section 2 - university of windsor · section 2 windsor living ... make sure the bank is sending you...

SECTION 2 WINDSOR LIVING

SOFT LANDING PROGRAM Arriving in Windsor Temporary space

DAILY LIVING Living in Residence Living Off-Campus Banking Transportation Driving Telephone Internet Shopping Postal Services Health

2 www.uwindsor.ca/isc

Soft Landing Program

SOFT LANDING PROGRAM

This unique program eases the transition of international students to life in a new country by providing temporary housing and pickups for new international students.

ARRIVING IN WINDSOR

This program makes arrangements to pick up students from the Windsor airport, VIA Rail, Greyhound, and Robert Q station.

TEMPORARY HOUSING Students may require temporary accommodation while they are looking for suitable accommodation off-campus or waiting for residence to open. The University of Windsor provides this service for those who need it through partnerships with a nearby motel called Econo Lodge Hotel. These rooms are shared with other new students and are available at reduced costs to new international students including a free first-night stay. A free daily shuttle transportation service from the motel to campus is provided by the ISC.

LIVING IN RESIDENCE

Students who choose to live in residence will find themselves at the heart of campus life, close to classrooms, the library, health services, recreational and dining facilities. In addition, part of the convenience students receive by living on campus is an automatic enrolment in the University’s meal plan. This is especially beneficial for those who do not cook. The semester fee includes rent, utilities, cable TV and telephone services, and unlimited wireless internet. For more information, visit the Residence Service website: (www.uwindsor.ca/residence)

LIVING OFF-CAMPUS

HOUSE SEARCHING If you do not want to live in residence, then you probably need to find a place to live off-campus. You can get housing lists online, from the Windsor Star newspaper, Penny saver, or other local publications. You can also conduct a housing search online at: (www.uwsa.ca/services/housing.asp) (www.canada.com/windsor/windsorstar/index.html) (www.places4students.com) (www.rent4all.ca)

U of W International Student Centre 3

Banking

TIPS FOR YOUR SEARCH:

When looking for a house, you should consider its walking distance from the University, grocery stores, and bus routes. You should consider the safety of the neighbourhood. Avoid areas that are isolated, near back alleys, rundown buildings or secluded houses. The U of W offers the Walksafe program (see p. 41), and will walk you home from campus within a 2km radius. Be sure to ask whether utilities are included in the rent or not, whether

laundry facilities are located in the building (or home), and whether there is air conditioning available.

You may also want to consider whether the home will be furnished or not, what kitchen facilities are included, and whether you will have a parking space available.

Finally, be sure to carefully read your contract or lease agreement before signing. (normally for 8 or 12 months)

BANKING

One of the first things you need to do once you arrive is open a bank account. The two closest banks to the University of Windsor campus are the TD Canada Trust Bank at the corner of Wyandotte and Rankin, and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) on Huron Church. Some banks have students accounts which waive students from some fees and give them special offers. The following is a list of the local banks, their contact information, and their requirements for opening an account.

TD CANADA TRUST 2110 Wyandotte West 519-253-0033

BANK OF MONTREAL 1101 University Ave. West 519-973-3305 University Mall OR 200 Ouellette Ave.

CIBC 1550 Huron Church Road 519-252-4463


Banking

ROYAL BANK Main branch 245 Ouellette Ave 519-253-4281

SCOTIABANK University Mall 1570 Huron Church Road 519-973-5380

HSBC Devonshire Mall 3205 Howard Avenue 519-256-5591

P.C. FINANCIAL You can use CIBC ATM, or you can go to any Zehrs or Superstore to open an account.(See Page 27 for stores location)

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Visit bank to activate account. Two pieces of identification: could include passport, social insurance card,

driver’s license, birth certificate (if in English), major credit card, and/or student card.

Local mailing address: could be from landlord statement or U of W document that states address.

ATM Machines There are ATM machines in the following locations around the university: CAW Lobby, Vanier Hall Basement, 7-eleven.

Many international students convert Canadian dollars from US dollars. It’s a good idea to set up both a Canadian and a US dollar accounts in your Canadian bank so that you could convert whenever you like depending on the currency rate.

Make sure the bank is sending you monthly statements by mails or emails. Don't forget to update your contact information at the bank when you move.


Local Transportation Services

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES BUS

There are bus stops on most main streets near the University campus. Bus schedules are available at the CAW Student Centre information desk.

Popular Bus Routes To downtown: Take the Crosstown 2 from Wyandotte, or the Transway

1C from University Avenue to Ouellette Ave.

To Devonshire Mall: Take the Crosstown 2 or Transway 1C to downtown, on Ouellette Avenue. Be sure to get a transfer pass from the bus driver. Then wait at a bus stop on Ouellette for the Transway 1A. This bus will take you all the way to the Devonshire Mall.

For all other routes and specific times, see the bus schedule at

www.citywindsor.ca/transitwindsor Bus tickets can be purchased from 7/11, located on Wyandotte and Patricia Avenue (its next to the Music Building).

