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International Student Life
See yourself accepting your offer. We are ready to welcome you.
Moving to a new country for university is not easy. There is a lot to prepare and more to do when you arrive. We’ve compiled a checklist of those steps just for you, and we have a team ready to assist you as your adust to a new life as a student in Canada.
Meet with your SFU International Advisor for support with applying for your study permit, visa, work permit, social insurance number, health insurance, and more
Find out more about the immigration documents you need to prepare before you arrive
Our tips on applying for your study permit and immigration documents
What you need to do to ensure your eligibility to study, work and stay in Canada. We have dedicated team of international student advisors who come from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds to help you get organized.
Have questions about getting set up in Canada as an SFU student and exploring your new community?
- Join us for an online preparation session
- Watch our videos about supports available to you help prepare for studying and working in Canada
- Download our transition guide to better understand the Canadian culture.
- Check out our Life in Vancouver guide to learn about your new home
We can help you prepare for course enrollment, degree planning, academic success and life on campus.
Here are some ways we can help you manage your budget and ensure your costs for studying in Canada are covered.
Looking to get work experience while you are studying in Canada?
As an international student, there are a few restrictions on the type of employment you can have. However, we have many opportunities coordinated through the university to help you gain valuable skills and experience.
- We have paid work positions on campus
- Explore our co-op placements and work-study programs that combine learning with paid work experience in your field of study
Residence and housing
You can apply to live on campus in Residence & Housing – be steps away from class, make friends who are also away from home, and connect with peers to provide each other with academic support.
Off campus housing
You can live in our surrounding communities and make lasting connections with locals, get Canadian work experience, and be close to a beach, the ocean, the mountains, a vibrant suburban neighbourhood, or our lively downtown.
We’re here to help you get around, whether that means finding your class on campus or travelling throughout Metro Vancouver.
- SFU students get a Translink U Pass to use one of the world's best transportation systems. All of Metro Vancouver will be easily accessible to you.
- Designated bicycle routes make travel around Metro Vancouver easier for cyclists and e-bike riders. We have tips for buying and riding a bike.
- We have our very own app, SFU Snap, to help you explore campus, find classrooms, and get the latest Translink bus and Skytrain schedule
No matter where you come from, you have access to our world recognized high-quality primary healthcare. How else do we keep you healthy?
Extended care coverge
SFU students get affordable extended care coverage for everything from medication, dental care, vision and physiotherapy.
SFU Health and Counselling
Access to on-campus health supports, including medical clinics, vaccinations, counselling, and wellness support through SFU Health & Counselling.
Staying Safe
Canada is recognized as one of the safest countries in the world, and SFU students have additional services to keep them safe.
Safe walk program
Our Safe Walk program is available should you ever feel the need for personal security when walking on campus alone or at night.
Safety guides
Some people may try to take advantage of students unfamiliar with local culture and customs as they use transit or seek housing and other necessities. We have safety guides to help you avoid these scams and ensure you have a safe experience on campus.
Online safety
We provide training courses on how to stay safe online while avoiding phishing and other scams.
Emergency contacts
All three SFU campuses have emergency contacts available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We have several programs and events to assist your transition to life at SFU.
Student clubs
Clubs are an excellent way to develop skills, network and build lasting friendships. If you have an idea for a new club, you can even start your own.
Fitness & Recreation
Stay active and join group fitness programs, clubs and intramurals. Make use of facilities like the fitness centre, aquatic centre, climbing wall, full-sized field and more!
Volunteering
Volunteer to help your new university community and gain work experience doing something you care about!
Meal plans
Enjoy meal plans at our new Dining Commons, where it’s all-you-care-to-eat, seven days a week
Banking and phone calls
Check out our guides for help opening an account at a Canadian bank or connecting to a Canadian phone plan!
Faith
The Multifaith Centre is an engaged community that enables you to express and practice your beliefs, and offers a safe space to learn about other faiths.
We have many more resources available to help you thrive in your new life as a university student in Canada.