Prepare your arrival

Travel

Exclusive Air Canada offer for LCI Education students

To make travel arrangements easier for international students in Canada, a promotional code is available through our partnership with Air Canada. Here are the details of this exclusive offer:

  • 10% discount on Flex and Latitude airfare from an international destination (excluding Asia and Australia) to Canada
  • Must be used for LCI Education students traveling only
  • Promotion is valid for travel until December 31, 2022, with tickets being issued before November 30, 2022
  • Changes may be made at any time at the discretion of Air Canada

A code will be provided to you by LaSalle College when you book your flight with Air Canada.

Leave Less travel program

LaSalle College participates in Air Canada's Leave Less travel program to offset the carbon footprint of international students traveling to its Canadian campuses.

A code will be provided to you by LaSalle College when you book your flight with Air Canada.

Student Pass - International

The Student Flight Pass allows international students to travel between school and home more often than ever! This convenient and cost effective package includes one-way flight credits in either Standard or Flex that can be used to travel to international destinations.

Students should make sure to use their own Aeroplan Number to purchase their Student Pass - or give it to their parents if they are purchasing it.

For more information, visit Air Canada's website.

When to arrive

Arriving in Canada 2 to 4 weeks before the beginning of your classes is ideal. You will need to organize your accommodation, purchase all the necessary household articles for your move and open a bank account.

Living on campus

Student residences 

LaSalle College facilitates access to downtown residences. We offer places in student residences with our partner Evo. 

This type of accommodation is ideal for students who wish to be fully independent. Living in student residences will allow you to make friends more easily. Also, every year, the apartments in the residences welcome international students from all over the world.

Host family

It is also possible to stay with a host family. This type of accommodation is very popular for students who want a complete cultural immersion in English or French. Our host families are carefully selected and will warmly welcome our international students.

Contact hebergement-montreal@lcieducation.com for further information or visit the "Housing" page.

Living in Montréal 

This cosmopolitan city has a European flair. Montréal is also the business and culture central of the province of Québec.

It is considered as the second francophone city in the world after Paris. Welcoming and jovial, its many ethnic communities, innovative trends and artistic edge will have you loving this city.

Managing your budget in Canada

At the airport, you have many exchange offices that will allow you to convert your money into Canadian currency. We do however strongly recommend you arrive with travel cheques in case these offices are closed when you arrive. It is also recommended to travel with cash for any emergency expense.

American money is accepted in many Canadian businesses. However, take note that some merchants will charge up to 15% more on top of the taxes for the exchange rate. Because of this, we recommend you change your American money into Canadian currency as well.  

Keep in mind that it is best to keep all your cash, travelers cheques and important documents on board with you and not in your check in luggage. Each year we have students who lose their luggage and are stranded with no documents or cash. Avoid this situation all together.

Exchanging your money into Canadian currency

If you transfer funds into a Canadian bank account, your money will automatically be exchanged into the Canadian dollar. The rates you are charged when you make bank fund transfers are the best on the market, generally. The rates do however vary from bank to bank. Note that any currency that is not displayed on the market will not be bought by any Canadian bank.

Here is a universal converter for your convenience.

What to bring

Canada has everything you'll need. You'll find specialty grocery stores with foods from around the world at reasonable prices. However, for your everyday comfort, it is recommended to take your personal belongings. 

Don't forget to bring the following important documents:

  • Passport
  • Acceptance letter from LaSalle College
  • Student visa
  • Any original document required by the College for your admission
  • International driver's license (make a request with your local transport authorities before you leave)
  • Medical report
  • Medical prescriptions 

Electronic devices

Canada uses the nominal tension of 110 volts with an alternating current of 60 cycles. If your country has a different voltage, be sure to get an adapter for your electronic devices. Adaptors allow to plug electronic travel devices in foreign sockets while converters convert electrical tension.

Be sure to inquire what are the best solutions for you. Here is a website link that may help.

Luggage

Most airlines have strict regulations regarding cargo and carry-on luggage. Please refer directly to your airline for complete details.

Blurred Airport Terminal 

Reserve a hotel

If you haven't found an apartment yet, reserving a hotel room prior to your departure is ideal. In Montreal, it is best to reserve a hotel room before hand, especially if you are arriving during the summer season.

Public telephones, mobiles and landlines

The price to place a local call on a public phone is $0.50. In Montréal there are two regional codes, 514 and 438, both preceded by a "1" if you're dialing outside of the city.

To get a mobile or landline, there are many options. To make the best choice for your needs, it is best to do some research before you go to compare prices and special service packages.

Insurance

All students coming from abroad must obtain health insurance. The ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Canada requires the College to ensure that insurance companies offer you adequate coverage. The College will include the cost of the insurance coverage. Health insurance is mandatory.

Upon arrival, you must go to the "Cash Office", which is located in the Administration Office, on the second floor of LaSalle College, to obtain your insurance certificate, an information leaflet and claim forms.

Exception: Students of French nationality obtain their health insurance before they leave. Please inquire at the bureau de la Sécurité sociale.

Useful links

Immigration Québec: https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/study-quebec
Montréal tourism: https://www.mtl.org/en
STM (public transportation): http://www.stm.info/