Ready for your first year @ SFU?
Step 1: Get Started
- pay your deposit
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Paying your deposit lets us know that you've accepted our offer. To pay your deposit see How to Pay Your Fees.
- know important dates and deadlines
- When will I know? Plan your summer by reviewing our admission and scholarship timeline, the important deadlines for undergraduates (like when to apply for financial aid) and academic dates for the school year.
- get a residence room
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Living in an environment that's both enjoyable and conducive to studying, you will not only spark lifelong friendships that enhance your entire SFU experience — you'll also reduce your daily travel time to zero! Our accommodation includes three towers that are geared towards first and second year students, and a dining hall with a full meal plan. Residence for students at all SFU campuses is currently located exclusively at Burnaby Mountain. To apply, visit Residence and Housing.
- did you get an entrance scholarship?
Go to the entrance scholarships website for details.
- find off-campus housing
You can begin your search for off-campus housing by checking out websites such as My Ideal Home, 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 computing ID
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Your SFU Computing ID replaces the temporary applicant login (student number and temporary password) you used up to now to access the Student Information System as an applicant. It allows you to enroll in classes, and it is your official SFU email account — all SFU-related emails are sent here. It allows you access to campus labs, the SFU modem pool, SFU library services, web publishing facilities, and to unix.
When can I activate my computing ID?
After you pay your $100 deposit, you'll receive an email about your computing ID from our information technology department.
If you are starting your studies in the Fall term, you will receive your email in late June.Once you've received the email about your computing ID:
- Wait three days after receiving the email
- Check that your $100 deposit has been processed (the balance in your account summary should read -$100)
- Follow the instructions in the email to activate your computing ID.
Once your account has been activated, you should use your new permanent computing ID when you log in to the Student Information System.
Haven't received the email ?
If you have been admitted and accepted our offer earlier than mid-June for the Fall term, mid-October for the Spring term or mid-February for the Summer term, your ID may not be activated right away. Please check your email again later.
- check your SFU emails often
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Log in to your SFU email (connect.sfu.ca) often and read your emails. Notices from your professors, classes, and the university administration are sent only to your SFU address.
- are you an international student?
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Download the SFU International Pre-arrival guide for newly admitted students to help you prepare for your time at SFU and find out about services and programs available to International and Exchange students. If you are arriving from outside Canada, SFU International provides a wide range of welcome and orientation services. See the SFU International website for more information.
- are you a First Nations student?
Visit the First Nations Students Centre
- are you a student at the Surrey campus?
Visit the New and Current Surrey Students website.
- are you a student with a disability?
We provide information and assistance and ensure accessible campus services for students with disabilities. Visit the Centre for Students with Disabilities
Step 2: Plan and Prepare
- attend blueprints
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Do you have questions about what classes to take, how the Student Information System actually works, or what to expect in your first term? Don't know where to find out?
If you're a high school, transfer, or international student, just attend one of our Blueprints sessions to get the answers to all of your questions, meet other students, and meet one of our academic advisors.
If you're unable to attend one of our Blueprint sessions, view the Blueprints videos.
If you need further help, see "Plan your undergraduate courses," below.
SFU Surrey students: If you've been accepted to TechOne, Explorations, Science Year One, or their direct admit programs — Computing Science (via TechOne or Science Year One), Business Administration at SFU Surrey (via TechOne/Explorations/Science Year One), Engineering Science (Mechatronics via TechOne) or School of Interactive Arts and Technology, sign up for Blueprints at SFU Surrey or contact an SFU Surrey advisor. Note that Blueprints at Surrey are intended for students in the cohort programs at Surrey, not Burnaby program students who live in the Surrey area.
- plan your undergraduate courses
After attending a Blueprints session, you may still have questions about course planning. Whether you've decided exactly what program you want to pursue or you're still looking at your options, it's important to plan your course selection:
- If you've not yet declared your specialization (major, minor or honors) ...
- If your plans include going to medical or law school in the future ...
- If you are a First Nations student who would like a specialized advisor to help you plan your studies ...
contact an academic advisor through Student Services: Undergraduate Academic Advising.
If you've already declared your major or have been admitted to a cohort program (TechOne, Explorations, Science Year One) at SFU Surrey, you may also see your department/program advisor.
