International Pre Arrival Brochure Red River College

7/21/2019 International Pre Arrival Brochure Red River College

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CollegeLIVE, WORK AND STUDY IN THE HEART OF CANADA

Red

River

I N T E R N A T I O N A L E D U C A T I O NRRC Pre-Arrival Handbook for International Students



International Education Office

D210-2055 Notre Dame Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3H 0J9

Tel: 1.204.632.2143

Fax: 1.204.632.5269

Email: [email protected]

Updated: March 2015



RRC Pre-Arrival Handbook for International Students

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ............................................................4 HOW TO USE THE HANDBOOK ..................................................... 4

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION ...........................................4

RRC CONTACT INFORMATION ........................................................5

TELEPHONE INFORMATION ............................................................6

FINANCIAL INFORMATION ............................................................. 6

PROGRAM RELATED FEES AND EXPENSES ........... ............ ........... 6

REFUNDS AND CHANGE OF STATUS POLICY ........... ............ ......... 7

WITHDRAWALS BEFORE THE START OF CLASSES ............ ............ . 7

WITHDRAWALS AFTER THE START OF CLASSES ............ ............ ... 7

CHANGE OF STATUS ...................................................................9

RRC FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS .........................................................9

BANK TRANSFER .......................................................................9

CREDIT CARD ............................................................................ 9

MAIL or IN-PERSON ...................................................................9

CANADIAN CURRENCY ............................................................... 9

CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS ............ ............ ............ ............ ........ 10

BANK ACCOUNTS ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ .......... 10

FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL SALES TAXES ............ ............ .......... 10

COST OF LIVING IN WINNIPEG ........... ............ ............ ............ .... 10

APPLYING FOR A STUDY PERMIT ..................................................11

STUDY PERMIT / TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA ........... ............ .....11

CO-OP WORK PERMIT ............ ............ ............ ............ ........... ......11

SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER ............ ............ ............ ............ .....11

MEDICAL INFORMATION ...............................................................12

MANITOBA HEALTH COVERAGE ............ ............ ............ ........... ...12

TRAVEL INSURANCE ............ ............ ............ ............ ........... ....... 12

RRC STUDENT BENEFITS PLAN ............ ............ ............ ............ ..12

DENTAL CARE ........... ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ .... 13

HOSPITALS ...............................................................................15

TRAVEL .........................................................................................15

INTERNATIONAL ........... ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ 16

WITHIN CANADA .......................................................................16

WITHIN WINNIPEG.....................................................................16

MONTHLY BUS PASS FOR WINNIPEG ............ ............ ............ ...... 17

HOUSING .......................................................................................18

SHOPPING ................................................................................18

GROCERY STORES ........... ............ ............ ............ ........... ........... 18

ENTERTAINMENT ............ ............ ............ ............ ........... ........... 19

CANADIAN CONNECTION PROGRAM AND

COLLEGE-WIDE DIVERSITY EVENTS ..........................................20

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION ....................................................20

CLIMATE IN WINNIPEG ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ . 20

SCHOOL ATTIRE .......................................................................20

RRC INFORMATION ......................................................................20

CAMPUS MAPS .........................................................................21

STUDENT SERVICES .................................................................22

WEBADVISOR ........................................................................... 22

RRC EMAIL ..............................................................................22

CREDIT TRANSFERS .................................................................22

IMPORTANT DATES.................... ............ ............ ............ ........... 22

COLLEGE POLICIES ..................................................................22

CAMPUS SERVICES ..................................................................22

DIVERSITY AND INTERCULTURAL SERVICES..............................23

RRC STUDENT ASSOCIATION ........... ............ ............ ............ ..... 23

PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST ............................................................24

6+ MONTHS BEFORE ................................................................ 24

4 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE DEPARTURE ............ ............ ............ ... 25

2 TO 4 MONTHS BEFORE DEPARTURE ............ ............ ............ ... 25

6 TO 8 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE ............ ............ ............ ..... 26

2 TO 4 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE ............ ............ ............ ..... 26

2 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE ............ ............ ............ ............ . 26

ONE WEEK BEFORE DEPARTURE ............................................... 27

24 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE ............................................... 27

DAY OF DEPARTURE ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ..... 28

DAY OF ARRIVAL IN CANADA ........... ............ ............ ............ ..... 28

DAY OF ARRIVAL IN WINNIPEG ............ ............ ............ ............ . 28

FIRST WEEK AFTER ARRIVAL IN WINNIPEG

(BEFORE RRC ORIENTATION) ........... ............ ............ ............ ... 28

RRC INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION ............................ 28

APPENDIX 1: PROGRAM PAYMENT FORM ..................................... 29

CREDIT CARD .......................................................................... 30

APPENDIX 2: PACKING LIST .........................................................31

PERSONAL ITEMS .....................................................................31

TRAVEL DAY WEAR ....................................................................31

CARRY-ON BAG (BACKPACK) .....................................................31

APPENDIX 3: STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET ............................ 32

Table of contents



RRC Pre-Arrival Handbook for International Students4

Important InformationBy now, you will have received your Letter of

Acceptance from Red River College (RRC) for your

program of studies. Please review the Relevant

Information section for any conditions.

For some of you, this may be the first time you are

leaving your country; for others it may be the first

time you are leaving home. There are a number of

things you have to do to prepare for your studies in

Canada. In order to make your planning from now to

the time you arrive in Winnipeg as easy as possible,

the International Education office has prepared this

International Student Handbook to assist you. Themore information you have and the more prepared

you are, the easier it will be for you to cope with new

situations.

Please contact International Education to confirm that

you have received Canadian Study Permit approval,

confirm arrival date and arrange an appointment to

finalize your admission. If we do not receive this

information from you one month prior to the start

date of your program, your admission to Red River

College may be cancelled.

Please plan to arrive at least two weeks before the

start date of your program. Early arrival is particularly

important for students that are required to take

language or academic level placement tests or

complete other program pre-requisites before the

start of classes. Academic program students are also

required to attend a mandatory orientation session for

International students.

How to use this handbook

This handbook has some very useful information

pertaining to planning before you arrive in Canada.

The Table of Contents outlines the topics and sub-

topics that are covered. Please take the time to read

the entire handbook carefully for the first time and re-

read sections as you need to. There are many links to

webpages that you may want to explore as you read.

You may want to do that on your second reading.

In addition, there is an easy-to-use checklist organized

by suggested timelines. The checklist includes some

of the items you will be reading about as well as other

things you should be doing. It also includes the same

links to the webpages that are in the document but

this is just to help you to get to the website without

having to go back and search for it in the document.

If you have additional questions after you have read

the handbook or if there are links to webpages that do

not work, please feel free to email the International

Education office at [email protected] and

someone will be able to assist you.

Emergencycontact informationThe information below in RED text is very important

and should only be used in EMERGENCY situations.

You may want to print this page and keep it with you

at all times, or if you have a cell phone, you may want

to program the numbers into it.

