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Top 10 Tasks for Incoming International Students
International Student Support offers immigration advising and organizes events for all international students. We know that preparing to study in Canada can feel overwhelming, so we created a handy checklist to help you start your Laurier journey confidently and smoothly.
Apply for a Study Permit
As an international student, you will need a valid study permit before travelling to Canada. International students must include a provincial attestation letter (PAL) with their study permit application now.
Need support? Join our study permit application workshops or connect with one of our International Student Advisors (ISAs) for personalized guidance with your application.
Find Your Home
Begin your housing search early whether you are planning to live on-campus or off-campus. Visit our Residence Page to understand how and when to apply for a residence. For off-campus housing options, follow these key steps to guide your search and learn about additional resources.
Set-Up Your Student Accounts
Activate your mylaurier email account to receive important communications from staff and instructors. Be sure to upload your OneCard photo online and pick it up once you are on campus. Your OneCard is a multipurpose student photo identification card that gives you access to campus services.
Register for Your Courses
Make sure you register for your courses before you arrive at Laurier. The longer you wait, the fewer course options you will have. Watch your mylaurier email address for course registration notifications. Check out the Registration Guide to learn how to choose and register for your courses.
Manage Your Finances
Explore payment methods in advance and pay your tuition on time to avoid late fees. Keep in mind that international payment can take longer to process. Plan your budget early to get a sense of living cost in Canada and check out scholarships and bursaries to support your studies.
Prepare for Your Travel
Review the list of important documents before your departure. When you travel from your home country to Canada, make electronic and paper copies of important documents (e.g., passport, port of entry letter, offer letter, etc.) and keep the originals with your carry-on baggage.
Getting to Laurier
You're almost here! Arriving in Fall 2025? If you have received your study permit and have begun making your travel arrangements to come to Canada, please complete the Fall 2025 Arrival Survey*.
*Please note that it is mandatory to complete the arrival survey 7 days before your arrival to Canada! This provides our team with crucial information to better prepare for your arrival at Laurier.
After you arrive at the airport, complete the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Declaration Card before you pass through customs. Expect immigration officers to ask you questions and have your documents ready to present.
You are responsible for arranging your own transportation from the airport to Laurier whether by public transit or taxi. Explore your travel options from the airport to campus:
You will most likely arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport. When you arrive:
- Complete and identify yourself on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Declaration Card before you pass through customs.
- Provide the Canadian government with a record of what you are bringing into the country. If you do not report the items you are bringing into Canada, you can face legal action.
- Go through the steps to officially enter Canada.
- Expect immigration officers to ask you questions and be ready to present any documents they ask for.
- Contact your family to let them know you have arrived safely. Use the free Wi-Fi at the airport to get in touch.
Once you clear customs, you’re ready to come to Laurier! If you have arranged for airport shuttle transportation, you’ll be able to catch the shuttle from Pearson International Airport.
Transportation from Union Station
If you choose a transportation option that leaves from Union Station in downtown Toronto:
- Take the UP Express to get to Union Station.
- From Union Station, connect to GO Transit and VIA Rail travel options for both Waterloo and Brantford.
Airport Shuttle
Airways Transit provides a 24/7 door-to-door shuttle service that operates between Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) and Waterloo.
You must reserve Airways Transit's pick-up service as soon as you know the date and time of your flight. The rate is $150 one way.
The trip from Toronto Pearson International Airport to the Waterloo campus is about one-and-a-half hours.
Reserve Your Shuttle
Reserve your shuttle online with the following information:
- Flight information (airline, flight number, arrival time).
- Address of your destination in Waterloo, or the name of your residence building.
- Credit card number.
GO Transit
GO Bus
The GO Bus stops at Toronto Pearson Airport Terminal 1 on the ground level between columns Q2 to Q4. This bus runs hourly on weekdays and weekends, and every 30 minutes during weekday rush hours. You can buy GO Transit tickets at the vending machine in Terminal 1 on the ground level. Choose Wilfrid Laurier University as your destination. You can calculate your fare and plan your trip online. The rate is approximately $18 one way, with taxes included, but is subject to change.- Take the GO Bus Route 40 – Hamilton GO, exiting the bus at Square One GO Terminal, where you must disembark.
- Transfer to GO Bus Route 25 – U of Waterloo, exiting the bus at Wilfrid Laurier University. This stop is adjacent to the Waterloo campus entrance at the corner of University Avenue and Hazel Street.
The trip from the airport to the Waterloo campus is about two-and-a-half hours.
GO Train
There may be GO Train options available from Union Station to the Kitchener GO Terminal. The trip on the GO Train will take approximately two hours.
VIA Rail
You can take a train from Union Station to the Kitchener Via Rail station for about $36 (price subject to change). Once you are at the Kitchener station, you can use Grand River Transit, a taxi or a rideshare service of your choice to get to your accommodations in Waterloo.
Airport Shuttle
Airlink Transportation offers a 24/7, door-to-door shared ride service. Visit their website for more information on pricing.
Reserve Your Shuttle
To make your reservation you will need the following information:
- Flight information (airline, flight number, arrival time).
- Address of your destination in Brantford.
- Credit card number.
- Telephone number.
Once you have submitted your reservation online and provided credit card information for payment, Airlink will email you a confirmation.
You can also call them directly at 1.877.405.8278. When communicating by telephone, please clearly identify yourself as a Laurier student.
GO Transit
There are GO Transit options to get from Union Station in Toronto to the Brantford Bus Terminal. You will take either a GO train or GO bus to Aldershot and transfer to a GO bus to continue your trip to Brantford. Be sure to double-check the GO Transit schedules to find out departure times and ticket prices.
VIA Rail
You can take a train from Union Station in downtown Toronto directly to the Brantford Via Rail station for about $45. From the Brantford station, you can use local transit, a taxi or the rideshare service of your choice to get to your accommodations.
Understand Your Health Insurance
International students will have two health insurance plans: University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and Supplementary Plan. Each plan has different coverage and is managed by different units, so make sure you understand the differences.
Get Involved
Attend Laurier 101 webinars (undergraduate students), ASPIRE webinars (graduate students), Laurier Orientation, International Student Welcome Breakfast, and other events to ask outstanding questions, meet other students, and build your community.
Contacts
International Student Support: laurierinternational@wlu.ca
Laurier 101: laurier101@wlu.ca
ASPIRE: aspire@wlu.ca