Newcomers’ Handbook A guide to Resources in Edmonton

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!هموطن سالم

به هدف اگرچه مطمئناً شما، دوست عزيز، !!قبل از هر سخني، حرفي و يا حديثي مقدمت سبز و خوش آمد گويي گرم به منطقه اي سردبه شدن گاهي بزرگي پا به اين سر كره خاكي گذاشتي، اما هر محيط جديد، تجربيات جديدي را به همراه خواهد داشت كه در زمان تجر

حقيقت اين است كه شايد يك ترم فقط و فقط مشغول فراهم آوردن اسباب زندگي باشيد و اطمينان ! سخت و بعد از مدتي ارزشمند مي شوداما با دانستن موارد اندكي شايد فرصت لذت از پاييز هزار رنگ را نيز . يا كمي زياد ببريد.... د از آن از زمستان، لذت زيادمي دهيم كه بع

.بدست آوريد

نشريه ايرانيان، ماهنامه فرهنگي اجتماعي ايرانيان ادمونتون مي باشد كه شايد به جرات بتوان گفت كه بعد از گذشت چهار سال هرچند در مطمئنا رمز . لقب گرفته، اما كماكان به پيش مي رود "كشتي عنقريب به گل نشسته"ل و ادبيات سنگرنشينان هيات اجرايي و تحريريه، مثَ

موفقيت نشريه ايرانيان همكاري و تالش مستمر نويسندگان، عكاسان، طراحان و دوستانيست كه در تمام مراحل در كنار نشريه ايرانيان .اهند بودبودند، هستند و خو

يكي از مهمترين رسالت هاي نشريه ايرانيان، اطالع رساني در سطح گسترده براي فراهم آوردن محيطي سرشار از آرامش براي هموطنان يكي از . ايرانيست كه شايد بتوان با بهره گيري از تجربه ساير هموطنان و دوستان، مراحل زندگي در اين سرزمين يخي را آسانتر نمود

ترين فعاليت هايي كه در اين راستا در ادمونتون انجام گرفت، تهيه دفترچه آشنايي با وضعيت زندگي در ادمونتون، توسط انجمن ارزشمند

اين دفترچه حاوي اطالعات گرانبهايي در زمينه مسكن، بيمه، دانشگاه و ساير . بود 2009در سال ) ISAUA(دانشجويي دانشگاه آلبرتا با بررسي مجدد اين دفترچه و ،2011نشريه ايرانيان امسال، . ازه وارد حداقل يكبار با آنها سر و كار خواهد داشتخدماتي است كه هر فرد ت

. را تهيه و در اختيار دانشجويان و هموطنان تازه وارد قرار مي دهد" Newcomers handbook"به روز رساني اطالعات آن، نسخه جديد

توسط نهادهاي "Newcomers handbook"ان تغيير در اطالعات منتشر شده در دفترچه از آنجا كه امكالزم به ذكر است

مرتبط در هر زمان وجود دارد، توصيه مي شود كه از اين دفترچه صرفاً جهت آشنايي با موارد ذكر شده استفاده شود

(Any information presented on Newcomers handbook maybe subjected to change by the corresponding organizations at anytime. It is recommended to use these info ONLY as a general guideline)

براي عضويت در . سر بزنيد http://www.iraniansmonthly.com: ه به آدرسجهت عضويت در نشريه ايرانيان مي توانيد به وبسايت نشريپس . ونديدپايگاه نشريه كافي است تا شناسه كاربري و رمز ورود خود را ايجاد و نشاني الكترونيك خود را وارد نماييد تا به خانواده ايرانيان بپي

با . يت در پايگاه نشريه، و در صورت تمايل به ارسال مطلب، با ما تماس بگيريد و درخواست ارتقاي سطح از عضو به نويسنده را نماييداز عضو .اين امر به منزله پذيرفتن اساسنامه و ملزومات آن تلقي مي گردد. ارتقاي سطح به نويسنده، شما به جمع اعضاي فعال ايرانيان مي پيونديد

.ن مشتاقانه در انتظار همكاري شماستايرانيا

2011، آگوست 1390نشريه ايرانيان، مرداد

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CONTENTS 1. Housing ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Abbreviations and terms ...................................................................................................................................................5

1.2 Landlord- Tenant law ........................................................................................................................................................6

