Welcome Centre

Student Handbook
ucalgary.ca/welcomecentre
2
contents
fast facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

before you arrive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

the basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

getting around. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

healthcare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

banking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

financial aid and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

living in Calgary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

renting or residence?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

where to eat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

a taste of home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

utilizing services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

student support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

activities and events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

building community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

frequently asked questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

3
 welcome to Calgary
We’re pleased you’ve chosen to attend the University of Calgary for your studies.
Whether you’re here for your full degree program, as part of an exchange or as an
open studies student, you’re about to join a dynamic and diverse campus community.

The University of Calgary is located in the nation’s most enterprising city. As a young
university, we’re dedicated to generating unique and innovative knowledge. There are
currently over 30,000 students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and professional
degree programs. We also have more than 185,000 alumni, including former Prime
Minister of Canada Stephen Harper, astronaut Robert Thirsk and Calgary mayor
Naheed Nenshi.

This helpful guide will discuss some of the basics you'll need to know as a new-
to-Calgary student navigating your new home. For more resources or one-on-one
help, visit the Welcome Centre at the Campus Community Hub (YAS005), or email
[email protected].

fast facts
1 HOUR TO THE ROCKY RANKED IN THE TOP 200
MOUNTAINS UNIVERSITIES WORLDWIDE

CALGARY IS THE 4TH MOST 91% GRADUATE

LIVEABLE CITY IN THE WORLD EMPLOYMENT RATE

CANADA'S SUNNIEST MAJOR CALGARY IS THE 3RD MOST

CITY (333 SUNNY DAYS/YEAR) DIVERSE CITY IN CANADA

#6 TOP RESEARCH CALGARY IS ONE OF CANADA'S

UNIVERSITY IN CANADA SAFEST MAJOR CITIES

95% FIRST-YEAR MULTI-YEAR RESIDENCE

UNDERGRADUATE GUARANTEE FOR
RETENTION RATE INCOMING STUDENTS

4
5
 before you arrive
You will receive via e-mail your UCID number, Important phone numbers to have
which is a unique identification number. You
will need this number to access most resources In case of an emergency call Campus Security
on campus, so make sure to remember it. at 403.220.5333. They are available 24/7, every
day of the year. In the case of life-threatening
Set up your UCalgary email and IT account emergencies, call 911.
(using your UCID number) on
itregport.ucalgary.ca. You'll receive important Handy words and information
information through your UCalgary email
•  ou might hear the University of Calgary
Y
address, so check it daily!
referred to by a few different names,
Register for new student orientation at including UCalgary, U of C, and simply “uni”
ucalgary.ca/student-services/orientation. among students.
•  Calgary's athletics teams are referred
U
Learn how to register for your classes at to as the Dinos. They represent UCalgary
ucalgary.ca/registrar/registration/how-to- in varsity sports like hockey, field hockey,
register. basketball, football, rugby, swimming, track
and field, volleyball, wrestling. The Dinos
Don’t know where to go? also represent UCalgary in club sports like
baseball, fastball, golf, rowing, ringette,
Access the UCalgary Interactive Room Finder
rugby, synchronized swimming and tennis.
to locate rooms around campus ­—
ucmapspro.ucalgary.ca/RoomFinder. •  any places/groups on campus use
M
acronyms to identify themselves. Examples
include the MacEwan Student Centre
(MSC), International Student Services (ISS),
the Students' Union (SU). Take a moment to
get familiar with them to avoid confusion!
•  algarians will often refer to city locations
C
by which quadrant they are located in.
Calgary is divided by the Northwest,
Northeast, Southwest and Southeast
quadrants. Downtown Calgary is located
between the Southwest and Southeast
quadrants.
•  one dollar coin is called a loonie, and a
A
two dollar coin is called a toonie.

6
 Did you know?
UCalgary has an official
mascot — his name is Rex
Dino. You can find him
cheering on the UCalgary
Dinos at every game!

