For information on study permits and travel or immigration documents you will need to come to Canada, please review the Immigration & Travel Supports section of the Brock International website. There, you will find everything you need to know about:

• Status documents such as study permits and work permits
• Travel documents such as Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
• Inviting family to Canada
• Required documents when arriving at the border
• And more

Exchange & Study Abroad Students
Do you need a study permit?

4-month Exchange/Study Abroad Students (1 semester)

Although a study permit is not required for stays less than 6 months, you may still opt to get one.

Why get a study permit?

If your study situation changes, you can continue studying in Canada with a valid study permit. If you apply to extend your permit before it expires, you have maintained your status and can continue studying while you wait for your new study permit.

A study permit allows you to work on campus or off campus if you are registered as a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). If you don’t have a study permit, you can’t work while you’re studying in Canada.

8-month Exchange/Study Abroad Students (2 semesters/full year)

A study permit is required. Apply early as processing can take several months. Processing times for study permits are listed on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

For information on how to apply for a study permit, visit the Study Permits & Extensions page.

Download Office 365

Brock students, staff and faculty use Microsoft 365 for meeting and communicating, conducting and attending virtual classes, and completing assignments. Download and familiarize yourself with free apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams to prepare for your upcoming classes.

Office 365 is free for Brock students and can be downloaded to your computer and phone.

Login to Office 365 using your Brock CampusID

Set up Outlook on your computer or phone

It is imperative that you use your Brock email to ensure you can reach the people at Brock when you need to and have access to all of Brock’s services. Learn how to set this up through Information Technology Services (ITS).

Learn about Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Students can experience issues accessing their Brock account once they arrive in Canada because of Multi-Factor Authentication. Essentially, once students get a new phone or phone number in Canada, they are unable to login to their accounts because they can no longer verify their identity with SMS texts or phone calls.

To avoid these issues, you should modify your MFA settings using this ITS guide to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone so you can verify using the app instead.

Should you experience issues, feel free to contact ITS by submitting a Help Desk Ticket.

Exchange & Study Abroad Group Chat

Exclusive to students coming to Brock via our exchange and study abroad programs, the Exchange & Study Abroad Group Chat on WhatsApp is where you can receive updates from the International Learning team, access a calendar with important dates, and connect with other incoming exchange and study abroad students.

Participants will be sent a link to join the group chat via email a few weeks before they arrive in Canada.

The Smart Start program at Brock University is designed to help new students transition smoothly into university life. Led by current students and supported by the campus community, the program features informative presentations on various essential topics.

These include:

• On-Campus Housing and Off-Campus Living
• Your Brock Card
• Finance Management
• Getting Involved in Campus Activities
• Course Registration
• Supporting Your Student

Smart Start is not mandatory for incoming students but is highly encouraged. Students who are unable to join Smart Start in person will have an opportunity to review Smart Start content on demand when online programming becomes available. For more information and resources, visit the Smart Start program page.

Learn when and how to plan and register for your courses on the Brock University Course Registration page.

Still waiting for your Initial Study Permit?

Even if you are still waiting for your study permit, you should still register for classes. Courses can fill quickly so waiting can cause issues and limit your enrolment options.

Find out when course registration opens

A Brock Card is your official Brock University identification. Students living in Residence, attending in-class instruction, requiring resources from the library, are Varsity athletes participating in on-site training, and local students requiring the use of St. Catharines transit will need a student card during the academic year.

Learn more about the Brock Card including how to submit your photo, request your card, and where to pick it up on the Get your Brock Card webpage.

There are a handful of resources available to help you prepare for your new surroundings:

• Learn about life in Niagara
• Learn about life in Canada through International Student Connect
• Learn life in Ontario through Orientation to Ontario

It’s not always cold in Canada! St. Catharines is milder than many other parts of the country. We encourage you to bring or purchase items appropriate for seasonal weather.

Average Annual Temperatures by season

Note that temperatures are in Celsius.

In Canada and throughout North America, the standard voltage is 120 V (with a standard frequency of 60 Hz) rather than the 220 volts used in Europe. However, don’t be surprised if you hear or read 110 V. It is an old designation, and it is still used by the general public.