1.3 Types of housing ...............................................................................................................................................................6

1.4 Temporary housing ...........................................................................................................................................................6

2. Transportation ............................................................................................................................................................. 7

2.1 ETS website .......................................................................................................................................................................7

2.2 U-Pass................................................................................................................................................................................8

3. Shopping ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9

3.1 Food ..................................................................................................................................................................................9

3.2 Clothing .......................................................................................................................................................................... 10

3.3 Stationary ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10

3.4 Furniture and Households ............................................................................................................................................. 10

3.5 Computer Accessories .................................................................................................................................................... 11

4. Health Care ................................................................................................................................................................ 12

4.1 Government health care registration ............................................................................................................................ 12

4.2 GSA insurance ................................................................................................................................................................ 13

4.3 Medical resources on campus ....................................................................................................................................... 14

5. Registration ............................................................................................................................................................... 15

5.1 Course registration......................................................................................................................................................... 15

5.2 ONEcard (Student ID) ..................................................................................................................................................... 15

5.3 SIN card .......................................................................................................................................................................... 16

5.4 Alberta Identification card and driving license: ............................................................................................................. 16

6. Cell phone.................................................................................................................................................................. 17

6.1 Additional Features ........................................................................................................................................................ 17

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6.2 Service Providers ............................................................................................................................................................ 18

7. Library ....................................................................................................................................................................... 19

8. Finance ...................................................................................................................................................................... 20

8.1 Student Loans ................................................................................................................................................................ 20

8.2 Scholarships and Awards ............................................................................................................................................... 20

8.3 Teaching/Research Assistantship ................................................................................................................................... 21

8.4 Bank Account ................................................................................................................................................................. 21

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1. HOUSING

1.1 ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMS

Bachelor/Studio Apartment: The apartment consists mainly of a large room which is the living, dining, and bedroom combined. Kitchen facilities are included this central room, but the bathroom has its own smaller separate room.

Row house (Town house): A row of houses. Each house shares at least one wall with a neighboring house.

Walk-Up Apartment: An apartment building that has two or more floors with units only accessible by stairs. There are no elevators.

Furnished: A unit where appropriate living supplies are provided. For example, your bed, desk and chairs.

Unfurnished: Furniture is not provided. Resident(s) are responsible for providing all necessary furniture (with the exception of the fridge and stove).

Security deposit: The fee provided by the resident to landlord to confirm their space in residence. This fee is held until the resident moves out and may be used to compensate the “Residence Services”/landlord for any damages done to the unit.

Utilities: Include heat, water, power, cable (TV), phone, and internet. Depending on the landlord some of these are included and some are not. Heat and Power are normally included.

Lease: A contract conferring a right on one person (called a tenant or lessee) to possess property belonging to another person (called a landlord or lessor) to the exclusion of the owner landlord. It is a rental agreement between landlord and tenant. This can be monthly, 6, 8 or 12 months. In simple words: your rental contract.

Sublease: Sublease (or, less formally, sublet) is the name given to an arrangement in which the lessee in a lease assigns the lease to a third party, thereby making the old lessee the sub-lessor, and the new lessee the sub-lessee, or subtenant. This means you are renting and renting out the same property at the same time.

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1.2 LANDLORD- TENANT LAW

http://www.landlordandtenant.org/splash.aspx

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/reho/yogureho/fash/fash_001.cfm

1.3 TYPES OF HOUSING

Depending on your taste, you may choose one of the following categories:

On- campus

There are some residences on campus that you may be able to apply for through this link: http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/residences/

Off- campus

1. http://edmonton.kijiji.ca/

2. http://www.rentedmonton.com/

3. Post an advertisement in University of Alberta International Students Network (UAISN) mailing list and inform others that you are looking for a room or roommate, you may also get some emails from others regarding available housing:

http://www.mailman.srv.ualberta.ca/mailman/listinfo/uaisn

*Check this link for finding housing too: http://edmonton.en.craigslist.ca/

1.4 TEMPORARY HOUSING

If you need to find a cheap place to stay for a few days you can check the following options:

• University Lister centre:

http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/residences/nav02.cfm?nav02=23477&nav01=26253

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• Hosteling International(HI): http://www.hihostels.ca/westernCanada/1404/HI-Edmonton.hostel