7
8
the basics
Connecting to Wi-Fi Setting up a cellphone plan

Before you can connect, you must first set up Now that you've arrived, make sure you can
your IT account and email (see page 6). keep in touch with your friends and family
back home. The three major mobile phone
Once you have your IT account, select any of providers in Canada are Bell, Rogers and Telus
the available wireless networks on campus and they each provide similar value in pricing
(eduroam, reznetsecure, or airuc-secure) and and service. Other discount providers (such as
use your IT account credentials to connect. Virgin, Koodo, Fido and Freedom Mobile) often
offer similar value, but with fewer features than
Getting your Unicard the major providers. Market Mall has several
cellphone providers for you to choose from; it's
The campus Unicard is not just your student a short walk, and an even shorter bus ride, from
ID; it's also used to display your UPass, as a the UCalgary campus.
library card, as a campus debit card, to access
the gym, to write your final exams, and for If your current cellphone has a replaceable
discounts at some retailers. Always keep it SIM card, you may be able to buy a SIM from a
with you! local provider and continue to use your current
phone. Purchasing calling cards or a prepaid
Go to the Unicard office in the Dining Centre phone may also be an option if you're looking
(DC18) to get your card. Make sure you're for a short-term solution. A popular place
feeling picture-perfect, since you'll need your to purchase from is 7-Eleven, which offers
photo taken for your Unicard. Alternatively, you SpeakOut phones and prepaid calling cards.
can submit your own selfie for approval on the Go to speakout7eleven.ca/phones for more
Unicard website (ucalgary.ca/unicard). information.

9
 getting around
UPass

Full-time students receive a UPass for unlimited

access to Calgary Transit services as part of
their fees. After you get your Unicard, you can
have your UPass sticker applied at one of the
official UPass locations — Science B (SB140B)
or UCalgary Parking and Transportation Services
(at the north end of McMahon Stadium). You
must have your UPass with you at all times
when using transit. Please note that your UPass
is not removable and non-transferable. A fee will
be charged if you lose it.

Calgary Transit

Calgary's public transit system of buses and You can also download the Calgary Transit App
above-ground trains can connect you to most or Google Maps to get bus or CTrain schedules,
of the city and its surrounding areas. Without plan your route on the go, and receive
a UPass, you'll have to pay for your trip. Check alerts about any disruptions in service. Visit
Calgary Transit for up-to-date fare information. calgarytransit.com for more information.
The University of Calgary has its own train
station (University Station) on the red line of Taxis and Uber
the CTrain network. This route travels from the
northwest end to the southeast end of Calgary. If transit isn't available or convenient, you
There is also a bus terminal on the south side can call a local company and ask them to
of the main campus — just in front of the send a car to your location, hailing a taxi is
Education Block. uncommon. All taxi cars in Calgary are clearly
marked, so only get in a car that is a licensed
Schedules aren't posted at all stops, so look taxi. The driver will start the meter as soon as
up the bus or train schedule before heading to you get in the car and the fare will depend on
the stop. In non-peak hours, some buses come the length of the trip. Uber is also a popular
every 30 or 45 minutes, so plan ahead. Trains transport service that offers convenient ride
stop running at around 1 a.m., and many bus services at a cost that's sometimes cheaper
routes end earlier. If you're out at night, make than a taxi. It's customary to tip taxi and Uber
sure to have alternate plans to get home. drivers 10-15%.

10
Car2Go

Car2Go allows you to rent and drive a car

short-term, best for quick trips within the city.
Cars are reserved and rates are charged by
the minute. The university is located within an
approved Car2Go pick up and drop off zone,
and has designated Car2Go parking spots on
the first floor of the Arts Parkade.

Cycling

Calgary has a new downtown cycle track and

there are several bike lanes surrounding the
university. Calgary also one of the country's
most extensive pathway systems for exploring
the city. If you don’t have a bike, look into UBike,
the university’s bike share program. You also
have the option to use Lime, which grants users
access to e-assisted bicycles or electric scooters
throughout most of the Calgary area.