TAXI (CAB) Canadian Checker Cab Veteran Cab

519-254-7777 519-256-2621

Taxicab Cab LA Taxi

519-253-3256 519-978-2000

DRIVING IN CANADA

DRIVER’S LICENSE In order to drive in Canada, one must obtain a driver’s license. International driving licenses will be valid only for three months after arriving in Canada.

One of the most popular routes is No. 7. It takes you from the campus to St Clair College, Walker Road Stores and the Devonshire Mall.


Driving in Canada

Hence, if you wish to drive, you should begin the process of acquiring an Ontario Driver’s License. In Ontario, the Driver’s license system is a three step process, G1, G2 and G. To learn more about this procedure visit Ontario Ministry of Transportation website: www.drivetest.ca or visit the Driver Examination Centre at 2470 Dougall Ave. Tel: 519-972-8878

AUTO INSURANCE

Automotive insurance is compulsory for owning and driving vehicles in Canada. Car insurance is also expensive. However, rates do tend to vary from insurance company to company. Therefore, it is recommended that you conduct a thorough search to take advantage of the best available options.

TELEPHONE SERVICES There are several companies that provide local, residential telephone services in Windsor. To install a phone line in your home, you need to contact one of the following companies: Bell Canada at 1-800-668-6878 Vonage at 1-888-561-8010 Rogers at 1-888-764-3771 Cogeco at 1-800-267-9000

Be sure to prepare the following information before you contact one of these companies. 1. Passport 2. Student I.D. 3. Address They will make an appointment with you to send a technician to your home to hook up a phone line for you.

CELL PHONE

Cellular phones are very popular. There are four cellular networks covering Ontario: Telus mobility, FIDO, Bell and Rogers ATT Wireless. There is usually a

A G1 license is a good form of Identification and is much easier and safer to carry around than your passport. Students are encouraged to get their G1 license, even if they do not intend to drive in Canada


booth for “Student Phones” which is an organization that sells cell phones and cell phones plans for students in the CAW centre. Be cautious and ask questions before you sign a contract because there may be hidden costs. You can also go to an electronics store or the mall (The Source, Future Shop) to get a cell phone and decide which plan you are going to use.

LONG DISTANCE

The cost of a long-distance call varies with the duration and destination of the call. Long-distance phone cards are widely available in convenience stores; each has a given value that is deducted as you talk. Cheaper rates may be available; talk to other students from your home country, or search online. To use a phone card, dial the numbers explained on the card- do not insert the card into the phone. Many students use computer programs like skype and voipcheap to call their families, these programs charge small amount of money if calling a land or mobile phone, and they are free to use when calling another computer that has the program downloaded on it, to learn more about these programs visit the followings websites: www.voipcheap.com www.skype.com

INTERNET SERVICES

There are many options as dial-up, DSL, and cable services for you to choose from.

DSL is available through a variety of local companies, but requires a residential phone line.

Cable, Cogeco representatives will be on-campus in September. It offers cheaper plans for all students living in residence. Or you can contact Cogeco Cable Solutions at 1-866-427-7451. Or visit them online at: www.cogeco.com Dial-up, The University of Windsor offers this service for a fee of $0.40 per hour. For more information call the help Centre Extension 4440 or go to www.uwindsor.ca/its/students. For other dial-up service providers in the area. Check the listings in the Yellow Pages of the local phone book. (Requires a residential phone line and a modem).

Telephone & Internet


Wireless Internet, students living in residence have free access to wireless internet. All campus buildings have wireless access to the internet, you are required to log into the network using your webmail I.D. and password. For more information, please visit: www.uwindsor.ca/wireless

SHOPPING

Devonshire Mall Windsor Crossing 3100 Howard Avenue Premium Outlets 519-966-3100 1555 Talbot Road www.devonshiremall.com 519-972-7111

University Mall Tecumseh Mall 2700 Tecumseh Road West 7654 Tecumseh Road East 519-944-776 www.tecumsehmall.com Downtown Windsor Also has a variety of stores and shops

SECOND HAND STORES: Many students buy used furniture ,electronics and clothes from different places like yard (moving, garage) sales, websites and auctions. You can find advertisements for used items on bulletin boards in the CAW centre, in the Lance, newspapers classifieds and around the campus. Some of the popular sources of used items are: Value Village: Society of St. Vincent de Paul 2411 Dougall Ave. Wyandotte St. E and Langlois Ave, 519-250-8818 519-977-9499

www.windsor.kijiji.ca www.windsor8.com Popular website for used items Popular website for used items in Chinese.

www.cssauwindsor.org Windsor Police Auction: Popular website for used items www.police.windsor.on.ca

Pawn Shop 2060 Wyandotte St W N9B 1J7, Windsor, ON 519-977-5000

Shopping

Use a Router to share the cable with your roommate. A router can be purchased from any computer store.


GROCERY STORES

There are many shops and stores; these are just a sampling of those available in the area.