Red River College SecurityNotre Dame Campus 204.632.2323

Exchange District 204.949.8305

POLICE, FIRE, AMBULANCE 911

Your Home Country’s Embassy Contact

Information in Canada




International Education Office Notre Dame Campus

D210 – 2055 Notre Dame Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba R3H 0J9

Tel: 204.632.2143

Fax: 204.632.5269


Exchange District Campus / Roblin CentreP104D – 160 Princess Street

Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1K9

Tel: 1.204.949.8465


Language Training Centre (LTC)

Via Station

123 Main Street, Room 300

Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1A3

Tel: 204.945.8387Fax: 204.948.3214


Student Services OfficeNotre Dame Campus


Winnipeg, Manitoba R3H 0J9

Tel: 204.632.2327

Toll Free: 1.800.903.7707

Exchange District Campus / Roblin Centre and PGI

P104 – 160 Princess Street

Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1K9

Diversity and Intercultural ServicesNotre Dame Campus


Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3H 0J9

Tel: 204.631.3309

Exchange District Campus / Roblin Centre & PGI

103 – 294 William Avenue (Massey Building)

Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 0R1

Tel: 204.631-3345

Language Training Centre

418 – 123 Main Street (Via Station)

Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 1A3

Tel: 204.945.8776

RRC Security

for Lost and Found and Safe Walk Notre Dame Campus

Room C115 (Plaza Level of Building C)

Tel: 204.632.2323

Exchange District Campus / Roblin Centre & PGI

Atrium at Room P106

Tel: 204.949.8305

RRC Campus Living Office (contact directly

to arrange on-campus housing) 105 – 294 William Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R3B 0R1

Tel: 204.631.3371

Fax: 204.947.5734


The following is important contact information for services offered at the College. You may also want to print this

page and keep it with you at all times.

RRC contact information




Telephone informationSince you may be making international calls or

sending faxes to or from Canada either with a land line

or a cell phone, the following information regarding

telephone services will be useful.

Country code for Canada 1

Area code for the province of Manitoba

including Winnipeg 204

International Calls from Canada

011 + Country Code + Area Code + Local Number

International Calls to Canada

001 + Area Code + Local Number

Dialling Winnipeg Numbers 204 + Local Number

Dialling Outside of Winnipeg (but within Canada)

1 + Area Code + Local Number

Directory Assistance 411

Telephone Operator 0

Cell/Mobile phones You have to pay to make and

receive calls on a mobile phone. Text messages are

based on the phone plan.

Financial informationThere are many details regarding finances that you

will have to know. Below is information pertaining

to a number of topics related to finances including

program related fees and expenses, fee payment

options, Canadian currency, applying for or using

a credit card, opening a bank account, federal and

provincial sales taxes and cost of living in Winnipeg.

Program related fees and expensesAll school fees including health insurance are charged

at the time of registration. Your registration will occur

when you have contacted the International Education

office and confirmed your arrival date and/or that you

have received your Study Permit approval. We will

make an appointment time to finalize your admission

documentation.

You should be familiar with program costs. Some fees

may include your college application, program tuition,

assessment of foreign credentials, student association

fees, dental and health plan fees, student services

fees and specific program related lab fees. There may

be other costs for tools, equipment, uniforms, testing

fees, books, supplies, and laptop usage.

If you are sending tuition fee payment in advance from

your home country (e.g. wire transfer), DO NOT include

funds to pay for such things as books, supplies and

laptops. These items must be purchased separatelyand should be done immediately after your first class

begins. Ensure that you have sufficient funds on hand

to cover these expenses.

Fees are charged each semester and are due on the

first day of classes. You are responsible for being

aware of your fee balances and for making payments

by the due date. You can check your fee assessment

online through RRC’s WebAdvisor account after

you have registered for courses in your program.

Alternately, you can check with the International

Education office. If you fail to pay within the specified

deadline, your registration may be cancelled. In

addition, please refer to Letter of Acceptance for

estimated yearly fees. Deferred payment plan is NOT

an option for students in Year 1.

Students pay fees in advance by bank transfer or

credit card. If your fees have not been paid by the day

after payment was due, you will be subject to a late

payment fee in addition to all other amounts owing to

the College. Your student record will be labelled ‘Not in

Good Standing,’ and your marks, certificate/diploma/

degree, and future registrations will be withheld until

you have paid in full.

For an estimate of the annual costs associated with

your program, see Estimate of International Student

Fees www.rrc.ca/international.



Refunds and change of status policy

You may be eligible for a refund based on the

percentage of time you attended classes.

Withdrawal before the start of classes

All applicants will forfeit the $100 application fee

and tuition deposit ($300 academic programs/$1,100

Academic English programs). All other fees paid will

be refunded. Applicants who are denied Study Permits

will forfeit the $100 application fee only, if rejection

document from the Canadian Embassy or Consulate is

submitted.

Withdrawal after the start of classesYou are responsible for all applicable fees up to the

date a Student Withdrawal form has been received

by the College. The effective withdrawal date will be

the date a Student Withdrawal form is received by

the Student Service Centre and will determine any

eligibility for refund. Complete Refund Policies and

Procedures are available on the College website.

• Withdrawal within the first 7% (the first week)

of the term – 100% fees less non-refundable

deposit ($300 academic programs/$1,100

Academic English programs).

• Withdrawal between 7% - 25% of the term –

approximately the first month) will receive 50%

credit for tuition, technology, lab and material

fee. No refund for Students Association, Software,Endowment or Student Service Fees.

International Health fees are partially refundable

by contacting the insurance administrator

directly.

• Students withdrawing after 25% of the program

term receive no refund.

Whenever possible, refunds will be processed in the

same manner as the original payment method. Cash

and debit payment refunds will be made by cheque.

Cheques will be mailed to the last recorded address.Refund cheques are payable to the applicant, and

may be sent to the originating education agent or

appropriate Canada Immigration Authority for pick-up.

Students who pay first year tuition fees in advance

for study permit processing purposes (i.e. Student

Partners Program – SPP) will NOT be issued a refund

upon arrival at RRC. All fees paid in advance will

remain in your student account to be used for tuition

payment for your first and subsequent semesters.




8




Change of status

Students changing their status to Permanent Resident

may be eligible to have their tuition adjusted for any

future terms of study remaining in their program.

Students are required to submit a copy of their

landing document to initiate this adjustment and

change of status.

Students registered in an academic program who have

been approved as provincial nominees are required to

pay international student fees until receiving official

Permanent Resident status from Citizenship and

Immigration Canada (CIC).

Students registered in Intensive English for

International Students who receive notification thatthey are approved as provincial nominees may qualify

for government-funded ESL classes. This would apply

to any future registrations and does not affect the

current program or fees paid.

RRC fee payment options

BANK TRANSFER If you are planning to pay your fees by electronic

wire transfers, you will need the following banking

information:

BANK NAME: Royal Bank of Canada

BANK ADDRESS: Main Branch,

220 Portage Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3C 0A5

ACCOUNT NAME: Red River College

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 154-895-7

TRANSIT NUMBER: 00007

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION: 003

SWIFT CODE: ROYCCAT2

When your money has been successfully transferred,

scan and send a copy of your bank transfer receipt

with your NAME and STUDENT NUMBER by

email to [email protected] or you can fax it to

001.204.632.5269.

