There can be a lot to remember before September starts. That’s why we’ve put together a checklist to prepare you and your student for their first semester at MSVU.

Parent/Supporter Checklist

Download a plain text PDF of the What to do before first year Parent/Supporter Checklist

• Talk with your student about drugs/alcohol, consent, and sexual violence prevention.
• Ensure your student is up to date on their vaccines. Talk to your health provider about additional vaccines, including Hepatitis series and Meningococcal.
• Find housing for the academic year.
• Encourage your student to get started with Mount 101. This mandatory program will be available on their Moodle account in late-July.
• Encourage your student to connect with their Mount Mentor (mount.mentor@msvu.ca). Mount Mentors are there to answer questions and support students throughout their entire first year at MSVU.
• Stay updated by following key accounts on social media.
• Help your student fill out required forms and documents (e.g., residence agreements, proof of graduation, transcripts, etc.).

Finances

• Discuss finances and determine a realistic budget for the academic year.
• Prepare for payments and make note of tuition deadlines.
• Support your student as they apply for entrance bursaries, student loans, and confirm scholarship offers.

Student Checklist

Download a plain text PDF of the What to do before your first year Student Checklist

• Register for classes in the Fall and Winter terms. Not sure what classes to take? Meet with an Academic Advisor to help with course selection and program planning.
• If you have or suspect you have a disability, meet with an Accessibility Advisor and register with Accessibility Services.
• Connect with your Mount Mentor. Ask them questions and learn more about what to expect and how to prepare for September.
• Get ready for Orientation. The full schedule will be released in July and you’ll receive more information by email.
• Find housing for the academic year. Living on campus is a great option, so check out MSVU Residence!
• Figure out transportation to campus.
  • Public transit: All eligible students have unlimited access to Metro Transit Bus, Ferry, and Access-A-Bus services through their UPass. You can pick up your UPass at the beginning of the Fall term.
  • Paid parking is available on campus through the HotSpot app.
• Get started on Mount 101 (or Mount 201 if you’re a transfer student). This mandatory program will be available on your Moodle account with the start of courses.
• Be sure you know your MSVU student ID number and can log into myMount and Moodle using your MSVU username and password. If you forget or need to reset your password, contact the IT&S Help Desk.
• Download the MSVU SAFE app.
• Get up to date on your vaccines. Talk to your health care provider about additional vaccines, including the Hepatitis series and Meningococcal.
• Stay updated by following key accounts on social media.
  • Instagram: @msvu_halifax, @mount101__msvu, @msvu.orientation, @msvusu, @msvu_iec, @mountcampusrec, @msvu_caass
  • Facebook: Mount Saint Vincent University, Mount 101, MSVU Orientation, Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success, MSVU International Education Centre
  • TikTok: @msvutiktok, @mount101mentors
• Make note of important deadlines, including tuition deadlines and the add/drop deadlines.
• Discuss finances, determine a realistic budget for the year, and prepare for tuition and fees payments.
• Apply for entrance bursaries and student loans.
• Confirm scholarship offers.
• Fill out required forms and documents (e.g., proof of graduation, final transcripts, residence agreements, confirm scholarship offers, etc.). Pay attention to the emails that MSVU sends for more information.

Additional Tasks for International Students

• Apply for your study permit.
• Connect with the International Education Centre.
• Find accommodations, ideally before you arrive in Halifax.
• Arrange travel to Halifax.
• Register for New International Student Orientation.