International student orientation and welcome
Studying in a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. To help international students with their transition to Canada and the University of Manitoba, the International Centre offers orientation and welcome programming at the beginning of each term. Get the information you need and connect with other international students going through the same experience.
Pre-arrival Online Orientation
Start with pre-arrival information to learn what you need to know before you arrive in Canada.
Our International Student Pre-Arrival Online Orientation is intended to help you prepare for your arrival in Canada.
It is MANDATORY for all international students to complete their online orientation.
(Please note: exchange students and students entering International College of Manitoba or English Language Centre are not included in UMLearn enrolment. You are NOT required to complete.)
In the online orientation, you will learn very important information about:
- Services and supports from the International Centre, including before and after you arrive
- Winnipeg: get familiar with transportation, weather, and safety in your new city
- Housing options, and your renting rights and responsibilities
- Healthcare: including the Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MISHP)
- Canadian Culture: learn about Canadian culture and communication styles, Indigenous culture, and how to adapt to culture shock
- Registration, Finances and Fees, including how to register, when to pay your fees, how to set up a bank account, and ways to find scholarships and awards.
- Family resources, support for students who are bringing their families
Work through each of the modules at your own pace with the ability to stop and return to your last spot to complete later. The time taken will vary depending on each individual learner, but you can expect it to take you anywhere from several hours or longer if you want to take your time. Ideally you should complete the course before arriving in Canada. However, it is still beneficial if you still complete it within your first month on campus.
Fall 2026 admitted students will be enrolled in the course starting July 1, 2026.
How to get access
1. Enrolment: After you have accepted your offer, you will automatically be enrolled in the course. Enrolments occur weekly, on Tuesdays. You will receive an email to your @myumanitoba.ca email once you are enrolled in the course.
2. Signing in: you need to sign into our online course system, UMLearn using your UMNetID (same as your Email account). Don't have your email account yet? Claim it here.*
*You can claim your ID 48 hours after you’ve accepted your offer.
3. To access the course, once you are logged into UMLearn, navigate to the menu bar at the top of the screen and search International Student Pre-arrival Orientation 2026.
Need additional support?
If you want to learn more about how to navigate courses in UMLearn, you can watch this video: UM Learn Navigation Tutorial - Learner
If you need support accessing your course, you can contact crystal.stewart@umanitoba.ca.
Welcome Mentors
Get a Welcome Mentor who is an experienced UM student to help you during your first term on campus!
The Welcome Mentor program pairs new international students with experienced UM students, allowing both to develop skills and meaningful relationships.
Welcome Mentor Application
Who can apply to receive a Welcome Mentor?
New international UM students are encouraged to apply. New students (called mentees) must be:
- Enrolled at UM starting in the Fall 2026 term in their undergraduate or graduate program.
- Students on exchange, entering International College of Manitoba or English Language Centre are not eligible to apply.
How can a Welcome Mentor help me?
Welcome Mentors are matched for your first term on campus! A Welcome Mentor will:
- provide information and support as you prepare to leave your home country and arrive in Canada. Your mentor would start contacting you by email and you can meet virtually to ask questions
- create a safe and open environment that encourages you to discuss any concerns and ask questions
- make appropriate referrals for supports and resources, both on and off-campus
- create a supportive environment to help you transition to UM
Time Commitment
Welcome Mentor Matches will begin meeting virtually (by email and video chat) in August, then meet in-person once you arrive on campus. Meet with your Welcome Mentor for your first term (September-December) on campus.
International Student Orientation
To help you prepare to start your studies, we have designed International Student Orientation and Welcome sessions specifically for international students. We offer sessions at the beginning of every term.
Fall International Student Orientation
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Room 210 (MPR Room), second floor, UMSU University Centre
Students entering ICM, entering ELC, or Exchange students will have their own program-specific orientation to attend. Please contact your program coordinator/advisor for more details.
Schedule of Program:
Thursday, September 3, 2026
- 10:30 am - Registration & Sign-in
- 11:00 pm - Program Starts
- 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Late Lunch and Sponsor Fair
Registration opens August 12.
Please save or screenshot your QR code to gain access to the event on April 30. You will receive this after completing your registration and a copy emailed to you from sender "International Student Orientation".
If you require the slides in an alternative format for accessibility, please contact crystal.stewart@umanitoba.ca
Welcome Events
These workshops and events will help you be informed, healthy, and successful as you transition to the University of Manitoba.
Our Sponsors
Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors!
Your support helps to welcome new UM students to our campuses and set them up for success as they start their studies at UM.
Contact us
Crystal Stewart
International Transitions & Intercultural Program Coordinator
541 UMSU University Centre
75A Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
204-474-8501