Check out the Academic Advising website for useful tools, such as your first year checklist, program planners, and links to your Faculty's website.
- register for orientation
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Whether you are coming from high school, transferring in, or are a mature or graduate student, there is an orientation program to help you succeed at SFU. Orientation sessions are offered each term in the week before classes start. Specific sessions are run for Burnaby, Surrey, Residence and International students. Visit Discover SFU: New Student Orientation for more information.
- sort out financial aid
Did you know that SFU gives out millions of dollars each year to students in the form of scholarships and bursaries? It's really important to research and apply for all sources of available funding, especially funding which does not need to be paid back such as scholarships and bursaries, as most students pay for their university studies through a combination of careful planning and financial help.
For more information regarding financial assistance, for money saving tips, or to make an appointment with a financial assistance advisor visit Financial Aid and Awards.
- be aware of your costs; build a budget
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Many students think it's difficult to come up with a budget to figure out what their costs are going to be, but a budget is an important tool to use when evaluating your financial situation. Our Financial Assistance team has put together some information to help you create your own budget, with tips and money saving ideas. See Financial Aid: Creating a Workable Budget
- student loans, bursaries, work-study, scholarships
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Millions of dollars are given out by the University each year to help students fund their education, and that's not including external options not administered by the university. There are several types of financial aid available to help you pay for your university education. Options include government student loans for Canadian citizens or permanent residents, as well as bursaries, work-study employment, awards and scholarships for all students. If you're an international student, you may be able to apply for government assistance through your home country. For example, American students may be able to access Stafford loans through the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, make an appointment with a Financial Aid and Awards advisor.
Step 3: Enroll in Classes and Pay Tuition
- enroll in classes
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- Log into the Student Information System with your computing ID and password.
- Either look at Account Inquiry in the main window (the "Student Center" or click on Self Service in the left menu and go to Campus Finances to check if your Overall Balance is -$100, which means the $100 has been paid which will allow you to enroll.
- Check your Enrollment Appointment time, either in the Enrollment Dates box on the right side of the screen or under Enrollment.
- Check the Class Search / Browse Catalog to see if you have prerequisites for the courses you are planning to enroll in and to check the time, day, and location of your chosen courses.
- Enroll in classes on or after your Enrollment Appointment date.
You can continue to add or swap classes until the end of the first week.
You may drop classes after enrolling in them, but you should be aware of the potential academic and/or financial penalties, depending on when you drop a course. See deadlines for more information.
Note that students in Surrey cohorts (TechOne, Explorations, Science Year One) are normally expected to be enrolled at a mininum in their cohort core courses for each term of the cohort program. See more information on enrolling in Surrey courses. Please see your cohort advisor if you have any concerns about your enrollment.
After courses are added, swapped, or dropped, always check My Class Schedule to see if those courses were successfully added, swapped, or dropped.
- view video tutorials
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You can view video tutorials describing many of these tasks, for example, activating your computing ID, enrolling in classes, and making a payment. See Student Tutorials.
- pay your tuition
There are several ways you can pay for your tuition and fees after you have registered for classes. The most convenient way to pay is through either online or telephone banking with your bank or credit union. Avoid lineups! For more information see How to Pay Your Fees.
Step 4: Get the Things You Need
- library/student ID card
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Students taking courses at the Burnaby campus: You can get your new Library/ID card during extended hours at the beginning of each term (photo ID required). Save yourself time by visiting your campus and getting your card before the term starts. See students.sfu.ca/deadlines for card production times. You can be issued your ID card/U-Pass 24 hours after you have enrolled in an eligible course. Students taking courses at the Surrey campus: If you are a new student taking your program at SFU Surrey, you must get your Library/ID/Access card at Surrey because it also provides access to the campus. You will not be able to get this access card at Burnaby or Vancouver. Your card will be processed along with your U-Pass during New Student Orientation at SFU Surrey, and not before. If you do not attend Orientation, you can get your card from the Registrar and Information Services front counter (photo ID required). See students.sfu.ca/deadlines for card production times.Download the Guide to your SFU Library/ID Card.
Taking classes at both Burnaby and Surrey campuses?