CREDIT CARD

If you are required to pay program fees in advance

for Visa processing purposes, you can use your credit

card. Please complete the form at the end of this

document titled: Appendix 1: Program Payment Form

– Credit Card and scan and email to International

Education at [email protected] or fax to at

204.632.5269 for processing. If you are paying in

person, the credit card must be yours or you must

present written authorization from the card holder

stating that you are allowed to use the card.

MAIL or IN-PERSON

Money Orders, Bank Drafts or cheques in CanadianDollars can be made payable in to Red River College

and can be sent by mail to the International Education

office. You can make your payment in person at the

Student Services Centre at the Notre Dame Campus or

the Roblin Centre. If you are attending the Language

Training Centre, you can pay at that location. Cash is

also accepted if you are paying in person.

CANADIAN CURRENCY

Currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar. Coins are

in denominations of 5 (nickel), 10 (dime), 25 (quarter),

$1 (one dollar, loonie for the picture of the loon on

the back) and $2 (two dollars, toonie – twice a loonie).

Paper currency is in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes.

The Canadian one cent is no longer being produced

but it is still legal currency; however it may not be

accepted at stores/vendors. Cash transactions will

be rounded up or down depending on the cost of

items. Use the currency converter at www.xe.com/

currencyconverter/ to calculate the foreign exchange

rate of your currency to the Canadian dollar. Keep in

mind that currency rises and falls every second so the

rate you converted today may not be the same rate

moments later.




CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS

All major banks have credit and debit cards as well as

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) at many locations

around Winnipeg. Visa and MasterCard are widely

accepted at most stores and restaurants. Cards such

as American Express are less frequently accepted

by merchants. You should contact your bank in your

home country prior to leaving for Canada to make

sure that your credit and debit cards issued in your

home country can be used in Canada.

BANK ACCOUNTS

When you arrive in Canada, you should open a bank

account as soon as possible after arrival. This will

ensure that you are not walking around with large

sums of money which may be unsafe. You should take

your Passport as a form of identification when you are

opening the account. Some banks even offer student

bank accounts with privileges. In addition, at some

financial institutions, you may require an appointment

to arrange your banking.

FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL SALES TAXESAll costs in Canada have 5% Goods and Services Tax(GST) that is added to most property and services.

In addition, each province has a Provincial Sales Tax

(PST) or a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). In Manitoba,

the PST is 8%. These costs (GST & PST) are not

included in the posted price of items in stores so keep

that in mind when you are making a purchase.

COST OF LIVING IN WINNIPEG

Unless you are staying with a homestay family, you

will be responsible for your living, transportation and

other personal expenses while living in Winnipeg. The

amount will vary depending on the lifestyle choices

you make. Your RRC student advisors will be able to

offer advice on managing your money but you should

talk to a financial advisor at your bank in your home

country about some tips on money management.

Visit the following websites for tips on managing your

money:

• Money Management Tips for College Students:

www.moneymanagementtips.com/students.htm

• 27 Money Tips for College Students:

www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/30/27-

money-tips-for-college-students/

Some typical costs of items in Winnipeg which you

may need:

• Jeans - $40+ (dependant on brand)

• T-Shirt – $10+

• Shirts - $25+

• Winter sweater - $25+

• Sweatshirts with hoods - $40+

• Runners - $60+

• Dress shoes - $ 40+

• Winter coat / jacket - $60+

• Winter boots - $40+

• Winter hats $10+

• Winter scarf $10+

• Winter gloves / Mittens - $10+

• Post-secondary student bus fare for Winnipeg -

$60+

• Movie - $10+

• McDonalds Big Mac meal - $ 7.00

• Postage: within Canada -

$1.00+; to the US - $1.22+; International - $2.50

• 1 litre of milk - $1.55

• 1 kg. apples - $2.00 +




Applying

for a study permit

Depending on the kind of study you will be completing

in Canada, you will have to apply for a Study Permit

and/or a Temporary Resident Visa and in some

instances, a Co-op Work Permit. If you are in a

program that is less than six months in duration, you

can apply for a Temporary Resident (visitor) visa. If

your program is longer than six months, you will need

a Study Permit.

Students whose study is less than six months cannot

get a Work Permit. If you are on a short program of

study and you think you may want to continue your

studies, it is best to apply for a Study Permit before

coming to Canada.

When you arrive at your port of entry into Canada,

you will have to provide your Passport and other

visa documentation to the Border Services Officer.

Once the documents are approved, you will receive

an official “Study Permit” document which will be

stapled to your Passport. You should not remove this

document at any time.

STUDY PERMIT /TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISAWhen you apply for your Study Permit or visa, you will

have to provide the following documentation with your

application:

1. Completed Permit/Visa Application

2. Letter of Acceptance from Red River College

3. A valid Passport

4. Two Passport pictures

5. Proof from a financial institution (bank) that you

will be able to support yourself while you are

studying in Canada

6. Other documentation that your local visa office

may ask for

Visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada at

www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how.asp for

detailed information about how to apply for a Study

Permit, Temporary Resident visa or Study Permit.

It is possible to work while you are studying and

after graduation in Canada. Visit Citizenship and

Immigration Canada at www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/

work.asp to find out about possible options.

CO-OP WORK PERMIT

If you are accepted into

a Co-op education program, you will also need a

Co-op Work Permit in addition to your Study Permit.

International students who are registered in programsthat have a co-op or internship component (paid or

unpaid work experience) are required by the Canadian

government to have a valid Co-op Work Permit and

a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN). You can

apply for your Co-op Work Permit when you apply for

your Study Permit or you can apply for it when you

arrive in Canada. There is no additional fee for this

type of permit as it can only be used for your Co-op

program. You are not permitted to use the Co-op

work for employment outside of the co-op internship

term/s.

SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER

The Canadian Social Insurance Number is a nine-digit

(9) number that is required for various government

purposes. You will be required to have a SIN to

work in Canada or to receive government benefits.

Employers require your SIN within three days of your

employment, including co-op work. An employer

cannot pay you without a SIN.




To apply for a SIN for the first time, you must

complete an application form and provide an original

document that proves your identity and status in

Canada (Passport and Work Permit). There is no feefor the SIN. It is best to apply in person at:

Service Canada Centre, Winnipeg Office

Portage Place Mall (Ground Floor)

Unit 122-393 Portage Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba

If you apply in person and all your documents are

in order, you will receive your SIN at that time. Your

card will be mailed within 10 days. You can also apply

by mail but the processing time is 20 days. For a

downloadable International SIN Application form, visit:www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/forms.shtml

Medical informationBefore you travel to Canada, it is wise to get a medical

and dental check-up so that you are in good health

when you arrive in Canada. The start of school in a

new country can be stressful and if you are not in

good health, it will be harder to adjust to living away

from home. There are no mandatory vaccinations forentering Canada but you should make sure that your

routine immunizations are current.