• Go backpackers Hostel: http://www.gohostels.ca/

More expensive ones would be hotels:

• Ramada Inn –South Edmonton: http://www.hotels.ca/ho131128/ramada-inn-water-park-edmonton-south-edmonton-canada/

• Coast Edmonton House Hotel – Edmonton: http://www.hotels.ca/ho132849/coast-edmonton-house-hotel-edmonton-canada/

2. TRANSPORTATION

2.1 ETS WEBSITE

Edmonton Transit System (ETS) operates a variety of public transportation services including buses, Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Disabled Adult Transportation Services (DATS). Here are some hints for you to take full advantage of the transit system in Edmonton:

• You can get lots of useful information if you go through ETS website: http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/edmonton-transit-system-ets.aspx • If you want to plan your trip to a new destination in the city, ETS trip planner would tell you how to get there. Here is the address: http://coewebapps.edmonton.ca/external/Transit3/TripPlannerAdvanced.aspx • If you need to know a bus schedule, check this out: http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/route-schedules-and-maps.aspx • You can pick a hard copy of bus schedules up in any information desk throughout the U of A (HUB, SUB, CAB, ETLC, etc.). You can also get it when you are on-board! • A single bus or LRT ticket is $2.85. A pack of 10 tickets is $22.80. Day Pass is $8.55and Monthly Pass is $84.65. (Damn expensive! Right? But don’t worry and keep reading!)

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2.2 U-PASS

• The Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) provides eligible students (That is us) with unlimited access to regular Edmonton, St. Albert and Strathcona County Transit services for Fall (September – December), Winter (January – April) academic terms and Summer (May – August). The U-Pass is a partnership between the University, the Students’ Union, the Graduate Students’ Association and the three participating municipalities. (http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/u-pass/)

• U-Pass stickers will be available to registered students towards the end of August. The Fall term U-Pass stickers will not be valid for travel until September 1.

• U-Pass stickers are distributed in several booths throughout the university. Just look for the U-Pass signs when you are on campus.

• Well, there is no need to mention that you can always take a taxi. However, it is definitely a lot more expensive than public transportation. Here are some contacts in case you need one: Yellow Cab: (780) 462-3456, Co-op: (780)425-2525 and Capital Taxi: (780) 423-2425. Just give them a call and they will be there in a few minutes.

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3. SHOPPING

3.1 FOOD

Depending on where you are living and whether you can drive, you may have access to some grocery stores around Edmonton. To find the store locations, simply Google them. For example, to find Save on Foods stores in the Google map, search “Save on Foods Edmonton” or use saveonfoods.com to find store hours as well.

The following table shows grocery stores sorted by the price:

Name Distance from campus Comments Costco Needs a car No tax! But everything comes in large

quantity, better buy your stuff in a group of 3 or more

Superstore Accessible by bus and LRT (104 st. and 54 ave.) or (Clearview station) or Northgate

The majority of Iranians buy their needs from Superstore. Enjoy the noname brand! It’s cheap.

Save on Foods Accessible by bus and LRT (104 st. and 80 ave.) or (Jasper ave. and 109 st. )

Get the club card!

Safeway Whyte ave. and 109 st. Get the club card and look for deals! Mac’s (87 ave. and 111 st.) or (87 ave.

and 117 st.) or (82 ave. and 107 st.) or (85 ave. and 112 st.)

It’s 24/7 but sort of expensive!

Name Distance from campus Comments Alcoholic Drinks (liquor depot)

Near campus: (Whyte ave. and 111 st.) or (Whyte ave. and 109 st.) or (Whyte ave. and 108 st.)

Have your picture ID with you!

Halal Meat (34 ave. and 99 st.) or (105 ave. and 107 st.)

The one in south has better quality. You can also find liver and beef tongue there!

Fruits and Vegetables

H&W (accessible by bus) and Farmers Market (103 st. and 83 ave.)

All grocery stores have fruits and vegetables, but these stores are specifically for vegetables.

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3.2 CLOTHING

In Canada and US, there are many departmental stores such as Sears, Zellers, The Bay and Winners, which can be found in almost every single mall. You can buy your cloths, furniture, house decorations, and bedroom needs from different departments in those stores.

Shopping Centre Distance from campus Comments West Edmonton Mall Accessible by bus (#4,#106 from

campus) The 2nd biggest indoor mall in North America!

