards, bursaries, student loans, budgeting, and financial emergencies. This session will take place on July 17 at 9:00 a.m. ADT. 

RBC will also be hosting a session on July 22 at 9:00 a.m. ADT on building credit, fraud prevention, and transferring money internationally.

 

Other Important Info to Review:
 

Questions?

For general orientation questions for all students, please contact Dalhousie’s New to Dal team at student.experience@dal.ca, and contact ic.programs@dal.ca for questions about the International Student Welcome Days.