Prepare to Study in Canada and York University

Learn about the next steps after applying to York University.

As an international student, there are many things you need to plan before you make your way to York University: preparing documents, making accommodation arrangements and thinking through money matters. York University has all the resources you need, including York International. York International can help and support you with many of your questions before and after arriving at York.

If you are just starting the process of studying abroad, or are interested in studying at York University in the future, this article will help you get ahead and prepare for what's to come.

Checking your offer status

Waiting to see if you have been accepted to York University? Visit MyFile by entering your York student number (provided in your confirmation email when you applied) and your date of birth. Within MyFile, you can check whether we have received your application, view the status of your application, see your scholarship details, apply to residence and more. To view the status of your offer, simply go to the Application Status tab and look under "Next Steps." If no decision has been made, check back in a few days. Application offers are an ongoing process so you should receive a decision soon.

If you have received an offer from York University, congratulations! Feel free to accept your offer by clicking the "Accept/Decline Offer" option under Next Steps. The next page will guide you down the path of officially becoming a York University student. Welcome to the Lion pride!

Documentation

The first thing that you want to have ready are your documents. Your passport must be valid, you must have a student visa and a letter from the Government of Canada inviting you to attend York University. These documents make it possible for you to receive your student permit. If you are missing any of these documents, it could delay your arrival in Toronto, Canada and you could miss the start of classes. Do not leave these tasks to the last minute!

To find a useful list of resources and documents to support your process, visit the Citizenship & Immigration Canada website.

Accommodation

As soon as you have your documents set to go, we recommend that you begin to think about arranging for your accommodation. If you plan to live on campus, you can apply for residence prior to the June 1 deadline through Housing Services. All first-year students are guaranteed a spot in one of the eight residences on campus. If you prefer to live off campus on your own, you have the option to look for housing near campus and pre-arrange a rental before you arrive.

Money matters

You want to have everything paid and confirmed with York University before you leave home. This includes tuition fees, residence fees, meal plan (if you plan on living in a traditional style residence) and health-care insurance. While these fees can be paid at the beginning of the school year in September, it is always easier to have all money matters sorted out before your arrival. This way you can spend your first few days settling in, enjoying yourself and discovering campus and the city without worrying about things that can be taken care of in advance.

As an international student, you may be eligible to work in Canada while studying and after you graduate. Obtaining a job while studying has many benefits and we're here to help! York University provides job postings through their Career Centre, giving you the opportunity to work on- and off-campus. York International also facilitates opportunities for international students interested in co-operative education and networking opportunities. To learn more about employment opportunities and co-operative education at York University, visit York International's Working in Canada website.

Finally, take advantage of York University's social media channels, such as Facebook or Twitter, and ask any questions that could help you through this process.