City Centre Accessible by LRT (Churchill station) In the middle of downtown.

Kingsway Accessible by bus (#9,#130) Southgate Accessible by bus (any root going to

southgate transit centre) or LRT (from campus)

A compact and lovely one!

Bonnie Doon Accessible by bus (any root going through Whyte ave.)

Good for Whyte ave residents.

South Edmonton Common

Needs a car (also accessible by a non-frequent bus)

Outlet stores at their lowest prices!

3.3 STATIONARY

Dollarama (AKA Dollar store) is a convenient place to buy everything at 1 or 2 dollars even cables, gift cards, and stationary. Also, you can find stationary in University Bookstore at SUB, Bookstore at HUB mall and grocery stores.

3.4 FURNITURE AND HOUSEHOLDS

Name Comments Ikea Fairly good prices The Brick Sort of expensive! Check out the clearance store at 119 st. and 118

ave. Wait for their crazy sales! Surplus Cheap mattresses! Canadian Tire Home hardware kijiji A great online resource even for housing usededmonton A great online resource

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3.5 COMPUTER ACCESSORIES

It is recommended to check out the prices online before going to any retailer.

The last but not least is to try Google everything! It helps you buy better and saves your time.

Name Distance from campus Comments Futureshop Accessible buy LRT (get

off at Corona, you can reach the downtown branch at 109 st. and 103 ave.)

Don’t miss boxing day sales!

Bestbuy The west branch is accessible by bus.

Don’t miss boxing day sales!

Apple Store At West Edmonton Mall and Southgate Mall

Go and try their products! Don’t miss the back to school sale (till Sep. 15)

University Microstore

Ground level of SUB If you are going to buy anything by your supervisor’s funding, take an indent form with yourself. It’s a great place to buy Apple products as you can get more student discounts. Don’t miss good-and-cheap cables!

Tigerdirect.ca Online Possibly the cheapest one available online

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4. HEALTH CARE

Medical expenses can be extremely high in Canada. You will need medical insurance when you are here.

4.1 GOVERNMENT HEALTH CARE REGISTRATION

If you will be a resident of Alberta for 12 months or longer, you can register in the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. This covers most costs incurred for services provided by a physician and hospitalization.

It will not cover:

• dental care • eyeglasses • prescription medication

As of January 2009 Alberta Health Care Insurance is free of Charge. Although there is no cost you must still submit an application in order to be covered by the Insurance plan. You must apply within 90 days of your arrival, and the effective date of coverage will be retroactive to the first day you arrived in Alberta from outside Canada. Contact the International Centre upon arrival for application forms and detailed information.

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) is the basic health insurance plan for residents. AHCIP covers visits to the doctor, lab costs, as well as hospital costs.

Along with the application form, you must submit a clear photocopy of:

• Photo identification (passport); • Your Work or Study Permit; • Your dependents’ immigration documents (if applicable); and • A document showing proof of residency in Alberta. The AHCIP application form has detailed information about what is considered proof of Alberta residency. Some options are: a copy of your rental or lease agreement; or a utility or telephone bill with your name and address on it.

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4.2 GSA INSURANCE

Students who register full-time in the Fall Term (September) are automatically assessed Supplementary Health and Dental Fees as follows: Undergraduate students - Approx. $300 for the Students' Union Health and Dental Plan. Graduate Students - Approx. $400 for the Graduate Students' Association Health and Dental Plan

Initiated by the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA), the Health & Dental Plan is a valuable service designed to fill the gaps in government health care. The Plan includes coverage for

• prescription drugs, vaccinations, and health practitioners; • travel health coverage; • dental checkups and cleanings, fillings, extractions, etc.; and • Eye exams, eyeglasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery. As an on-campus, off-campus, or international graduate student registered full-time in the Fall Term and as a member of the GSA, you are automatically covered by the GSA Health and Dental Plan. (A full-time student is registered for at least 9 or more graduate credits in the Fall Term.)

Part-time students and new full-time or part-time Winter Term students are not automatically covered, but they may enroll during the Change-of-Coverage Period by paying an additional fee. Students who are not members of the GSA are not covered and cannot enroll. This includes undergraduate students, auditing students, and visiting exchange students.

