Welcome to Canada, and welcome to Waterloo!
The University of Waterloo International Students Office has information that will help you adjust to life in Canada, including information on health care, employment and classes in English.
Here are some quick tips and facts to help you get started.
Weather
The weather in Waterloo is usually hot during July and August (up to 30°C or more) and quite humid. The winter months of January and February are normally cold (below 0°C) and snowy. The other months typically have more moderate temperatures. Regardless of the season, fluctuating temperatures are normal.
Languages spoken
While you'll hear many different languages spoken in Canada, English and French are the country's two official languages. In Waterloo, English is the main language spoken.
Cigarettes
Cigarette smoking is prohibited in public places in Waterloo. All buildings at St. Paul's are entirely non-smoking. Smoking on the St. Paul's grounds is only permitted in the designated smoking area.
Cultural customs
The Government of Canada offers some useful social tips.
Currency
The legal currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar, which is divided into 100 cents. Be careful not to confuse it with the American dollar.
Canadian bills come in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5. Coins are in denominations of $2 (called a "toonie"), $1 (called a "loonie"), $0.25 (called a "quarter"), $0.10 (called a "dime"), $0.05 (called a "nickel"), and $0.01 (called a "penny").
Some establishments will not accept bills over $20.
Banking
In Canada, you may use your bank debit card to make withdrawals at the majority of Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).
ATMs are common throughout Canada. You can find them at banks as well as many grocery stores, gas stations, variety stores, shopping centres, bus depots and train stations.
Credit cards are honoured in almost all retail stores. VISA and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. (Note that St. Paul's cannot accept credit cards for rent, suite fee, or residence fee payments).
The major banks are: Bank of Montréal, Bank of Nova Scotia (ScotiaBank), Royal Bank (RBC), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), and TD Canada Trust. There is a ScotiaBank machine in Watson's Student Centre, a CIBC on University of Waterloo's campus and a TD Canada Trust within walking distance of St. Paul's.
Sales tax
Goods and services purchased in Ontario, Canada are subject to the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 13 percent. Rent and most groceries are excluded from this tax.
HST is also added to the price of restaurant meals and drinks in bars. It appears as a separate item and is not a service charge or gratuity.
Schools
To register your child in school, contact the appropriate school directly. The Waterloo Region District School Board can help you locate the right school and answer your questions.
Electric current
Electric current in Canada is 110 volts, 60 cycle Alternating Current (AC). An adaptor must be used with appliances that operate on a different voltage.
Plugs in Canada are either two flat, parallel prongs, or one cylindrical and two flat parallel prongs.
Alcohol
The sale of alcohol is regulated and limited to specialty shops. In Ontario, where Waterloo is located, the minimum age required to purchase or consume an alcoholic beverage is 19 (in Canada you celebrate your first birthday 12 months after the day you are born).