Guide for New Students
Welcome to Georgian!
We know there’s a lot to think about when you’re a new student. So we decided to gather up all this information in one place to help you navigate through fee payments, registering for courses, and more!
This Guide for New Students page is your one-stop-shop for all the important information you’ll need as you start your first semester here.
Are you an international student? In addition to everything in this guide, we have some tips just for you too!
Contact the Registrar's Office
Tips
- We have an app to help you beat the line up! If you need to visit the Registrar’s Office in person at the Barrie, Orillia or Owen Sound campuses, reserve your spot in line using the myVisit app.
- If you study at another campus or want to contact the Registrar’s Office by phone or email, review the list of contacts.
Check out Georgian's important dates
Tips
- Pay attention to deadlines – don’t risk losing your spot in the program, not being able to register for courses or having to pay a late fee by missing a payment deadline.
- Georgian has an events calendar so you can keep track of college events, speakers and exhibits.
- The Georgian College Students’ Association (GCSA) also has an events calendar so you don’t miss OTHER important dates like parties, pub nights and shows.
Register for your courses
Tips
You’ll need your student number to log in to Banner. If you’re a full-time student, your student number is located on your acknowledgement letter (the letter you received from us acknowledging your application). If you can’t locate it, you can email us your name, date of birth, address and program name and we’ll send you your student number.
Get your Georgian student card
Tips
If you’re a first time card holder, you can submit your photo online!
ONEcard is the official Georgian identification card. Its features extend far beyond a simple ID – it’s your student card, library card, athletic centre card, and now a convenient payment for select on-campus and off-campus vendors – all in one!
Try to get your student card early so you can cross it off your to-do list.
Get to know Georgian systems
Tips
Chances are you’re pretty good with technology but it’s still a good idea to get to know our systems before you get too busy with classes, assignments and, well, fun!
- Your student email account is important because it’s the way we will communicate with you – make sure you check it often.
- Microsoft Office 365 is Georgian’s student email system.
- Your Georgian student email address is: firstname.lastname@mygeorgian.ca.
- Your username is: student_number@student.georgianc.on.ca.
- Your password is: your six-character date of birth YYMMDD.
Banner
- Banner is our student information system – it contains your records, contact information and, once you register for your courses, your timetable.
Blackboard
- Blackboard allows you to communicate with your teachers and classmates online. You’ll be able to submit assignments, work on group projects and receive important information. There’s also a free Blackboard mobile app.
GeorgianConnects
- You’ll use GeorgianConnects to find co-op, internship, part-time, contract, on-campus and graduate jobs.
Student portal: Your one-stop shop
- See your timetable, check campus computer availability, look up weather conditions, search campus food services and hours, stay on top of student news and more!
- Use the same instructions to log in as for your Georgian student email.
Purchase your textbooks
Good to know
Georgian Stores’ primary goal is to ensure students are able to obtain course materials when they need them, at reasonable prices. All financial surplus generated by the stores is reinvested in the college for the benefit of students.
Pay your tuition
Good to know
- There is a deadline for paying your deposit and another for paying your tuition fees.
- Full fees are due by the second day of term.
Apply for financial assistance
Tips
- Financial Aid staff are here to help with information about OSAP.
- Read through the FAQs on the Financial Aid page.
- Apply for OSAP at least eight weeks prior to the start of your academic year.
- More than $1 million is raised annually at Georgian specifically for awards and scholarships – this money is for you, take advantage of it!
Prepare for your placement and internship
Good to know
Some programs have specific requirements like immunizations or police checks. Make sure you know what is required for your program and if you don’t understand the requirement, contact the program co-ordinator (listed on the Contact tab of your specific program page on the website)
Get to know your campus
Tips
- There’s so much to do when you’re a new student, you probably don’t know where to begin! Why not start with a Head Start event? You’ll be able to get some things done before the first-day rush.
- We can’t say enough how important it is to go to Orientation. Why? Because it’s a proven fact that students who attend orientation feel more connected and get a better start.
- And don’t forget, our First Year Experience team is always standing by to help you out if you need anything.
Find a place to live
Tip
Georgian has lots of options for living both on-campus and off. Keep in mind that we don’t inspect off-campus housing listings so make sure you check out the place thoroughly before entering any kind of rental agreement.
On-campus housing options
Off-campus housing options
Homestay (for international students)
*During the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact residence operators directly for questions regarding any changes in residence operations.
Stay healthy
Tips
- The fitness centres at the Barrie, Orillia and Owen Sound campuses are great spaces to work out. Fitness memberships for full-time students are included in your tuition.
- Our varsity athletes compete against colleges in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Learn about upcoming tryouts.
- You can choose from a variety of food and beverage options onsite. For added convenience, many locations accept your Georgian ONEcard.
Fitness centre memberships
Varsity tryouts
Campus food
Georgian ONEcard
*Please note Georgian Athletic Centres are closed until further notice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Policies to be aware of
Good to know
- Georgian is a smoking-free institution. You can’t smoke anywhere on Georgian property. If you are a smoker, please plan your time on campus and allow time to smoke off site.
- Recreational cannabis use is prohibited on campus. Students or staff who require the use of medical marijuana are required to produce documentation.
- Georgian strives to maintain a campus free of discrimination and harassment. We have a process of investigation that protects the rights of individuals and holds individuals who commit an act of sexual violence accountable.
- Sometimes weather conditions lead to campus closures. Be aware of which channels to follow for news about campus closures.
When in doubt, ask for help
Good to know
Georgian staff are here to support you in your academic journey. Here is a list of a few people and places you can refer to for help.
- The student portal: This is your go-to website about student services. Begin here by doing some research.
- Your student advisor: This is your first point of contact for personalized support. The name of your advisor will appear on the top left of your screen when you log in to the student portal.
Additional information for international students
Tips
Here is helpful information you need to get started on your journey to Georgian and to Canada.
Download the fall 2019 pre-departure book
Confirm your study permit
Housing options
Register for international orientation
Register for college-wide orientation
Plan your arrival at the airport
Bring proof of immunization records
About your insurance coverage from guard.me International Insurance
About your insurance coverage from mystudentplan via the Georgian College Students’ Association
