New student checklist
Apply for a Study Permit
Once you have received your offer of admission to UNBC. You can submit your study permit application. Please see the IRCC website for more information about how to apply for your study permit
Make Travel Plans
Before you book flights and make travel plans to Prince George. Make sure you are aware of UNBC semester dates and make plans to arrive before the start of the semester.
You should arrange housing before you arrive in Prince George. You will need to decide if you want to stay on or off campus. If you stay in UNBC housing be aware of the deadlines and move in dates.
It is reasonable for students to arrive a couple weeks before the start of the semester. Be advised that you cannot start working before you begin your program.
Cost of Living
Cost of living in BC can vary depending on whether you are staying on campus, off campus, living with roommates or renting by yourself. Students can expect to pay between $750 to $1500 a month for accommodations depending on the living arrangements. Students should take into account additional costs per month:
Accommodations: $750-$1500 (See housing options below)
Food: $400-$1,000
Utilities: $50-$150 (Ask your landlord to see if utilities are included in costs of rent)
Transportation: $50-$200
BC MSP: $75.00
Students may find the Government of Canada budget calculator of livingcost.org website helpful in estimating expenses.
Stay in Touch with UNBC
UNBC will stay in connect with you through your myUNBC account account and your UNBC email. We also recommend that you download the myUNBC app and follow us on social media for important updates.
Don't forget to sign up for a pre-arrival information session.
Register for classes
You should register for classes before you arrive. Late registration may result in students not being able to register in their top choice class or being waitlisted.
Prepare for Arrival
Make sure that you have responded to the UNBC arrival email, this will ensure that you receive a voucher for the Prince George Airport Shuttle. The shuttle is not run by UNBC and may not be available for all flights depending on arrival time. Review our webpage about Arriving in Canada for document information and the UNBC Packing Checklist.