Preparing to Leave for UNB

Before leaving for UNB

• Update your passport and travel documents.
• Obtain the proper documents to enter Canada. See visa & immigration needs
• Have transcripts and course descriptions for courses you want considered for transfer credits.
• If you plan to visit the United States of America while studying in Canada you should visit the nearest U. S. A. Embassy or Consulate before coming to Canada and make arrangements.For more information see section on Obtaining a U.S.A. Visitor's Visa

What to Bring:

Travel Documents
Be sure to carry the following documents with you on the plane. Do not pack them in your luggage.

• Valid passport
• Student Authorization Approval Letter
• Entry Visa (if required)
• Original Letter of Acceptance from UNB
• Information on who contact when you arrive in Fredericton or Saint John

Weather and Clothes:

Consider the Weather
You should consider the climate in New Brunswick when packaging clothes. Saint John is on the shores of the Bay of Fundy where the tides are some of the highest in the world. In the Winter, snow often turns to rain and does not accumulate as much as other parts of Canada. In the summer, the cool waters of the the Bay meet with the warm waters of the Saint John River which results often in fog, which keeps the summer temperatures from getting too high. In Fredericton, which is 100 Kilometers inland from the Bay of Fundy, the climate is much drier. There is more snow in the winter and the temperature range is warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter.

Clothes for Each Season
New Brunswick enjoys all four seasons so you will need clothes to suit the climate changes. If you arrive in September, summer will be ending and fall will soon be beginning. Fall or autumn is fairly dry with an average temperature of 10°C (range 5 to 23°C). Make sure you bring a jacket and sweaters with you. By the end of November winter will begin. And will continue until March. There is plenty of snow during winter and the average temperature is -5°C (-20 to 10°C). If you are coming from a warm climate you should plan to purchase winter clothing (jackets, boots, hats, gloves, etc) in Canada. You should budget $200 to $300 for the cost of items for winter. In Canada homes and buildings have very good central heating systems. So, even if it is -20°C outside the environments inside are kept at temperatures between 18°C and 22°C. Spring is from April to May and it is a season with a lot of rain. The average temperature is 10°C (5 to 18°C). Clothes worn in the autumn season can also be worn during spring. Summer is from June to August. This season is dry, but rain is not uncommon. The average temperature is 20°C (15°C to 30°C).

Other Things to Consider

• People in New Brunswick tend to dress casually. You may wish to bring your cultural dress for special events organized by an international student association and a set of formal wear for special occasions.
• Electrical items (stereos, computers, hair-dryers, etc.) Need to be 110 volts, 60 Hz.However, adaptors are available at a reasonable price.
• Special spices and food items are limited in New Brunswick but are available in other centres in the region and from the local ethnic communities.
• Music, books, and films from your country are difficult to find.
• An "International Driver's License" or an English translation of your countries driver's license if you attend to drive in Canada.
• Feel free to bring items from home that will make your stay at UNB more comfortable.