Last updated: October 7, 2020

FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND FOOD

Where can I find information about financial support available to international students at SFU during COVID-19?

If you’ve been impacted, directly or indirectly, by COVID-19, email student_support@sfu.ca to arrange a phone call, virtual meeting, or email follow-up with a Student Services case manager. Your case manager will work with you to coordinate appropriate supports and/or solutions. Examples of concerns or circumstances could include:

• feeling unwell
• food and/or housing insecurity
• difficulty coping with stress or anxiety
• difficulties engaging academically and/or virtually
• staying socially connected when physically distant
• safety-related concerns 

• Financial Aid, resources and support during COVID-19
• Financial Support Resources During COVID-19 Guide for Graduate Students

Are international students eligible for any assistance from the Canadian government, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)? Where can I find information about government support?

International students can qualify for the CERB as well as certain other supports from the Canadian government if they meet all the eligibility requirements. The CERB has now ended; however, it is possible to apply retroactively if you were eligible.

For more information, please refer to the following resources:

• CERB website (includes information on applying retroactively and transitioning to new benefits)
• CERB website: Questions and Answers
• COVID-19 financial support for newcomers, temporary residents and refugees (information available in multiple languages)

Are international students eligible for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)? Where can I find information about this?

Most international students were not eligible for the CESB. However, applications for this benefit are now closed.

Are international students eligible for the BC Temporary Rental Supplement (BC-TRS)? Where can I find information about this?

Although international students were eligible for the BC Temporary Rental Supplement (BC-TRS) if they met all the eligibility requirements, this program has now ended as of August 31, 2020. 

For information on changes to BC's tenancy laws during COVID-19 (including information on your rights and responsibilities if you have been unable to pay rent) please see the BC Government website. You may also contact TRAC Tenants Resource and Advisory Centre for guidance relating to your rights as a tenant.

How can I get help to meet my day-to-day needs, such as food?

• If you are a student at SFU facing the challenge of meeting your daily needs on a reduced income, the SFU Food Hub can help you with free groceries. Visit the SFU Food Hub website for details on how to access this resource.
• Fraser International College (FIC) operates a small food pantry (Ahmed's Pantry) which provides food at no cost to SFU and FIC students in need. The pantry is located in Room 2200 of Discovery 1, and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am-3pm.
• Embark Sustainability's Food Rescue Program distributes produce to the University community on a weekly basis, for free or by donation. Visit the Embark website for details, including distribution schedule.
• The SFU Farm-to-Campus Initiative at the SFU Surrey campus is a low-cost weekly subscription service that provides students with fresh, local produce. Register weekly and pay what you can ($3-5) for a bag of seasonal veggies. Visit the Farm-to-Campus Initiative website for details.
  
  
• Undergraduate students: visit the SFSS website for information about their food bank program, as well as links to other community resources.
• Graduate students: visit the GSS website for information about their emergency grocery card program and other supports.

How can I get support with finding employment?

Visit SFU Career Services' Employment and Career Support 2020 page for an overview of available resources, including information on how to book a phone or Zoom appointment with an SFU Career Educator.

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL SUPPORT

How can I connect socially with other students while physical distancing or self-isolating?

ISS is offering a number of online events and opportunities to help you safely connect with your peers. See our Events and Programs page for information.

Students in quarantine may also join the Quarantine Student Connection by guard.meCARES - this is a professionally monitored, weekly student support group that offers a safe online environment for students to connect with each other during mandatory isolation.

You can also visit SFU's Community Connection page for other events being offered by the SFU community.

I'm a new international undergraduate student at SFU. How can I meet people and make friends?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Join the SFU 2020 Facebook group for new students
• Find student clubs and other social supports on the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) website
• Attend our ISS online events, or check out the other virtual events listed on SFU's Community Connection page
• Find out more about the Global Connections Program. This program provides the opportunity to learn about the culture of SFU while making new friends and exploring what the community has to offer. You can request to be matched with a peer mentor for support in the Fall 2020 term. 

I'm a new international graduate student at SFU. How can I start connecting with my peers?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Join the SFU New Grad Students Facebook group
• Join the SFU Grad Students Facebook group
• Attend our ISS online events, or check out the other virtual events listed on SFU's Community Connection page

Students with families:    

• Join the SFU-Families Facebook group
• Check out Bring Your Partner & Family events offered by the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) office

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting my mental health. How can I access support?

The following resources may help:

• My SSP (Student Support Program) - Access free, immediate support 24/7 via chat or phone
• Available services and resources for students during COVID-19
• SFU Health and Counselling Services online events and workshops
• SFU Transition Case Manager
• SFU Health and Counselling Services: See a Counsellor
• SFU Interfaith Centre (for spiritual support)
• Quarantine Student Connection by guard.meCARES - Free online peer-to-peer support groups for students in quarantine

What online resources are available to help me cope with stress?

SFU's Health and Counselling Services (HCS) unit has put together a list of Strategies to Manage Stress. You can also find many helpful resources on the HCS website.

RESOURCES FOR LGBTQS+ STUDENTS FROM INTERNATIONAL PATHWAYS

Are there any support and resources available for LGBTQIA2S+ students from international pathways?

Please refer to the following resources:

• In partnership with SFSS Out On Campus, Health and Counselling Services is paying particular attention to the unique needs of LGBTQIA2S+ students. This page includes COVID-19 pandemic FAQs: Learn more
• Resources on supporting LGBTQ newcomers in the Province of BC