If you can't view images, or wish to view in a web browser, visit our incoming exchange student website. Dear Student, Warm greetings from London, Canada! We look forward to welcoming you when you arrive for your studies at Western University. Please carefully review the following important pre-arrival information - consider this your guide to Western! We've also included important course registration information below, with key actions you need to take right away. If you have any questions, please email us at goabroad@uwo.ca. Ana, Fan, Grant, and Rida Getting StartedAdmission LetterYou should have received two emails from the Office of the Registrar with your student number and access code. With this letter you will be able to login and access your admission letter online. (See Acceptance Letter and Visa Information user guide). Setting up your Western Email AccountOnce you receive your student number and access code, you are required to set up your Western email account. Instructions on how to set up your email are included in the email from the Office of the Registrar. Important CommunicationMoving forward all communication will be sent to your Western email address, including the information on course selection, course enrolment, and decisions/results of your course enrolment, requests and changes. Ensure that you monitor this email regularly. Course Selection and EnrolmentCourse selection information is now available on our website. Exchange students are not able to self-enrol in courses. Please follow the steps on our website to use Western's timetable and 'Draft my Schedule' tool, then select your courses through on our online tool called 'One Experience - Course Picker.' Our office will then manage course enrolment on your behalf. Key Dates for the Academic YearSeptember 8, 2022 – Fall term classes begin January 9, 2023 – Winter term classes begins Accessibility and Accommodations Western provides supports and service to students with disabilities in all programs and faculties. If you require support or resources on accessibility or accommodations, please visit Western's Accessible Education website. FeesAs an exchange student, you pay tuition to your home university. However, exchange students are required to pay the following fees to Western: Health InsuranceWhile in Canada and registered at Western, you will be automatically enrolled in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). This plan is mandatory for all international students. While UHIP covers most doctor and hospital visits, it does not include supplemental coverage for health care needs such as prescription medications, massage therapy, dental care, physiotherapy, etc. Therefore, we strongly recommend for you to buy a supplementary health insurance, in addition to UHIP. For information about Health and Wellness, and UHIP please visit our website. Student CardYou will also be required to obtain a Western student card, also known as the “Western ONECard,” for $32. Details on obtaining your Western ONECard. Bus PassPlease be advised that all undergraduate students at Western, including exchange students will be charged approximately $270 for the London Transit/University Students’ Council bus pass (valid from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023). The bus pass is mandatory for Fall term and full-year exchange students. Winter term exchange students will have the option to purchase a bus pass through London Transit. Your Western ONECard will function as your bus pass. HousingOn-campus housing is not guaranteed and we expect that spaces will be very limited due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. As such, exchange students should be prepared to arrange off-campus housing. Rental information is available online through our Off-Campus Housing Services. If any on-campus housing spots will be made available, information on how to apply for on-campus residence will be sent to your Western email account from our Housing department at the end of June. Residence spaces are generally offered based on the order of applications received and students are only eligible to apply for on-campus housing after they receive their exchange admission letter. Assistance Finding Off-Campus HousingFrom May to August, Western's housing team provides personalized assistance with your housing search in London, Ontario, even if you aren't in Canada yet. This service is only available to international and/or exchange students studying at Western. They can provide:
Email ocha@housing.uwo.ca to connect with this team. Visas & ImmigrationIf you want to study for more than 6 months:
If you want to study for 6 months or less:
However, it's recommended that you apply for a study permit, even if it's not required:
Please note that on-campus employment is not encouraged or guaranteed and you should not rely upon income in Canada during your exchange to support your living expenses. Also, please note that International exchange students are not permitted to work off campus during their stay in Canada. Applying for your Study Permit or VisasIn order to apply for a study permit and/or visas, you will need a copy of your admission letter, your passport, and a letter of financial support. Once your study permit is approved, remember to travel with your Letter of Introduction and show that to the immigration officials upon arrival in order to obtain your study permit. Please visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for application forms and instructions. Plan to travel to the US while you're here?If you plan to visit the United States before, during or after your exchange, it is recommended that you apply for a US Visa prior to your arrival in Canada. Travel & COVID-19 ConsiderationsWestern continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and will advise students of any changes to the exchange program. Please ensure you are up to date with your home university’s policies regarding international travel. Travel requirements continue to change so it is important to continue monitoring our International arrival website in the months ahead. This site also contains important information on vaccination requirements for entry to Canada, as well as Western's current vaccination policy. We remain optimistic that border measures and COVID-19 precautions will improve. However, continuing uncertainties could impact your ability to participate in our exchange program. Based on what we know today, below are some important considerations:
Get to Know Your Future HomeDiscover LondonKnown as “The Forest City,” London is a welcoming community that is safe, clean and affordable, with all the diversity and conveniences of a big city. For more information on London, visit Your London Calling - a website built by students for students with information about transportation, settling in, having fun and much more! Explore WesternFounded in 1878, Western is known for delivering an exceptional learning experience that engages the best and brightest people, challenging them to meet ever-higher standards in the classroom and beyond. And we know you'll love our beautiful campus - alive with opportunities to learn, connect, grow and have fun along the way. Below are some resources you may wish to explore before you arrive: OrientationOrientation for exchange and international students will take place on September 1 and 2. Please plan to arrive at Western no later than August 31, 2022. We also encourage exchange students to sign up for the undergraduate campus-wide orientation week (O-Week) during the first week of September. It's a great way to meet friends, and connect with important services and programs across campus! Campus Map & Mobile AppGet yourself acquainted with our campus map. You can also download WesternU mobile app for up-to-date news and information, maps, bus schedules, locations of eateries on campus, access to libraries and other important resources. Connect with Western InternationalFriendly staff and volunteers are available to assist you and provide details about our services, Western, London, social events, immigration, food, health care and much more! Get tips on our International & Exchange Student Centre website for planning your trip, what to do when you arrive, getting around London, money matters, safety and general student life. Weekly programs and services keep you connected to other students and the Western community! Contact us at goabroad@uwo.ca or by calling +1-519-661-2111 ext. 89309. When you arrive, be sure to visit!Western International is located in the centre of campus in the International & Graduate Affairs Building (IGAB). Our regular office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (EDT). Our International Learning Coordinators are available to assist you with settling in, or any questions you may have. Please note that Monday, September 5, 2022 is a national holiday and the offices at Western University are closed. Classes start September 8, 2022. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram @westernuinternational Join our Facebook group, Western International Learning Experiences, to connect with other inbound exchange students, as well as Western students who will be travelling abroad next year on exchange! |