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Being a new graduate student can be overwhelming. This page will help you get settled into your new role and help you find support and resources.
We are committed to helping you throughout your graduate program. If you have a question that's not answered below, please email gradstudies@sfu.ca.
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Join our email list to receive announcements and reminders of upcoming deadlines and graduate programs' open houses. |
| Paying your deposit lets us know that you've accepted our offer. To pay your deposit see How to Pay Your Fees |
| SFU has recently opened three new residence towers and a dining hall with a full meal plan. Please note that residence for students at all SFU campuses is currently located exclusively at Burnaby Mountain. To apply for residence visit Residence and Housing |
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You can begin your search for off-campus housing by checking out websites such as My Ideal Home, looking at newspaper listings, checking notice boards around campus and asking other students about vacancies. SFU does not pre-screen ads for off-campus housing, so it is your responsibility to check out the listings carefully. Familiarize yourself with the BC Residential Tenancy Act before signing a lease. |
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An SFU Computing ID gives you access to the course enrollment system to enroll in classes. It is your official SFU email account — all important SFU-related emails are sent here. It allows you access to campus labs, SFU modem pool, SFU library services, web publishing facilities, and to unix. This computing ID replaces the temporary applicant login (student number and temporary password) you previously used to access the Student Information System(goSFU). Activate your computing ID. If you paid your $ 250 deposit, you will receive an e-mail from Academic Computing Services (ACS) approximately two months before the term starts with your SFU student computing ID and instructions on how to activate it, which will give you access to the SFU Student Information System. Check if your admission deposit has been processed. Check the balance in your account summary in Student Information System. If you see -$250, it means your deposit has been processed. Received an email about your computing ID:
Once your account has been activated, you can use your computing ID when you log in to the Student Information System. Your 9-digit student number was a temporary user ID for and should not be used once you've successfully activated your computing ID. |
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Visit SFU International to help you prepare for your time at SFU and find out about services and programs available to International and Exchange students. We also have a new webforum for international students to chat with each other, find support and ask for advice. |
| Visit the First Nations Students Centre in room 1500 at the Maggie Benston building. |
| We provide information and assistance and ensure accessible campus services for students with disabilities. Visit the Centre for Students with Disabilities |
| There is an orientation program to help you get your SFU career started off right. Visit SFU Graduate Student Orientation Program for more information. |
| Many students think it's difficult to come up with a budget to figure out what their costs are going to be, but a budget is a very important tool to use when evaluating your financial situation. Our Financial Assistance team has put together some important information for you to create your own budget, with excellent tips, advice, and money saving ideas. For more information see Financial Aid: Creating a Workable Budget |
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Did you know that SFU gives out millions of dollars each year to students in the form of scholarships and bursaries, and that's not including external options not administered by the university? There are several types of financial aid available to help you pay for your university education. Options include awards and scholarships, teaching and research positions, as well as bursaries and work-study employment. The Graduate Studies blog is regularly updated with links to upcoming awards and scholarships. If you're an international student, you may be able to apply for assistance through your home country. For more information, visit Financial Aid and Awards and consult your department. |
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Log into the Student Information System with your computing ID and password. The Fall 2011 Graduate Schedule of Classes is now available. |
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There are several ways you can pay for your tuition and fees after you have registered for classes. The most convenient way to pay is through either online or telephone banking with your bank or credit union. Avoid lineups! For more information see How to Pay Your Fees. |
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You can get your Library/ID card 24 hours after you have enrolled in a course. You will need to present valid photo ID (for example, government issued ID, driver’s license, or high school GoCard). Library/ID cards are produced at any of our three campuses. Visit Student Services for contact information. In addition, see their deadlines page for details on peak card production schedules. |
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The SFU Library has many useful resources for graduate students, including a comprehensive guide to preparing and submitting your thesis.
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The SFU Bookstore stocks all of the official coursebooks at the campus where the class is being offered. Books are often in stock before the term starts, so consider coming to campus early to see if your books are in and save yourself from the first week lineups. The Simon Fraser Student Society runs a consignment bookstore, Quad Books, at the Burnaby Mountain campus, and holds a consignment book sale at the beginning of each term at SFU Surrey |
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Pick up your tag during the first few weeks of the term. It gives you access to recreational facilities, activities and intramurals. SFU Surrey students will receive additional information about Recreation Services when they arrive on campus. See Recreation Services/Membership. |
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The Simon Fraser Student Society hands out free daytimers during the first few weeks of the term. |
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Consider buying your equipment from the SFU Microcomputer Store. This non-profit store offers software and hardware at significant educational discounts available only to our community members. Shop and compare to see if the store has the right services for you. |
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All eligible students receive a U-Pass for unlimited access to public transit around Metro Vancouver. See the U-Pass website for more information. Please note: To be exempt from the U-Pass fee as of the Fall 2011 semester, you must be enrolled in a course that is marked as being "off-campus" and your mailing address must be outside Metro Vancouver. |
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SFU Burnaby. As SFU Graduate Students, you are eligible to purchase parking at any time if you satisfy the following eligibility requirements. SFU Surrey. As SFU Graduate Students, you are eligible to purchase parking at any time if you satisfy the following eligibility requirements. SFU Vancouver. Nearby parking lots include the one beneath the Harbour Centre complex at 515 West Hastings (weeknights only after 6 pm, all day Saturday and Sunday and statutory holidays) and Imperial Parking at 400 West Cordova Street. The Cordova Street lot offers reduced rates after 4:00 pm for students, faculty, and staff with a valid SFU library card or a parking pass available from Continuing Studies. Bicycle racks are also available at this location. Parking on the street is free after 8 pm. |
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See the Dean of Graduate Studies website and the Graduate Student Society for general information and advice. |
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The transition from one university to another can be challenging, so don't be afraid to ask for help from counsellors at our Health and Counselling Centre or academic advisors at your department. |
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You've already demonstrated excellent academic results, whether it is from high school, college, or another university. However, many students find that their study skills need improvement in order to meet the academic demands of university. We offer assistance and a range of free workshops to improve your learning and study skills. You can find learning skills support at the Learning Commons |
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Talk to your supervisor or graduate program chair if you have questions regarding your academic program. Personal counselling. Visiting with a counsellor may help you to manage the challenges of university life and reach your academic and personal goals with short-term personal counselling, support groups and workshops. The SFU Food Bank is open to community members in times of need. Visit the Food Bank website for our Burnaby campus location and hours, as well as other community resources. |
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Sometimes it helps to talk to another student. Many departments offer a mentor system where you will be matched with another graduate student in your program. Talk to your department. |
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During graduate orientation (on Thursday, September 9, 2009), there was a panel discussing what makes a successful graduate student. You can find the notes from this discussion here. |
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See the Dean of Graduate Studies website and the Graduate Student Society for general information and advice. |