New Graduate Students
Being a new graduate student can be overwhelming. This section will help you get settled into your new role and help you find support and resources.
We are committed to helping you throughout your graduate program. If you have a question that's not answered below, please email gradstudies@sfu.ca.
Pay your deposit.
Paying your deposit lets us know that you've accepted our offer. To pay your deposit see How to Pay Your Fees.
Get a room in residence.
SFU has recently opened three new residence towers and a dining hall with a full meal plan. There is also a graduate student residence: Hamilton Hall and family housing: Louis Riel.
Please note that all residences are located exclusively at Burnaby Mountain. To apply for residence visit Residence and Housing.
Find off-campus housing.
You can begin your search for off-campus housing by checking out websites such as My Ideal Home, looking at Craigslist's housing listings, looking at newspaper listings, checking notice boards around campus and asking other students about vacancies.
SFU does not pre-screen ads for off-campus housing, so it is your responsibility to check out the listings carefully. Familiarize yourself with the BC Residential Tenancy Act before signing a lease.
Get your SFU computing ID.
Your SFU Computing ID gives you access to the course enrollment system to enroll in classes. It is your official SFU email account — all important SFU-related emails are sent here. This computing ID replaces the temporary applicant login and password you previously used to access the Student Information System.
Approximately two months before the term begins, you will receive an e-mail from SFU IT Services which contains your SFU student computing ID.
Please note: This email will not be sent if your $250 deposit has not been received. Check your account balance in the Student Information System. If you see -$250, it means your deposit has been processed.
After you receive the email:
- Visit Academic Computing Services: Account Activation
- Click First Time Activation
- Read the terms of use and click I Agree
- Enter your Student Number, birth year/month/date, and click Submit
- Create your password
- Print the confirmation page and/or write down your computing ID and password.
Once your account has been activated, you can use your computing ID when you log in to the Student Information System. Your 9-digit student number was a temporary user ID for and should not be used once you've successfully activated your computing ID
Stay in touch with your graduate program.
Your graduate program's secretary and your future senior supervisor (if identified) are your best source of information about your graduate program. Be sure to let them know about any significant changes in your plans.
Register for classes.
Registration for classes opens approximately two months before the semester begins.
Once your fees are paid, you'll be able to register for your classes through the Student Information System.
Some graduate programs prefer that you consult with your senior supervisor before registering. Please consult your graduate program.
You can add and drop classes without financial penalty in the first 13 days of the semester. See other dates and deadlines.
Be aware of your costs and build your budget.
A budget is a very important tool to use when evaluating your financial situation.
Our Financial Assistance team has put together some important information for you to create your own budget, with excellent tips, advice, and money saving ideas. For more information see Financial Aid: Creating a Workable Budget
