Get ready checklist
Congratulations and welcome to Mount Royal! Getting ready to study abroad can involve a lot of paperwork. Here is a list to help make a smooth start to your time here.
What to do after being admitted
- Activate your MyMRU account. MyMRU is your online registration portal, fee payment system and one-stop information site for all things Mount Royal. Visit MyMRU.ca.
- Accept your offer and pay the Tuition Deposit. Congratulations! You can accept your offer of (conditional or final) admission online. You will also need to pay a non-refundable $1000 Tuition Deposit by the date specified in your admission offer to reserve your spot. Be sure to review your offer of admission for any conditions that need to be met and the corresponding deadlines. If you have any conditions to meet, these conditions will be outlined in your conditional admission letter.
- Apply for a study permit. It can take about five (5) months to complete this process from start to finish. If you will be studying in Canada for more than six months, you need a study permit from the Government of Canada. To find out about applying for a study permit, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website or contact the nearest Canadian Visa Office (Embassy, High Commission or Consulate) to apply for a study permit/student visa. W e recommend looking into the process right away. Please visit our International Student Supports page for help.
Mount Royal University is a Designated Learning Institution as per IRCC Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and is permitted to host international students on a study permit. Here is a list of Mount Royal’s designated learning programs. The University's DLI number is located on your visa letter.
- Get your entry documents. A study permit is not an entry document. Depending on your country of citizenship, you will automatically be issued a temporary resident visit or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when your permit is approved. You may need to send your passport away to receive your TRV counterfoil. If you plan to travel outside of Canada while on a study permit, ensure you have the proper, valid documents to re-enter the country.
Find out if you need a temporary resident visa or eTA here. - Start using your MRU email. We will communicate important information to you through your MRU email account. Check your email often.
- Get advised. For support in selecting the appropriate classes, you can review advising information online or contact your academic advisor. You can also check your mruGradU8 to track your progress.
- Register for courses online. Register for your courses on MyMRU on or after the date specified in your admission package.
- Pay your fees by the required deadline to finalize your registration.
Before you leave home
- Find accommodation. Living on campus is convenient, fun, and affordable. New students are guaranteed a room in Residence if they apply and pay the security deposit by June 15. Please visit the International Student Support page for information about on and off-campus housing information.
- Apply for health care coverage. Students who have a 12-month study permit and who will reside in Alberta for 12 months or more are eligible for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan coverage. Visit their website and read the information under International Students to find out more. Please visit the International Student Support page for more information about health coverage at MRU.
- Book your flight. Check move-in dates for Residence or if renting on your own, make sure you know when you can move in. If you wish to move in before the Residence move-in day, contact Residence at residence@mtroyal.ca or by phone at +1 403.440.6275. Rental agreements for housing off-campus usually start at the beginning of each month.
- Check with your airline for baggage weight limits.
- Plan transportation from the airport. Taking a taxi from the airport is the easiest way to get to Mount Royal. If you are staying in Residence, it is best to arrive during the day. If you arrive after office hours, you will need to call the Residence Advisor at +1 403.542.8215. For further questions, contact Residence at residence@mtroyal.ca or by phone at +1 403.440.6275.
- Decide on banking arrangements. (see below for a list of banks near campus).
- Pack suitable clothing. Temperatures can range from an average daytime high in July of 24C to a daytime low in January of -30C. Please bring the most weather-appropriate clothing you have while you wait to purchase new clothing in Canada.
When you arrive in Canada: at the airport and after
- Provide all required entry documents to Customs and Immigration upon arrival.
- Provide your IRCC Letter of Introduction to obtain your study permit.
- Open a bank account. The following banks are located near campus:
- Most full-time Mount Royal students automatically receive supplementary health and dental care benefits through the Students' Association at Mount Royal University. If you already have comparable coverage, you can opt out of the plan.
- Meet your program advisor . They can help guide you as you choose your courses or they can review your courses to make sure you are registered in the correct courses for your program.
- Pick up your OneCard. This card is your official Mount Royal University identification card that lets you access University services such as the Library, Recreation, and Residence.
- Set up your U-Pass using the MyFare app on your phone. The U-Pass allows you to travel on Calgary transit (buses and C-train). If you are a full-time student, the fee is included in your tuition fees.
- Get a cell phone plan. There are plenty of providers, so find the best plan for you.
- Attend New Student Orientation . Get ready for life at Mount Royal from day one.
- Explore Calgary . Take the time to explore your beautiful new home.
- Go to your first day of classes ! We hope you enjoy your time in Canada.
- Be sure you understand the eligibility requirements to work in Canada. One of the documents you will require is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
What to bring with you
What to pack in your carry-on luggage
- Your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from Mount Royal.
- IRCC specific documents to enter Canada. Carry the original copies of these documents with you at all times and not in your checked luggage. Consider making copies of your documents and store in a cloud, such as Google.
- Canadian currency for the first few days ($200 - $300 Canadian dollars).
- Proof that you have enough money to support yourself in Canada.
- Any medical records and prescriptions such as:
- Records of the medical exam you completed for your immigration documentation.
- A copy of your medical records (in English), particularly if you have a chronic medical condition.
- Any prescription medications in their original packaging and a prescription from your physician.
- Any documentation required to prove academic accommodation
- Government-issued identification (birth certificate, valid passport).
- Full mailing address (with postal code) and phone number for your destination (where you will stay when you arrive).
- List of emergency contacts in Canada and your home country. Including your friends and family.
- Booking confirmation for flights or other travel arrangements.
- Electronics (cell phone, camera, laptop, chargers).
- Power adapter if applicable
What to pack in your checked luggage
- References from your previous employers or teachers if you plan on seeking employment in Canada.
- Personal items that will remind you of home such as pictures, books, etc.
- Bedding and toiletry items.
- Traditional clothing from your culture (to showcase during International Education Week)