Education Abroad

Frequently Asked Questions

In-Person Classes: Lethbridge campus (main campus)

Online Classes: Lethbridge or Calgary campus

Sep 2: Labour Day (University offices closed)

Sep 3: New Student Orientation and Exchange Student Orientation

Sep 4: First day of Fall term (classes begin)

Sep 10: Last day for course add/drop and registration for the Fall term, including Independent Study

Sep 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Observance (University offices closed)

Oct 1: Fees due

Oct 14: Thanksgiving (University offices closed)

Nov 9-15: Fall Term Break (no classes)

Nov 11: Remembrance Day Observance (University offices closed)

Dec 9: Last day of classes for Fall term

Dec 9: Last day for withdrawal from individual courses, or complete withdrawal for the Fall term

Dec 12: Fall term final examination period begins

Dec 20: Fall term final examination ends

Dec 25-31: Holiday Observance (University offices closed)

Jan 2: University opens

Jan 3: New Student Orientation

Jan 6: First day of Winter term

Jan 13: Last day for course add/drop and registration

Feb 3: Fees due

Feb 15-21: Winter term break (no classes)

Feb 17: Family Day (University offices closed)

April 5: Last day of classes for Spring term

April 7: Last day for withdrawal from individual courses

April 8: Final examinations begin

April 16: Final examinations end

April 16: Last day of Spring term

April 18: Good Friday (University offices closed)

April 21: Easter Monday (University offices closed)

You should plan to arrive in Lethbridge one or two days before classes begin. We are interested in your safe arrival in Lethbridge and request that you complete the Arrival Form with the details of your arrival in Lethbridge.

For students staying in off-campus accommodation arranged by the International Centre, we will arrange your arrival date and pick-up with your landlords.

The move-in date is September 1, 2024. If you arrive before September 1, you will to find alternate accommodation.

Do not pack your important documents in your checked luggage. Keep them with you, or in your carry-on luggage. You will need to show them to the border services officer when you arrive in Canada before you collect your checked luggage.

Keep the following documents with you:

  • Your passport
  • The Letter of Introduction provided to you by the visa office that approved your study permit
  • A valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) (if applicable)
  • A copy of your Letter of Acceptance from the University of Lethbridge
  • Proof of financial support (e.g.: bank draft, financial statements, letter of credit, or other proof)
  • Any other valuable documents, or cash

For further information, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) explains what to expect when you arrive in Canada.

Are you worried you'll forget to bring something? here is a list of essentials to help you.

  • Clothes
  • Winter jacket
  • Winter boots, gloves and hat
  • Sweaters and other warm clothing
  • Towels
  • Camera/Cellphone/Tablet/Laptop
  • Medicine and prescriptions
  • Traditional clothing from your country
  • Items from your country that can be used in displays and presentations
  • Your country flag

You can read more about what you are allowed to bring to Canada, and what to expect when you arrive.

Weather & Clothing

Lethbridge has a varied climate. The summers are warm and dry with temperatures reaching highs of over 30°C and the winters reaching temperatures well below 0°C (sometimes as low as -30°C). Our wide range of temperatures and weather conditions can make packing a challenge. Be sure to bring warm clothing or be prepared to purchase some for the months of November through April. You will need a warm winter jacket, boots, gloves, a hat, sweaters, and other warm clothing. A light jacket with a hood is recommended for fall (September - November) and spring months (April - June). In general, people dress casually in Lethbridge. Jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, and a good pair of walking shoes tend to be the clothing items of choice for most uLethbridge students. In addition, you may wish to bring some formal clothing for special occasions. If you have traditional clothing or accessories you would like to wear on special events for international students, bringing it would be great.

If you're arriving for the Fall term, you may not need to bring winter items with you, as you'll have some time to purchase them once you arrive. If you're starting your studies in the Spring term (January), we suggest coming prepared for winter.

If you are from a country with a warmer climate and clothing appropriate for cold weather is not readily available to you, you may wish to purchase your winter clothing when you arrive. Additionally, the International Centre organizes a winter coat exchange program for students. You can check with us to see what items are available when you arrive.

Electrical

If you are bringing any electrical equipment, it should be compatible with Canadian voltage which is 110 volts, 60Hz. It is also possible to purchase adapters for electrical outlets.