European plugs are not compatible with Canadian electrical sockets. In order to plug in your electric appliances, you will need a plug adapter or a converter. Otherwise, you will not be able to use your electronics in Canada.

Canadian electrical sockets are Type B.

Adapter or Converter?

Adapter

In general, an adapter is all you need for non-motorized appliances. Examples include camera chargers, phone chargers, laptops, etc.

Converter

A converter is necessary if you intend to use appliances with a motor, such as a hairdryer or an electric razor. A converter is more expensive than an adapter, but it can also be used as an adapter; there is no need to buy both.

Housing Services will provide a Residence Handbook to students living on campus including details about how to write your residence mailing address, how you can decorate, what you should and should not bring with you, and so much more. Residence rooms have furniture like a bed, desk, dresser and wardrobe. They do not include bed linens, pillows, toiletries, clothing hangers, or kitchen items (plates, utensils, etc.).

Students can choose to bring their own items including linens and pillows for a single/twin-sized bed, or they can choose to:

• Order linens online through Residence Linens to be delivered to your room before you arrive.
• Visit a nearby store via transit or taxi upon arrival to purchase items you could not bring on the plane.

Learn more about what to bring and what not to bring on the Housing Services website.

Frauds and scams can happen to anyone when they least expect it. Use the following resources to take action to protect yourself by learning about frauds and scams in Canada.

Resources from Government of Canada:

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre – tips and tricks to protect yourself from scams and fraud
• Identifying scams and fraud – learn the signs of a scam

Resources from Orientation to Ontario

• Avoid Scams – Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Protecting Your Identity – Fact Sheet (PDF)

Brock International hosts several Frauds & Scams Prevention Workshops throughout the year. Please visit ExperienceBU for upcoming dates and times.

Brock International has created a Travel Packing Checklist to ensure you don’t miss any essentials. The checklist covers everything from mandatory and important documents, to what to put in your carry on.

Wondering what you should or shouldn’t bring with you when staying in residence?

See Students Staying in Residence for information about linens, furniture, and more.

International students have free access to the iCent app to ensure they are well-prepared for their journey to Brock University. The iCent app provides easy access to:

• Real-time updates and FAQs about Brock and events
• Pre-arrival checklists and resources
• Orientation details
• Important dates to remember
• Travel and immigration information
• Housing and accommodation information
• Health and safety information including UHIP
• Emergency contacts
• Links to other helpful Brock resources like BU4U

How to download the iCent app

Download the iCent app on the App Store or Google Play or use the web version at web.icentapp.com

Once you download the app, follow the steps below:

1. Enter the country name: Canada
2. Enter the institution name: Brock University
3. Enter your email address (Brock or personal) and you will receive a 6-digit login PIN to that email address.
4. Enter the PIN and press Continue.
5. Accept the terms and conditions.
6. Complete your user profile.
7. Please complete the three (3) mandatory forms: Study Permit Status Survey, Airport Arrival Info, and Arrival Check-in.

The iCent Airport Welcome Desk

Along with the iCent app, international students have access to a free airport welcome desk upon arrival at Toronto Pearson International Airport for approximately one week before classes begin. Find the airport welcome desk to access:

• Orientation and campus info
• Banking services and currency exchange
• Special assistance and baggage claims
• Shuttle and transit information from the airport
• Airport wi-fi and refreshments

Check out the international student orientation webpage for dates and times the iCent Airport Welcome Desk will be operating.

Brock University does not currently offer airport transportation services. However, we recommend booking your airport transfer in advance for a smooth transition to your destination. Here are some recommended airport transport companies:

• Niagara Airbus
• Coventry Transportation
• Megabus
• FlixBus
• Go Transit
• VIA Rail Canada

Accommodations through Brock

Brock Housing Services provides accommodations in their residences on campus year-round for international students and visitors. Visit the Brock Housing Services website for pricing and details.

Brock Off-Campus Living provides various off-campus rental listings through Places4Students. If you are looking for somewhere to live off campus, visit the Off-Campus Living website to get started.

Other Accommodations

If you prefer, you can also find accommodations of varying rates at nearby hotels.

Where to Buy Groceries

Niagara is home to several ethnic grocery stores, including:

Larger chain grocery stores include Costco, FreshCo, Food Basics, Sobeys, Superstore, Metro, Wal-Mart, and Zehrs. All of them carry a variety of products from North America and around the world.