You should ask your doctor for additional

prescriptions for medication that will last you at least

a month after arrival in Canada. That will give you

sufficient time to find a doctor in Winnipeg if you get

sick. You should also do the same for your prescription

eye glasses, contact lenses or other assistive devices.

MANITOBA HEALTH COVERAGE International students with a valid Study Permit issued

for a minimum of six months are eligible for provincial

health coverage from Manitoba Health. The coverage

includes doctor’s visits, hospitalization, diagnostic

tests and surgery. When you arrive in Winnipeg, you

will need to complete a registration form for provincial

health coverage. This will be done during your RRC

International Student Orientation session. Visit the

Manitoba Health website at www.manitoba.ca/

health for more information regarding eligibility andcoverage. You should also review the form available

at www.gov.mb.ca/health/documents/mg1883.pdf

so that you are familiar with the information you will

need to provide.

International students who are studying for a period

of less than six months are not eligible for Manitoba

Health coverage. Ineligible students are able to buy

similar health care coverage as part of the registration

process at RRC. Students who hold a Study Permit

that identifies an educational institution in another

province may be asked by Manitoba Health Benefits

Branch to provide a Confirmation of Enrolment

Letter from RRC. The International Education office

will provide you with this letter upon request.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you purchasing your airline ticket in advance of your

travel, you may want to buy trip cancellation insurance

in case you get ill prior leaving your home country and

cannot travel.

RRC STUDENT BENEFITS PLAN

Mandatory Supplemental Health and Dental

Coverage The Student Health and Dental Plan

is a mandatory additional health care insurance

that provides more benefits for service that are

not covered by Manitoba Health. It will help you to

maintain a basic level of health while studying at RRC

and ensure that preventable medical emergencies do

not interrupt the completion of your studies. Full-time

students are automatically enrolled in the health and

dental plans for 12 months of coverage.



Family Add on: If you are travelling with your spouse

or dependent(s), you can buy family coverage. The

Family Add-On form must be submitted with payment

no later than 30 calendar days after the start of yourprogram. You can submit the form to either:

Student Benefits Plan Office

Room FM66, Notre Dame Campus

Or

Student Association Office

Room P110, Roblin Centre

For more information about coverage, visit:

mystudentplan.ca/ and select Red River College

Students’ Association or email [email protected].

DENTAL CARE

Manitoba Health does not cover the cost of dental

care; however, your RRC Student Benefits Plan covers

some, but not all, of the costs. Read the plan carefully

to see what and how much is covered.

Some approximate fees for dental services based on

the Manitoba Dental Association guidelines are:

• X-ray - $18 each

• Basic dental examination - $30+

• Scaling - $45+

• Polish - $35

• Fillings - $100 to $300+

For detailed information regarding dental benefits,

visit the Manitoba Dental Association website at

www.manitobadentist.ca/index.cfm?tID=1031



14




HOSPITALS

Below is a listing of the major hospitals in Winnipeg

identified by the area of the city they are located in.

Health Sciences Centre (Hospital)(Central Winnipeg)

(10 minute drive from Notre Dame Campus, 5 minute

drive from Roblin Centre)

820 Sherbrook Street

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3A 1R9

Tel: 204.787.3661

www.hsc.mb.ca

St Boniface Hospital (East Winnipeg)

(7 minute drive from Roblin Centre; 5 minute drive

from the Language Training Centre)

409 Tache Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R2H 2A6

Tel: 204.233.8563

www.saintboniface.ca

Victoria General Hospital (South Winnipeg)

2340 Pembina Hwy.

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2E8

204.269.3570

www.vgh.mb.ca

Grace Hospital (West Winnipeg)

300 Booth DriveWinnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3J 3M7

Tel: 204.837.0111

www.gracehospital.ca

Seven Oaks General Hospital (North Winnipeg)

2300 McPhillips Street

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R2V 3M3

Tel: 204.632.7133

http://sogh.ca

Concordia Hospital (North East Winnipeg)

1095 Concordia AvenueWinnipeg, Manitoba, R2K 3S8

Tel: 204.667.1560

www.concordiahospital.mb.ca/contactUs.html

Misericordia Urgent Care Centre (for non-life

threatening emergencies)

99 Cornish Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 1A2

Tel: 204.774.6581

www.misericordia.mb.ca/Programs/UrgentCC.html

There are more than 50 Walk-In clinics in most

neighbourhoods in Winnipeg which treat non-urgent

conditions. Some are open evenings and weekends.

Click on the link for a location in the neighbourhood

you will be living in www.myrightcare.ca/walk-clinics.

TravelWhether you are a frequent traveller or this is yourfirst international travel experience, you have to plan

well in advance. Getting to Winnipeg means that you

have to make flight arrangements to travel from your

country to Canada and then to Winnipeg. You can also

request a courtesy airport pick-up provided by Red

River College volunteers (staff, faculty and students)

by filling in an Airport Pick-Up Request Form location

on our website. This service is limited and your

request may be denied.

Once you arrive in Winnipeg, you will have to travelfrom the airport to your hotel or apartment and

once you are settled in, you will have to travel to and

from school and stores. Below is some useful travel

information.




INTERNATIONALSoon after you have received your Letter of

Acceptance from RRC, you should start checking

online or through a travel agent for airline tickets to

Winnipeg. Cost is an important factor but you should

also compare departure and arrival time as well as the

total number of hours it will take from the time you

leave your home to the time you arrive at your final

destination in Winnipeg. That means you have to think

about:

• How you are going to get to the airport

(taxi, car, bus, train)

• How many minutes or hours it will take from your

home to the airport

• How long you need to be at the airport before your

flight leaves (at least 3 hours for international

flights and at least 2 hours for domestic flights)

• The number of hours you will spend flying on each

flight

• Flight connection times in between each flight

(called a layover. Too little time between flights may

make you miss your next flight)

• Whether you may have to change terminals (some

airports have several terminals and you may need

to take a train or shuttle to get from one terminal to

the next)

• The time it will take to clear Immigration and

Customs when you arrive in Canada and go to your

departure gate for Winnipeg (it can sometimes take

2 to 3 hours)

• The time it will take for you to pick up your luggage

in Winnipeg and go to your final destination (this

could take 1 to 2 hours)

Once you have completed your comparisons and you

receive notification that your Study Permit has been

approved, you should buy your airline ticket. It is best

to book flights all the way to Winnipeg as it is usually

the best option. The sooner you book your flight, the

more selection you may have. The two weeks prior to

the start of the school year in September and the start

of the Winter term in January is generally the busiest

travel time.

When you are preparing for international travel, do

not bring fresh food including fruits and vegetables.

Sometimes these are given to you as gifts or you

may pack them yourself thinking that they may

not be available in Winnipeg. Most of this food will

be confiscated at the airport and there are serious

consequences for not following the rules set out by

the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Visit the

CBSA website at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/

pub/bsf5082-eng.html#s4x1 for details about what

to expect when you are planning your trip to Canada.