Luggage

Also keep in mind that airlines will limit the weight of luggage that you may bring with you on your flight and overweight baggage fees may apply. You should plan ahead and check with your airline for baggage allowance, and pack accordingly. You may wish to consider shipping non-essential belongings to Canada, or purchasing them when you arrive.

We recommend that you do not carry a lot of cash with you when you travel. Most stores, restaurants, and hotels accept major credit cards (VISA and MasterCard). You should bring enough money to cover your expenses during your first month of study: temporary accommodation, restaurant meals, textbooks and supplies, rental deposits, and utility hook-up fees.

Alternatively, you may bring a bank draft with you, and then deposit it in the bank of your choice when you arrive in Canada. Note that it might take between ten to thirty days for your bank draft to be processed.

You are encouraged to send money to your university student account using Global Pay (Western Union) once you have received approval of your study permit. You can find out about payment options here.

If you enter Canada with $10,000 CAD or more (in any form - cash, cheques, bank drafts, traveller's cheques), you must declare it to the Border Services Officer upon arrival.

​You may wish to consider purchasing travel insurance to protect you from lost or stolen baggage, or unexpected trip cancellation due to severe weather or illness.

Purchase health insurance coverage in your home country before departure. If you do not purchase health insurance in your country, you may also purchase health insurance in Canada. It is mandatory for all students to have proper health coverage.

Email an English copy of your health insurance to incoming@uleth.ca

Be sure to carry a change of clothes, any medication, your toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, documents and all other important items in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is delayed.

At the Canadian port of entry, you will be required to show the border services officer your Letter of Introduction, along with any other relevant documents. When the officer issues your study permit, ensure your name is spelled correctly and that your biographical details (birth date, country of citizenship, etc.) are accurate. Check the expiry date on your study permit.

If you hope to work while you are a student, either on or off-campus, tell the border services officer. Ensure that one of the following statements is listed on your study permit before leaving the immigration area of the airport:

  • May work 20 hrs off-campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in section 186(v) of IRPR
  • May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v) or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria
  • May accept employment on the campus of the institution at which registered in full-time studies (for English for Academic Purposes program students or exchange students)

One of these statements must be present on your study permit to apply for a Social Insurance Number, which is required to work in Canada.

If there is anything you don’t understand, make sure you ask the border services officer to explain it to you.

Booking Flights

The Calgary International Airport is the closest international airport to Lethbridge. Book your international flight to the Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. You will have to go through customs in whichever city you first arrive in Canada, so leave plenty of time for your connection.

Getting to Lethbridge

BY PLANE It is possible to fly to Lethbridge from Calgary. The Lethbridge Airport code is YQL. There are two airlines that fly from Calgary to Lethbridge: Air Canada and West Jet. The flight takes about 40 minutes. The Lethbridge Airport is located just outside the city, and is 13km from the University of Lethbridge Main campus.

BY BUS

Red Arrow is a bus (coach) company that picks up at several locations in Calgary, including the Calgary Airport (YYC). It drops off at two locations in Lethbridge: the University of Lethbridge Campus and the downtown Park and Ride Transit Terminal. The trip by bus takes closer to 3 hours. Reserve your ticket in advance.

FlixBus is a bus (coach) company that picks up at downtown Calgary or the Southcentre Mall. It drops off at downtown Lethbridge at the Park and Ride Transit Terminal. Reserve your ticket in advance.

Getting to Campus

There is no public transportation connecting the Lethbridge Airport to the city.

TAXI At the airport, there is a phone that has a direct line to a taxi service right in the airport. There may also be a taxi available just outside the airport.

Here are the names of a few taxi companies in Lethbridge that offer student discounts. Please let the driver know you are a student at the University of Lethbridge. The approximate cost from the Lethbridge Airport to the University of Lethbridge is $35.

94 Cabs online booking

Metro King Cabs app booking

Fifth Avenue Cabs: 403-381-1111

Royal Taxi: 403-328-5333

A Plus Taxi Ltd: 403-317-7777

Black Diamond Taxi Ltd: 403-381-4444

UBER The ride-sharing app is available in Lethbridge. You may be able to to use this service to get from the Lethbridge Airport to your final destination. There is free WIFI at the Lethbridge Airport.