Where to Shop

The Pen Centre

Just a quick 5-minute drive from Brock’s main campus, the Pen Centre is Niagara’s largest shopping destination, featuring 180 stores and services and 1,000,000 square feet of shopping. The mall is home to the most popular national stores and brands like American Eagle, the Bay H&M, HomeSense, Old Navy, Sport Chek, and Winners. Dine in a full-service restaurant or enjoy a movie at Landmark Cinemas.
Learn more

Outlet Collection at Niagara

Located in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Outlet Collection brings together brand name fashion and lifestyle retailers at unbeatable outlet prices.
Learn more

Downtown St. Catharines

Downtown St. Catharines is a great spot to find virtually anything that you need. Here you’ll find boutiques, antique stores, unique shops, bookstores, shoes, leathers, jewellery, bistros, restaurants, outdoor cafes and a farmer’s market (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only).
Learn more

Can’t find what you’re looking for near Brock?

Visit a nearby city like Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, or Toronto.

Brock University offers a variety of social activities to enhance the student experience, including:

• Student Clubs and Organizations: Over 100 clubs catering to diverse interests.
• Events and Activities: Regular events like cultural festivals, concerts, and sports games.
• Recreational Sports: Intramural sports leagues, fitness classes, and outdoor adventures.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Programs to engage with the community and develop leadership skills.
• Orientation and Welcome Weeks: Activities to help new students connect and acclimate to university life.

For a full listing of Brock events, visit ExperienceBU. Check out Brock International on ExperienceBU for events specific to international students. For events in the community, visit the St. Catharines Downtown Association. Be sure to follow @BrockInternational on Instagram for regular updates.

International students can inquire about pre-paid cell phone plans with several providers just 5 minutes from campus at The Pen Centre.

• Rogers
• Bell
• Telus
• Koodo
• Virgin
• Freedom Mobile

For more information on cell phone plans in Canada, please visit Getting a Canadian phone: A newcomers’ guide to understanding Canadian cell phones.

Public transit to and from Brock University and throughout the Niagara region is provided through Niagara Region Transit. Visit the Niagara Region Transit website for routes, schedules and fare information.

Fall/Winter Universal Bus Pass (U-Pass)

All students in the Fall/Winter terms pay a mandatory fee to Brock University for a Universal Bus Pass (U-Pass). Your U-Pass gives you access to St. Catharines, Thorold, Niagara Falls, Welland, Fort Erie, Pelham and the Niagara Regional Transit Systems. For more information, visit the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) website.

Spring/Summer Bus Pass

Students in the Spring/Summer terms must purchase their own bus pass. BUSU often partners with Niagara Transit to provide a special discount to anyone studying in either the Spring or Summer. For more information, visit the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) website.

The downtown bus terminal serves outbound bus services to Toronto, Niagara Falls, other cities in the surrounding area, and most other major Canadian cities. The downtown bus terminal supports both Greyhound and Coach Canada, both of which have varying times leaving St. Catharines. It also runs Megabus services, which occasionally run cheap deals out of Niagara Falls and Toronto.

For tickets and schedules:

• Niagara Regional Transit: nrtransit.ca
• Go Transit: gotransit.com
• FlixBus/Greyhound: flixbus.ca
• Coach Canada: coachcanada.com
• Megabus: megabus.com

In Canada, you have the option to lease, rent or buy a car. Each of these options requires research and in some cases a lot of effort and money if you wish to drive. Depending on how long you will stay in Canada, be sure that getting a license is your best option.

Leasing

Leasing a car is an option for many people. It involves paying for the use of the car rather than the car itself. The lease is usually a few years long, meaning that if you need to get out of the lease, you will have to pay a penalty and sometimes what is left on the lease (depends from lease to lease). Also, a lease might have predetermined mileage limits. If you drive more than the set limit, you might have to pay extra charges.

