New country, new me
Walking onto Bishop’s University’s campus for the first time as an international student, I had no idea what to expect. Sure, I had toured other colleges, but all were within three hours of Manhattan and had less “chilly” weather. However, my timid mindset was no match for the tight-knit community that offered ample warmth throughout the winter season.
Fast forward six months later, and I can confidently say that Bishop’s has exceeded my expectations and taught me many valuable lessons in a new country. So, here are some tips from one international student to another!
A three-day rite of passage
Whether you’re from across the sea or just across the border, Bishop’s strives to become a home away from home for you. Lucky for international students, there is a three-day orientation for non-Canadian residents. You’ll get to meet your fellow international peers, participate in activities like scavenger hunts, and attend your first Gait night at our campus bar! Attending these events soothed my biggest fear of feeling isolated studying abroad but I felt anything but lonely.
The first thing I was given was a goody bag of merch, snacks, and a campus map. This gift felt like a token of appreciation or reward after a long day of traveling! When I watched presentations and caught myself worrying again, the hundreds of other students and I were told, “We want to make your experience memorable” and “We’re here for every one of you.” Those words brought comfort and reassurance, and I knew then that I had chosen the right place So, I highly suggest attending this event, because having familiar faces for the rest of orientation week really helped me adjust to the new setting by meeting people in the same boat.
You’ve got a friend in me
It didn’t quite hit me until I was in the thick of it how soon I needed to prepare for my new responsibilities. Thankfully, I got all the crucial information from the “resources fair” for the international student orientation. Here, company representatives offered free advice for opening a bank account, getting health insurance and student permits, etc. Gathering pamphlets with instructions felt easier to manage with a friend by my side, one who also wasn’t familiar with Canadian systems. We asked questions, took phone calls, and helped one another with our new adult responsibilities. This tradition still lives on when we need help from Flywire (a payment system for international students at Bishop’s) or access a credit card from the bank.
On the flip side, another approach is facing new responsibilities with a Canadian who knows the ins and outs better than anyone! In my first two months at Bishop’s, I thought I had a winter coat that was fit for the cold–– little did I know it wasn’t even considered chilly out yet! Fortunately, my friend who grew up skiing during Canadian winters had all the suggestions. She took me to the infamous Halley Hansen where we spent a good hour finding the best winter jacket. Bringing a friend to my winter-prep errands has helped me navigate which brands are most reliable and what to expect during harsher conditions.
Through this, I’ve also gotten to experience so much of Canadian culture, whether trying Tim Hortons for the first time or buying my first pair of snow boots! Altogether, tackling responsibilities with another international student or Canadian can make the transition process more enjoyable and is something I’d suggest!
What’s on my to-do list?
With some trial and error, I’ve found that creating a system is key for staying on track with school and personal events. Whether you prefer digital or physical planning, I suggest scheduling essential errands early. When I had downtime during orientation week, I’d play music and open my Google Calendar to start my to-do list; that way, all my crucial information was together in one spot. Some common bullet points of mine are “Book flight back home,” “Start working on interview questions,” and “Pick up medication at 5 P.M.” To this day, I still have this system and rely on it wherever I am. This has saved me countless times and taught me why being ahead of the game is so beneficial while studying abroad.
My Google calendar has a designated “Appointments/ Events” category for important occasions. These include university events (school plays,) going to the bank, my on-campus appointments, and booking bus tickets. Creating a visual representation of your daily life is an exciting way of channeling the independence of being an international student at Bishops University.
Ahead of the game
Customizing your own planning system is especially helpful because I find valuable resources like useful websites. Getting familiar with these sites catered to international students provides shortcuts that make all the difference during finals season. Starting off strong, “@ubishopsinternational” on Instagram provides sufficient resources, reminders, and additional support. The account has posts about packing essentials, student permit renewals, and other information that go hand in hand with getting deadlines down. I enjoy following the account because I’m reminded to book flight tickets for the Reading Week break when the midterm season is approaching.
I recommend Google Flights because it creates a clear display of ongoing flights and alerts you of the cheapest options. Anytime I’m flying back to New York or visiting friends in Indiana, I use Google Flights because of its organized structure. The directness of Google Flights is something I haven’t found in other apps, which makes booking tickets feel like I’m walking into a chaotic advertisement. Most importantly, it makes the process less overwhelming and filters flights depending on my preferences! Once I’ve booked my tickets, I’m guided towards the airline app or website to have my tickets downloaded and set up before the big day. So, if you plan to go home or on a trip, use websites and book those tickets before exams roll around!
Ô Canada!
Lastly, throughout your study abroad experience, my biggest suggestion is to soak up the culture and try new things. Although that’s a pretty common tip, there are ways you can experience Canadian culture directly through Bishop’s University. My favourite has been attending Bishop’s hockey games, trying “beavertails” during Orientation week, and taking enriching courses where we discuss Canadian history. With the guidance of Bishop’s University and a yearning for excitement, the journey of being an international student will create a scrapbook of memories.
