Adjusting to a new country can bring up a wide range of emotions. At Brock, you’ll find resources to help you manage stress, homesickness, and mental health—so you can feel supported throughout your journey. 

Managing stress, anxiety, and homesickness

• Personal Counselling and Mental Health support is available to all registered Brock students. Personal Counselling is a free and confidential service where you can talk with a professional about anything on your mind—stress, homesickness, relationships, or adjusting to life in Canada. It’s a safe space to get support, feel heard, and find strategies to help you thrive at Brock. All counsellors are trained in Trauma Informed Practices.
• Managing busy schedules is one of the most common stressors students face. Learning Services provides skills workshops/resources, drop-in academic support, and tutoring to work on the skills you need to be successful.
• Do you have a disability? Do you think you might require further support in the classroom?  Student Accessibility Services can guide you in what supports are available in and out of the classroom.
• Homesickness is a natural emotional response to being away from familiar people, places, and routines. Stay connected to your roots by joining a cultural club or other hobby of interest through BUSU Clubs or visit several campus spaces that are dedicated to prayer and meditation.
• There are several off-campus resources for mental health including: Good2Talk, which is a 24/7, free, confidential service for post-secondary students in Ontario.

Access to counselling and peer support

• Personal Counselling is a free and confidential service where you can talk with a professional about anything on your mind—stress, homesickness, relationships, or adjusting to life in Canada. It’s a safe space to get support, feel heard, and find strategies to help you thrive at Brock. All counsellors are trained in Trauma Informed Practices.
• The Wellness Hub is a peer to peer drop in space where you can get general information on nutrition, sexual health, and more.
• The P2P Support Drop In from Human Rights and Equity offers a safe space for peer support services where students can seek support, educational resources, and referrals to on and off campus organizations from fellow peer assistants.
• Visit the The BSSC (Black Student Success Centre) is the academic and personal hub of professional growth and development for all Black students at Brock and acts as both a partner and key liaison to the broader university community.

Still not sure which service is best for you? Meet with our International Student Life Specialist to go over your options.

Making new connections is a big part of feeling at home. Discover ways to meet new people, get involved, and find your place within the Brock community and beyond. 

Building friendships and meaningful connections across cultures

• Stay in touch with other international students at Brock International events where you can find trips on and off campus, cultural days of significance and more.
• Meet with other students who have gone through the same journey as you. Find the International Student Ambassadors at events and learn more about how they can support you.
• At the beginning of each term, there are several  events that you can attend to meet others, like Welcome Week in Fall and Frost Week in Winter term. Stay connected by visiting ExperienceBU for events on and off campus.
• In addition to cultural and hobby/interest clubs, Brock University Student Union (BUSU) hosts several fun and engaging events for all students on campus. Are you a graduate student? There are events especially for your through the Graduate Student Association.
• Build your network through volunteering opportunities where you can help with events on campus and the community.

Community Events

• St. Catharines Downtown Association  hosts several events in the community from cultural celebrations to block parties. There is always something for everyone.  City of St. Catharines also holds several events throughout the year.
• Bridges Niagara  is a charitable not-for-profit organization incorporated as the Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines  having the mandate to support and assist the ethnocultural and newcomer community in Niagara through a broad range of programs and services. Bridges Niagara hosts several events with newcomers in mind including the Niagara Folk Arts Fesitval Open Houses in the spring.
• The Brock Library isn’t the only library you have access to. Did you know St. Catharines has 6 libraries! Find the one near you and take advantage of the resources available to you. Do you live in Thorold? There is a library in Thorold too!

Your culture and identity are valued here. Learn how we support you in staying connected to your roots while exploring life in a new country. 

Navigating cultural adjustment and culture shock

Being away from the comforts of home is an adjustment. Balancing connection to home with openness to new experiences, while caring for your well-being and using support systems, makes the transition smoother and more rewarding.