A&P Food Basics University Mall 880 Goyeau St 519-256-1891 519-258-3064 Price Chopper Westside Foods 799 Crawford St. 3242 Sandwich St West 519-252-4777 519-253-0302 Market Square Trade Centre Giglios Market 2109 Ottawa Street 2268 Wyandotte West (Ottawa and Walker) 519-254-1949 519-977-7555 Zehrs Superstore 2430 Dougall Avenue 4371 Walker Road 519-972-1013 519-972-8335 Joseph’s Farm Market 2451 Tecumseh West 519-977-5598

SOUTH EAST ASIAN STORES

Asian Food Imports International Market 225 Wyandotte West 1165 Wyandotte West 519-971-9244 519-253-8277

CHINESE STORES

Fortune Oriental Market Wing Li Food and 201 West Grand Boulevard Groceries 519-967-8351 2075 Wyandotte West 519-258-1882 Ming Li Vegetable Co 1015 University Ave 519-258-2213

Shopping


MIDDLE EASTERN GROCERIES

Al-Amer Supermarket Dijla and Alforat Market 1389 Wyandotte East 701 Wyandotte East 519-973-8880 519-253-0899

Sandwich Market 3211 Sandwich Street 519-252-1160

HALAL MEAT SHOPS

Zabeeha Halal Green Island Meat Market 1318 Wyandotte East 704 Wyandotte East 519-971-7334 519-258-5581 Sandwich Market 3211 Sandwich Street 519-252-1160 Refer to page 48 for restaurants information.

POSTAL SERVICES

CANADA POST (DOWNTOWN) 401 Ouellette Ave, Windsor, ON N9A 4J2 Phone: 1-866-607-6301 How to get there: Transway 1A; Transway 1C; Ottawa 4; Dominion 5; Dougall 6 Services: Main post office serving Windsor. Income tax forms Offers free internet services and financial services All mailing materials including stamps

SANDWICH POST OFFICE 3201 Sandwich Street, Windsor Office Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The post office is right at the intersection of Sandwich and Mill.

Postal Services


SHOPPERS DRUG MART Shoppers also provide full P.O. services at certain stores, for example, Shoppers at University Mall, Devonshire Mall, and Shoppers at Wyandotte and Campbell.

FEDEX Visit www.fedex.ca to arrange pick-ups. This is the only courier service accepted by the Canadian Consulate in Detroit to return documents. You must provide a courier 9-digit account number entered in the appropriate billing information box. For more information, please contact the ISC and speak with Kelly or Enrique.

UPS Domestic Services within Canada English Tel.: 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877) French Tel.: 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877) Chinese Tel.: 1-800-233-8133 International Services Originating in Canada Tel.: 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877)

DHL Visit www.dhl.ca or call 1-800-CALL-DHL (1-800-225-5345) to arrange pick-ups or other services.

PUROLATOR Visit www.purolator.com or call 519-972-5771 for more info.

TRANSLATION SERVICES

You might encounter a situation where you have to translate documents written in a language other than English. The following are some of the places where you can get your documents officially translated: Kalaci Translations Multicultural Council 1-877-4-KALACI, www.kalaci.com (519) 255-1127, www.themcc.com Sylev Translations Win Translation 1-866-353-3301, www,sylevtranslation.com 1-877-PICK-WTB, www.wintranslation.com

Translation Services


Health

HEALTH Everybody gets sick from time to time. If you are not feeling well, the first choice is to go to the school clinic located in the CAW Centre (See page 35). However, the school clinic does not write sick notes to students. If you need a sick note, you have to go to a hospital or clinic off campus. All international students are covered with health insurance called Greenshield, and they pay for its fees to the university, It is equivalent to the OHIP Insurance. (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) (P. 61) .

WALK-IN CLINICS If you find that you have a medical problem on the weekend, during a holiday, or after-hours, you can see a doctor in Windsor at: West Windsor Urgent Care Centre 1740 Huron Church Rd. Phone: 519-255-9185 Mon - Fri 08:00 a.m. - 08:00 p.m. Sat & Sun 10:00 a.m. - 06:00 p.m. Windsor Medical Clinic 1608 Tecumseh Rd. W. Phone: 519-258-4400 Mon - Fri 08:00 a.m. - 07:00 p.m. Sat 09:00 a.m. - 02:00 p.m. Sun 09:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m.

HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOMS

Hospital Emergency rooms should only be visited if you are having a true medical emergency or when no other options are available Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital Dental Surgeon 1030 Ouellette Ave. 2095 Wyandotte St W Phone: 519-973-4444 Phone: 519-258-1240 Windsor Regional - Metropolitan Campus 1995 Lens Ave. Phone: 519-254-5577

When you go, do not forget to bring your passport, Green Shield card, and student ID card. If you are going to a private clinic, it usually costs somewhere between $40 AND $60 for a standard visit.

Check the Health Section at the ISC website which contains important health information for international students: www.uwindsor.ca/isc

section 2 - university of windsor · section 2 windsor living ... make sure the bank is sending you...

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