Renting

If you are staying in Canada for a short period of time, renting a car for you when you need one might be the best option. You will likely need an International Driver’s License before your departure. There are many car rental businesses you can research, including:

• Enterprise – St. Catharines
• Avis – Niagara Falls
• Budget – St. Catharines
• Hertz – St. Catharines

Buying/Finance

When buying a car in Canada you can pay the amount they ask for or get financing depending on your credit history. You may be eligible for a car loan from a bank, borrowing the amount of money needed to buy the car and paying back to the bank in a predetermined amount of time, with an interest rate.

Insurance

Ontario requires by law that everyone who wants to drive a car buy minimum car insurance. Fines for people driving without auto-insurance range from $5,000 to $50,000, having the car impounded, and their driver’s license suspended. Insurance quotes vary depending on driving experience, driving record and the make and model of the car being driven. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 per year.

Driver’s Licence

Most foreign driver’s licences are valid for only 60 days after admission to Canada. If your licence is not reciprocal to the Ontario driver’s licence, you would either need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) from your own country, or you would have to pass a vision test and take both a written test and a driving test in Canada.

Reciprocal exchange between agreements exist between Ontario and other Canadian provinces, Canadian Forces Europe, U.S.A, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Germany, France, Great Britain, Austria, Belgium, Australia and Isle of Man. Learn more about Driving in Ontario here.

Beyond public transit, there are options for taxi services as well as rideshare programs like Uber

International Undergraduate & Graduate Students

Please see Student Accounts and Financial Aid (SAFA)’s website on how to make a payment. If you still have questions, please reach out to central@brocku.ca

Note: Your tuition fees may not automatically show up after you register. Sometimes students need to wait for a short period until they can see the amount they owe for tuition. For tuition due dates and more information, please visit SAFA’s Tuition Due Dates page.

Exchange Students

Exchange students coming to Brock University through a Student Exchange Agreement pay tuition to their home institution, not to Brock. However, there are some mandatory fees that must be paid to Brock before the first day of classes. Mandatory fees for all exchange students include:

• BUSU Universal Bus Pass (U-Pass) – $315.25 CAD*
• University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) coverage – $252 CAD per semester*

*Costs may vary slightly by term. For more information, visit Undergraduate tuition and fees or Graduate tuition and fees.

If you are staying in residence during your time at Brock, you will also be required to pay residence and meal plan fees. Visit Housing Services for more information.

Study Abroad Students

If you are coming to Brock through the Study Abroad program, you must pay tuition and ancillary fees to Brock as well as the mandatory BUSU U-Pass fee and UHIP fee. Tuition and ancillary fees are calculated based on how many credits (courses) you are registered for. For information on tuition and ancillary fees, visit Student Accounts & Financial Aid or use the Undergraduate Fees Estimator to begin building your budget.

If you are staying in residence during your time at Brock, you will also be required to pay residence and meal plan fees. Visit Housing Services for more information.

In Canada, carrying cash isn’t necessary for daily purchases as most businesses accept debit and credit cards. To take full advantage of these payment options, we recommend opening a bank account in Canada. Scotiabank, for example, has a branch at Brock and ATMs on campus, providing easy access to your funds.

Other major banks in Canada include RBC (Royal Bank of Canada), CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce), BMO (Bank of Montreal), and TD Canada Trust. Each bank offers a variety of banking options. Visit their websites to compare and choose the account that best meets your needs:

• Scotiabank: scotiabank.com
• RBC: rbc.com
• CIBC: cibc.com
• BMO: bmo.com
• TD Canada Trust: td.com

For more information on banking, visit Student bank accounts in Canada. Brock also offers guidance on Budgeting and Financial Literacy that can be a great way to stay on top of your finances.

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.

People that may be considered Canadian residents (this is different from immigration residence) for tax purposes are:

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents
• Refugees (protected persons)
• People who have received approval in principle from Citizenship and Immigration Canada to stay in Canada
• Temporary residents, such as foreign students and foreign workers

Taxes that are paid in Ontario are Income Tax and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Income Taxes are paid by individuals, who are considered residents for tax purposes.

HST is an amount, usually 13 per cent, that is added to the price tag of different products. There are some exemptions on basic food products, childcare services, and prescription drugs.

For more information, visit the Government of Ontario website.

Filing Your Income Taxes

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. Depending on the amount paid, you might be eligible for a refund, or you might owe taxes.

