New student checklist
- Apply for your study permit
- Apply for housing
- Activate your myUNBC account
- Download the myUNBC app
- Register for classes
- Read about your private health insurance
- UNBC Packing Checklist
- Entering Canada
- Airport Arrival
- Attending Orientation
On campus housing
If you choose to apply for housing on or off campus before your study permit is approved, please ask for and review the refund policy for any deposits in advance. Deposits may not be refundable even if your study permit is declined.
UNBC has a student residence for students that would like to live on-campus. There are application deadlines and deposits required to apply to on-campus housing. See the UNBC Housing and Resident Life website for more information.
Off campus housing
Students can also choose to live off-campus. More information about the rental market can be found here. The UNBC NUGSS Student Society has put together a guide to help with finding off-campus accommodations. It is possible to find housing on social media sites, prospective students should be wary of potential scams.
For more information about renting in BC please visit the BC Residential Tenancy Site and review the Residential Tenancy Act.
Basics of Renting
- A rental agreement is a contract between you and your landlord. This protects you in case of disputes
- Be sure to conduct a thorough inspection upon move in and note any damages that already exist
- Tenants must pay rent in full, on or before the agreed upon date
- Landlords can ask for a security deposit/damage deposit that does not exceed half of one month’s rent
- Internet and utility bills may not be included in the cost of renting
Documents you need to enter Canada
A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will ask to see your travel documents when you arrive in Canada.
The required travel documents include:
- A valid passport or travel document
- The letter of introduction from the visa office that you received when your study permit was approved (this letter contains your permit reference number and the CBSA officer need this letter to issue your study permit
- A valid temporary resident visa (if required)
- A copy of the letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution at which you are accepted to study
- Proof that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada
- Letters of reference or any other documents recommended by the visa office where you applied. Carry these items and all other valuable papers, cash, etc. with you at all times. Do not put these items in your checked luggage.
If there are no problems at the point of entry, the officer will let you enter Canada and will issue your study permit.
You should:
- Check the study permit to make sure your personal information is accurate
- Check the expiry date on your study permit. You must leave Canada by this date or apply to extend your study permit if you will not be finished your studies by that date.
Airport arrival
UNBC does not have a dedicated airport pickup service. UNBC recommends you either take a taxi to your final destination, or a more affordable option is to take a private shuttle that will bring you to campus, or wherever you wish within Prince George.
Learn more about the Prince George International Airport
Attending Orientation
No matter whether you are a new undergraduate, or graduate student, we have an orientation for all domestic and international students. International students participate in the full range of events designed to help you connect to the community of students, faculty and support services at UNBC.
In addition to the full orientation, international students must attend an orientation just for you. This orientation is intended to meet your unique needs as an international student.