ISS is available virtually and in-person Mondays-Fridays during business hours.
Please note, our office and phonelines will be closed May 19th, 2025 due to Victoria Day.
Fall Orientation: 2025
Events Schedule: More events and details are being updated
To be in the know before you even begin the semester, make sure to participate in the virtual Pre-Arrival Webinars.
International Student Orientation events are open to NEW McGill international undergraduate, graduate, and exchange students starting in August, 2025. For campus-wide orientation, please visit the Campus-Life and Engagement website!
Hang out in the Meet & Greet Lounge!
When: Wednesday, August 20th - Friday, August 22nd, 11am - 3pm
Where: Brown Building (3600 Rue McTavish), Room 5001
At Meet & Greet, you can:
- Chill with other new international students
- Enjoy free refreshments & snacks
- Get advice and referrals from returning students
- Find tips for navigating McGill and Montreal
- Meet with the Legal Information Clinic at McGill
- Stay for as little - or as long - as you'd like...
No registration required. Drop in when you want!
ISS Orientation Info Session
When: Wednesday, August 20th - Friday, August 22nd, 3pm - 4pm
Where: Brown Building (3600 Rue McTavish), Room 5001
Join us for a short presentation customized specifically for you as an international student, followed by time for Q&A.
Learn essential info about your status in Canada, Health Insurance, Montreal, and ISS services and activities.
Please note that these info-sessions are for Students only.
No registration required.
Attend a Coping with Culture Shock Session 
When: TBD
Where: TBD
Adapting to cultural differences may require time and effort, even though most Canadians are friendly and welcoming to newcomers and international students. During their first few months in Canada, many overseas students experience some untold culture shocks in Canada.
In this presentation, our panelists will discuss their biggest cultural shocks in Canada, which you may also experience while studying here. This event is a safe space to connect with others in the community.
Registration coming
Bitesize: Sink your teeth into your new city! 
Right after the Orientation week, we will lead a small group of Bitesize MTL excursions, which will give you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the flavor of an iconic Montreal neighbourhood, topped off by enjoying some quintessential local snacks in great company.
Please check the registrations closer to the date of the tours as new spots may open up at the last moment.
| TOUR NAME | DATE | TIME | REGISTRATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mont-Royal and Beaver Lake Sunset Walk | TBD | 5pm - 8pm | Registration coming |
| Old Port and China Town | TBD | 5pm - 8pm | Registration coming |
| Battle of the Bagels | TBD | 1pm - 4pm | Registration coming |
| Montreal Chocolate Tour | TBD | 1pm - 4pm | Registration coming |
| Mont-Royal and Beaver Lake | TBD | 1pm - 4pm | Registration coming |
International Student Welcome Reception
When: Wednesday, August 27th, 5pm - 7pm
Where: SSMU Ballroom (3480 Rue McTavish, 3rd floor)
McGill International Student Services staff cordially invites NEW International Students to its Welcome Reception after you finish your first day of class at McGill University!
This event will provide you an opportunity to meet University officials and other new international students from over 150 countries.
Registration coming
Get your Social Insurance Number!
When: TBD
Where: TBD
You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada.
Service Canada is operating virtually. If you need a Social Insurance Number, please apply on the Service Canada website.
Registration coming