To work in Canada and file your taxes, you must apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) by going to the Service Canada website and obtaining the necessary forms. A SIN is a nine-digit number that you must have to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits.

Find out what is required to obtain a SIN on the Government of Canada website or visit our Social Insurance Number webpage for more information.

As a non-resident of Canada, you might be eligible to apply for a Tax Waiver. This is called the Regulation 105 Waiver Application which may permit a reduced amount of tax to be withheld on any income you receive in Canada. To find out if you are eligible and to obtain the application form, click here.

Canada’s health care system is a publicly funded system that provides Canadians with health care services. These services are provided once the patient shows their health card. Each province has its own health system and card.

When you come to study or work at a university in Ontario, you must have health insurance to pay for basic health care services and medical treatments.

Learn about the mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)

UHIP is your primary health insurance plan and is modelled after the health insurance provided by the Ontario government. It covers eligible medically necessary health services and medical treatments and is mandatory for all visiting international students.

Enrolment in UHIP is automatic for visiting international students and payable for the terms you are studying at Brock. Having private insurance is does not qualify you for UHIP exemption.

If students have a spouse or dependent children living with them while they study or work in Ontario, the dependant must also be enrolled in UHIP. Dependants are not automatically enrolled in UHIP. Students are required to enrol their dependant family member(s) within 30 days of their arrival in Canada to avoid a late fee of $500.

Learn how to enrol dependants on our UHIP page

Accessing Your UHIP Portal

All students will receive an email from Cowan Insurance welcoming them to UHIP and providing them with a link to register for access to the online portal. Students can expect this to be sent to their Brock email in the first few weeks of classes.

To register, students will need to visit Cowan’s New User Registration Page and have their university email address, first name, last name, date of birth, and certificate number, as provided in the welcome to UHIP email received by Cowan Insurance.

Registration to the online portal will allow you to:

• Submit claims online
• View coverage details
• View claims history
• Update banking information for direct deposit reimbursement of claims
• View UHIP eCard
• Update personal information
• View Explanation of Benefit Statement online
• Locate a provider that bills UHIP directly

For more information, visit our UHIP page

The Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) and the Brock University Graduate Students’ Association offer supplemental health and dental plans through StudentVIP to complement UHIP in order to provide full and comprehensive coverage for undergraduate and graduate students. These plans include drug coverage, extended health coverage, vision coverage, dental coverage and more.

Undergraduate

To view the details of the Undergraduate Plan, visit the StudentVIP website and select Brock University Students’ Union (Undergraduate Students) (busu) from the dropdown menu.

Undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in StudentVIP in the Fall/Winter term, but they must opt in to the plan in the Spring/Summer. Students may opt out of StudentVIP if they have comparable coverage. To opt in or opt out, please email healthplan@brockbusu.ca.

Graduate

To view the details of the Graduate Plan, visit the StudentVIP website and select Brock Graduate Students’ Union (Graduate Students) (brockgsa) from the dropdown menu. Students can also visit Health & Dental Plan for more information.

Graduate students are automatically enrolled in StudentVIP every term. Students may opt out of StudentVIP if they have comparable coverage. To opt out, please email health@brockgsa.ca.

Exchange Students

Exchange students have the option to opt-in to the StudentVIP health and dental plans. To opt-in, please email healthplan@brockbusu.ca after the term start-date and explain that you are an exchange student looking to opt-in. Application and payment requirements will then be sent to you for you.

Brock University students have access to services provided by the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC) as part of their annual ancillary fees.

Brock University takes health and wellness very seriously. We were ranked #1 in Canada for student mental health supports (Macleans, 2022) and have implemented many different services and programs to meet the increasing mental health needs of our constantly changing student population.

For medical emergencies, students should call 9-1-1 in their own area.

Personal Counselling Services

For personal counselling call 1-833-276-2533 (1-833-BROCK33) or, if ourside North America, call 001 416 382 3257.

Urgent & Crisis Counselling

Students can receive 24/7 urgent and crisis telephone counselling by calling 1-833-276-2533 (1-833-BROCK33) or, if outside North America, call 001 416 382 3257 for 365/24/7 telephone support.

Telus Health Student Support App

Call. Chat. Anytime. Anywhere.