11
 health care
Medical or dental treatment in Canada is not Health care for international students
free. All UCalgary international students need to
have adequate insurance to cover any medical In Canada, you need to have adequate
care or accidents while they are in Canada. health insurance to receive medical or dental
treatment. If you’ll be in Calgary for longer
Student health plans than 12 months, you may also register for
the AHCIP in addition to your student health
If you’re a full-time undergraduate student plan. There is no cost for this plan.
at UCalgary, you’re automatically registered
in a supplemental health plan through the The AHCIP plan covers visits to the doctor,
University of Calgary Students' Union. lab costs and hospital costs. Visit the
Graduate students also have a health AHCIP website for more information, as
plan, provided by the Graduate Students' well as the details on registering yourself
Association. The supplemental health plans and/or dependents.
cover:
Coverage for exchange and visiting
• partial cost of some prescription drugs
students
• dental work
• vision care If your study permit is valid for less than
12 months, you're not eligible for the
• ambulance rides UCalgary health and dental plan.

It’s important to understand that the student Visiting fee-paying students are eligible
health plan doesn't pay for services such as for the university’s health and dental
visits to the doctor, or lab and hospital costs. plan from either the Students' Union
For these services, you must apply for either (undergraduate students) or Graduate
the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), Students' Association (graduate students).
if you're eligible, or purchase a private plan. If they already have comparable coverage,
If you have any questions, visit an advisor in they may choose to opt out of the plan.
International Student Services for assistance.
The University of Calgary doe not
Health care for domestic students recommend any particular plan or agent.
You must purchase a private plan through
If your primary residence is in another province an insurance company or agent. We advise
or territory in Canada, check with your students to talk with two or three insurance
province of residence to see what coverage agents to compare prices and services
you’re eligible for while living in Alberta. before making a decision.
Regulations vary from province-to-province.

12
 Did you know?
UCalgary offers a number
of healthcare services right on
campus. Student Wellness Services
in MacEwan Student Centre has
medical, chiropractic, massage,
nutrition, and mental health
services available. For dental,
head next door to the
campus dentist.

13
 banking
Opening an account

If you're planning on opening a new bank To open a bank account, most banks will ask
account, it's best to research the different fees you to present:
they charge for their services and find one • y
 our passport, birth certificate or driver’s
that best suits your needs. Once you open an license
account at your chosen bank, you’ll receive a
debit card to withdraw money from automatic • a second piece of identification
teller machines (ATMs) or to pay for purchases • money to deposit
at stores and restaurants. Your bank can also
• y
 our UCalgary student ID card (Unicard), to
help you apply for a credit card.
be eligible for student rates or plans

Nearby banking options

Several banks offer services in languages other than English. Call in advance to check availability.

ATB Financial MacEwan Student Centre, Brentwood Mall

Bank of Montreal (BMO) Brentwood Village, Market Mall

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) 16 Avenue and 19 Street NW

First Calgary Financial Dalhousie Drive

HSBC Kensington Road, Crowfoot Crescent

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) MacEwan Student Centre, Northland Drive

Scotiabank Brentwood Co-op, 16th Avenue and 14th Street NW

Tangerine 17th Avenue and 9th Street SW

TD Canada Trust Brentwood Village, Market Mall

  ou can also find bank automatic teller machines (ATMs) for ATB, BMO, RBC, Scotiabank, CIBC and TD located
Y
on campus in the MacEwan Student Centre. First Calgary Financial also has an ATM in the Taylor Family Digital
Library (TFDL).

14
financial aid and support
The University of Calgary offers many financial Helpful terms
aid opportunities to meet the needs of
students throughout their degrees. Check out Debit Card — This is a card that you receive
the financial aid website through the Office from the bank after opening an account. When
of the Registrar. There, you can find resources you make a purchase with it, money that you
on awards, bursaries, or scholarships, or how have added to the account is immediately
to manage your money, student loans, and withdrawn and paid to the vendor.
relevant tax information.
Credit Card — Usually issued by a bank or
It can be tough to balance a job on top of financial group, a credit card can be used
keeping your grades and making time for to make purchases in-person and over the
your friends and family. This means that internet. Unlike a debit card, money used to
you might be living with little or no income make credit card purchases must be paid back
throughout your degree years. If this is the to the bank. If you don't pay this back by the
case for you, don’t be afraid to create a billing deadline, you'll have to pay interest.
budget to help youself spend smarter. Make
good use of the programs and services that Other ways to manage your money
are included in your fees, like a membership
to the UCalgary gym, or the UPass transit Most financial institutions offer mobile banking
pass gives you unlimited access to transit apps for your convenience, so be sure to
throughout the term. download them to your phone. Some banking
and credit card apps also provide additional
MoneySmart insights into your spending habits.