• Use campus resources to assist you while you navigate your new environment.
• Stay connected to home with small reminders of home (photos, music, food) to create comfort in your surroundings.
• Check out the Wisdom from Brock International Students and Alumni – a thoughtful tipsheet put together by international students and international student alumni with you in mind.
• The holiday season can lead to loneliness while students go back home to their families during the holiday break. Sign up for our Home for the Holidays program and get connected to a Brock staff or faculty to learn and embrace a new holiday tradition.
• Learn more about our indigenous land and history by visiting The Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Student Centre.

get involved

• Stay in touch with other international students at Brock International events where you can find trips on and off campus, cultural days of significance and more.
• Meet with other students who have gone through the same journey as you. International Student Ambassadors are there to support you.
• Stay connected to your roots by joining a cultural club or other hobby of interest through BUSU Clubs or visit several campus spaces that are dedicated to prayer and meditation.
• Attend an event on campus or in your residence. Make friends with both international and Canadian students for a balanced support network.

Succeeding in a new academic environment takes time and support. We offer resources to help you build confidence, balance your workload, and reach your academic goals. 

• We know that it can be overwhelming to study in another country, especially if there are differences in culture and academic expectations. Brock is here to support you in your academic transition and your future academic success. Visit our Academic Transitions Resources for more support in your academic journey.

• Brock Academic Advising offers both booked appointments (in person or virtual) and drop-in hours. Advisors help with course planning, choosing majors/minors, academic regulations, on-probation issues, returning from absence, and more.

• Looking for workshops on skills like time management, goal setting, essay writing, exam prep, study strategies, concentration? Learning Services is your one-stop shop! Also available through Learning Services is drop-in tutoring for a variety of courses (math, science, writing, research). One-on-one tutoring is also available for more tailored help.

• For students who have a permanent disability, temporary medical condition, or other accessibility needs, Student Accessibility Services facilitates academic participation by providing accommodations and support to students with disabilities.

• The Office of the Student Ombuds is an independent, impartial, and confidential office whose focus is to ensure undergraduate and graduate students at Brock University are treated fairly, equitably, and respectfully. The Office of the Student Ombuds provides guidance to students who are facing challenges that concern academic integrity, disciplinary, interpersonal, and financial issues.

Your health matters — whether it’s staying active, eating well, or knowing how to access care. Find support to take care of your body while adjusting to life in Canada. 

Stay Active

• Brock University has several programs to add fitness to your life. Learn more about the possibilities at Brock Recreation.
• As a Brock student, you have access to several free programs and fitness classes to reach your fitness goals. Check out the ExpressFIT schedule.
• Did you know the Zone has Women Only hours? Check the schedule on the Fitness Programs webpage.
• Stay active and try something new through a Sports Club.

Food on a budget

• Food Saving Apps: Flipp collects all store flyers in an area and provides easy access to all deals in 1 place. Flashfoods will tell you what nearby grocery stores are selling foods that are approaching their best before/expiration date and will be marked down considerably from their original price.
• On campus, the Faith and Life Centre hosts Free Community Dinners. The dinners run once a month and are completely FREE. They are provided, in partnership with Aramark and local worshipping communities. Get a taste of home with the homemade dinners. Faith and Life also prepares homemade frozen meals. Contact: [email protected] to schedule a pick up time.
• NEW International Student Ambassador Cookbook 2024-2025. Learn basic recipes and explore new ones with a carefully curated recipe book with budget friendly options in mind.