The fee for 12 months of coverage (September 1, 2011–August 31, 2012) is $378 ($215.25 for Health and $162.75 for Dental). The cost of the Plan is included in your student fees.

Change-of-Coverage Period

• For students starting in September: August 28–September 16, 2011 (for students who wish to opt out or to enroll themselves and their spouse/dependants)

• For new students starting in January: January 5–18, 2012 (only for new Winter Term students who wish to enroll themselves and their spouse/dependants)

If you have an existing medical condition or detailed medical history, bring an English copy of your medical record with you. If you are taking prescription medication bring an adequate

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supply of any prescription medication you are presently taking. Contact a doctor when you arrive to obtain a prescription for the same medication or, if such medication is not available in Canada, a prescription for suitable medication that is available. If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses bring an extra pair of eyeglasses and/or a supply of contact lenses.

Visit http://www.ihaveaplan.ca, call toll-free 1 (866) 795-4430, or drop by the GSA Office if you have further questions.

http://www.postdoc.ualberta.ca/en/HealthCoverage.aspx

http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/uai_current/uahip.cfm

http://www.uhc.ualberta.ca/

http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/uai_current//pdfs/UAHIP-Brochure.pdf

4.3 MEDICAL RESOURCES ON CAMPUS

4.3.1 Student Health Resource Centre

The Student Health Resource Centre is located on the second floor of SUB in Room 2-300, right next door to the University Health Centre.

You can access to a wide variety of health information materials such as pamphlets, brochures and handouts on topics related to sexual health, alcohol, nutrition, and stress. The Health Education Coordinator and the Dietitian are available for consultation during the fall and winter terms.

4.3.2 University Health Centre

University Health Centre Clinic, Student Counseling and Pharmacy are available on weekdays. It is located on 2-200 Students Union Building (2nd Floor SUB) Tel: (780) 492-2612 .Their Services may be accessed by:

• Full time students (including their immediate family members - spouse, significant partner and children) • part time and Open Studies students (including their immediate family members - spouse, significant partner and children) • academic and non-academic staff Your One Card and proof of health care insurance coverage is required at the Reception.

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5. REGISTRATION

First thing you should do prior to your arrival is registration and get your student ID (ONEcard). Please note that you have to register at least for one course to be able to get you ID card. Another important card that you have to obtain is SIN (Social insurance number) card.

5.1 COURSE REGISTRATION

• Find out which courses are offered in your department (Department website or Bear tracks)

• Make a plan about the courses you want to take during your program (Consult your supervisor and co-workers)

• If the previous part takes time, try to register at least for one course; you’ll be able to change it several times before the registration deadline.

• Have your CCID and Password with you. • Registration should be done online and through bear tracks:

https://www.beartracks.ualberta.ca

Complete guide on using bear tracks can be found: http://www.registrar.ualberta.ca/ro.cfm?id=757

5.2 ONECARD (STUDENT ID)

What is it? University of Alberta uses an ID known as the ONEcard. It serves not only as ID but also allows for things like photocopying, door access, library, recreation and many other services on campus. It is also essential if you plan on using the public transport system in Edmonton. Your card will have a validation sticker applied to it and it then serves as your pass (U-Pass)

• When can you get it? A while after registering in at least one course. • Where to get? Room B-12 Cameron Library (Basement). • What else is needed? Have your passport as an ID and 7-digit UofA ID number when you

come to pick up your ONEcard.

More information can be found in this link: http://www.onecard.ualberta.ca/

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5.3 SIN CARD

What is it? According to Canadian regulations every person who works should be registered and have identification number which is called SIN. This nine-digit number starts with 9 for non-permanent residences.

When can you apply? After visiting your department

Which documents are needed? Passport, Study permit issued by CIC and a contract of employment from the learning institution or employer on campus where you obtained authorization to study by CIC (this contract must show the start and end date of employment and these dates must fall within the study permit dates).

Where to go? Here is the address: Canada Place, Main Floor, 9700 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton; Take the LRT and get off in Central Station.

5.4 ALBERTA IDENTIFICATION CARD AND DRIVING LICENSE

Alberta ID and driving license are alternatives to passport as personal identity. Both ID cards can be obtained through Alberta registry offices.

