Pre-departure and Arrival - Toronto Metropolitan University International College

Welcome to Toronto Metropolitan University International College! To ensure a seamless transition to living and studying in Toronto, review our step-by-step guide on flights, medical coverage, packing essentials, scam protection, and arranging your airport reception.

Flight and Arrival Information

Destination Airport: Plan your flight to arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). We recommend that students arrive at least two days before the in-person orientation.

Support & Emergencies: If you experience travel delays or immigration issues upon arrival, reach out to us immediately at info@torontomuic.ca. Please include your name, student number and a phone number where we can reach you.

Airport Reception & Transfer Service:
To help make your transition to Toronto as smooth and stress-free as possible, reliable airport transfer services are available from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) directly to your accommodation. For students seeking a convenient pick-up option upon arrival, 401 Car Rental Company offers direct transfer services from the airport.

Important Booking Guidelines:

Advance Booking: Please submit your booking form at least one week prior to your departure date.
Cancellation Policy: If your plans change, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Please note that late cancellations or no-shows may incur a penalty fee from the service provider.
Airport reception booking form.

Health and Medical Coverage

Guard.me Plan: As an international student at TMUIC, you are automatically enrolled in Guard.me International Insurance for each four-month semester. Your health card will be emailed after you arrive in Canada.

Coverage

Exclusions: Dental care and travel insurance during transit to/from Canada are not covered. Complete dental checkups in your home country prior to departure.

Early Arrivals: If arriving before the official term start date, purchase extra travel insurance to cover the gap.

Transition to TMU: Upon progressing to Toronto Metropolitan University, students transfer to the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP).

For a copy of the Guard.me benefit summary, view the Guard.me Benefit Summary PDF.

For a sample of the policy, please view the policy PDF. Make sure you contact Guard.me for the most updated version of their policies.

For further details regarding medical insurance, visit guard.me

What to Pack

The transition to a new country can at times be overwhelming. Check out this list of important items you should bring with you on your journey to Canada.

Important Documents

You should make two photocopies of the following documents (one copy to leave with your family at home and one in your suitcase). Please keep all originals in your carry-on luggage.

Valid passport.
Letter of Introduction confirming the approval of your Study Permit from a Canadian Embassy or Consulate.
Temporary Resident Visa (if required).
TMUIC Letter of Offer.
TMUIC Letter of Acceptance.
TMUIC deposit receipt.
Proof of funds available.
Medical records and immunization records, translated if applicable (useful but not required).
Medical insurance documents (if you have additional medical insurance from your home country).

Other suggested items

Credit card and approximately $200 CDN in cash on-hand.
International prepaid phone card.
Medical records and immunization records.
Contact numbers and addresses (both local and abroad).
Adaptors (electrical systems in Canada are 110 volts).
Photos of family and friends.
Clothing and toiletries.

Clothing

The four distinct seasons require a variety of clothing, including warm clothing and boots for the winter, where temperatures can average around -5°C, and cool light clothing for the summer where temperatures average between 24°C to 26°C. The dress code on campus is generally informal, and most students wear casual clothing to classes. However, students are advised to have clothing appropriate for professional and special social functions that may arise.

Household items

Some students may rent private suites or a room in a shared suite or house. Note that the majority of private rentals are unfurnished. When looking for accommodation, check what is included before you sign the rental agreement forms.

Scams

Scammers are increasingly targeting international students with a variety of tactics, including posing as immigration authorities, offering fake jobs, and making fraudulent claims about tuition fees or scholarships. These scams can lead to significant financial losses, identity theft, and emotional distress for students.

Prompt reporting of any suspicious activity is highly encouraged. For more information, visit the Government of Canada website on international student fraud.

Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Contacts

Ignore unknown calls, texts, emails or messages via social media asking for personal or financial information.
Scammers often pretend to be from official organisations such as the Government, the tax office, or even your university.

Never Share Personal Information

Don’t give out your passport number, bank details, student loan details, or student ID unless you’re sure who you’re dealing with. Legitimate institutions will never ask for sensitive information over the phone or via unsecured emails.

Verify Before You Pay

Always double-check payment requests for tuition, housing, visa fees, or any online purchase (such as concert tickets).

Watch for Job and Housing Scams

Be cautious of jobs that offer high pay for little work or ask for upfront fees.
For housing, never send money before seeing the place or signing a legitimate lease.

Use Official Channels

Communicate through official email addresses and websites. Note that the official website is not always the first link in an internet search.