You must get your SFU Library/ID card from the Burnaby campus (see information above). You'll receive a separate access card from the SFU Surrey Security office when you arrive for classes there (photo ID required). Please check your SFU email account for updates. See students.sfu.ca/deadlines for card production times.
Students taking courses at the Vancouver campus: If you are taking your program at the SFU Vancouver campus, you can get a new Library/ID card from the Registration and Information Services counter (photo ID required). See students.sfu.ca/deadlines for card production times.
- textbooks
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You can look up what textbooks you will need at my.sfu.ca. Log in using your computing ID and click on a class title to see what textbooks are required. Order your books online from the SFU Bookstore through my.sfu.ca. Books are often in stock before the term starts.
- get a free Recreation membership
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Get your Recreation membership — free for most students. This enables you to use the Fitness Centre, Pool, Drop-In Sports and Intramural programs. Information about Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver memberships are available at rec.sfu.ca.
- your free daytimer
Pick it up from the Simon Fraser Student Society during the first few weeks of the term.
- software and computer equipment
Consider buying your equipment from the SFU Microcomputer Store. This non-profit store offers software and hardware at significant educational discounts available only to our community members. Shop and compare.
- U-Pass (transit pass)
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All eligible students receive a U-Pass for unlimited access to public transit around Greater Vancouver. As a new student, you can pick up your U-Pass after you get your new SFU Library/ID card. After your first term, your U-Pass will be mailed to you for the terms that you are registered in eligible classes by the enrollment deadline. See U-Pass for more information.
- parking pass
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SFU Burnaby. Enter the Burnaby parking lottery for a chance to purchase a spot. Parking is extremely limited at Burnaby campus. SFU Surrey. Enter the Surrey parking lottery for a chance to purchase a decal. Parking is limited at the Surrey campus. SFU Vancouver. Nearby parking lots include the one beneath the Harbour Centre complex at 515 West Hastings (weeknights only after 6 pm, all day Saturday and Sunday and statutory holidays) and Imperial Parking at 400 West Cordova Street. The Cordova Street lot offers reduced rates after 4:00 pm for students, faculty, and staff with a valid SFU library card or a parking pass available from Continuing Studies. Bicycle racks are also available at this location. Parking on the street is free after 8 pm.
Step 5: Explore Your Student Support Services
- Student Services
SFU Student Services are here to help you. See Student Services and the Simon Fraser Student Society.
- practical advice and support
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The transition from high school or college to university can be challenging, so don't be afraid to ask for help from counsellors at Health and Counselling Services or academic advisors at either Academic Advising or your department. Your professor or teaching assistant for your class can answer questions regarding course content, and they usually have weekly office hours.
Visit Student Services for a complete list of support services.
- learning skills
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You've already demonstrated excellent academic results, whether it is from high school, college, or another university. However, many students find that their study skills need improvement in order to meet the academic demands of university. We offer assistance and a range of free workshops to improve your learning and study skills. You can find learning skills support at the Learning Commons.
- what to do if you experience difficulty
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Many new students will find their first term at SFU academically challenging. Some of you may even find yourself having academic difficulty or going on academic probation. In this situation, talk to the people who can help you improve as soon as possible.
Talk to your professor or teaching assistant if you have questions regarding what you learned in class or why you got a particular grade on your exam or term paper.
Make an appointment to see an academic advisor to help you evaluate your situation and find the best solutions for you.
If your study skills need improving, attend a workshop or book a consultation at the Student Learning Commons.
Academic difficulties. If you are having difficulty with your SFU courses, see our advisors who can offer you assistance and advice. You may qualify for withdrawal under extenuating circumstances.
Personal counselling. Visiting with a counsellor may help you to manage the challenges of university life and reach your academic and personal goals with short-term personal counselling, support groups and workshops.
The SFU Food Bank is open to community members in times of need. Visit the Food Bank website for our Burnaby campus location and hours, as well as other community resources.
- advice from students
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Sometimes it helps to talk to another student. When you sign up for orientation, you will be matched with an upper year mentor. See Orientation: Clan Mentorship for more information.
And get advice from other students on Facebook.
Email gosfu@sfu.ca
Join the Facebook group for new undergraduates:
