GO – Get Oriented

• Start With the Basics. What do you “need” and where can you find these things close to where you live? Talk to classmates, neighbours or explore the internet to identify the most important stores and other places in your neighbourhood.
• Expanding Circles. Start with the places where you spend the most time – school, home, work or shopping centres. Begin exploring the nearby areas – walk into a new store, library or park each day just to see what is there. Explore a bit farther each time.
• Get Lost. When you have free time, visit a different part of the city – a shopping centre, neighbourhood or park. Go to a tourist attraction or try to find something you’ve been craving. Make sure to charge your phone and check your data plan so that you can find your way back!
• Find a Guide. Meet up with a local friend and let them show you their favourite places and activities. (Need to make local friends? Try joining the Intercultural Mentorship Program)
• Try Something New. You can enrich your life by trying a different way of doing things. Find out how local residents meet their needs – it might work for you, too. You may come from a culture where eating out all the time is normal but it is too expensive here. Find other ways of connecting with people through activities or meeting at home. Living in a different climate you may need to adjust your clothing, personal hygiene (take more showers) or the number of blankets you use.

Live on campus, rent an apartment or arrange a homestay. Find the best option for you!

There are several options available when renting a place:

• RRC Polytech Campus Living.
• Renting an apartment from a rental agency.
• Homestay programs (through homestay agencies or private listings).
• Renting a room in a house / apartment (private rental).
• Sharing accommodation with friends.
• Short-term private accommodation (such as AirBnB).
• Kijiji is the most popular website for rentals in Winnipeg. Other websites for rentals include Craigslist, Rentboard or Roomgo.

When looking for housing, be aware of:

• Scams – Always view the rental space, meet the property owner and examine the contract in person before signing a lease or paying a deposit.
• Bedbugs – These are a problem across Winnipeg (not just in low-cost housing). Take care when renting a place or buying used furnishings.
• Illegal boarding houses – Houses that are illegally converted for room rentals may be unsafe.
• Contracts and deposits – Lease agreements are typically for one year, but may be month-to-month. There is typically a security deposit required, which should not be more than a half month’s rent. Check the rules in your agreement – for example, many agreements require all adult occupants to sign the lease.

Check out these resources for more information about renting in Manitoba:

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch has comprehensive information for both renters and landlords.
• New Journey Housing provides training and advice to newcomers to Winnipeg about finding safe and affordable housing. Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and what to be aware of when looking for a place to live

See the Accommodation Guide

All international students are required to have student health insurance while living in Canada. RRC Polytech provides an Emergency Health Insurance Plan, Extended Health Coverage and Dental Coverage.

Learn about how to use your health insurance, add coverage for family members, and extended health and dental benefits.

• Health Insurance Information
• My Student Plan Website & Claim Information

International student health insurance for Fall 2021 students will begin on August 15^th, 2021. If you arrive before this date, you will need to purchase separate coverage until your student insurance begins.

Listen to Nyaninni, a RRC Polytech international student, explain about the importance of having—and using—your health insurance.

You have several options for getting to campus.

Public Transportation

Winnipeg Transit

• Winnipeg Transit is the main form of public transportation for getting around the city. Use the web-based Navigo to access schedules.
• During the school year, you can get your school pass from the on-campus convenience store (with proof of student status). You will need to show it together with your School ID when boarding a bus.
• Learn about reduced fares with a monthly student bus pass and all other fare types.
• The WINNpass is a reduced-cost bus pass, based on your family income. Visit Winnipeg Transit for more information, or to download an application.
• Download the Navigo Trip Planner to understand the bus routes, the buses that come on campus and the time schedule.
• Transit Routes #19 and #26 provide a direct connection between our two main campuses (Exchange District & Notre Dame).
• You can purchase a reloadable Peggo Card at Winnipeg Transit or at one of the authorized dealers to get around until you can visit your campus to purchase a monthly pass. You may also pay with coins. The receipt provided in the bus is valid for multiple trips until the noted expiry time.

See Campus Bus Service

Active & Sustainable Transportation

Biking is an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. The College offers bike lockers and other helpful resources to get you moving:

• Campus Bike Information
• Sustainable Transportation

Private Vehicle

Learn about licensing, parking and carpool options.

• Manitoba Public Insurance provides mandatory licensing and insurance for drivers and vehicles.
• Campus Parking
• Accessible Parking
• Carpool Information

Taxi / Ride Share

There are a variety of on-demand transportation options in Winnipeg:

Taxis

Taxis charge rates based on the distance traveled and this is normally calculated in meters. Calculate your travel distance and the rate to estimate the cost before booking this service. Some providers include:

• Duffy’s Taxi
• Greencity Taxi
• Unicity Taxi
• Accessible Taxis (All Access)

Ride Share Companies

• Uber
• Reryde
• TappCar

Car Share

• Peg City Car Co-op

Please note that this is for your information only. RRC Polytech does not endorse any third party transportation providers.

You may choose to open an account at a bank or a credit union (owned by customers). The basic services offered by these institutions are similar.

Credit Cards – Using a credit card and paying all your bills on time can help you build a good credit score to help you qualify for financial opportunities in the future. With no credit history in Canada, you may need to start off with a secured credit card. These require a deposit in exchange for a credit limit.

Check out English Online’s basic guide to banking for newcomers to Manitoba.

The major grocery stores in Winnipeg have a wide range of foods, usually including a diverse range of ethnic foods:

• Walmart
• Sobeys / Safeway
• Real Canadian Superstore
• Save-on Foods
• Co-op Marketplace

Check out these links for information about finding ethnic foods in Winnipeg:

• English Online Manitoba Food Guide
• Food Matters Manitoba Map to Newcomer Traditional Foods in Winnipeg

If you need to see a doctor, you can either find a family physician or visit a Walk-in Clinic (no appointment needed but be prepared to wait up to two hours). For emergency care, you can attend a hospital emergency department or call 9.1.1 for ambulance service (also fire or police service).

For more information about these and other health care options, visit MyRightCare.ca

For help with health insurance information and claims, contact the RRCSA Student Benefits Plan Office.

They also have a list of clinics that provide direct billing to your International Student Health Plan.

Cellular phone plans are relatively expensive in Canada, but they are important tools to stay connected for education, employment and personal use. Typically contracts run for two years, but if you already have a device, you may be able to get a month-to-month plan.

Major companies offering cellular service in Manitoba include:

• Bell MTS
• Rogers
• Telus

Some other companies (Fido, Koodo, Virgin Mobile, etc.) sell plans based off the major carriers’ networks.

• Travel Manitoba
• Winnipeg Tourism
• Winnipeg Leisure Guide: Activities across Winnipeg
• Are you attending a rural campus or visiting a town outside of Winnipeg? Check out information about Rural Centres in Manitoba.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all requirements of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada while studying at RRC Polytech:

• Immigration Information
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Website

Our Immigration Advisor is available to answer your immigration questions. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions, then connect with us at iesupport@rrc.ca for further support.

• Live & Learn Online Community for New Manitobans: Great online resource about getting settled in Manitoba.
• Immigrant Centre Manitoba: Offers a wide range of settlement services to newcomers in Manitoba.

Do you still have questions about getting settled in Manitoba? Contact us at iesupport@rrc.ca with your questions.

Start now by thinking about yourself as a professional. Learn the culture of your field, the technical, social and communication skills that you will use at work. Ask questions in class and take every opportunity to practice your skills beyond the basic requirements. Build your reputation so that your instructors will recognize you as an engaged, punctual and skilled student whom they can strongly endorse when you apply to industry positions.

As a student, you have many opportunities to get involved in clubs, extracurricular activities and gain part-time employment. Be strategic in your choices. A part-time job that gives you some spending money is good, but an opportunity to practice some of your career skills or be exposed to the work environment that you plan to build a career in is more valuable than a paycheque.

Getting a job can be a great way to build work experience to start your career while earning some extra money. However, you need to ensure that you have enough time and energy to succeed in your demanding classes. We recommend that you delay employment during your first term, so you can understand how to balance your study and work commitments.

Volunteering is another excellent way to build your skills and a network that might open doors to opportunities in the future. Listen to Nyaninni explain how volunteering opened doors for her on campus.

Take some time to meet with an advisor in the Career Services team. They can help you research and plan your job search strategy in preparation for both student employment and your post-graduation job search. They have great tips about how to develop your resume and what to expect in a job interview.

You are studying alongside instructors closely connected to the industry and with students who will be working in the same sector as you. Treat those relationships with respect. You never know which of those people will be critical to your career success.

Start building your professional network beyond the college. Many professional organizations and unions welcome students to engage early through special events and conferences. Career fairs and employer visits on campus also offer an opportunity to network. Take advantage of those opportunities and get to know people working in the field. You will gather valuable information and contacts in the workforce, but people will also begin to see you as a serious new professional.

Make a timeline to prepare for employment, whether you are preparing for a co-op position, summer employment or post-graduate work. Many of the best employers start recruiting in January for positions beginning in May, so you should have your resume and job search strategy ready and perfected by December.

Start your Career with Career Services

Find out more:

• Work While Studying Work part-time while studying in one of our academic programs.
• Social Insurance Number How to obtain this important identification number that you need in order to work in Canada.
• Career Services RRC Polytech’s specialized team to help you find employment opportunities and succeed in job interviews.
• Job Opportunities Discover real-time job opportunities for RRC Polytech students.

Your perception of “Canadians” depends on the characteristics of the culture you are coming from. For example, if you come from a culture where communication is very formal and indirect, you may experience people here to speak very casually and directly – perhaps you may even find them impolite. However, if you are coming from culture even more direct than Canada, you may need to learn how to use softeners so that you are not perceived as rude.

Once you get past the obvious aspects of cultural differences, you can dig deeper to find out what the shared values and beliefs are that guide people through daily life. You can observe how people act toward each other and then reflect on what is happening or even ask someone to explain what you have observed. Try to find out the values that are behind what you have seen.

One place to find out about some of those common Canadian values is by reading the important national documents that define us as a country. The Canadian Bill of Rights and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms define for us what it means to be a member of Canadian society. If you want to know more about the culture of your workplace, there may be other documents that communicate the values and mission that all employees should support. Learning values help members of any community work and live in harmony with each other.

It is important to recognize that each of us is also a culture of one – we have our unique values and beliefs. You may share many values, beliefs and behaviours with others from your culture but there are also ways you are different. Be careful not to stereotype – just because one Canadian instructor sets specific rules for the classroom does not mean that it is normal for all Canadian classes.

Check out the following resources to learn about adjusting and learning in a new cultural environment:

• Learning in a New Culture – Videos and strategies for succeeding in Canada.
• Cultural Diversity Awareness Course – An online course offered by the Academic Success Centre to increase your awareness of Cultural Diversity.
• Intercultural Competence LibGuide – A range of resources about intercultural competence and gender and sexual diversity
• Workplace Integration: A Desk Reference for Newcomers to Canada, by Paul A. Holmes – guide to Canadian workplace culture.

Another important aspect of understanding the culture of a new place is to study the history and heritage – how the community came to be where it is now.

Settlers and indigenous Canadians have had a difficult history, with many injustices and actions of oppression against indigenous people. These include broken treaties, restricted access to basic education and health services and programs such as residential schools and the “60s scoop” which took indigenous children away from their parents and communities to separate them from their culture.

The relationship between indigenous people, settlers and newcomers to Canada has been damaged, but many are beginning to work on rebuilding that relationship through a process of reconciliation. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, based here in Winnipeg, has set out 94 Calls to Action which challenges everyone in Canada to engage in a new way of living together.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation.

RRC Polytech is committed to a renewed relationship and dialogue with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples based on the principles of mutual trust, respect, and reciprocity.

We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.

As a newcomer to Canada, you also have an important part to play in the process of reconciliation. One step you can take is to learn about Canada’s indigenous peoples, their histories and cultures. The School of Indigenous Education has many events on campus that you can attend to learn more, and there are even more opportunities to learn around Winnipeg and Manitoba. By getting involved in reconciliation, you can help us build a stronger community together.

Cultural learning, like language learning, is a lifelong process, but as you become more and more fluent in bridging cultural differences, you can feel that you too are an essential part of your Canadian community.

Learn more:

• Learn About Indigenous History and Culture Through Films and Books
• Residential School LibGuide
• Indigenous LibGuide
• Native Land Interactive Map

Do you still have questions about adjusting and learning across cultures? Contact us at iesupport@rrc.ca with your questions.

If you need some help adjusting to online learning, check out these great resources:

1. How to Learn Online Course
2. How to use LEARN (RRC Polytech’ s Online Learning Platform)
3. Using Microsoft Teams Video and Collaboration Software
4. Using WebEx Video Conferencing
5. Free Courses for RRC Polytech students through LinkedIn Learning (Sign in through the HUB)

1. Overcome academic culture shock
2. Organize your life
3. Communicate with your instructors
4. Follow academic integrity standards
5. Access academic supports

When you walk into a new class, a lot may be different from the courses you have attended before. Class layout, resources, activities and assessments may be very different. What helped you succeed in the past may not work here – you may have to learn new skills to excel.

For some, the biggest challenge may be presentation skills. For others, it may be learning how to work independently and within groups, or to prepare for both theoretical and practical evaluations.

Every time you meet a challenge in studies or life, it is an opportunity for learning. Keep a positive mindset and an analytical approach to adapt to new expectations effectively.

You can reduce stress by organizing the tasks you have to do. “Backward planning” involves placing all of your deadlines on your schedule and then work backward from that deadline to the present, breaking down the tasks that you need to complete to stay on track.

This technique can apply to personal and settlement challenges as well. For example, if you need to find a new apartment, you can map out the tasks and decisions that need to happen to move at the right time.

If you take a few hours at the beginning of the term to organize all your work, you will not have the burden of all the deadlines and tasks at the end, focus on the tasks scheduled for that day.

Once they are complete, you are free to do other things – rest, socialize or other activities. This technique will also help you to live a balanced, healthy lifestyle as a student.

Your instructors are on your team – they are working to help you meet the outcomes required by your program. Communicate with them. If you are struggling, they can suggest ways for you to get additional support, practice or resources to get back on the right pathway. If you are doing well, they can recommend opportunities to take on other challenges to prepare for success beyond your program. They are also your link to your future industry of choice. Get to know them and let them get to know your goals and skills.

Academic integrity is taken very seriously at RRC Polytech and reflects the principles of honesty, truthfulness and fairness.

Listen to Lisa Vogt, RRC Polytech’s Academic Integrity Coordinator, explain why Academic Integrity is so important to your success.

Western education places high importance on individual work. You are responsible for using your original work and ideas, and for giving acknowledgment when you use or refer to work and ideas by other people. Even when group work occurs, individuals receive credit for their contributions, and individual assignments must be completed according to the guidelines without outside help.

Penalties for academic misconduct can be severe, ranging from a failing grade for the assignment to being expelled from the college.

If you are coming from an educational system with different standards, this can be a significant challenge. Make it a priority to learn the rules early in your program and be sure to follow them.

Tips for avoiding academic misconduct:

• Read the college’s Academic Integrity Policy (S4).
• Ask your instructor what activities are allowed before you start an assignment.
• Learn the citation method used in your program (for example, Modern Language Association Guidelines). Find a guide to help you cite your sources properly.
• Contact the Academic Success Centre for help with academic writing.
• Meet with a language tutor to learn how to properly paraphrase, summarize and refer to research sources.
• Be honest and truthful in all of your academic work, communications and representation of your work at RRC Polytech.

Your RRC Polytech program may be one of the greatest challenges you have taken on in your life so far, but you don’t have to do it alone. There are complete supports available to help you meet the high academic standards. Visit the Academic Success Centre for academic and language coaching, tutoring or workshops. You will be surprised at what you can achieve with a bit of support.

In this video, EAL Specialist Stephen Sawchyn shares how you can access academic supports to help you achieve your best in your academic program.

Some students get caught working too many hours to pay for expenses, and don’t have enough time to achieve good grades in their courses. Succeeding in your studies will pay off financially in the end.

Make a detailed financial plan for your expenses, and follow it carefully. Make sure that you have enough funds to support yourself during your program. Once you have arrived, update your plan to account for any necessary changes to your budget. If you are spending more on food or housing, you may need to reduce another category of spending.

Booklists are available from the Campus Store approximately three weeks before classes start. If you need your books shipped overseas, contact the store early, as shipping can take 4-8 weeks.

Some programs may require you to purchase specialized equipment or tools. Check your email for updates from your program office.

Your safety is our top priority. Security Services is available to provide a safe environment for all students, staff, and community members.

• Campus security
• Download the Mobile Safety app
• Winnipeg Police
• Emergency calls: 9.1.1
• Non-emergency calls: 1.204.986.6222

This video introduces you to the Safety and Health Services Team and important tips to stay safe on campus or at your work placement.

International students are often targeted by scammers trying to get your money or personal information. Visit our Scam Protection page for more information to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

Maintaining a respectful environment is important to RRC Polytech. One part of showing respect is making sure that people feel safe and comfortable. All members of the RRC Polytech Community, including students and staff, have responsibility to prevent violent or threatening behaviour.

This includes:

• Physical violence—pushing, grabbing, slapping, hitting, kicking, or any other action that may harm another person.
• Threatening violence or intimidating another person through words or actions (including online)
• Sexual violence or harassment
• Discrimination
• Damaging property

What should you do if you see someone acting in a violent, threatening, or discriminating way?

If you see it, it is YOUR responsibility.

You can:

• Interrupt the behaviour (if it is safe to do so)
• Help the victim get to safety
• Tell someone—College Security Services. You may also alert College staff nearby (if you are on Campus) or call the police for incidents off-campus.

Not doing anything supports the person doing the harm. If you witness violent or threatening behaviour and do not report it, you may be subject to discipline (see College Policy S2, Student Discipline)

For more information about your responsibility for safety and respect on campus, check out these College policies:

• E13 – Violence Prevention
• Policy G5 – Sexual Violence
• H1 – Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment
• S2 – Student Discipline
• No Wrong Door – Where to go if you experience or witness sexual violence, harassment, or discrimination.

RRC Polytech policies direct important parts of College life. The following policies may help you understand your responsibilities and rights as a student.

• Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities
• Student Discipline
• Student Appeals
• Academic Integrity
• Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment
• Academic Standards

RRC Polytech has a number of scholarships available to students. Check the application requirements and apply for awards.

Awards, Scholarships, and Bursaries

Learn about the process for receiving credit for prior learning, or connect with an advisor.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Keep up-to date on RRC Polytech events and news.

Check your College email daily. Your RRC Polytech email address is your College ID @academic.rrc.ca . You can access your email and schedule by signing into the RRC Polytech HUB.

Check out our International Student News Blog for weekly announcements and updates.

Do you still have questions about succeeding in your program? Contact us at iesupport@rrc.ca with your questions.

• Sign up for the Intercultural Mentorship Program
• Join RRC Polytech’s Campus Well-Being Programs
• Get involved in the RRC Polytech Students’ Association
• Join a club (or start your own)
• Participate in the Canadian Connection program
• Read the International and Immigrant Student News for new opportunities and activities throughout the year

• Volunteer – check out Volunteer Manitoba for opportunities across the province
• Participate in recreational activities
• City of Winnipeg Leisure Guide
• YM/YWCA recreation centres
• Join a community recreational league
• Join a community-based club
• Take a friend to explore Winnipeg

(Please note that these community-based activities are not associated with or endorsed by RRC Polytech.)

We hope you have a great time getting to know your college and community.

Do you still have questions about getting involved on campus? Contact us at iesupport@rrc.ca with your questions.

• Academic Success Centre: Academic coaching, language and academic tutoring, workshops and more.
• Talk to your instructor or program coordinator.

• Winnipeg Harvest
• RRC Polytech Food Bank

• Campus security
• Download the Mobile Safety app
• Winnipeg Police
• Emergency calls: 9.1.1
• Non-emergency calls: 1.204.986.6222

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• International Education Website
• International Student Advisor  – Book an appointment or email iesupport@rrc.ca.

• Counselling Services
• Health Services
• COVID Information
• Mental Well-Being
• Crisis Response Centre, 24/7 walk-in service
  • 817 Bannatyne Avenue
• Mobile Crisis Service, someone will come to you
  • Call: 204.940.1781
• Klinic Crisis Line – 24/7 Call: 204.786.8686
• In the case of an emergency, call 9.1.1 or go to your nearest emergency room.

If you are facing any other difficulties and aren’t sure where to go, contact your International Student Support Team at iesupport@rrc.ca. They will help connect you with the supports to help you face those challenges with confidence.