First

Before purchasing a cell phone, check out the McGill Classifieds, as students are often looking to sell their old cell phones or transfer their contracts. This can help you both find an inexpensive phone and avoid costly activation charges.

Finding a grocery store in downtown Montreal can be tough. Keep this list handy when you set off in search of food.

Once you arrive in Montreal, you may want to set up a local bank account near either the Downtown or Macdonald campus, to facilitate the handling of your expenses and other financial affairs. Most banks offer student accounts, but make sure to do your research. Take the time to ask bank representatives any questions or concerns you may have regarding service fees, transaction quotas, free services (i.e.

Find an apartment, a bank, and more

Moving to a new city involves more than just hunting down a place to live — you may need to find a bank, a daycare service or even your neighbourhood post office.

Session d’accueil

Vous n'avez encore jamais étudié en anglais?

C'est à vous que s'adresse la Session d’accueil. Pendant cette session l'Adjointe aux étudiants francophones vous souhaitera elle-même la bienvenue et vous communiquera des informations essentielles pour réussir à McGill.

Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU)

As a registered undergraduate student on the downtown campus, you automatically become a member of the Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU). SSMU is responsible for several student life activities such as Frosh, mini courses, concerts and a variety of other events, not to mention all the clubs that they run! The list includes 200 clubs and organizations, such as Big Buddies, the Rotary Club, and Earthsave, just to name a few. There's something for everyone!

Your course books are an integral part of your university learning experience and can form the start of your academic library. It is important to have them for your courses so you can do the required readings and get the most out of your courses. Professors typically give a list of required texts on the first day of class. There is also an index available in the basement of the McGill Bookstore that lists the required books for each course.

DriveSafe

Drivesafe was created by the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) to help decrease drunk driving among students. Event organizers must register for this service, which provides rides home anywhere on the Island of Montreal, the South Shore and Laval.

You may want to consider getting a locker in your Faculty building, as you may find it handy to a have a secure spot to leave your books, coat, boots, etc. Lockers are available on both the Downtown and Macdonald campuses.