WITHIN CANADAWhen you arrive at your first port of entry in Canada,

you will have to present your travel documents to

an Immigration officer. Once the documents are

approved, the officer will attach your study permit

to your passport. You should not remove this as it is

your official documentation that you are allowed to

study in Canada. You will then have to collect your

suitcases and go to a Customs officer. Once everything

is in order, you will be in an unsecure area. Find

your connecting flight to Winnipeg (assuming youare coming directly to Winnipeg) by checking on the

airport bulletin boards. Re-check your suitcases and

proceed to the security checkpoint where you will

clear security and go to your departure gate to wait

for your flight to Winnipeg.

WITHIN WINNIPEG

If your first port of entry into Canada is not Winnipeg,

your arrival day in Winnipeg may be different from

your arrival day in Canada. Most students arrive

in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver as the first port

of entry. If you decide to take a bus, train or car to

Winnipeg, the travel time could take as much as 30 to

50 hours.

On arrival at the Winnipeg International Airport, you

may be met by an RRC volunteer if you requested




and received confirmation about our airport pick-up

service. The volunteer will be holding a sign with your

name as well as a picture of you when you exit the

secure area of the airport. The volunteer will take youto the place you will be staying. You may want to write

a small ‘Thank You” note to give to the volunteer after

you arrive at your final destination.

If you did not request airport pick-up or you did not

receive confirmation that the volunteer service is

available, you will have to take a taxi or bus. If using

a taxi or public transit, exit the airport and locate

the taxi stand or Winnipeg Transit bus stop that you

will need to take you to your destination. Taxi fares

are predetermined so you cannot negotiate with the

driver. Fares to the downtown area are approximately

$20 and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you are

unsure of what to do, you can go to the Information

Booth at the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson

International Airport located at the Arrivals Level near

Door # 2.

Students who have made Homestay arrangements

are usually met at the airport by their host family. If

you are staying at a hotel for the first few days, some

hotels offer a shuttle service. In most cases, it is free.

For more information about transportation options,

visit the Winnipeg Airport Authority website at

www.waa.ca/location/othertransportation.

In Manitoba, it is compulsory to wear seatbelts when

travelling in a vehicle and safety helmets when on a

motorcycle. You are not required to wear seatbelts in

public buses but you are required to wear a seatbelt in

a taxi.

MONTHLY BUS PASS FOR WINNIPEG

If you plan to travel by bus to school, we recommend

that you purchase a monthly bus pass rather than

pay for a single ticket each time you use the bus. The

bus pass is less expensive and allows you to use it as

many times in the month as you want to. RRC full-time

students are eligible for a 20% discount on monthly

passes if they are bought at one of the student stores

at the Notre Dame campus (called The OX, located

at the lower level of C Building), or the Roblin Centre

(called The Mercantile located on the main floor at the

Princess Street entrance). You will have to show your

RRC student ID to be able to buy the discounted pass.

For detailed information about the Post-SecondaryStudent Pass, visit Winnipeg Transit at

winnipegtransit.com/en/fares/postsecondary/

If you are planning to use public transit to go

from the airport to your temporary or permanent

destination in Winnipeg, visit Winnipeg Transit at

http://winnipegtransit.com/en/regular-transit/

for information about public bus service in Winnipeg

including a Trip Planner, timetables, routes, stops,

maps and bus service from the airport. The single cash

fare cost as of 2015 is $2.60, $2.25 for tickets and a

post secondary monthly pass is $69.35. If you will be

transferring buses, ask for a transfer which is valid for

two hours




HousingInternational students at RRC may choose from a

variety of temporary (a few days after arrival) and

long term housing (your home while you are living

in Winnipeg). Before you arrive in Winnipeg, you

should start looking for a place to live and contact the

appropriate people to make arrangements once you

arrive in Winnipeg.

Visit the websites below to find out about temporary

accommodations such as hotel, hostel or Bed and

Breakfast.

• HOTEL: www.tourismwinnipeg.com/visitors/

accommodations• HOSTEL: www.hostelz.com/hostels/Canada/

Manitoba/Winnipeg

• BED AND BREAKFAST: www.bbcanada.com/

manitoba/winnipeg/winnipeg

• RRC has a student residence located at the

Paterson Global Foods Institute (two blocks away

from the Roblin Centre). The residence is a great

and convenient option for students. Visit the RRC

student residence website for more information about

residence housing http://blogs.rrc.ca/housing/.Visit the following websites below to find out about

other long-term accommodations such as apartment

rental or homestay options.

• Apartment rental / sharing:

• www.relocatecanada.com/winnipeg/rentals.html

• http://classifieds.canada.com/winnipeg/

• www.winnipegrentnet.ca/ http://www.rentcanada.

com/winnipeg/;

• www.247apartments.com/rentals/Manitoba/

Winnipeg.asp;• http://marketplace.winnipegfreepress.com/

winnipeg/rentals/search;

• www.newjourneyhousing.com

• Homestay:

• http://polartrails.com/

SHOPPING

One of the most important things about settling

into a new country is the availability of familiar food

items. Fortunately, Winnipeg is a very multi-ethnic and

multicultural city and there are a variety of grocery

stores to meet your needs. Some are listed below.

There are a number of shopping centres where you

can buy good quality clothes – including designer

and unique selections. If you arrive in the winter

months, you should bring a winter coat but it may not

be adequate for a Manitoba winter. You may want to

wait until you come to Winnipeg to buy heavier winter

coats that are appropriate for Winnipeg winters. There

are a number of stores that sell good quality usedclothes at deeply discounted prices.

The Polo Park Shopping Centre, Portage Place

Shopping Centre and Winnipeg Square are within

walking distance or a short bus ride from the NDC

and Roblin campus. The Forks Market is behind the

Language Training Centre and has plenty of unique

stores and restaurants. Search the online Yellow

Pages.

You can also use the online Yellow Pages www.

yellowpages.ca/ (provides listing of businesses in

Canada including Winnipeg) to find other specialty

stores or shopping centres in your neighbourhood

when you find a place to live.

GROCERY STORES

There are a number of grocery store chains as well as

independent grocers located in every neighbourhood

in Winnipeg that carry standard Canadian as well as

specialty foods. Some of them are:

• Safeway• Superstore (also known as Real Canadian

Superstore)

• Extra Foods

• Sobey’s

• Price Chopper

• Costco (you must have a membership)

• Foodfare



Some specialty grocery stores carry a variety of fresh,

frozen and canned food items. They include:

Caribbean Shield (Indian)

(20 minute walk from the Roblin Centre)

634 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg

Dino’s Grocery Mart (Indian)



Gill’s Meats & Groceries (Indian)

7-1030 Keewatin Street, Winnipeg

Halal Meat Centre (Middle Eastern, Indian)

(near Broadway)

206 Maryland Avenue, Winnipeg

Lucky Supermarket (Asian)

1051 Winnipeg Avenue, Winnipeg

(near Notre Dame Avenue and McPhillips Street)

Oriental Market & Co Ltd (Asian)


268 King Street, Winnipeg

Sun Wah Supermarket (Asian)

(7 minute walking from the Roblin Centre)

303 King Street, Winnipeg

Young’s Trading (Asian)


397 William Avenue, Winnipeg

ENTERTAINMENT

Winnipeg has a vast array of entertainment options

for all seasons. We have everything from world class

theatre and ballet to concert venues, cinemas, casinos,

parks, restaurants and cultural centres. Tourism

Winnipeg at www.tourismwinnipeg.com provides

many entertainment options and things to do.




