Fall Orientation: 2023
Fall Orientation: 2023Events 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 September 2023. For campus-wide orientation, please visit the Campus-Life and Engagement website!
Hang out in the Meet & Greet Lounge!
When: Friday, August 18th and Monday August 21st, 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: Friday, August 18th and Monday August 21st, 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 the Know Your Rights as an International Student Session
When: TBD
Where: TBD
The Legal Information Clinic at McGill (LICM) will introduce you to its three branches and the free services they offer: legal information, student advocacy, and community services.
In this webinar, you will also gain information on relevant aspects of tenancy and employment law in Quebec to prepare you in the event you ever wish to rent or work in Montreal. You will also learn about your rights as students, specifically those rights that relate to grievances and plagiarism.
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 | Thursday, August 31, 2023 | 5pm - 8pm | Registration coming |
| Old Port and China Town | Friday, September 1, 2023 | 5pm - 8pm | Registration coming |
| Battle of the Bagels | Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 1pm - 4pm | Registration coming |
| Montreal Chocolate Tour | Sunday, September 3, 2023 | 1pm - 4pm | Registration coming |
| Mont-Royal and Beaver Lake | Monday, September 4, 2023 | 1pm - 4pm | Registration coming |
Celebrate your arrival with the Montreal diplomatic community! 
McGill International Student Services staff cordially invites NEW International Students to a hallowed McGill tradition: its 36th annual Welcome Reception for New International Students.
This special event, in your honor, will provide you an opportunity to meet University officials, members of the Montreal Diplomatic Corps, and other new students. Registration by invitation in early September.
5pm - 7pm: Meet your diplomat and Welcome Reception
Thursday, September 21
Registration by invitation (September)
Get your Social Insurance Number!
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.
Buddy Up! 
As a new international student, we want to ensure that your transition to McGill is as smooth as possible, which is why we’d like to invite you to join the International Student Buddy Program!
Sign-up now to be matched with a current McGill student who can offer you personalized insights into student life at McGill; share some helpful tips and tricks to navigate campus, friendship and to provide connection, and refer you to the resources and services you need.
Grab your Buddy and explore the city!