1.Decide where you want to live
Important: Note that all our on campus housing options require a housing application. See below links for details.
Housing options for undergraduates (bachelor and certificate)
On campus at Paton College
On campus at Burton's Pond Apartments
Off campus
Housing options for graduates (masters)
On campus at Burton's Pond Apartments
On campus at Feild Hall
Off campus
Housing options for student families
On campus at Baltimore Court
Off campus
You must submit a separate application for on campus accommodations. If you want to live on campus, don't wait until you receive your study permit. It may be too late. Apply when you submit your application or as soon as you are accepted.
2.
Email us about the Marine Institute
We understand that you have lots of questions and want to help you prepare for your arrival. Contact us at internationalstu@mi.mun.ca.
Ask general questions
Ask about, Newfoundland, St. John’s, Memorial University, The Marine Institute, international students.
3.
Do you need to write the English Placement Test?
If English is not your first language, you are required to take the English Placement test to determine which level of English course you should take.
Note: This placement test is not for students who will be doing full-time English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Full-time ESL students will write a different test. Details will be provided at ESL Orientation.
Know the date and Location
Contact MI International to find out when you have take the test.
4.Decide when you will arrive and book your flight
Arrive a few days before classes begin
It is unnecessary to arrive very early. If you arrive too early you may be bored waiting for other students to arrive. Arriving early may also add the additional expenses of temporary housing and food.
Book your flight as early as possible
Ensure you can choose your ideal travel dates by booking your flight now. Flights fill quickly at this time of year.
Allow at least two hours for the immigration process
You will go though the immigration process at the first Canadian airport you enter. This process can take up to two hours. When you are booking your connecting flight to St. John's, Newfoundland make sure you allow at least two hours to go through immigration and arrive at your connecting gate 30 minutes before departure.
Check the location of your campus
Make sure your flight takes you to the correct campus. We have campuses in three cities: St. John’s, Newfoundland, Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Harlow, England.
If you are studying in St. John’s book your flight to Airport Code YYT
If you are studying at our St. John’s campus, book your flight to Airport Code YYT. Another city in Canada has a similar name: St. John, New Brunswick. St. John New Brunswick is over 1700 kilometres away from Memorial University . If you travel there by mistake, you will have to travel to St. John’s, Newfoundland by another plane or ride a bus and a ferry boat. If you are using a travel agent, tell them the Airport Code is YYT.
Free transportation from the airport
We will be happy to greet you at the airport but if you do not require us to, we will offer you free transportation from the airport. Bring your taxi receipts to our office and we will reimburse you.
Don’t worry if you have a late night arrival time
We are prepared to pick you up at any time of any day.
Late arrival
We recommend that you arrive before classes are scheduled to begin. If you will be arriving late, notify your instructors so they will keep a space in class for you. You will not be permitted to join any classes after two weeks without permission from your instructor/supervisor.
Travelling within Canada
Some travel agents cannot book flights within Canada. If your flight is booked to Toronto as your final destination, you will have to book travel to St. John's, Newfoundland. Your options are to travel by plane (3.5 hours) by bus (3 days).
5.
Do if you require temporary housing?
Choose one category below that describes you
- I applied for permanent on campus housing (Paton College, Burton ’s Pond Apartments or Baltimore Court family residence)
- I plan to live off campus
- I applied for Field Hall on campus housing for graduate students
- I do not yet have a plan for my permanent accommodations
Temporary housing information for:
6.Select and Register for your Classes
Register for your classes
This is an important step in your arrival. It is expected that you will register in advance. Registering in advance will help our faculty and staff prepare for your arrival.
Register at your assigned time
We will provide you with a date and time for your registration. It is important to register then because many courses fill quickly. You will be competing with thousands of other new students. Registering on time will give you an advantage. Registering on time help you to choose classes which suit your schedule.
7.
Sign up for Orientation
Attend orientation
Orientation events are prepared to provide information specific to student groups. Registration in advance is requested for some events. Check websites below for more detail.
Marine Institute Orientation
Memorial University Orientation
Don’t miss orientation.
Orientation will give you guidance, help you settle in
and give you the opportunity to make new friends.
8.
Know about required health insurance
All students require health insurance. We recommend that you wait until you arrive to purchase insurance.
9.
Calculate your international student costs
Sample Estimate for First Year Tuition
(Includes work term and technical session where applicable) 2011-2012
Diplomas of Technology/Technician Diploma - $5,694
Joint Diplomas of Technology/Bachelors of Technology - $5,175
Advanced Diplomas - $7,590 (Program Completion)
Post-Graduate Certificate - $2,860 (Program Completion)
Students should also consider other factors such as books and
supplies, accommodations and fees for health and dental
plans, laboratory, student union, recreation, work term and
distance education courses.
10.
Pack your suitcase
Bring traditional and casual clothing
People dress casually in St. John's, but you may want to bring some traditional or cultural clothing with you for special events.
Bring clothing to suit any weather
The weather here can change quickly, so we suggest that you come prepared for everything our Newfoundland climate can produce. Bring a warm, water-proof coat, a warm hat and gloves, and warm boots for the winter. (If availability is a problem at home you may purchase these items when you arrive). For the summer, bring shorts and t-shirts (and a light jacket for the evenings). Bring long pants, sweaters for the spring and fall. If you are coming for the Fall or Spring semesters, don't be too worried about preparing for extreme cold. Usually it is warm in Newfoundland from May to the end of September. If you are arriving in the Winter semester though, make sure to bring layered clothing for when you get off the plane.
Bring a bilingual dictionary
If you have one, bring a bilingual dictionary. It will help you in your classes.
Bring cooking supplies
You may or may not need cooking utensils depending on whether or not you have purchased an on-campus Meal Plan. Even if you have, there are kitchen facilities in both Paton College and Burton 's Pond Apartments that are available for your use. You may also wish to bring special spices from home. St. John's has some specialty stores where students can buy some international ingredients, but it can be difficult to find exactly what you need. You may also want to bring tea or coffee from home to share with everyone at our weekly Coffee Clubs.
Bring bed sheets, pillows and towels
You should pack a pillow, sheets or a quilt, and a towel or two for the first few nights you are here. Once you have settled into your new home, you may want to purchase new blankets and pillows at a local store.
Purchase a voltage converter for your electronic equipment
If you bring any electronic equipment (stereos, computers, hair dryers), you should make sure that it is compatible with Canadian voltage (110 volts, 60Hz). Before you leave home, you may want to purchase a voltage converter or a plug adapter if you are bringing electronics with you. Most students wait to buy electronics until they are here, but many bring their cellular/mobile phones, digital cameras, and digital organizers.
Please refer to the Arriving in Canada page on the Citizenship and Immigration website, which tells you exactly what documents you need to show to the immigration officer when you first arrive in .
11.
Prepare to travel
Keep important documents with you at all times
Keep important documents with you at all times when you are travelling. This includes your acceptance letter from Memorial University , your study and travel authorization documents (if authorization is required), and your airport pickup information (if airport pickup was requested).
Bring cash
Bring only enough Canadian or American cash for a few days’ expenses (or a credit card). Buy traveler’s cheques. They are easier to replace if they get lost or stolen. Traveler’s cheques should be available from your bank.
Learn the restrictions of your airline
Free meals are not available on some airlines. Bring cash to purchase a meal or bring food with you. Also check the airline travel requirements. Restrictions exist on travelling with liquids and gels.
Travelling tips
Drink lots of water, get up from your seat often and stretch your legs, wear loose clothing and don’t forget to put a set of clothes in your carry on luggage.
Email your family as soon as you arrive to let them know that you have arrived safely.