CANADIAN CONNECTION PROGRAM ANDCOLLEGE-WIDE DIVERSITY EVENTSThis program provides immigrant and international

students with both on and off campus opportunities to

experience cultural, social and recreational activities,

engage in College life, and connect with the Winnipeg

community.

The program also provides College-wide opportunities

to enhance diversity awareness and build connections

and understanding across cultures.

• Group activities across Winnipeg

• Free tickets to experience Winnipeg’s local festivals

and cultural attractions• Annual Welcome Party for Immigrant and

International Students

• Annual International Futsal Tournament

• Multicultural Potluck

• Annual Diversity Volunteer Recognition Event

Other useful information

CLIMATE in WINNIPEG

Most people who have never visited or lived in

Winnipeg think that it is cold all or most of the year.

Winnipeg has four seasons which do not regularly

follow the traditional seasonal starts of December,

March, June and September. Realistically, Winter

starts in mid-November; Spring starts in mid-April,

Summer starts at the end of May and Fall starts in

early to mid-September. Although the winters can

be cold (sometimes as low as -40 C on some winter

days), Spring, and Fall can be can be beautifully warm

and summers can be as hot some tropical countries

The weather Network provides short and long range

information on weather in Winnipeg.

www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/canada/

manitoba/winnipeg.

SCHOOL ATTIREDressing for college is casual. Most students wear

jeans and sweater, t-shirts or shirts and runners or

shoes. When you are packing to come to Canada, you

should include some of these. You may also want to

include one or two slightly more dressy outfits in the

event that you are invited out to dinner or to a party.

If you are part of a co-op program, you may also need

to dress for the workplace so you may want to pack

accordingly.

RRC InformationCAMPUS MAPS

Red River College has several campuses in and outside

of Winnipeg. You are most likely going to be located at

the main campus located at 2055 Notre Dame Avenue

(generally referred to as the Notre Dame Campus

or NDC), the Roblin Centre (also referred to as the

Exchange District Campus) located downtown located

at 160 Princess Street, or the Language Training

Centre located 300 – 123 Main Street in the Via Rail

train station. If you are going to be attending classes

at another campus, you will be provided with specific

information.




Notre Dame Campus (approximate 5 minute drive from the airport)


Roblin Centre(about 15 minute drive from the airport)

160 Princess Street, Winnipeg

Language Training Centre

123 Main Street, Winnipeg

Click on this link www.rrc.ca/campuses to view

campus maps for the Notre Dame Campus and the

Roblin Centre. There is also information for the other

campuses.




STUDENT SERVICES

Red River College has an extensive variety of services

available to ensure student success. Whether you are

a full-time or part-time student or at the Language

Training Centre, you can use the services. Student

Service Centres are located at the Notre Dame

Campus and at the Roblin Centre. Services include:

• Academic and Recognition of Prior Learning

Advising*

• Continuing and Distance Education Registration

• Confirmation of Enrolment

• Financial Aid & Awards

• Full-Time Program Admissions

• General Information• Parking Services (NDC only)

• Photo Identification

• Program and Course Information

• Tuition and Fee Payments

* International students should request this document

from the International Education office as the letter

provided by Student Services may not meet the needs

of international students who may need to pay a fee.

The following services are also available:

• Counselling and Accessibility Services• Assessment Services

• Academic Success Centre

• Student Employment Services

• Diversity and Intercultural Services

Visit the Student Services website at www.rrc.ca/

index.php?pid=5035 for more detailed information

WEBADVISOR

Your WebAdvisor Account provides you with 24 hour

access to your personal information, registration andfinancial records. You can activate your account on

arrival by visiting one of the Student Service Centres.

Academic students receive this information by email

once their application is processed. Academic English

students receive this on arrival.

RRC EMAILMailSite is the College’s student email system and is

now the official method of electronic communication

(email) between the College and all students. Make

sure you check this email account at least once a day.

CREDIT TRANSFERS

If you are seeking credits for course work completed

elsewhere or in other programs at RRC, you will

have to complete the Recognition of Prior Learning

(RPL) Request for Course Credit/Grade Transfer Form

and submit it with official transcripts and course

descriptions prior to or on the first day of classes.

You may be charged a fee before the evaluation iscompleted. Fees are for service and will be assessed

whether or not credit is granted. Approval of academic

credit will not necessarily translate into financial

credit for current program fees.

IMPORTANT DATES

You should familiarize yourself with important dates

on the College’s calendar. Some of those may be

statutory holidays such as Christmas, Boxing Day and

New Year’s Day when the College is closed and some

may be Reading Week when the College is open but

some students may not have scheduled classes. Visit

www.rrc.ca/index.php?pid=474 for a downloadable

PDF of the College’s important dates.

COLLEGE POLICIES You should familiarize yourself

with Red River College’s policies, especially those

that relate to academic matter including your Code

of Rights and Responsibilities, Student Discipline,

Student Appeals and Academic Integrity. Read the

policies at www.rrc.ca/index.php?pid=726.

CAMPUS SERVICES

Red River College also has a wide range of other

services for all students. For an extensive listing, visit

www.rrc.ca/index.php?pid=260




DIVERSITY AND INTERCULTURAL SERVICES

As an international student, you have access to a

range of services and programs provided by Diversity

and Intercultural Services which will help with your

transition to life in Winnipeg. Even though your

schedule may be busy with school and adjusting to

life in a new place, it is a very good idea to plan to

participate in the various Diversity programs and

events. These will be very beneficial because they will

help you understand Canadian culture, communication

style and you’ll make new friends.

Diversity and Intercultural Services offers the

following support programs:

• College Preparation and Orientation Program for

new immigrant and international students

• Student Integration Services for current immigrant

and international students

• Diversity and Intercultural Consultations for all

students

• Canadian Connection Program for immigrant and

international students

• College-Wide Diversity Events for all students

• Mentorship Programs for all students

• Intercultural Training Program for all students• LGBTT* Initiative for all students

Diversity and Intercultural Services has three offices:

NOTRE DAME CAMPUS

Building D, Room 206 - 2055 Notre Dame Avenue

Phone: 204.631.3309

MASSEY BUILDING (Exchange District Campus)

Office 103 - 294 William Avenue

Phone: 204.631.3345

LANGUAGE TRAINING CENTRE

Office 418 – 123 Main Street

Phone: 204.945.8776

Visit the Diversity Centre

The Centre is a gathering place for all students to

meet with others from around the world and share

stories and experiences. The Centre provides a unique

multicultural space to build positive connections and

community at the College. Everyone is welcome! The

Diversity Centre is located in Building D, Room 208

– 2055 Notre Dame Avenue (right next door to theInternational Education office).