MoneySmart is an initiative offered by the If you’re looking for more help to stay on
Office of the Registrar that aims to improve track with your spending, there are plenty of
financial literacy among students. They offer personal finance and budgeting apps available
various free workshops, courses, and one- to download for your phone. Examples
on-one financial advising that can help you include. Acorns, Every Dollar, You Need a
take control of your finances. Sign up on their Budget or Wally.
website at ucalgary.ca/registrar/moneysmart.

15
 living in Calgary
There are two options when it comes to The UCalgary campus is located in the
living in Calgary: you can live on-campus (in northwest quadrant of the city. Some of the
residence) or you can live off-campus (usually, closest neighborhoods include:
this means renting).
• Sunnyside/Kensington — Located
near the Sunnyside LRT station, these
Things to consider when making this decision:
neighbourhoods are trendy and easy to get
• your budget to from the university
• t he type of housing you are looking for • Capitol Hill — One of the closest walkable
(apartment or house) neighbourhoods to the university
• if you want to live alone or with roommates • Brentwood — Easily accessed by bus or
• transportation options train, and has a shopping centre

• furniture • Charleswood — A convenient 10-20 minute

walk from the university
• h
 ow involved you want to be with on-
campus life • Varsity — University can be accessed
directly by bus from this neighbourhood

General Information

There are different reasons for why some students choose to live on-campus, while others choose
to live off-campus.

Below are the estimated costs per person, for certain types of accommodations off campus.

ACCOMMODATION STYLES Average cost (CAD)*

Shared accommodation $600

Bachelor apartment $950

One-bedroom apartment $1,135 – $1,500

Two-bedroom apartment $1,400 – $2,500

Two-bedroom single detached housing $1,800 – $2,500

*Prices determined from RentFaster.ca. Average monthly rent is subject to change.

16
renting or residence?
Everyone’s wants and needs are different, so let this handy table below help guide your decision.
Be sure to take these important factors into consideration before making your choice.

Crowsnest Hall Varsity Courts

Undergraduate Off-campus
(graduate (family
residence housing
housing) housing)
Furniture and Wi-Fi Yes Yes No Yes/No*

Proximity to classes Yes Yes Yes Yes/No*

24/7 support from Campus Security

Yes Yes Yes No
and Community Advisors

Proximity to Dining Centre Yes Yes Yes No

Events, programs and workshops

Yes Yes Yes No
offered in residence

Exclusive study and lounge spaces Yes Yes No No

*Dependent on the individual rental/lease agreement.

  osts for on-campus housing can be found at
C
UCalgary Residence Services. Visit ucalgary.ca/
residence for more information.
17
 where to eat
Students can bring their own food from home Food restrictions
or purchase meals and snacks from various
vendors across campus. The most popular Most food vendors on campus have meals
location is MacEwan Student Centre’s food that cater to those who need vegetarian/
court. There are approximately 20 food vegan, halal, gluten-free and dairy-free
vendors, and the average price for a meal is choices — just make sure to ask. The Den
between $6 and $12. There are also places to and Black Lounge is the Students' Union-
get food in Information and Communications run restaurant and bar on campus, and they
Technologies (ICT), Kinesiology Block A offer a number of dishes that are vegan
(KNA), Social Sciences (SS), Scurfield Hall and/or gluten-free. Other places on campus
(SH), Foothills Medical Campus, and the that serve Halal are La Taqueria, Bake Chef
Dining Centre. Vietnamese Subs, and Zoca.