Food Security

• What is Food Insecurity? Food Insecurity is defined as ‘inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints’ and can range from worrying about running out of food, to going days without food.
• BUSU/GSA Food First: Emergency Grocery Card Service. The Food First Program: Emergency Grocery Card Service is a partnership between the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) and the Graduate Student’s Association (GSA). The program provides students impacted by food insecurity with a local grocery store gift card, helping students access fresh groceries when they need them most. In addition to the Food First gift card program, BUSU also provides students with free breakfasts one week each month. This typically consists of 3-4 days of our grab-and-go table (juice, yogurt, apples, granola bars, etc) and one day of a full hot breakfast. BUSU also hosts a number of other free food events through out the year. Upcoming food events will be listed on the BUSU website.
• Pop-up Farmers Market. In partnership with United Way Niagara, the Pay-What-You-Can Pop-Up Farmers Market began in September 2023 and has since become a monthly event. The market provides students with access to fresh, local produce at a cost they can afford. All donations made in exchange for produce go directly back into purchasing more fresh produce and pantry staples for the next market, creating a sustainable loop of community support.
• Community Cook Along. Community Cook Along brings students together to cook, learn, and share a meal in a campus kitchen. Volunteers guide participants through recipes, teaching culinary skills and food preparation techniques in a hands-on environment. At the end of the evening, students not only enjoy a shared meal but also take home extra portions, ensuring they have nutritious options for later. This program fosters community, builds practical life skills, and helps combat food insecurity in a meaningful and interactive way.
• Find the next Food Security event on ExperienceBU Brock Food4U.

Managing money in a new country can be challenging. Learn about the tools and support available to help you budget, plan, and reduce financial stress. 

Managing tuition, living expenses, and part-time work

• Ensure you don’t accumulate any unnecessary late fees by checking the tuition due date deadlines.
• Brock offers numerous awards, scholarships and bursaries. You can apply to the vast majority of these awards through the Brock University OneApp. In addition to the awards available through the OneApp, there are automatic admission awards, prestige awards and awards for incoming student athletes.
• Apply to hundreds of awards and bursaries at once through OneApp.
• View the Financial Literacy information for tips to help manage your money.
• A budget is a plan for using your money. Planning how your year will be financed is an important first step. Learn more about Budgeting.
• Interested in working? Career Services can support you with career exploration, job search help, resume and cover letter feedback, interview prep and more! See also Working in Canada for information on work authorization under immigration law.

Emergency Funding

• Need some financial assistance? Explore Emergency Student Loans and Bursaries for undergraduate students and for graduate students Graduate Studies Bursary Funds for more information.

From housing and transportation to navigating immigration and legal systems, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help you feel confident and capable in your daily life.

Navigating housing, transportation, and food systems in a new country

• Are you living on campus? The Housing team is there for you and offers a variety of living arrangements including housing for upper year graduate students.
• Living off-campus can be exciting, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Learn more about the supports available for students living off-campus.
• Students registered in at least 1.5 credits can obtain a Universal Bus Pass (UPass) for use on Niagara Regional Transit.  There is no UPass from May 1st until August 31st; however, discounted rates for Brock students are available. UPass is provided by ancillary fees, which were voted on by student referendum, so students can not opt-out.
• The Transit App is a real time app that helps you plan trips using public transportation, bikeshare and rideshare services. It provides real-time departure times, vehicle tracking, route options, and alerts for service disruptions.
• Canada’s food system is diverse and multicultural, with supermarkets as the main source, supported by farmers’ markets, campus dining, and specialty stores. International students often combine local foods with ingredients from home to feel comfortable and connected. For international students, understanding Canada’s food systems can help make grocery shopping, eating out, and adjusting to Canadian life much easier. Budget-friendly tip: No Frills, FreshCo, Food Basics, and Walmart are affordable options. Canada’s winters can be harsh, so fresh produce is cheapest when it’s in season (e.g., strawberries in summer, squash in fall).
• Canada’s Food Guide is a great resource to explore a well-balanced diet as well as new recipes and food safety handling suggestions.

