Your First Day - VanWest College

Welcome to VanWest College

We’re excited to support you as you begin your academic journey in Canada. To help you transition smoothly, we’ve prepared an orientation that will introduce you to the college, local life, and all the support available to you!

Orientation Details

Date & Time: Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a Holiday)
Vancouver: 9:30 AM
Kelowna: 10:00 AM
Location: 200-1016 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC || 104-532 Leon Ave., Kelowna, BC
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
What to Bring: Passport, Study Permit, Health Insurance

Check-In: Please report to the Front Desk upon arrival

What You’ll Learn During Orientation

In the orientation, we’ll help you:

Understand your rights and responsibilities as an international student
Settle into life at VanWest and in Canada
Know where to go and who to talk to when you need support

Orientation Agenda

Warm Welcome

Meet the team and get an overview of our values, campus culture, and what to expect during your time here.

Academic Information

Program and course structure
Grading system and attendance expectations
Academic honesty and integrity
Your personal class timetable
Introduction to co-op learning (if applicable)

Accommodation Information

Housing options: homestay, residence, and other resources
Policies and expectations for housing
Roles and responsibilities of both students and hosts/landlords

Immigration and Legal Essentials

Study permit requirements and compliance
Applying for your SIN (Social Insurance Number), BC Services Card (BCID)
Eligibility to work during studies and academic breaks

Student Services & Support

Academic advising and tutoring
Mental health and wellness support
Career services, job boards, and co-op resources
Activity planning and volunteering opportunities

Health Insurance

Overview of BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
Private insurance providers such as Guard.me
How and when to use your health coverage

Safety & Emergency Procedures

Fire drills and campus safety
Emergency contacts
Personal safety tips for Vancouver or Kelowna
Guided campus tour

Cultural Adjustment & Community Integration

Local events and festivals
On-campus and off-campus activities
Opportunities to volunteer and get involved

Student Code of Conduct & Harassment and Anti-Racism Policy

Understand our expectations for respectful and inclusive behavior in our community.

Q&A Session

Ask any questions you may have and clarify anything you’re unsure about.

If you have any questions before orientation, please feel free to contact your Student Advisor directly. We’re here to help every step of the way!

We look forward to meeting you and helping you feel right at home at VanWest College.