Meal Plan Payment options

Students living on or off-campus can purchase Places on campus will accept debit, credit, or
a meal plan for the term or year. Meal plan rates cash as a form of payment. Several places will
and descriptions can be found in ucalgary.ca/ also accept payment with your Unicard.
unicard/meal-plans.
 ou must load Unicard Dollars or Food Funds
Y
Students living in first-year residence must to your account before purchasing food. You
purchase a meal plan as part of their residence can add money to your account through a
agreement. kiosk, by visiting the Unicard office, or online
by visiting ucalgary.ca/unicard/use-unicard.
The Landing • F
 ood Funds only allow you to purchase
food at any vendors that accept this form
The Landing is located in the Dining Centre, on
of payment.
the second floor (elevator access available). It
offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as • Unicard Dollars can be used to purchase
smaller meal options in between. The Landing, food, or pay for printing and copying on
operates on an All-You-Care-To-Eat basis, campus.
meaning students are allowed to eat as much
as they care to eat for each meal time. All meal Nutrition Services
plans are eligible for this experience. If you
don't have a meal plan, you can still dine at If you’d like convenient and professional
The Landing — the average cost for breakfast guidance related to food consumption, you
is $10, for lunch, $12, and dinner, $17. They also can book an appointment with Student
offer vegan, gluten-free, and Halal options for Wellness Services' on-campus dietitian.
every meal. Take out is not available. Visit the Student Wellness site to see
rates and book an appointment with a
registered dietitian.

18
 Did you know?
The University of Calgary became
the first designated Fair Trade
Campus in Alberta in 2015. This
means that all goods sold on campus
are produced by employees in safe
working environments, who receive
fair wages. And, all campus food
vendors are styrofoam-free!

19
 a taste of home
Cooking at home can save you money, and many students choose this option. You're welcome
to bring food to campus and eat in most places. Some professors allow food to be consumed in
class and others don't, so be sure to ask beforehand.

If you're looking for grocery stores that sell specialty foods/items from your home country, below are
some options around Calgary. You can search the locations online for directions via transit or car.

AFRICAN Address

African Choice Market #112 3604 52 Ave. NW

12 Royal Vista Way NW
DeChosen African Market
9667 Macleod Tr. SW

EAST/SOUTHEAST ASIAN Address

3333 Sunridge Way NE
Lucky Supermarket
4527 8 Ave. SE
#800 99 36 St. NE
T&T Supermarket
#1000 9650 Harvest Hills Blvd N

TOPS Supermarket 1623 Centre St. NW

EUROPEAN Address

Edelweiss Imports 1921 20 Ave. NW

Hungarian Deli 4008 26 St. SE

Kalyna/Kalinka European Food Market #8 7400 Macleod Tr. SW

Lina’s Italian Market 2202 Centre St. NE

20
 INDIAN/SOUTH ASIAN Address

Dalbrent Spice Rack #132 3604 52 Ave. NW

Indian Aroma #13 7750 Ranchview Dr. NW

LATIN AMERICAN Address

Brazil Connection 136 2 St. SW

Latino’s Market #101 4803 Centre St. N

Tiendona Market (La Tiendona) 1836 36 Street SE

2405 Edmonton Trail NE

Unimarket
128 50 Ave. SE

MIDDLE EASTERN/MEDITERRANEAN Address

Atlas Specialty Supermarket and Restaurant #100 1000 9 Ave. SW

Cedars Food Mart 4710 17 Ave. SE

Kalamata 1421 11 St. SW

Non-specialty groceries

Grocery stores that tend to have lower prices are Walmart, Superstore, Save-On-Foods, Costco
(you will need to pay for a Costco membership — around $60 per year), and No Frills. Safeway also
offers 15% off groceries on the first Tuesday of every month.

21
 utilizing services
Tipping in Canada

While tipping is not mandatory, it's generally

expected because most service providers
receive a lower base pay and rely on tips to
bring their earnings to a decent rate. In most
cases, a tip in the range of 15% to 20% is
perfectly acceptable.

Restaurants — 15% to 20% of the before-tax

total is typical. Above that is generous but not
uncommon.

Bars and pubs — 10% to 20% percent is

standard, or often a "keep the change" rule
applies.

Salons and spas — A tip of 15% to 20% for hair

stylists, beauticians, and massage therapists is
typical on top of the before-tax total.

