New graduate students
Phase 3: Before classes begin
Here's how to prepare for a successful beginning of term
Keep up to date with what’s happening around the campus by following our social media accounts.
Keep abreast of GradProSkills opportunities
Connect with GradProSkills on LinkedIn to discover free professional development opportunities and academic supports, exclusively for graduate students at Concordia.
For international students
International students can also follow the International Students Office on Facebook to keep up to date on important deadlines and events organized just for you.
Useful links
Take a campus tour, connect with student mentors and get to know what the International Students Office has to offer.
Meet Welcome Crew mentors
Welcome Crew mentors are here to help you transition easily into your first year at Concordia. You can reach them by phone, email or video chat to talk about anything from the course registration system, to where to meet new friends.
Take a tour
Explore key locations on both campuses via a virtual tour. You can also take a campus tour as part of Orientation.
For students with children
The Concordia University Student Parents Centre provides an accessible space to study, but also a place to share interests and develop a support network for students with children.
For indigenous students
First Nations, Inuit and Métis students can access academic and community resources at the Otsenhákta Student Centre.
For Franchophone students
The Centre for Francophone Students provides resources and services for francophone students.
For Black students
The NouLa Centre for Black Students provides services and resources for Concordia students from Black communities.
For international students
The International Students Office offers resources and services for international students.
For students with disabilities
The Access Centre for Students with Disabilities promotes equal access to education and an inclusive campus community.
Useful links
Your student ID and OPUS card will help you get around town, and you might consider renting a locker and getting set up with DPrint.
Student ID card
Your student ID card allows you to access the Concordia shuttle, get a student-rate OPUS transit pass to take public transit and access certain campus buildings. You can get yours a month before the start of your first term of registration.
Renting a locker
When campus is open, some students find it helpful to rent a locker. You can select which building your locker is located in. Rental periods last for a year and payment is made by credit card.
DPrint account
Another useful service: DPrint allows you to print and make photocopies at Xerox machines located around campus. You can add funds to your DPrint account online, which is linked to your student ID card.
Book Stop
Before the beginning of the semester, start checking out which books are required for your upcoming courses. Professors may have already made the course outline, which includes book lists, available on Moodle.
Course reserves
Many professors put the required readings on course reserves at the libraries, meaning you can borrow them for short periods during which you can scan and email assigned pages to yourself. Professors will let you know in your course outline if readings are on reserve at the libraries.
You may also find your personalized student book list by checking the Concordia Book Stop web page, where you can order or rent print or digital books.
Useful links
Whether by car or bike, on foot or by bus, here's what you need to know to get around Montreal.
OPUS card
If you plan to take public transportation in Montreal, you may want to buy a monthly OPUS card. To get a reduced student rate, you must have a Quebec home address saved in your Student Centre and be registered full-time for the current term.
BIXI bike-sharing
Biking is a quick and convenient way to get around and the SGW Campus is located right on the Maisonneuve bike path. BIXI is Montreal's seasonal bike-sharing service and there are often discounts on subscriptions for Concordia students.
Shuttle bus
The Concordia Campus Shuttle connects the downtown SGW Campus with Loyola Campus and is free for Concordia students (just show your student ID as you board). When campus is open, the shuttle departs approximately every half-hour from both campuses.
Parking on campus
Parking permits are available for students on the Loyola Campus and hourly parking is available first-come first-served in several locations at the SGW Campus.
Useful links
Before classes start, ensure your schedule is aligned with your academic program. Consult the Graduate Calendar, your offer of admission or speak to your Graduate Program Director/Assistant or supervisor for support.
Graduate Calendar
Check the Graduate Calendar anytime to make sure you are taking the required courses for your program and to read course descriptions. It's the definitive source for understanding academic rules and regulations as well as which courses you’ll need to complete your degree and program requirements.
Be sure to review any information related to deficiencies indicated in your offer of admission. This information may affect your course registration.
Depending on your program, your Graduate Program Director, supervisor, or Graduate Program Assistant can help you understand general degree requirements, Faculty rules, transfer credits and more.
Useful links
Orientation and welcome events are hosted by Concordia and take place before and during the start of term. Here’s how to join the action.
Orientation
Orientation is designed to help students from all faculties dive into the university experience, meet other new students, and build up study strategies needed for a smooth start.
It features PREPARE, CONNECT, START, and EXPLORE to give you the info you need when you need it, so plan to attend each phase.
Program-specific information sessions
Some academic departments host program-specific information sessions to give new students detailed instructions, a chance to meet their staff or professors and often see the facilities they will be using before classes start. If your department does this, you will receive a specific email invitation.
Peer-led support
We encourage you to participate in as many events as you can to get the full orientation experience. If you need support with your transition to Concordia, you can also connect with student mentors on the Welcome Crew.
Graduate students' Association
At the start of term, the Graduate Students' Association organizes various welcome events. These focus on meeting and making friends with students from your new faculty through virtual scavenger hunts, movie nights, student club fairs and more. Follow the association's social media accounts for details.
Useful links
Ready for the next phase?
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No matter where you are in the process of becoming a Concordia student, we're ready to help.