Download the Telus Health Student Support App for 24/7 text chat or telephone support from the App Store or Google Play. Search Brock University Student Counselling Program when creating your profile to access the app.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Personal Counselling, please email counselling@brocku.ca or visit the Brock SWAC website.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services can be accessed Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., via telephone appointment. Call 905-688-5550 ext. 3243.

For questions or to make an appointment including same day with a mental health nurse, call 905-688-5550 ext. 3243 during business hours and a live agent will assist you.

No-shows for physician phone appointments will be charged $30 fee.

Learn more about Student Health Services here.

Student Accessibility Services

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) supports and fosters independence in students with accessibility needs, advocates for accessibility for students, and provides resources and education opportunities for staff and faculty to ensure a welcoming environment in compliance with Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) guidelines and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Student Accessibility Services staff has extensive experience and a wealth of knowledge to help students develop the skills and strategies they need to reach their full potential at Brock. They work with students to identify and address any disability-related concerns and to provide information on where to access appropriate supports and specialized technologies.

Learn more on the Student Accessibility Services website

The Wellness HUB

The Student Health and Wellness HUB is a space where students can drop in to chat with a Peer Health Educator (PHE) about ways to improve their overall health and wellness. The Wellness HUB is located at TH134 down the Student Success hallway next to the Market Hall.

The HUB is a space for students to retrieve information on various student health related topics such as substance use, nutrition, sleep, sexual health, mental health and wellness. We have a team of trained PHEs who also provide peer-to-peer support for the Brock community.

The Wellness HUB also hosts various events such as free STI testing, naloxone training, mindfulness mediations, puppy room and mini massages.

Learn more on The Wellness HUB website

Brock’s Department of Recreation Services operates the facilities in the Walker Complex, including three gymnasiums, a recreational 200-metre track, squash courts, The Zone fitness centre, the Eleanor Misener Aquatic Centre (50-metre pool) and the Leo LeBlanc Rowing Centre. Outside are four tennis courts and several playing fields. Recreation Services offers programs in aquatics, intramurals, fitness, dance and much more.

Memberships to the various facilities are available to Brock students, staff, faculty and community members.

Instructional programs offered to Brock students, staff, faculty and the community include aquatics, fitness, dance, coaching, wellness, first aid, Pilates, children’s gym programs and much more.

Intramural sport programs for Brock University students include more than 60 leagues and involve more than 6,100 participants.

For more information, visit the Brock Recreation website.

St. Catharines also has many off-campus gyms that you can join, including:

• Fit4Less
• GoodLife Fitness
• World Gym

In addition, St. Catharines has many recreation opportunities, from aquatic activities to ice activities, to even non-fitness activities like art, life skills, and historical and cultural programs. Check out the ActiveSTC portal for all the current recreation activities in St. Catharines.

As a student, you have full access to Brock’s library, located in Schmon Tower.

The Brock University Library system comprises the James A. Gibson Library, housed on eight floors of the Schmon Tower, and the Map Library located in Mackenzie Chown C306.

The library’s collections contain over 1.5 million physical items and a vast variety of digital resources that are available both on and off-campus. These include an extensive number of databases, over 20,000 full text electronic journals, a growing number of e-books, and several image and sound databases. Study spaces, including individual carrels and tables for group work are available for more than 775 users.

Computers are located on all library floors and laptops are available for loan from the Circulation desk. The library is open for 90 hours each week including evenings and weekends, with extended hours during exam periods.

For more information, visit Discover Your Library to get to know all that Brock’s library offers.

Located in the Rankin Family Pavilion, the Library Makerspace is a place for students, faculty, and community members to collaborate, learn, create, and explore. Walk-ins welcome!

The Makerspace is equipped with a variety of labs and stations for specific types of making. Learn more below or take our virtual tour to get an inside peek.  Drop-in or reserve time before you visit.

Features

• Multimedia lab
• Audio lab
• Prototyping lab
• Computing stations
• Workbench stations
• VR station
• Software
• Additional workbench tools

The Matheson Learning Commons features advanced technology, integrated service points, and a variety of study spaces. The Learning Commons is designed to enhance the scholarly, creative, and professional pursuits of the Brock Community. This welcoming environment offers unique opportunities for students to collaborate with their peers, exchange ideas, and find support for their academic activities.