Cabs or taxis — Anywhere from 10% to 20% of

the fare is standard. For example, a good tip
would be $1.50 on an $8 fare, or $6 on a $40
fare.

22
Specialty hair services in Calgary

ASIAN HAIR SALONS Address

Hair Glamour 3515 17 Ave. SW

Yiling Cheng Hairstyling Inc. 112 10A St. NW

805 1 St. SW
Etch Hair
1410 4 St. SW

BARBERS Address

Midlake Barber Shop and Supreme Men's Hair Styling #526 22 Midlake Blvd. SE

MVP Modern Barbers 1163 Kensington Cr. NW

Avalon Hair Salon and Spa 1516 11 St. SW

BRAIDING/EXTENSIONS Address

Joyces Braiding and Hair 2705 Centre St. N

Radiance Salon 1435 17 Ave. SW

Shananaa Braiding 269 21 Ave. NE

CURLY HAIR Address

SK Infinite Hair Design #109 4 14 St. NW

Honey Hair and Body Salon 328 10 St. NW

HIJAB-FRIENDLY Address

Collective Salon and Spa 1333 8 St. SW

Shear Essence Inc. 2407 Edmonton Tr. NE

23
 student support
Welcome Centre Women's Resource Centre

The Welcome Centre is open from mid-August Located on the fourth floor of MacEwan
to mid-September. They provide immediate Student Centre (MSC 482), the Women’s
transitional support to all new-to-Calgary Resource Centre is a safe space on campus
students, whether they are domestic or with the goal of advancing gender equality
international. Visit the Welcome Centre at for all. Supporting leadership, wellness, and
the Campus Community Hub in Yamnuska diversity, this space is open to any and all
Hall (YAS005) to chat with friendly student UCalgary students.
advisors.
Student Accessibility Services
Leadership and Student Engagement
Student Accessibility Services' (SAS) mission
The Leadership and Student Engagement is to work collaboratively and innovatively with
office is your gateway to connecting with the campus community to create an accessible,
student life at the University of Calgary. equitable and supportive living and learning
Check out some of their programs such as the environment that enhances each student's
Emerging Leaders Program or the Leadership development. Drop by the SAS offices at
Exchange conference. The LSE office is located MacEwan Student Centre (MSC 452).
on the main floor of MacEwan Student Centre
(MSC 293). Student Success Centre

International Student Services (ISS) The Student Success Centre (SSC) can provide
academic support throughout your degree.
Are you an international student who has come Located on the third floor of the Taylor Family
to Calgary, or a Canadian student hoping to Digital Library, the SSC provides free writing
meet people from different countries? If so, and academic support, as well as many other
you should connect with International Student programs free-of-charge to help you excel at
Services (ISS), located on the main floor of your academics.
MacEwan Student Centre (MSC 275).

24
Writing Symbols Lodge Career Services

If you identify as a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit Who says you can't begin thinking about your
student, or as an Indigenous student from future career in your first year of university?
another region of the world, visit the Writing Located in the basement of MacEwan Student
Symbols Lodge on the third floor of MacEwan Centre (MSC 188), Career Services can help
Student Centre (MSC 390Z) and learn about you develop your resume, build employable
the unique events and programming offered skills and learn how your academic journey can
there. The University of Calgary welcomes, guide you to future job opportunities.
respects and supports the rich diversity of
Indigenous learners, their communities, cultural Faith and Spirituality Centre
traditions and aspirations in post-secondary
education. Located on the fourth floor of MacEwan
Student Centre, the Faith and Spirituality
Student Wellness Services Centre (FSC) is a religion-positive space for
all UCalgary students. Offering education and
The life of a student can be stressful and awareness programs, as well as community
challenging, but you don't have do deal building and leadership opportunities, the FSC
with it alone. Wellness Services provides is excited for you to come and say hello.
affordable physical and mental health services
to UCalgary students and is located in the
heart of MacEwan Student Centre (MSC 370).
Seeking help has never been more accessible.

 In Canada, it's expected that students

connect with offices on campus when they
need assistance with academics or have
non-academic questions. Don't be afraid
to ask for help.

