A practical first-week checklist for new international students: getting connected, setting up banking, learning transit and settling into a new routine.
The first week in a new country can feel like a hundred small tasks arriving at once. Which phone plan? Which bank? How do the buses work? Parents far away want to hear that everything is under control, and students want to feel capable, not lost.
The answer is to take it one step at a time. Here is a calm, practical checklist that most new students can complete within their first seven days.
Day 1 to 2: get connected
A working phone is the foundation of everything else: maps, transit apps, school messages and calls home.
- Bring an unlocked phone: it lets you use a Canadian SIM card or eSIM straight away.
- Compare prepaid and monthly plans: prepaid plans need no long contract and suit most new students.
- Use Wi-Fi wisely: homes, schools and libraries usually have it, so a smaller data plan may be enough.
- Share your number: send it to parents, your host family, your custodian and your school contact on day one.
Day 3 to 4: set up banking
A local bank account with a debit card makes daily life much easier. Banks usually ask for a passport and proof of enrolment; students under 18 may need a parent or custodian involved. Book an appointment if possible, ask about student accounts with low or no monthly fees, and set up the mobile app before you leave the branch.
A safety habit worth learning early: never share card details, PINs or passwords by message or phone, even if the caller says they are from a bank or a government office.
Day 4 to 5: master local transit
Most Canadian cities have reliable public transit, and many use reloadable fare cards, such as PRESTO in Toronto and Ottawa, Compass in Vancouver and OPUS in Montréal. Ask the school about student or youth fares, which can lower the cost significantly. Then do a practice trip from home to school before the first day, ideally with your host family or a new friend.
Day 6 to 7: build your routine
- Learn your neighbourhood: find the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, library and clinic.
- Save key contacts: school office, custodian, homestay coordinator and the general emergency number, 911.
- Know your insurance: keep a copy of your health insurance card on your phone.
- Rest: jet lag is real. Early nights in week one pay off all month.
Students in a homestay with a custodian receive guidance with many of these steps. University students can find more help in our living in Canada guide.
Want a personalised arrival plan for your city and school? Book a free pre-assessment with Canadian Edu Centre and arrive with confidence. Contact our team.