Features

• Group study rooms that can be reserved for use by student groups and a variety of public study areas.
• Easy access to services and assistance.
• Combined circulation/reserves desk – sign out laptops and library materials in one place.
• Help desk for the library research support.
• Computer lab and silent study designated times/spaces with public computers (PCs and Macs).
• Laptops, phone chargers, marker pens, monitors, video cameras, headphones, and other equipment to sign out.

Brock has several different dining options located right on campus. Please note, some of these establishments may not be open during certain times of the year. Please check the Dining Services website for locations and available hours.

The Brock Campus Store offers a range of Brock apparel, office supplies, technology supplies, and gifts and accessories. It is also your top source on campus for textbooks and course materials.

Ordering Textbooks & Course Materials

Textbooks and course materials can only be ordered online through the Campus Store. When the booklist is released, you can access your personalized shopping list by going to campusstore.brocku.ca and selecting My Course Materials under the Course Materials dropdown. Choose from the new, used, or digital options available for your courses.

Brock University Campus Safety Services is comprised of peace officers and contracted security guards that work in close partnership with the Niagara Regional Police Service.

If you have any safety concerns on campus, or even need a ride back to your residence from a late-night class, you can contact Campus Safety.

Campus Safety can be reached by phone at 905-688-5550 x3200 or, if using a campus telephone, dial x3200.

Learn more by visiting the Campus Safety Services website.

Watch this video to learn more about police services in Ontario and the work they do in our communities.

Updating Your Emergency Contact

In case of emergency, it is important that you provide Brock with emergency contact information on your Brock Portal.

To update your emergency contact information, you must:

1. Login to your account on my.brocku.ca.
2. Click on Student Self-Serve – Menu in the top left corner.
3. In the left navigation menu, select Demographics > Student Profile.
4. Select the Address & Contact tab from the tabs along the top.
5. In the Address & Contact section, scroll down to Alternate Contact Information. At the bottom of this section is where you will input your emergency contact information. Click the Edit button and input the information.

If you experience issues with the system or are unable to update this contact information, please email central@brocku.ca for assistance.

Brock’s Human Rights and Equity (HRE) office is resource for all Brock community members to provide information, education, assistance, and advice on issues related to human rights, harassment, discrimination and bullying.

This includes harassment and discrimination based on race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, ancestry, creed, sex, gender identification, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, receipt of public assistance (in housing), record of offences (in employment) and disability, as well as personal or workplace harassment and bullying.

Human Rights and Equity works with many other departments and services on campus to prevent harassment and discrimination from occurring and to quickly address incidents as they arise. We assist community members with issues of harassment and discrimination and help guide them to understand the range of options available to resolve the situation.

Learn more on the HRE website

Personal Counselling

Personal Counselling provides students with counselling services for those experiencing emotional, social and mental health difficulties. Personal counselling services are available through the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC).

Office of the Student Ombuds

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 provides safety, support, information, and guidance to students who are facing challenges that concern academic integrity, disciplinary, interpersonal, and financial issues.

Learn more on the Office of the Student Ombuds website.

BUSU Student Legal Clinic

The Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) has partnered with Toronto-based lawyer Alex Valova, of the Archer Law Professional Corporation, to bring free legal information to campus. For more information, visit the BUSU website.

Brightspace is Brock’s primary Learning Management System (LMS). Most, if not all, of your courses use it. Professors and instructors can share information about the course, and it is also a place where assignments, quizzes and most course related resources are uploaded.

You can familiarize yourself with Brightspace and feel prepared for your upcoming courses by enrolling in BU101 – Brock’s free online academic skills program.

BU101 is offered by Learning Services and is specific to your faculty or area of study. It helps you learn key strategies for scheduling, note-taking, attending lectures and seminars, studying, researching and writing. Enrol in BU101

Studying in another country can be overwhelming. Brock International offers pre-arrival webinars before the start of each term to help with your academic transition:

• Introduction to Technology Tools at Brock: Learn about the tools and platforms used at Brock.
• Introduction to Academic Skills at Brock: Learn about time management, course formats, note-taking, academic integrity, and more.
• Introduction to Seminars & Communication at Brock: Learn about seminars, language skills, communicating with faculty and staff, and more.

