New International Student Guide: Navigating Your First Semester

First semester checklist

1. Apply for Medical Services Plan (MSP): This is mandatory provincial health insurance for all BC students.
2. Get your student ID card at the library. Also, Get your U-pass with Umo (Bus pass) (BC transit – Umo).
3. Sign up for your free Office 365: All current Camosun College students with a valid Camosun ID number qualify for a free Office 365 subscription.
4. Open a bank account in Canada (Guide to banking in Canada).
5. Get a SIM card for your phone and set up internet service.
6. Apply for your BC Services Card (you do not need to carry your passport with you in Canada).
7. Apply for a SIN number (you need this to work).
8. Apply for your Co-op Work Permit promptly, if internships/practicums are a mandatory part of your program, especially for Health programs (Practical Nursing, Early Learning & Care, Health Care Assistance etc). 
9. Apply for a Criminal Record Check (CRC) immediately if your program requires this (for example, Practical Nursing, Health Care Assistance, and Sport and Exercise Education programs). 
10. Purchase your textbooks at the Bookstore. Shop early. You will need to know your course codes and section numbers (e.g. ACCT 111-001) to find your textbooks.
11. Log into myCamosun and view “My Program” under “Student Planning”. Check your program requirements in the Academic Calendar. You can also contact your International Academic Advisor for your Personal Learning Plan during your first semester.

Tips for successful semester

Take the time to review them and set yourself up for a successful semester.

Know deadlines and important dates

• Important Dates & Fee Deadlines
• First Semester International Student Refund Procedure

Dropping a course after the Fee Refund Deadline 

• How to Drop Your Courses
• Before dropping your course, please make sure that you maintain full-time status (3 courses) during the semester.

Waitlisted courses 

•  Are you waitlisted for a course? Make sure that you review the Waitlist Process 

Understand your immigration status 

•  Study permit, co-op work permit, off campus work eligibility, and post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

Get ready to register for the following term

•  Registration timelines and how to get into courses you need
•  Student Responsibility

Familiarize yourself with Academic Regulations and Standards

• Knowing policies and procedures about your studies along with your rights and responsibilities will help you make informed decisions. Please see Academic Regulations & Standards and Tuition & Fees

Take advantage of special academic supports for second-language speakers

•  Writing Centre and Learning Skills and Help Centres

Make the most of your time at the College

•  Student Services

Connect with other students

•  Camosun College Student Society

Keep up to date

•  Camosun International Student Newsletters, Student Affairs Newsletters

How do I log into Camosun’s online courses?

All courses will use D2L (Desire to Learn) as the main platform to deliver the course. D2L enables your instructors to provide you with online content, activities, group collaboration tools, and assessment options. Access to your course pages will start on the first day of class and will close 20 days after the end date of the course. Some instructors may use other tools such as Collaborate, a video-conferencing tool, that will allow you to connect in real-time with your instructor and other students in your class. You will need audio and video enabled on your computer to use Collaborate. 

Need help with D2L? Find D2L tutorials. Sign up for Office 365.

Have technical issues or trouble with your password?

Camosun’s Information Technology Services (ITS) department is here to help! Visit our ITS department and speak with someone through the online chat.