• Alberta ID: Obtaining an Alberta ID is easy and fast. Please visit http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/1048.cfm for more information

• Driving license: As long as you are a graduate students and have Iranian driving license translation you’d be able t rent a car and drive but in case you are interested in obtaining Alberta driving license, contact the Alberta registry offices located in Edmonton.

• Document translation: Official translations can be done through an organization with a low cost for immigrants and newcomers. Please visit: http://eisa-edmonton.org/ for more information.

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6. CELL PHONE

Purchasing and using cell phones in Canada is different in many ways from Iran. In Iran, you could select your cell phone device, and then purchase the SIM card and set it up. In Canada, you should select the service provider first, and you can then choose your desired cell phone device among the ones provided for you by that service provider.

Contrary to Iran that you could get all the services, such as sms, just by buying the SIM card; in Canada, you should add every single additional feature separately. In this regard, we are going to explain the cell phone purchasing process in two sections; service providers and additional features.

6.1 ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Plan: Choosing the right plan is the main part of your cell phone purchase. You should estimate your talking minutes, and get your plan according to that estimation. You should note that incoming call minutes are separate from outgoing ones. If you know that your receiving calls from Iran are frequent, you can add the unlimited incoming calls service to your plan. Most of the service providers provide the customers with free calls or additional minutes for evenings and weekends.

Voice Message: This service works if you miss your incoming calls. The caller can leave a message for you, and you can answer them back if you like.

Text Message: SMS; If your usage is high, adding this service to your plan is highly recommended.

Call Display: This service provides you with the caller phone number.

Data Plan: If you are willing to use Internet on your cell phone you should add data plan in addition to your regular plan. The selection is based on transferred Mega Bytes of 500MB or 1GB.

Student Plan: Some service providers provide the student plan that is cheap and suitable for international students. You can ask for it with your valid ONEcard at any service provider booths.

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6.2 SERVICE PROVIDERS

Koodo: The best advantage of Koodo is that it doesn’t need any contract. With the usual service providers, you should have a contract of one, two or even three years that is not needed when you are using Koodo. The calls are second-based (not minute-based). The disadvantages of Koodo are the limited sets of cell phone devices, and the mandatory SIN number for purchasing it. iPhone is also not available with Koodo.

Wind: Wind mobile provide some student plan that is significantly economical compared to other service providers. The advantage of Wind mobile is no contract plans that can be terminated at anytime as well as most of unlimited local calling. The disadvantage of Wind mobile is its limited coverage that you should be aware of. Extra charge will be on Out-of-Wind Zone network coverage. You may also not be able to find fancy phone with Wind.

Fido: With Fido you should sign a contract. Although the prices are higher in comparison with Koodo or Wind, it has more variety in cell phone devices and plan selections. The calls are second-based too. There is a Fido-to-Fido plan which allows you to have unlimited calls and text messages with other Fido customers.

Rogers: Although it’s more expensive than the above service providers, it has much more variety in plans. My5 and My10 plans are famous since you can add 5 or 10 numbers to your cell phone, and it provides you with unlimited calls and text messages. If you have much contact with Iran, you can add your phone-card number (that you make your calls to Iran with) in your my5 or my10, and have unlimited incoming and outgoing calls with them.

Other service providers, like Bell, Tellus and Solo are less popular, but may contain some good features though.

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7. LIBRARY

The resources of the University of Alberta Libraries comprise one of the major research collections in Canada. U of A libraries are numerous and information about U of A libraries can be found at http://www.library.ualberta.ca/aboutus/index.cfm

• To familiarize yourself with a lot of basic information, the first thing you should do is to review the frequently asked questions: http://www.library.ualberta.ca/libraryfaq/, or to take a look at the services for students: http://www.library.ualberta.ca/services/students/index.cfm

• Since services that the U of A libraries provides for us are numerous, when there is a related workshop, do your best to be there. This is absolutely beneficial!

• Cameron Library is the library of science and technology. It is open 24 hours / day Sundays through Thursdays during the Fall & Winter terms, and the Cameron Library Study Hall (B-05) is open from 7am-2am year round.

• When you have questions, there are different ways that you can communicate with a librarian to ask your questions. These include live chat with a librarian, phone call, email and visiting a librarian. Just go to http://www.library.ualberta.ca/askus/ and take your pick. Obviously, the easiest and fastest one is a live chat with a librarian.

