Welcome to the Mount!

Starting your journey at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) is an exciting step, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re arriving for the Fall, Winter, or Summer term, our International Student Orientation is designed to help you feel at home, get settled, and succeed at MSVU.

Our orientation programs combine practical information, essential services, and fun, social activities to give you a strong start. You’ll connect with other international students, meet MSVU staff, and learn everything you need to know about living and studying in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

 

Get ready to kick off your MSVU journey!

Join us for Fall 2025 International Days of MSVU Orientation, a special part of Orientation designed just for you! It’s your chance to meet new friends, explore campus, and get all the important info to settle into life in Halifax.

 

Get a head start on your MSVU adventure!

Our Pre-Arrival Webinars and Workshops are designed to help you feel confident and prepared before you even arrive in Canada. You’ll get important tips, resources, and answers to your questions about life at MSVU.

 

Fall 2025 International Days of MSVU Orientation

We’re excited to welcome you to Mount Saint Vincent University as part of our vibrant and diverse international community. The International Days of MSVU Orientation is your official introduction to life at MSVU, designed to help you settle in, make connections, and start your journey with confidence.

What to Expect During International Days of MSVU Orientation

As a new international student at MSVU, we’re here to make your transition smooth and exciting. During International Days, you will:

  • Explore the Campus
    Enjoy a guided tour to help you get familiar with key spots on campus.
  • Learn About Student Services
    Get introduced to the wide range of services available to support your academic success and well-being.
  • Receive Your MSVU Student ID & U-Pass
    Your student ID gives you access to campus resources, and your U-Pass allows unlimited bus travel within Halifax.
  • Connect with Other Students
    Take part in fun social events designed to help you meet other international students and feel part of the MSVU community.
  • Get Help with Nova Scotia ID & Social Insurance Number 
    We’ll guide you through how to apply for your Nova Scotia government ID and Social Insurance Number (SIN)—essential for working in Canada. More information below.

🗓 International Days Dates:

Thursday, August 28 & Friday, August 29, 2025

📍 Multipurpose Room – MPR – Rosaria Student Centre, 3rd Floor – Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

If you need any assistance, feel free to contact us at international@msvu.ca.

 

🔗 MSVU General Fall Orientation 2025
Learn about additional orientation sessions open to all new students at MSVU.

 

 

Thursday, August 28

Coming Soon

Friday, August 29

Coming soon

Nova Scotia ID Clinic

Time and Date: Thursday, September 4, between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM.

Location: McCain Atrium, Rooms 102, 103, and 104.

Representatives will be on campus to meet with you and help you apply for an NS ID and SIN.

Registration is required! 

Register for your appointment time by clicking the link below.
Note: You should arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

          Register Here!

 

The NS ID Clinic does not require registration or appointments. It will be on a first-come, first-served basis. If you cannot make it on this day, you will need to apply for your NS ID at an office of Access Nova Scotia (the link goes to the website of the NS government).

Required documents:

  1. Your passport (must be original!)
  2. A color copy of your passport information page (the page with your full name and photo)
  3. A second piece of your ID, any of the following:
    • MSVU student ID
    • Credit or debit card with your full name and your signature
    • Government-issued ID in English with your photo and full name
    • Health Card with name and signature
  4. Print, fill out, and bring with you the Photo Identification Card Form (must be a hard copy!)

Fee: CAD $17.70 (pay with a credit card or a Canadian debit card on site). No Cash!

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Time and Date: Thursday, September 4, between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM

Location: McCain Atrium, Rooms 102, 103, and 104.

Representatives will be on campus to meet with you and help you apply for an NS ID and SIN.

Registration is required!

Register for your appointment time by clicking the link below.
Note: You should arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

          Register Here!

 

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a must if you need to work in Canada and when you file a tax return. You can apply for it in one of the following ways:

  1. At Service Canada’s booth at the Halifax International Airport when you arrive in Halifax (look for signs in the arrivals area);
  2. Go in person to a Service Canada Centre in the city.
  3. Online

(The links above go to the websites of the Federal Government of Canada).

Required documents:

  1. Your passport (must be original!)
  2. Your MSVU student ID (or your MSVU acceptance letter if at the airport upon your arrival)
  3. Your Study Permit and your Co-op Work Permit (If you have both, bring both, but if you don’t have a Co-op Work Permit, please only bring your Study Permit.)

Fee: No.

Important tasks to complete

We highly recommend taking the following steps.

Courses Registration Support

Undergraduate Students

The Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success is here to assist you with course registration.
Please email advising@msvu.ca and include the following details:

  • Your full name
  • Your MSVU student number
  • Your program of study

Graduate Students

To register for courses, please reach out directly to your program advisor. Their contact information is listed on your Graduate Data Form, which was emailed to you along with your MSVU Letter of Acceptance. If you’re unable to locate the form, you may contact the administrative assistant of your faculty or academic department. Their contact information can be found on the Mount’s Contact Us page.

Incoming Exchange Students

All exchange students must receive prior approval for the courses they intend to take at MSVU. Please contact our International Partnerships Coordinator, Mr. Mahx Mason, at global@msvu.ca for guidance.

Register For On-Campus Residence Life

Apply to live on campus.

Check out the ultimate residence packing list!

Do you have questions about living on campus? Email residence@msvu.ca

Attend the MSVU General Orientation

No matter where you’re coming from or how you got here, there’s a place for you at MSVU.
Orientation is your opportunity to get to know your new university, meet new people, make friends, and discover what it truly means to be a Mystic!

We’ve teamed up with the Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union to bring you a vibrant lineup of social events and info sessions—designed to be both fun and informative. It’s a great way to connect with fellow students in your program and across campus.

All new and returning MSVU students are welcome! Most events don’t require registration, but be sure to check the details for any exceptions.

MSVU General Fall Orientation 2025