Pre-Arrival Information for International Exchange Students
Studying at Nipissing University 2008 - 2009
(You are advised to bring this information sheet with you to Nipissing)
Arrival in Canada
Transportation from Pearson International Airport to Nipissing University campus or another location in North Bay,Ontario can be arranged via: 1) connecting flights, 2) Northern Airport Service shuttle bus, 3) Shuttle Ontario private shuttle service, 4) Northlander train service, or 5) Ontario Northland Bus Lines (inter-city buses). Our university does not offer airport pickup for incoming students.
Most international flights arrive intoTerminal 3 at Pearson International Airport in Toronto. All Air Canada flights arrive into Terminal 1. Any connecting flights from Toronto to North Bay leave from Terminal 1. If this is your case, you may catch shuttle buses that run between terminals, every 10 minutes, from the departure levels.
1)If you book your flight toToronto through Air Canada, it is possible to pre-book a non-refundable
Air Canada connector flight from Toronto to North Bay. Pre-booked flights range from $100.00 to $150.00 one-way. If not pre-booked as an Air Canada connector flight, or if you arrive in Toronto via another airline, you can still arrange a one-way flight from Toronto to North Bayfor a cost of $150.00 - $375.00. Inquire directly with the airlines about costs for return flights, which will save you money.
Upon arrival at the North Bay airport you will need to take a taxi cab to your destination of residence (approximate cost to Nipissing University campus residences is $16.00). The taxi cabs are available and waiting just outside the doors of the North Bay airport.
2) Northern Airport Serviceshuttle bus departs from the Toronto Airport Ground Transportation Services desk only twice per day, at approximately 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.Upon arrival at Pearson International Airport in Toronto you must gather your luggage and go to register at the “Ground Transportation Services” desk. The basic cost for a single student, one-way from the Toronto airport to the main drop-off spot in North Bay is: Country Style Donuts at 1401-A Seymour Street, North Bay is $94.00 ($98.00 for non-students).
For an additional charge of $12.00 you may request to be dropped off at the Nipissing University residences, or another address location in North Bay. This cost will TOTAL $106.00 CAD. (if 2 or more students are going to the same address and have reserved Northern Airport Service at the same time, the $12.00 drop off charge only applies once.
For return flights, Northern Airport Service arranges pick-ups at Country Style Donuts at 1401-A Seymour Street, North Bay daily at 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Alternatively, for an extra cost of $12.00 you may be picked up at your place of residence, provided this request is pre-arranged. If you request pick up at your place of residence you should be ready at either 6:30 or 11:00 a.m. for pick up.
Note: Save some money and make a two-way reservation (shuttle transportation from the airport upon your arrival to North Bay and back to the airport upon your departure at the end of the semester/term/year). The two-way shuttle reservation is valid for up to one year upon your arrival. The student two-way shuttle transportation rate is $169.00 ($175.00 for non-students). This rate does not include the additional $12.00 surcharge for residence drop off and/or pick up.
The Northern Airport Service shuttle bus may make several stops to pick up other passengers, and will also stop for a coffee/washroom break between Toronto and North Bay during the trip which will take between 4-5 hours.
Pre-Arrival Information for International Exchange Students Page 2
Studying at Nipissing University 2008 - 2009
Reservationsfor the Northern Airport Service must be made in advance and pre-paid using Visa or MasterCard, or you can pay the driver by cash in Canadian dollars. Nipissing University can help to make your reservation … just contact Jennifer Brown, in Nipissing International Office at Nipissing University in advance at
If you wish to call yourself to make the reservation the telephone # is 705-472-9898 or 474-7942 or fax to 705-474-6704, or (toll free 1-800-461-4219 from Canada & US only)
3) Shuttle Ontario is a private shuttle service. They will pick up either at Toronto Airport or in North Bay and transport specified passengers one way as per the rates noted below. You can choose the pick up time and location. The trip from Toronto to North Bay will include one stop for a coffee/washroom break, so the trip will take approx. 4 hours.
RATES: (the costs noted below will be shared by the number of people in the vehicle)
1 - 2 passengers = total cost of $229.00 + GST 1-way
3 passengers = total cost of $269.00 + GST 1-way
4 passengers = total cost of $349.00 + GST 1-way
Reservations must be made in advance and pre-paid using Visa or MasterCard, or your can pay the driver by cash in Canadian dollars. Nipissing University can help to make your reservation … just contact Jennifer Brown, in Nipissing International Office at Nipissing University in advance at
If you wish to call yourself to make the reservation the telephone # is 705-223-6648 or you can e-mail your request to <>.
4) 5) There are two other options to travel from the Toronto airport to North Bay, by train or bus. It is not
necessary to pre-book the train or bus, but you will have to arrange transportation from the Toronto
airport to the mainVia Rail train station or the Bay Street bus station in downtown Toronto.The best
method is the Airport Express bus that stops on the arrival levels of Terminals 1, 2 and 3, taking
passengers to and from the Metro Toronto Coach Terminal at Bay and Dundas Streets in downtown
Toronto. The cost one-way is approximately $16.45.