• One of the remarkable services of the U of A libraries is “Interlibrary loan service”. This allows us to obtain books and articles not owned by the University of Alberta library system. We can get items from other Canadian libraries, the United States and internationally. The service is free to the primary users (students, faculty and staff) with a valid ONECard. For more information visit http://www.library.ualberta.ca/interlibraryloan/index.cfm

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8. FINANCE

There are many types of financial aid available to enrolled graduate students through University of Alberta. Provided below is a list of the types of financial aid and services available. For more information and a complete list of the financial assistance programs offered by Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR), please visit their web site at: http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/awardsfunding/

8.1 STUDENT LOANS

The University of Alberta International Centre administers International Student Emergency Loan Fund and an Emergency Bursary Fund to assist students caught in emergency situations. The aim of the loans scheme is to provide short term financial assistance to enable students to continue their studies. Loans are available to students who are currently enrolled at this University. Students also need to have a satisfactory academic record and the financial capacity to repay a loan. Loans must be repaid within a specified time period so other needy students can benefit from these limited funds. (http://www.international.ualberta.ca)

8.2 SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

There are a wide variety of scholarships awarded to students based on academic excellence and/or talent. Scholarships vary in their amounts and the number of years given aid. For example, they can be awarded one time payment or receive aid annually for a certain number of years. Like a grant, students do not need to pay back the money awarded in a scholarship. The FGSR scholarship programs include:

• General Awards Competition • Recruitment Scholarship Competition • Killam Trust Scholarships • FGSR Travel Awards • President’s Doctoral Prize of Distinction • Alberta Ingenuity Recruitment Scholarships

For further information and details on eligibility, access the scholarships website using http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/awardsfunding/scholarships/index.htm.

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8.3 TEACHING/RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP

Assistantships require students to usually work as Research Assistants (RA) or Teaching Assistants (TA). TA's directly participate in the teaching mission of the university as lab instructors or lecture assistants. RA's directly participate in the research mission of the university, or an on-campus or off-campus organization that is affiliated with the university, in the design of experiments, data collection, analysis, or reporting of research results in the student's field of study, where research may contribute directly to the student's thesis or dissertation. The amount awarded through assistantships varies based on faculty/department grants. Every department has their own regulations and requirements for TA's and RA's. Contact your department for more information.

8.4 BANK ACCOUNT

All recipients of fellowship awards and assistantships are required to open a bank account to have their stipends deposited directly into personal accounts. The initial check for those who have not signed up for Bruin Direct will be held for pickup. However, they will likely experience a delay of several days in receiving their checks.

Canadian banks are keen to offer services to International Students, however as they need to collect certain information from you to meet Canadian government financial rules the process of opening a bank account requires several documents. You can make this process easier and less time consuming by following these points: • Make sure you have all the necessary documents when you go to the bank (see summary of banks requirements in the table) • Go to the bank as soon as possible after you arrive in Edmonton, as the banks will be very busy opening a lot of new student accounts, try to avoid lunchtimes which are very busy periods at the bank. A summary of the facilities offered by the four main Canadian banks, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), TD Canada Trust, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) and Bank of Montreal

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(BMO) is included in this handbook. This information is provided as a guide only and you will need to check with the bank for more detailed information. Bank Name RBC TD CIBC BMO Closest Branch to Campus

10843-82nd Ave. 10864-82nd Ave. 8207-112th St 10802-82nd Ave.

Telephone 780-448-6900 780-448-8450 780-432-1620 780-441-6565

Website http://www.rbc.com

https://www.tdcanadatrust.com

http://www.cibc.com

http://www.bmo.com

Required Documents

Passports Student ID

Study Permit

Passports Student ID

Study Permit

Passports Student ID

Study Permit

Passports Student ID

Study Permit Appointment Required

Not necessary, Recommended

Not necessary, Recommended

Not necessary, Recommended

Not necessary, Recommended

Student Account

Yes - Free Yes - Free Yes - Free Yes - Free

First Edition Prepared (2009):

o Niousha Bolandzadeh, o Shima Khatibisepehr, o Kasra Nikooyeh, o Mahshad Pazouki, o Mahdi Ramezani, o Ali Torabi , o Nima Yousefi Moghaddam, o Beniamin Zahiri

Second Edition (2011):

Iranians Monthly

o Nima Yousefi Moghaddam o Mohsen Nicksiar