Understanding legal, immigration, and employment requirements

• As an international student, you are responsible for keeping your immigration documents up to date. Brock International’s immigration advising team provides immigration advice, guidance and resources on study permits and work authorizations for students to make your transition to Canada a smooth one. Support is available in a variety of ways including: drop-in sessions, webinars, and one-on-one appointments in person or online. Always seek support from a licensed immigration advisor.
• Niagara Community Legal Clinic offers free legal services to Brock students, looking for advice on issues such as tenant and housing rights, employment law, and human rights. Book an appointment to get your questions answered by a legal professional.
• In Canada, the federal government, provincial government, and municipal government collect money from individuals living in Canada to subsidize roads, schools, and health care among other things. Each year you must file an Income Tax and Benefit Return to tell the government how much money you earned and how much tax you paid. Taxes are usually deducted from your income, or levied when products and services are consumed. Learn more about Taxes in Canada.
• Learn about tax benefits and credits through webinars and recordings from the Canada Revenue Agency webpage.

Whatever your beliefs, you deserve space to reflect, connect, and grow. Explore opportunities to engage with your faith, values, or mindfulness practice. 

Having space and community to practice faith, values, or mindfulness

• Alphie’s Trough – The Faith and Life Centre (FLC) is located in one of the most beautiful spaces on campus. Set into the escarpment, right on the Bruce Trail, the FLC is a peaceful escape from the bustle of the University campus. You can find us right at the end of Thistle hallway, headed south down the hill. The FLC is a space for all students, and all student clubs – religious or otherwise. Part of the space is designated as a drop-in quiet study space, while the other half is primarily used for religious practices, i.e. prayer groups, Bible studies, and discussion groups.
• The Brock University Masjid is a place of prayer and community gathering for Muslims. It serves as a spiritual and social hub, fostering a sense of belonging and reflection. The Masjid also provides a welcoming space for Muslim students, faculty, and staff to pray, reflect, and connect. It is designed to be inclusive, encouraging interfaith understanding and engagement. The Masjid is open to visitors who wish to learn more about Islam and Muslim practices respectfully and openly. The Masjid is adjacent to Market Hall, behind Learning Services (TH158).
• Rita Welch Meditation Centre is specifically dedicated to the use of everyone in the Brock community. It is intended to be a place for quiet meditation, reflection and prayer for both individuals and small groups. The room also hosts weekly Catholic Mass, meditation, times for Orthodox Liturgies and special Chaplain-led ecumenical services.

Learn more about the spaces on campus on the Student Life and Success Faith and Life webpage.

Meet others who share your values

• Find your community away from home through your values, interests or hobbies. Whether that’s a Kpop group, faith based or dance club, there is something for everyone on campus.
• Browse BUSU Clubs to find your community. Can’t find a club that you want to join, you can start a new club! 

Your future starts here. Get the support you need to build experience, explore opportunities, and prepare for life after graduation. 

Building confidence for future goals

• Our licensed immigration advising team is here to support you as you prepare to graduate. Explore ExperienceBU to find information sessions on post-graduation work permits (PGWP), language proficiency tests, permanent residency and more. 
•  Career Services can support you with career exploration, job search help, resume and cover letter feedback, interview prep and more!
• Ready to move onto the next step of your academic journey? The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs offers an immersive and engaging means to investigate your chosen field and expand your academic knowledge. Your graduate education from Brock will prepare you for successful careers and contribute to leading-edge research. Learn more about the 50 graduate programs in 6 Faculties at Brock by reaching out to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.

Gaining experience through co-op, volunteering, or leadership

• Explore Co-op and Experiential Education opportunities to add real-world, first-hand experience to your studies.
• Build your experience and network through volunteering to prepare for life after graduation.
• It’s never too late to build your leadership skills. Our Brock Leads team can guide you and level up your leadership skills to prepare you for your future. Build your leadership skills today with a one-off workshop, or begin the certificate program to engage in leadership development. Get involved in a capacity, commitment level and scope that best suits your schedule.

once a badger, always a badger!

• When you graduate from Brock, you become a part of the Brock University Alumni Association (BUAA). As a lifelong member of the BUAA, you are part of a vibrant community of more than 119,000 graduates around the world and have access to various benefits, services, events, professional development opportunities and more. Learn more about the benefits of being a Brock Alumni. Keep your alumni record up-to-date so you don’t miss out on exciting alumni opportunities.