New International Student Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I arrive in Ottawa? We encourage you to arrive in Ottawa at least 1-2 weeks before the start of classes. This will allow you to settle your accommodations, set up your Canadian bank account, obtain your U-Pass, take a tour of the campus and prepare for your next steps.

2. How do I get to Ottawa? If arriving by air you will be arriving in Ottawa at MacDonald-Cartier International Airport. More information can be found here.

3. What should I expect when I arrive at Customs and Immigration? When you arrive in Canada you will be greeted by a Canada Border Services Agent and will be asked to present documents. Make sure they are not packed in your luggage and that you have them with you. More information can be found here.

4. How do I find housing/accommodations? You have many options for accommodations and you are required to coordinate your own accommodation and related expenses. More information can be found here.

5. Do I need to register for classes? No, your timetable will be available for viewing on Brightspace: https://brightspace.algonquincollege.com/.

The date most timetables will be released is published on the Academic Calendar. Visit the calendar here.

6. Where can I find my Algonquin College network account and student email info? Log into ACSIS (which stands for “Algonquin College Student Information System” – your one-stop online student portal) to receive your Network Account Information, including your student email address.

The first time you log in, you will use your student number and birthdate, then create a new password once you’re logged in. If you don’t know your student number, or if the information is correct but you are receiving an error message, reach out to the Registrar’s Office at algonquincollege.com/ro/askus.

Visit the following link to obtain more information.

7. Where can I find information about my Health Insurance plan? GuardMe is your health insurance provider. You will be sent an email from GuardMe at the beginning of the term with will contain your policy information. Please keep and read this email. More information about your health insurance policy can be found here.

8. Can I work on and off campus? Please visit our Working in Canada website to learn more about your eligibility to work in Canada. More information can be found at the following links:

Working in Canada

• Online Self-Assessment Tool: Eligibility to Work in Canada

IRCC Guidelines

• IRCC Guidelines on On-Campus Work
• IRCC Guidelines on Off-Campus Work

Getting Around Town

If you are not using Arrival Services upon arrival, rideshares such as Uber and Lyft are available in Ottawa. There are also taxis available outside the airport terminal on arrival. Make sure you have the address of where you are going and at least $70 in Canadian money.

For students studying in Ottawa, your UPass will start working the first day of the month in which classes start. Prior to this you can use cash or a Presto card to travel on public transit in Ottawa. For more information, visit the OC Transpo website.

Algonquin College’s Ottawa Campus is located at 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, across from OC Transpo’s Baseline Station.