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.

Fall 2025 International Student Orientation at MSVU

We’re excited to welcome you to Mount Saint Vincent University as part of our vibrant and diverse international community. Our Fall 2025 International Student Orientation is your official introduction to life at MSVU, designed to help you settle in, make connections, and start your journey with confidence.

🗓 Orientation Dates:

Thursday, August 28 & Friday, August 29, 2025

📍 Multipurpose Room – MPR – Rosaria Student Centre, 4th Floor – Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

 

Register for Pre-arrival workshops

Register for the in-person International Day of Orientation 

Overview of International Student Days

You will receive:

  • Campus tour
  • Information about various MSVU Student Services
  • Your MSVU Student ID card and U-pass (bus pass)
  • Guidance on applying for a Nova Scotia ID and Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Many opportunities to socialize and meet other MSVU international students

Schedule for the International Student Days

Coming soon

Nova Scotia ID Clinic

Time and Date: To be determined

Location: To be determined

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)

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.

Register for Pre-arrival Webinars and Workshops

The pre-arrival webinars or workshops aim to prepare new international students for their upcoming new adventures at MSVU, Canada. We strongly suggest you register for the upcoming webinars or workshops and view the previously recorded webinars or workshops.

Register for Pre-arrival webinars or workshops

Register for Courses Online

For undergraduate students, our Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success will help you register for your classes. Please email them at advising@msvu.ca and make sure to include your full name, MSVU student number, and program of study.

For graduate students, please contact your program advisor directly. Contact information for your program advisor can be found on your Graduate Data Form. Your Data Form would have been emailed to you along with your MSVU Letter of Acceptance. Alternatively, you can email the administrative assistant of your faculty/academic department. You can find their contact information on the Mount’s Contact Us page.

For incoming exchange students, you must receive approval for all the courses you will be taking at the Mount. Please contact our International Partnerships Coordinator, Mr. Mahx Mason, by emailing global@msvu.ca.

Register for On-Campus Residence

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 campuswide Orientation

No matter where you’re coming from or how you found your way here, there’s a place for you at MSVU! Orientation is your chance to learn more about your new university, connect with people, make friends, and learn what it means to be a Mystic!

We’ve partnered with the Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union to deliver a program full of fun and informative social events and sessions. Join us for a chance to meet other students and connect with people in your program and across campus. Events are open to all new and returning MSVU students! No registration is required except where indicated under specific events.

More details to be announced.