Visit www.rrc.ca/diversity for more information about

our programs and the contact information for the

Diversity and Intercultural Services team.

RRC STUDENT ASSOCIATIONAs a student at Red River College, you are part of

the Students’ Association and can participate in all

activities that they sponsor. Participating in student

activities is a good way to meet other students fromother programs at the college.

Some of the activities include:

• A barbeque during the first few days of class •

Ski trips during reading week in February

• Pizza Wednesdays

• Movie Afternoons

There are also volunteer opportunities that will

provide you with experience in different areas of

the college. When you have spent some time at the

college, you may want to think about serving on thestudent executive. Visit the Students’ Association

website at http://rrcsa.ca/ or the offices at:

NOTRE DAME CAMPUS STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Building C, Lower Level Across from the Ox Store

Room CM20

and

ROBLIN CENTRE STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Room P110, Princess Street Building




Pre-arrival checklistBelow is an easy-to-use pre-arrival checklist for

each stage of your travel. Some of the information

was covered previously but has been added to the

checklist to make it easy for you to use as you prepare

for your new adventure in Canada. If you received

your Letter of Acceptance from RRC less than 6

months before your program starts, you should still

use the checklist to ensure that you have not missed

doing something important.

The easiest way to use the checklist is to first review

the entire list you are familiar with what should bedone at each stage. As you complete each item,

highlight it or cross it off the list. If there are other

things you should do, make a note in that section or at

a later section.

6+ MONTHS BEFORE Review the entire Pre-Arrival Checklist

Prepare and label one file or folder and insert

all original and/or copies of important documents

relating to your program of studies including:

Letter of Acceptance from RRC

Map of RRC http://www.rrc.ca/campuses with

your campus highlighted

Copy of the first two pages of this handbook with

important contact information

Prepare and label one file or folder and insert

all original and/or copies of important

documents relating to travel to Winnipeg:

Airline tickets

Passport

International Driver’s Licence

Hotel Confirmation (if staying at a hotel on

arrival)

Travel Insurance

Medical Insurance

Credit Cards

Prescription Medications

Study Permit

Travel Itinerary

Create an email folder for all communication

related to your studies in Canada

Create a file folder on your computer hard

drive labelled with date YYYY.MM.DD and titlefor information related to your studies at RRC

(e.g. 2013.04.09-RRC-LanguageTraining)

Check the expiry dates of Passport and driver’s

licence; renew if necessary

Apply for Canadian Study Permit at Citizenship

and Immigration Canada at

www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how.asp

Compare flights from various airlines - cost,

departure/arrival time, number of hours

Learn about Canada www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/

Learn about Winnipeg

www.winnipeg.ca/interhom/

Weather: www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/

canada/manitoba/winnipeg




Winnipeg Transit (public transportation)winnipegtransit.com/en

Guide to Renting in Winnipeg:

www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/rent101/index.html

Temporary Accommodation

Hotel: www.tourismwinnipeg.com/visitors/

accommodations

Hostel: www.hostelz.com/hostels/Canada/

Manitoba/Winnipeg

Bed and Breakfast: www.bbcanada.com/

manitoba/winnipeg/winnipeg

Long-term Housing

RRC Student Residence: http://blogs.rrc.ca/

housing/

Off campus: www.rentcanada.com/winnipeg/;

www.247apartments.com/rentals/Manitoba/

Winnipeg.asp; http://marketplace.

winnipegfreepress.com/winnipeg/rentals/search;

Culture: www.tourismwinnipeg.com/101-things-to-

do

Neighbourhood Maps: /www.tourismwinnipeg.

com/about-tourism-winnipeg/publications/maps

Winnipeg History: www.heritagewinnipeg.com/

Winnipeg Cycling Maps: www.winnipeg.ca/

publicworks/MajorProjects/ActiveTransportation/

maps-and-routes.stm

Walking and Bike Trails: www.winnipegtrails.ca/

Used goods, apartment rentals: www.kijiji.ca

4 to 6 MONTHS BEFORE DEPARTURE Book your airline ticket

Book your medical, dental and eye check-ups with

your doctor/dentist/optometrist

Book temporary accommodations in Winnipeg

if required (hotel or hostel for the first few days

after arrival)

Update file folders with additional documents as

required

Continue reading about Canada and Winnipeg

2 to 4 MONTHS BEFORE DEPARTURE Get medical check-up including prescriptions for

medications

Get any required and / or optional vaccines

Get dental check-up

Get eye check-up including prescriptions for new

(or extra pair) glasses/contacts

Store all prescriptions in file folder until ready to

use

Contact RRC Campus Living (not the International

Education Office) at http://blogs.rrc.ca/housing/

requesting student residence accommodation

Contact a landlord requesting off-campus

accommodations (if not staying at RRC residence)

Buy/top-up Skype (or alternate) credit if required

Read information about RRC Student Services:

www.rrc.ca/index.php?pid=5035




6 to 8 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE Check luggage for size and durability; buy new

luggage as required

Buy warm and cold weather clothes, headwear,

hand wear and footwear as required

Make a list of things to pack

(see suggested packing list in Appendix 3);

keep adding to list as required

Call bank about:

Money transfers to Canada

Debit card compatibility with ATMs in Canada

Call credit card companies to:

Credit card compatibility with ATMs in Canada

Inform about travel departure date

Increase credit limit

Enquire about daily withdrawal limits

2 to 4 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTUREFill prescriptions; ensure that you have sufficient

to last at least one month after arrival

Buy Canadian currency and make sure to get

some smaller notes ($5, $10, $20) for taxi or

snack at the airport

Call airline to confirm:

Weight restrictions for suitcases

Surcharges for excess weight

Ship any boxes that will arrive in Canada after

you do (If you do not yet have a permanent

address, leave instructions with family or friend

to ship at a later date)

Print and fill as much of the Manitoba Health

Registration Form as you can (available at:www.gov.mb.ca/health/documents/mg1883.pdf)

Try the Winnipeg Transit Navigo Trip Planner at

winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo to:

Map out a route from the airport to your

destination in Winnipeg; print this information

and put in your travel folder (even if you are

getting a courtesy airport pick-up)

Map out a route from your temporary or

permanent accommodation in Winnipeg to the

Notre Dame campus; print this information andput it in your travel folder (you’ll need it when you

want to go to the International Education office

after you have settled in)

Map out a route from the NDC to the Roblin

Centre

Map out a route from the Language Training

Centre to the NDC

Map out a route from the Language Training

Centre to the Roblin Centre

2 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE Review files/folders to ensure that all travel and

school related documents are included

Create two new files/folders; make copies of

all of documents; leave one copy with family

members at home in case your documents

get lost while you are travelling; keep one copy

in a different place on your person while

travelling in case your original documents are lost

Locate your country’s embassy address and

phone number in Canada and include in RRC

Handbook (in case of an emergency with you or

in your home country)




Test out your access to WebAdvisor with your

RRC student email address (all official RRC emailwill be communicated to this email address)