The Airport Express bus also provides transport from Toronto downtownarea hotels to the Toronto airport at 20minute intervals during peak periods. Oneway cash fare is $17.00, round trip $29.00. For more information, call (905) 5646333 or (905) 5643232, or view the web site:
This may be a good option for you if you plan to stay in Toronto for a while before travelling to North Bay for your studies at Nipissing University.
If travelling by train or bus to North Bay, you will then need to take a taxi or a North Bay city bus from the North Bay Station to the specific address in North Bay. Taxi costs are quite reasonable.
Ontario Northlandruns the train and buses that travel from Toronto to North Bay.The one-way cost for the train or bus is $63.70. Or if you show your valid student card from your home institution or your International Student Identification Card (ISIC) the cost would be $54.15.
You may purchase a ticket for the Ontario Northland train at Union Station in Toronto, located at 65 Front Street West. There is only 1Ontario Northland trainrunning each day except on Saturday, departing from Toronto at 8:40a.m. and arriving in North Bay at 1:55 p.m.
The North Bay bound Ontario Northland buses depart 4 times per day from the Metro Toronto Coach Terminal located at Bay and Dundas Streets. The bus trip takes about 5 ½ hours, and departure times from Toronto are as follows: 9:15 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 12:30 a.m.
Arrival in Canada (continued) Page 3
Temporary Accommodation
You are responsible for the costs incurred and acquisition of any temporary accommodation that you may require prior to securing permanent housing for the term/year. If you notify Nipissing International in advance, we can assist you in locating temporary accommodation with a local family. Nipissing University residences allow temporary stays during the months of July and until August 15th at a cost of $28.50 per night (provided there are vacancies). Bed and breakfast and motel/hotel options are also available.
Arrival at Nipissing
Plan to arrive between Saturday,August 30 and Monday, September 1, 2008.Note thatAugust 30 is the first day to move into campus residences, and welcoming events begin in the residence that afternoon. The International Student Orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2 and Wednesday, September 3, 2008.Special activities will be occurring throughout the week (details will be sent to international students via e-mail in August). Classes begin Thursday, September 4, 2008.
If you have not already done so, please provide us with your arrival date and time in Canada as soon as possible (by completing the “Arrival Information Form” and fax it to Melissa Toupin Laforge at 705-495-2850, by July 31st)
Summer administrative office hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon and from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
If you are arriving outside of these hours and have arranged to live in Nipissing University residences, alternate arrangements will need to be made for you to access your apartment. Contact Karen Strang directly in this case. Most Nipissingoffices (with the exception of the Housing and Security Offices) will be closed on Monday, September 1st for the statutory holiday known as “Labour Day”.
If you have chosen to live off-campus you should discuss your arrival date with your landlord. Most rental units are available for occupancy the first day of each month.
Pre-Arrival Information for International Exchange Students (continued)Page 4
Studying at Nipissing University 2008 - 2009
Important Dates at NipissingUniversity for the 2008-2009 Academic Year
Fall Semester 2008 Dates:
Aug. 30 First occupancy date to move into campusresidences for Fall & Winter Terms
Sept. 1Labour Day - holiday
Sept. 2 & 3 International Student Orientation & confirming course registration
Sept. 4 Dec. 3Classes
Sept. 17Incidental Fees should be paid by this date
Interest charges will be applied to all outstanding fees after this date
Sept. 17Residence fees due for Fall Term
Sept. 17Final Day for registration or course changes for Fall (term 1) or Fall & Winter (term 3)
Oct. 13 Thanksgiving... university closed, no classes
Oct. 13-17Study Week…no classes
Dec. 3Fall semester classes end
Dec. 5-20 Exams (Exchange students staying for only Fall term should plan your departure for after the 21st as your exams could occur any day during this time frame.You should plan to move out of campus residence the day following your last exam)
Dec. 23 Jan. 5 University Closes for Christmas holidays
(Students living in campus residences are notpermitted to occupy their apartment during this holiday period, but may leave their belongings if returning to study in January)
Winter Semester 2008 Dates:
Jan.3-5Occupancy dates for exchange students to move into campusresidence for Winter Term
Jan. 5Apr. 3 Classes
Jan. 16Residence fees due for Winter Term
Jan. 16Incidental fees should be paid by this date
Interest charges will be applied to all outstanding fees
Jan. 16Final Day for registration or course changes for Winter (term 2)
Feb.16-20 Reading week...no classes
Apr. 3Winter semester classes end
Apr. 6 May 2 Exams (plan your departure for after May 4)
Apr. 10Good Friday... university closed
Apr. 13Easter Monday … university closed
May 4 Last possible day to move out of campusresidences (students should plan to
depart from campus residences the day following their last exam)
For more information on academic dates, see the Academic Calendar, page 3.