25
 activities and events
Throughout the year, there are hundreds of Show some team spirit
events and activities happening at UCalgary.
You can stay up to date by checking the From community involvement, to team spirit,
UCalgary events page, or signing up for the to thriving in a high-performance environment,
newsletters of campus groups you're interested the UCalgary Dinos boldly embody our
in. You can usually find your favorite student university's values. But you don’t have to be
clubs on Instagram and Facebook — so follow an athlete to be a Dino. Being a Dino means
them be notified of their events. challenging yourself to be the best you can be
in all aspects of your university experience.
In Canadian universities, most students will
join one or two clubs on campus, engage Dinos events are an opportunity for the campus
with extra-curricular activities hosted by community to gather and show their UCalgary
the university, and/or volunteer. This is part pride. Through their hard work, community
of the educational experience in Canada, leadership, and determination to excel, Dinos
and provides students with the opportunity athletes remind us of our dedication to the
to make friends, build their resumes, meet pursuit of new knowledge and innovation that
prospective employers, and find their passion. benefits the world we live in.

Below are some campus activities we highly Beyond the university

encourage you to check out!
The city of Calgary offers a multitude of events,
• Fall Orientation Week
sightseeing opportunities, and activities. Below
• International Student Orientation are a few you can check out (use Google to
• Graduate Student Orientation learn dates, costs, and other details).

• SU Clubs Week • Calaway Park • Prince’s Island Park

• career fairs • Calgary Tower • St. Patrick's Island

• UCalgaryStrong Festival • Calgary Zoo • TELUS Spark

Science Centre
• East Village
• WinSport Canada
• Glenbow Museum
Olympic Park
• National Music
Centre

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Events throughout the year

January to February — Lunar New Year November to December — Jazz YYC

Festival, Ice Magic Festival (Banff), YYC Hot Canadian Festival, Femme Wave, Christmas in
Chocolate Festival, ice skating at Olympic Plaza Kensington, Christmas in Inglewood, Calgary
Carol Festival, Zoolights, New Years Eve at City
March to April — Annual Youth Hiring Fair, Hall
Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo, Calgary
Underground Film Festival Beyond Calgary

May to July — ReggaeFest, Lilac Festival, Sled The Alberta landscape encompasses
Island Music Festival, Stampede, Canada Day mountains, prairies, desert badlands and lush
Celebrations, Fiestaval, Calgary Folk Music forests. There are countless more adventures
Festival, Calgary Blues Fest to be had outside Calgary's city limits, so take
advantage of our proximity and start exploring!
August to September — Chinatown Street
Festival, Heritage Day Festival, Calgary • The Banff Gondola • L
 ake Louise Ski
Omatsuri, Sweet Summer Sun Fest, GlobalFest, Resort
• Banff Lake Cruise
Beakerhead, Calgary International Film Festival, • N
 arnia Dog Sled
• Columbia Icefields
Brazilfest, Calgary Pride Tour
Skywalk
October — Oktoberfest, many Halloween • Sunshine Village
• Drumheller
events, Venezuelan Culture Days, Calgary Ski Resort
Hoodoos Trail
Tattoo & Arts Festival, Spruce Meadows Corn • T
 he Royal Tyrrell
• Kananaskis River
Maze, Rocky Mountain Food and Wine Festival Museum
Rafting

27
 building community
UCalgary Unwind International Student Mentorship
program
Unwind is a weekly get-together on campus
where you can eat your lunch, play games and International Student Mentorship is a
meet new people. All students are welcome. volunteer program that connects new
Be sure to check the events calendar on the international students with current UCalgary
Leadership and Student Engagement website students to provide peer advice about
to find out what is happening each week. adapting to Calgary and the university.