Dates and times for upcoming webinars can be found on ExperienceBU. You can also find resources on studying in Canada on our Academic Transition Support page. If you need further help with transitioning to academic life in Canada, contact isa@brocku.ca

Already know the basics of studying in Canada and need further academic support?

Learning Services

Contact the Learning Services team through Student Life & Success. Learning Services offers group support, workshops, tutoring, and more. The department also offers BU101, a free online course to prepare you for academics at Brock.

Academic Advising

We also recommend that you meet with your academic advisor or program coordinator regularly to get advice and stay prepared for your future semesters. Meeting with your advisor consistently can help you make the most of your student experience at Brock.

Find your Academic Advisor (Undergraduate students)

Find your Program Coordinator (Graduate students)

FITA Program

From Intention to Action (FITA) is a counselling program run by Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre.

FITA is a structured intervention that is geared towards assisting students to improve their mental health, cope with academic stress, develop better learning strategies, and maintain a healthy life balance.

Academic Writing Supports for Graduate Students

The Faculty of Graduate Studies offers academic writing supports to assist graduate students at all levels of study. They offer:

• One-on-one sessions
• A Drop-In Writing Café
• Graduate Writing Workshops

Brock University offers a range of orientation and welcome event activities during the first week of classes. Explore the full schedule by visiting the Welcome Week Website. International students get specialized welcome at our New International Student Welcome & Orientation to help you adjust to Brock and Canada. You can also check out the exciting lineup of events that the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) has organized for BadgerFest in the fall, and Frost Week in winter.

Together, these events create an unforgettable Orientation Week experience!

Learning Services

Learning Services supports the academic success of all Brock students. Services include academic and life skills workshops, drop-in help from upper-year students, and a variety of academic resources. They also offer course-specific tutoring on a pay-per-hour basis.

Student Life

Student Life provides engagement opportunities to enhance the Brock student experience.

They offer programs and services that support campus involvement, leadership development, community engagement, off-campus living and so much more.

Faith and Life

Faith and Life offers a wide variety of religious, spiritual, and secular supports and provides a safe and inclusive community space for all students, staff, and faculty that call Brock home.

Student Affairs

Student Affairs supports students by leading the Crisis Assessment Response and Education (CARE) team and the Non-Academic Misconduct process.

Learn more through Student Life & Success

The Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) represents over 19,000 undergraduate students at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. BUSU is dedicated to enhancing the campus experience by operating various student services aimed at improving the quality of student life.

During Welcome Week, BUSU hosts a variety of exciting events, including the highly anticipated big-ticket concert. These activities are designed to welcome and engage new students, ensuring a memorable start to the academic year.

With over 100 student clubs, BUSU provides ample opportunities for students to connect with peers who share similar interests. To learn more, visit BUSU Clubs for a full listing of clubs and upcoming events that may interest you.

As an international student at Brock University, your experience goes beyond academics. It’s a chance to join a vibrant community, make lasting connections, and enhance your university life. Whether you want to build your network, develop new skills, or explore local culture, there are many ways to get involved, including:

• Volunteering
• Joining a Brock Club
• Getting involved with BUSU
• Getting involved with Brock University Graduate Students’ Association (Brock GSA)
• Joining faith-based student groups through Faith & Life Centre
• Joining a leadership program
• Working on campus
• Learning about residence Living Learning Communities
• Joining the Brock Society of Off-Campus Students (Brock SOCS) (if you’re living off campus)
• Staying active through sports and fitness
• Participating in the Campus-Wide Co-Curriculum (CWC)

Campus-Wide Co-Curriculum (CWC)

The CWC is a collection of opportunities at Brock that are designed to help you make the most of your Brock experience. Opportunities represent key experiences, events or activities that we believe will help you to gain and fosters skills in ten different co-curricular domains.

The domains represent skills that employers increasingly expect from graduates. Participating in these activities will help enrich your Brock experience and better prepare you for a successful career after graduation.

Learn more about the CWC

ExperienceBU is your source for all events and activities at Brock. All Brock University and Brock International events are listed on ExperienceBU. We also send reminders of events through our Brock International Instagram. Follow @brockinternational to stay up to date!