Pre-Arrival Information for International Exchange Students (continued)Page 5
Studying at Nipissing University 2008 - 2009
On-campushousing: Nipissing has 4 on-campus residences. Chancellors House and Founders House, located at the bottom of the hill, plus our new residence, Governors House, located on the main campus, are co-ed apartment style residences with four suite mates sharing a common living/dining and kitchen area, two bathrooms, and four separate bedrooms (see the Residence Rates sheets for further details). Students of the same gender will be housed together in one suite.Our 4th residence choice is the Townhouse Residence Complex on the main campus. Each townhouse unit houses 6 students in separate bedrooms and shared living space. Each student is provided with one set of bed sheets, one pillow and one quilt. All utilities and phone service is included. Exchange students living in Residence will be provided with a basic kit which contains dishes, cups, drinking glasses, cutlery, cooking utensils and cooking pots.
There is no mandatory meal plan for the on-campus residences, but an optional meal plan is available. Please note that Meal Plans normally begin on the first day of classes of each semester but exceptions can be made for students who arrive on campus early. Occupancy date for Nipissing campus residence housing is Saturday, August 30, 2008. (Any exceptions must be indicated well in advance. Contact Melissa Toupin Laforge < directly in this regard, especially if you are planning to move in early. A cost of $17.52 per night is charged for early arrivals prior to August 30th).
Students living in campusresidences should plan to move out the day following your last exam.
Any exceptions must be discussed with the residence Don on your floor.
A list of off-campusaccommodation is advertised by licensed local landlords and is available through the Nipissing Residence Office when you arrive. Prices vary greatly depending on the amenities offered and the convenience of the location. Most of these accommodations are shared with several students in a house, and you may expect to pay approximately $285.00 - $350.00 per month. Apartment costs vary from approximately $500.00 - $600.00 per month for a 1 bedroom, up to $800.00 per month for a 2 bedroom, and utilities may be included or extra. Housing Office staff can assist you with any questions you may have, provide maps of the area and bus routes, and tourist attractions, etc.
If you will be living off-campus, request the off-campus housing information sheet providing details on renting, and review the Nipissing University Housing Office web site
Upon request NipissingInternational will provide a list of off-campus accommodations. This is the best option for Spring and Summer semesters, May – August, however some rooms are available in campus residence at reasonable fees. Inquire via the office of Nipissing International.
Expenses to Live and Study at Nipissing University
The NipissingUniversity Finance Office will charge students for the non-academic fees listed on this chart. These non-academic fees are listed on a one semester basis. Also refer to the “Fees” section of the Nipissing University calendar at(click on Academic Calendar then on Charges and Fees)for other miscellaneous fees for which you may be invoiced. Payments are due within the first month of arrival for the semester of study.
Fees information can also be found at Nipissing University’s web site onAcademic Calendar then on Charges and Fees). However, exchange students should use the enclosed chart “2008-09 Expenses to Live and Study at Nipissing University”.*
UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan)
This is a health care plan that is compulsory for foreign residents studying at a university in Ontario, Canada. Your UHIP coverage is effective upon arrival in Ontario. NipissingInternational will provide you with UHIP application forms during Orientation week. Your UHIP co-ordinator at Nipissingis JenniferBrown in the Student Affairs Office. Payment of UHIP fees for the duration of your studies at Nipissingis due upon arrival. Refer to the UHIP brochure for details of the plan benefits. Any inquiries regarding opting-out of the UHIP plan must be directed to the plan coordinator,Sun Life Financial...see the web site
Also refer to the more detailed “UHIP information sheet” enclosed in your welcome package.
UHIP Fees for a Single Student 2008-2009Months of Coverage / Total
4 / $252.00
8 / $504.00
12 / $756.00
Pre-Arrival Information for International Exchange Students (continued)Page 6
Studying at Nipissing University 2008 - 2009
UHIP Continued
Extended Health Coverage
Exchange and Short Term Study Students are recommended to seek aninsurance provider for extended health benefits such as prescription drugs, eye exams and lenses, and physiotherapy.
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See Jennifer Brown in theStudent Affairs Office for assistance in purchasing extended health benefits: telephone 705-474-3450 ext. 4321. Details will be provided at the International Student Orientation.
Meal Plans
Meal Plans are optional. The alternative to choosing a Meal Plan, is to pay cash for meals you choose to eat at any restaurants on, or off-campus, or cook your own meals at your place of residence. To sign-up for a Meal Plan once on campus, inquire at 472-0181.
If you choose to purchase a Meal Plan, the money paid is applied to your “Declining Balance Card” which is used in place of cash, with daily purchases being subtracted from the balance. The GST (Federal Goods and Services Sales Tax) of 7%, and PST (Provincial Retail Sales Tax) of 8% are not applicable for meals paid for through the Meal Plan using the “Declining Balance Card” (this is the advantage of purchasing a meal plan).
#1 the Super Save Plan costs $1950.00This plan is designed for students who will be eating the majority of their
meals on campus. You pay only $1950 tax-free for the whole academic year. Valid at all ARAMARK locations on campus.
#2, the Platinum Plan costs $975.00You pay only $975 tax-free for one term. Valid at all ARAMARK locations on
campus.