Practical Information
- For International Students -

Passport and Visa Information

When you arrive you will be in possession of a valid passport, a valid visa and student authorization (form IMM1208). It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport, visa and student authorization remain valid for the duration of your stay in Canada. Application forms from Immigration Canada are available from the Canada Immigration Centre (www.cic.gc.ca) or 1.888.242.2100. If you are outside Canada, please contact the Canadian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate responsible in your region.

It is a good idea to request a multiple entry visitor visa when filling out the forms, as you may go home or to another country for a short time during your stay in Canada. Multiple entry visas are good for at least one year.

You should fill out the Immigration application form at least three weeks before the expiry date on your present student authorization.

Medical Services

Health Services on campus maintains office hours from 0830 to 1600 h on Monday to Friday. Should you require medical attention any other time, the Emergency Section of the local hospital Colchester Regional Hospital at 207 Willow Street, is always open. A walk-in clinic is also available on Robie Street, and this clinic is open during the evenings, opening at 5pm.

It is required of all international students to pay for health insurance, which for the academic year is approximately $450 per year. The nurses at Health Services on campus can assist you in finding a dentist, optometrist, or optician should you require it. You should note exactly what services your health insurance covers and what expenses you will have to pay for yourself. If you are unclear about anything connected with your insurance and medical expenses, it is wise to check with your insurance company directly.

It is important to have your valid health insurance card when using the Emergency Services or the Doctor.

In case of a life-threatening emergency, the toll-gree telephone number to dial from any telephone is 911.

Clothing and Laundry

Warm clothing is necessary during the winter. The temperature ranges between 0C degrees and -20C degrees. You will need a heavy winter coat or jacket, warm boots, a hat or hood, scarf and gloves. Prices vary from store to store, so you would be wise to check several places before buying anything. You may not need your jacket before November, depending upon the weather and your tolerance for cold. You will also need sweaters and warm pants. Thermal underwear may increase your comfort during the coldest days of winter. In the Spring, a raincoat with a hood will probably be necessary and a lightweight jacket, plus sweaters.

Each residence at NSAC has washers and dryers for the use of the residence members only. These are not coin operated. Each student pays $30 per semester for laundry privileges, and can use the services as often as needed. If you are living off-campus where laundry services are not available, check the Yellow Pages for the names of laundromats near you. Laundromats contain coin operated washers and dryers to which you can take your laundry.

Books

NSAC has a bookstore on campus that sells the textbooks, manuals, and equipment required for specific courses. It also sells stationary, binders, blank CD's and disks, lab coats and goggles, and much more. This is also where you can find NSAC apparel (t-shirts, pants, jackets, sweaters), mugs, hats, bookbags, etc., all with the NSAC logo.

There are other new and used bookstores in Truro, and all can be found in the Yellow Pages of the Truro phone directory.

International Student Card

The International Student Identification Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognized proof of full-time student status, and a student discount card in 70 countries, including Canada, through the Student Saver Card program. Students who are members of the Canadian Federation of Students are eligible to receive the card for free; non-members may purchase the card for $16, which includes membership in the Federation. To purchase a card, you will need proof that you are a student (an ID card with your name on it) and a passport sized picture. ISIC are available at most student associations and at all TravelCuts/Voyages Campus offices. For more information, please contact TravelCuts/Voyages Campus (www.travelcuts.com), ISIC (www.isic-canada.com)or VIA Rail (see the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory).

Counselling Services

Although moving to a new country to study is an exciting and rewarding experience, there may be times when it is difficult to cope, especially in the pressure of a university environment. Feelings of inadequacy, fears, grief, depressions, loneliness and confusion about where our lives are headed are feelings we have all experienced at one time or another. To help you deal with your feelings and find solutions to present problems in living, counselling services are available to you. Experienced counsellors, deeply committed to helping people develop their potential in order to live fuller, more satisfying lives, will give you confidential assistance. These Personal and Career Counselling services are available in the Student Services Department, located in the Dairy Building.

Money Matters

As part of campus and community orientation, International Advisors will assist you in any banking needs you may have. To open any kind of bank account, simply go to the bank of your choice and tell a staff member that you would like to open an account. You will be directed to a customer service representative who will explain the types of accounts which are available. Anyone who opens an account must present identification; a passport, plus any other signed document identifying you is acceptable.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are available 24 hours per day. An ATM is located on the basement floor of Cox Institute.