UCalgary Meet-Up This program is only open to international

students.
Join UCalgary Meet-Up and be part of a group
that will meet and attend the best events on Global Friendship
and around campus together. Your small group
could decide to cheer on the Dinos at live The Global Friendship program allows
games, compete with each other at a board students to connect with other students while
game night, participate as a team in a soccer participating in low-cost social activities in the
match, or explore Calgary's best restaurants. Calgary area. Activities include ice skating at
Groups are offered for both graduate students the Olympic Oval, a day trip to Banff or West
and undergraduate students. Edmonton Mall, a Flames hockey game, potluck
suppers and more. The program is open to all
Register with Leadership and Student students. Check out the International Student
Engagement to be put in a group. Services event calendar to find out about
upcoming events.
Camp LEAD
USpeak Global program
This two-night intercultural camp in the
Canadian Rockies brings international and The USpeak Global program provides an
domestic students together for fun outdoor opportunity for language and culture exchange
activities and interactive global leadership between international and Canadian students.
workshops. Register for the camp on the If you want to learn or practice a language
Leadership and Student Engagement website. with a first language speaker, and teach your
own language, the USpeak Global Program
will match you with an international student
looking to learn!

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Global Families

The Global Families program allows students, well-being activities. It's located in the Dining
spouses, and children to connect with other Centre (DC12) and can be booked for activities.
families while participating in events on-
campus and throughout Calgary. See below for a list of sacred spaces that are
nearby the University of Calgary campus.
Community building off-campus Visit the FSC for more information about
sacred spaces.
Calgary is a multi-cultural city of people from
• Muslim — Franklin Ismaili Jamatkhana
across the world. If you’re looking to connect
with people from your country of origin, or • Hindu — Hindu Society of Calgary
connect with those who share your faith, there • Roman Catholic — St. Pius X
is a wide diversity of cultural associations and
• Buddhist — True Buddhist Pai Yuin Temple
religious services held throughout the city.
• United — Hillhurst United Church
The Faith and Spirituality Centre has a
• Sikh — Sikh Society of Calgary
variety of chaplains and spiritual leaders from
different faiths available to meet with you to
Moving away from home and to a different city
offer spiritual/religious guidance and crisis
or country can be hard. Fortunately, Calgary is
support. The FSC is open to engaging all
full of cultural associations that can help you
viewpoints, regardless of belief, tradition, or
transition to a new city. Check out the Calgary
spiritual outlook and including those who are
Area website for a list of ethnic clubs and
questioning or seeking.
organizations you can join (calgaryarea.com/
index.php?p=ethnic).
The FSC also runs the Vitruvian Space, a
multi-purpose space for spiritual health and

29
 frequently asked
questions
When should I arrive on campus?

We encourage students to arrive one or two days before

Orientation Week begins so you can participate in all the
programs offered. If you'd like to move in earlier, send an email
to [email protected] with your request.

How do I get involved at UCalgary?

There are many ways to get involved on campus and many

options to suit your personal interests. The Students’ Union has
more than 300 clubs that are always looking for new members.
Watch for the Clubs Showcase in September. Leadership and
Student Engagement (LSE) also has many programs and
services open for students throughout the year.

Can I speak with someone about questions or

concerns before I arrive?

Yes, you can email your student advisors at the Welcome

Centre at [email protected]. The Welcome Centre is
located in the Campus Community Hub (next to West Campus
Dental in Yamnuska Hall). Once you arrive, you're invited to
come to the Welcome Centre and ask the advisors questions
in person.

How can I stay active?

Every full- and part time undergraduate and graduate student

at the university receives an automatic membership for our
Active Living facilities. This includes the aquatic and fitness
centres, bouldering wall, racquet centre, tennis courts,
climbing wall and more. All students also receive a $25 credit
toward Active Living programs such as fitness classes, outdoor
programs, and Outdoor Centre rentals. Visit the Active Living
website for more information at ucalgary.ca/activeliving.

30
31
University of Calgary
Welcome Centre

3500 24 Avenue NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 4V5
CANADA

[email protected]
ucalgary.ca/welcomecentre
We acknowledge the traditional territories of
the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern
Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy
(comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First
Nations), as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and
the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw,
and Wesley First Nations). The City of Calgary is
also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. The
University of Calgary is situated on land adjacent
to where the Bow River meets the Elbow River,
and the traditional Blackfoot name of this place
is “Moh’kins’tsis,” which we now call the City of
Calgary.

Get social
UCalgary Welcome Centre