Canadian students arriving in Kingston have a built-in understanding of how things work: what OHIP is, how a bank account opens, what a SIN number is and why it matters. International students arrive without that background knowledge and often spend the first month figuring out basics that aren't documented anywhere obvious. This guide covers those basics explicitly.
Your First Week: Non-Negotiable Priorities
1. Bank Account
You cannot function in Canada without a Canadian bank account. Cash transactions are limited; e-transfer (the standard way Canadians pay each other for rent, shared bills, and casual transactions) requires a Canadian account. Open one in the first 48 hours.
TD and BMO both have internationally-oriented newcomer packages that waive fees and skip the credit history requirement that would otherwise exclude you. Bring your passport and study permit. The bank will ask for your SIN if you have one, but will open the account without it.
2. SIN Number
A Social Insurance Number is required to work legally in Canada. If you have a study permit that includes work authorization (most full-time Queen's study permits do), you're eligible for a SIN. Apply at the Service Canada office in Kingston — bring your passport and study permit, bring your confirmation letter from Queen's, and apply in the first week. It's processed same-day at the office. Without a SIN you cannot be employed legally.
3. Healthcare Coverage
OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) covers Ontario residents but has a 3-month waiting period from arrival. During that 3 months, your Queen's student health plan covers you for most medical needs. Know how to access Student Wellness Services on campus for healthcare during the waiting period.
Once eligible for OHIP, apply at a Service Ontario location. Bring your passport, study permit, and proof of Ontario address.
Academic Culture Differences
These come up consistently for international students at Queen's:
- Participation matters: Many Queen's courses include participation grades. Speaking in class, contributing to seminars, and engaging with professors in office hours are expected behaviors, not optional extras.
- Academic integrity standards are strict: Queen's enforces academic integrity policies rigorously. Understand what constitutes plagiarism, collaboration rules per course, and proper citation before submitting anything. When uncertain, ask your professor — they prefer that to discovering a violation after.
- Office hours are not a sign of weakness: Going to a professor's office hours to ask questions is normal and encouraged. It's not an imposition.
Finding Community in Kingston
Kingston has a significant international student population through Queen's. Resources:
- Queen's International Student Services Office (ISSO): Provides immigration advice, settlement support, and runs programs specifically for international students
- Queen's International student clubs: Regional and cultural clubs (Chinese Students Association, South Asian Students' Association, etc.) where you'll find community with people from similar backgrounds
- AMS Clubs: Joining clubs based on interests (sports, arts, academic) rather than nationality often leads to the broadest social network
Understanding Kingston Prices
For reference in Canadian dollars: rent per person in a shared student apartment runs $700-950/month plus utilities. Groceries run $200-250/month if you cook. Transit is free with your Queen's U-Pass. A meal at a mid-range restaurant runs $15-25 before tip. Tip in Canada is expected at restaurants — 15-18% is standard, 20% is common for good service.
What do international students need to set up when arriving at Queen's University?
Priority order: bank account (TD or BMO newcomer programs), SIN number application at Service Canada (required to work legally), student health plan activation through the AMS, and OHIP application (3-month waiting period starts from arrival). Connect with Queen's International Student Services Office for immigration advice and settlement support.
Do international students at Queen's get health insurance?
Yes — through the Queen's student health plan administered through the AMS. This covers you during the 3-month OHIP waiting period and supplements OHIP after coverage begins. The plan includes dental and vision components that OHIP doesn't cover. Opt out only if you have comparable coverage from another source.