Fill in the RRC online Airport Pick-up Request

Form (Appendix 2) requesting airport pick-up

when you arrive in Winnipeg

Use packing list (Appendix 3) to start packing

suitcase

ONE WEEK BEFORE DEPARTURE

Call airline to confirm flight reservations andminimum check-in time

Arrange for transportation to the departing

airport

Print RRC Pre-arrival Handbook with important

phone numbers

Put identification tags with your name,

destination address and phone number (not

your home country address) on all checked and

hand luggage; use RRC’s International Education

office address if you do not yet have a permanentaddress in Winnipeg; insert additional

identification on the inside of your luggage in

case outside tag is ripped off or luggage is lost or

delayed

24 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE Check in using the airline’s Online Check-In and

print boarding passes (if available)

Pack any additional items and weigh suitcase

Pack & weigh hand luggage; include:

All travel related documents (as per list above)

All school related documents

Money

Medication and/or prescriptions

Non-perishable snacks

Reading materials

One change of clothes in case luggage is

delayed

Lay out travel clothes, coat and shoes

Leave copy of travel and school related

documents and emergency contact information

with family or friends

Confirm transportation to the airport




DAY OF DEPARTURECheck labels on hand and checked luggage

Depart for airport (allow sufficient time for travel

to the airport for final check-in)

Check in, say goodbye to family/friends and clear

security

Board plane and get comfortable in your seat for

the first part of your new adventure! It may be

many hours till you arrive at your destination in

Winnipeg

DAY OF ARRIVAL IN CANADA Present all travel documents to the Canadian

Border Services (immigration) officer, that is:

Passport

Study Permit

Letter of Acceptance from RRC

Letter from bank stating that you have sufficient

funds to support yourself while studying in

Canada

Other documents that you may be asked to

travel with

Once you have cleared Immigration, collect your

checked luggage and go to the Customs officer

where you have to clear Canadian Customs

Exit the Customs area and check the airport

information board for your departure gate for

Winnipeg

Check in your luggage with the appropriate

airline and go through airport security

Go to your departure gate to wait for your flight

to Winnipeg

One more flight and you’ll be in Winnipeg!

DAY OF ARRIVAL IN WINNIPEG Deplane, collect luggage on arrivals level and

verify that luggage name tags are yours

Look for the RRC volunteer or homestay family

who is picking you up (if applicable); the person

will have a sign showing your name when you exit

the secure area of the airport

If using a taxi or public transit, go to the airport

information desk and ask about change (money)

for a taxi or bus

Exit the airport and locate the taxi stand or

Winnipeg Transit bus stop that you will need to

take you to your destination

When you reach your temporary or permanent

destination, call or email your family at home to

let them know you have arrived safely

FIRST WEEK AFTER ARRIVAL IN WINNIPEG

(BEFORE RRC ORIENTATION) Find or set up new home

Find grocery store nearest your home and buy a

limited amount of groceries and other items

Buy a limited quantity of bus tickets (available at

most grocery stores)

Use the Winnipeg Transit Navigo information you

printed to go to RRC’s Notre Dame Campus or the

Roblin Centre and do the following:

Take your Passport to the International Educationoffice at the to be copied and filed for your

student record

Complete a Student Information Sheet

(Appendix 4)

Complete and submit an application for

Manitoba Health coverage (you may have

already started this a few weeks ago)




Visit the Diversity Centre

Get RRC Student ID Card at the

Student Services Centre

Pay remaining student fees for your first term

Rent a student locker; locker rentals can also

be done online at www.rrc.ca/lockers; you have to

buy your own lock

Buy Post-Secondary Student Bus Pass

(NDC: The Ox; Roblin Centre: The Mercantile)

Buy textbooks at bookstore

Visit library and print your timetable for courses(available on WebAdvisor using your RRC

Student ID); there is free internet access with

your RRC Student ID

Visit the Student Association Office

Locate your classrooms

Prepare all required documents for International

Student Orientation

RRC international student orientationAll international students are required to attend a

mandatory orientation called the LINKS (Learning

Interculturally: Networks, Knowledge, & Strategies)

Seminar. Your RRC Orientation day will include

information on:

The International Education staff and services

Intercultural Services Intercultural Services

programsDiversity and Intercultural Servicesprograms and staff

Living in Winnipeg

Getting ready for academic, social and

professional success

International student experiences (from

graduates)

Campus facilities (tour)

Opportunity to meet and network with other

international students on campus




Appendix 1

Program payment formCREDIT CARD

Student Name:

Student Number:

Program Admitted To:

Amount of Payment:

Credit Card:

Visa

Mastercard

American Express

Credit Card Number:

Expiry Date:

Cardholder Signature:

Cardholder Name:




Appendix 2

Packing listPERSONAL ITEMS

Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss

Shaving kit/razor

Comb/ Brush

Lip balm, lotion

Antiperspirant

Moisturizer, Makeup, Makeup remover

Shampoo, Conditioner, gel

Perfume

Hair dryer

Pyjamas/nightshirt/Slippers

Swim suit and cover-up

Underwear, socks

Sports wear

Extra luggage lock

Shirts/blouses, T-shirts/tanks

Dress/sundress/skirt

Pants/Shorts

Shoes, sandals, runners, flip flops

BeltTampons/Liners

Tweezers/ Nail clippers

Eyeglass repair kit/ Lens cloth

Family photos

TRAVEL DAY WEAR T-shirt

Sweatpants

Zip up sweater, fleece or hoodie

Underwear

Sleep mask & ear plugs

Shoes/runners/sandals

Light coat if arriving between May and

October; heavy winter coat, winter boots and

mitts if arriving between November and April

CARRY-ON BAG (BACKPACK) Passport

Airline ticket

Cash, credit cards, debit cards

Medical insurance

Vaccination documents

International driver’s license

RRC Pre-Arrival handbook

Destination address

Prescriptions and medication in original

containers

Vitamins / Herbal remedies

Security pouch

Travel Guide(s)/ Maps and directions

Journal/ Notebook and pen

Comb, tooth brush & paste

Change of clothes (in case flight is delayed)

Glasses, sunglasses

Gum

Hand lotion

Electronics and chargers/adapters (head

phones, iPod, camera, laptop, cell phone)

Pen

Travel pillow, eye mask

Non-fruit or vegetable snack

Reading Material

Foreign-language dictionary/Phrase book

Alarm clock

Jewellery




Appendix 3 / Student Information Sheet

Personal InformationStudent Number

Family (Last) Name

First Name

English Name (if different)

Winnipeg AddressApartment # and Street or P.O Box

City/Town

Province Postal Code

Email/TelephoneEmail

Home Phone Cell Phone

Emergency Contact(in Winnipeg)Emergency Contact Name

Phone Number Relationship to you (relative, homestay, friend)

Email address

Emergency Contact(in Your Home Country)Emergency Contact Name

Phone Number Relationship to you (relative, homestay, friend)

Email address

Does emergency contact speak English? YES NO If no, indicate language

Student Signature Date:



Documents

International Pre Arrival Brochure Red River College