Checklist

Visit dal.ca/congratulations for an initial list of steps you need to complete, including accepting your offer, activating your Dal Online account, and more.

Graduate students can visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies site for next steps after admission. 

Visit dal.ca/dates for a list of important upcoming dates, including information on registration, move-in dates, and more. 

Residence

Residence is a convenient, safe and easy way to transition to living independently. It offers a friendly and supportive environment where you can make new friends and quickly access classes and other on-campus services.

Other residence updates and information, including room and meal plan rates, can be found at dal.ca/residence.

Off-campus housing

Find your home away from home. While vacancy rates are low, there are off-campus housing options within walking distance or along bus routees. View the Places4Students listings service on Dalhousie's Off-Campus Living website, where  you can find tips and resources to prepare you for off-campus living. You can also check sites such as Rentals.ca (not affiliated with Dalhousie) for housing options.

Note: The rental market in Halifax is currently extremely limited, with a vacancy rate of around 1%. You will need to look early for available places to rent and may need to rent further from campus and/or pay more than you would like.

Student with families

Students with families may wish to live in Peter Green Hall, a family housing cooperative in Halifax. For more information, visit petergreenhall.dal.ca.

Day care information can be found on the Faculty of Graduate Studies site.

Once you pay your admissions deposit you can set up your Dalhousie email account. This is where the uinversity will be sending all official communications, so make sure it's active early! You'll also need to set up your netID and Dalhousie ID (also called your banner number). Visit the ITS website for information on how to set up your email and accounts.

Download the Dal Mobile app for iOS or Android to connect with other students, discover useful services and resources on campus, and stay up to date with important information from the university.

Look for the New to Dal group channels for Halifax or Truro, and join to meet other first-year students and find out what you need to know about starting at Dal.

Visit the Academic Support site to learn everything you need to know about course registration.

Graduate students can visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies site for registration information.

New to Dal orientation programs are a great way to connect with other students, faculty and staff across campus—even when you're not on campus. 

Graduate students can visit the Faculty of Grad Studies' Together@Dal program for orientation programming. 

If you have used adaptations or accommodations at your previous institution, you can request academic accommodations at Dalhousie. Submit a Request for Accommodations form along with your medical documentation or learning assessment to access@dal.ca (Halifax) or accessac@dal.ca (Truro). 

If you are unsure about your accommodations needs, be sure to connect with the Student Accessibility Centre to find out more. 

Be sure to check out Dalhousie's Online Learning site for information about online courses, virtual supports and resources, and other tips and information about studying remotely. 

Your DalCard is more than your official student ID card. It's a debit card, library card, gym pass, key to residence, and bus pass! To get started, you will need to upload your photo online at dal.ca/getmydalcard. Note: There is no photo service offered at the DalCard Office.

Questions? Contact the DalCard Office.

Be sure that you're on track to pay for your upcoming tuition or other fees and expenses. To find out more about tuition, student loans, payment options, and more, visit dal.ca/moneymatters. 

Review this video for more information about financial aid: "Financing Your Education Session: Awards and Financial Aid"

• Halifax airport to Dalhousie Halifax campuses
• Halifax airport to Dalhousie Truro campus
• How to Ride Halifax Transit - Using the Bus or Ferry

Order your books and dorm essentials online from the Dalhousie Bookstore. The store also offers a wide selection of Dal-branded clothing, gifts, accessories, and dorm essentials, and is an Apple affiliate partner. Click on the Shop Apple link on the website to enjoy educational pricing. You can also search for specific textbooks based on your term, program, and courses. 

Visit the DalCard website for up-to-date details and deadlines. Please use the online photo submission tool to upload your photo and government-issued photo ID. Once you submit your photo, you will receive information via your Dal email about picking up your card when you arrive on campus.

UPass (transit)

If you’re a full-time student in Halifax, a Halifax Transit UPass is included in your student fees. The UPass is a sticker placed on your DalCard and will act as your bus pass until the end of the year (April 30). For more UPass information, including opt-in/opt-out details, visit dal.ca/upass.

See dal.ca/upass for more information.

Health and Dental Plan

The DSU Health and Dental Plan provides coverage for medical, dental, travel, accident, vision and many other services and perks. All full-time students who begin their studies in September are automatically enrolled in the DSU Health Plan and the cost of the plan is included in your student fees. If you are beginning in January, on co-op, taking distance classes, or on exchange you must opt-in to the DSU Health Plan. 

For more information about the Health Plan, including opt-in/out deadlines, be sure to connect with the DSU Health Plan office. 

Already have health insurance?

If you have equivalent coverage through another plan, such as one carried by your parents, you may be able to opt out. Please visit the StudentVIP website for more information. 

International Student Health Plan

The DSU International Student Health Plan provides international students with basic health insurance coverage such as doctor and hospital visits. This plan is different from the DSU Health and Dental Plan above. International students are billed and enrolled for both plans (if you are a full-time student enrolling in September). The DSU International Student Health Plan is required unless you carry Medical Services Insurance (MSI) or equivalent insurance.

For more information about the plan, including opt-out deadlines or how to enroll your family, please visit the International Student VIP site. 

For information about your current balance:

1. Log into Dal Online
2. Select "Web for Students" 
3. Select "Student Records"
4. Select "Account detail by term"

For information on making a payment, visit the Money Matters website.