August 22 - 25, 2024
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION
International Student Orientation is Vic’s welcome and orientation program designed exclusively for International Students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION 2024
SCHEDULE
For a full overview of the ISO Schedule, including session details, locations, & campus map, view the Schedule Breakdown
INTERNATIONAL
MENTORS
ISO COMMONLY Asked Questions
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To register for ISO you must be:
An International Student (or a Canadian/domestic student who has not lived in Canada)
Registered as a Victoria College student and/or living at Victoria College
In your first year at the University of Toronto
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To register for ISO, complete the general Vic Orientation registration form (opens June 1)
This is the official registration form for Vic Orientation along with our two supplemental Orientation programs:
Commuter Orientation (Comm-O)
International Student Orientation (ISO)
If you wish to attend either (or both) of these additional orientation programs, please complete this form and indicate "yes" when you encounter the Comm-O or ISO sections. You will receive follow-up communication for these additional orientation programs in August to confirm additional payment and logistics.
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There is a fee of $200 for all ISO participants. If this fee is a barrier to your participation, please email vic.international@utoronto.ca . This fee will be applied to your student account after participation in International Student Orientation.
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International Students participating in ISO are invited to move into their residence room on Thursday August 22nd, the first Welcome day of ISO. You will receive more information about your residence move-in from the Residence Life team later this Summer.
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Absolutely! We realize there are many factors that impact arrival dates. Whenever you arrive on-campus, you can jump right into the ISO events taking place. All ISO registrants will receive supplementary resources to ensure any missed events do not result in missed information.
Contact US
For any remaining questions about ISO or International Student Life, EMAIL US Directly
STEVEN ZANTINGH
Assistant Dean, International Student Life
steven.zantingh@utoronto.ca
or
vic.international@utoronto.ca
International Student
Arrival Checklist ✅
The process of moving to a new city and country can be daunting
To support your transition, we created an arrival checklist to get you ready for your journey here at Vic!
Click through each item on the checklist for an explanation, important details, and links to resources
Travelling to Campus
Learn how to navigate Toronto’s Lester B Pearson Airport (YYZ) and how to travel to Vic’s downtown Campus
Phone Plan
Learn about the widely used Cell Phone carriers and pick the provider that works best for you
Housing
Learn more about Vic Residence Life, International student move-in, & UofT housing resources for off-campus students
Attend ISO
Join us on-campus from Aug 22-25 for Vic’s International Student Orientation. Learn about supports, connect with peers, and explore campus and the city
Health Care
Your wellness is a top priority. Learn about the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and how to access wellness resources
Transportation
Learn about the types of public transportation and how to access each form
Personal Identification
Learn how to set-up the most common forms of Identification, such as your T-Card, SIN, or Ontario Photo card
Safety
While Toronto is ranked as one of the World’s safest cities, knowing how to stay safe and use available safety resources is important
Bank Account
Setting up a Bank account should be a priority for international students. Learn about banking options & common requirements
Neighbourhood Necessities
The Vic Campus has a prime location downtown. It is only a short walk to the closest grocery store, pharmacy, cafe, and more
International Student ResourceS
victoria collegE Resources
The Victoria College International Mentor Program
A team of International Mentors (sometimes referred to as IMs) are available to help support you! Each of these mentors are international students themselves, who are happy to help answer your questions, share their experience, and connect you to campus resources and help. The mentorship program also organizes programming specifically for international students. Scroll below to meet the 2024-25 IM Team!
victoria international students' association
VISA is a student group with three goals:
Improve student life at Victoria College.
Create a sense of belonging for international students at Victoria College.
Provide and inform international students of the resources available to them at the University of Toronto.
We have organized several events this year and if you would like to get involved look out for our posters you can contact us at vicu.visa@gmail.com
UofT Resources
Center for international experience
The Center For International Experience (CIE) is the University of Toronto’s department for supporting and engaging international students. The CIE offers many great services to international students, including workshops and information sessions on immigration, taxes, work permits, healthcare, and more. Click here to find out more about their programming and services.
U of t Telus Health Student Support
The U of T Telus Health Student Support program is a 24/7 service available to all students. Students can receive confidential support for any school, health or general life concerns over the phone or over chat. UofT THSS offers immediate support for over 35 languages and can be accessed within or outside North America. Call 1-844-451-9700 for immediate real-time support. Click here for more information or download the Telus Health Student Support App directly to your phone.
MEET THE 2024 IM TEAM
The IM (International Mentorship) team aims to provide support to our International students. The program recognizes that there are aspects of the international student experience that can be better understood by international student peers. We've got a fantastic team of mentors (also international students themselves), who are ready and excited to help support your transition to university life in Toronto. Don't forget to register for International Student Orientation for three days of workshops and activities, and to get to know your mentors!
International Mentor BIOs
Dora Pal
Senior International Mentor
Dora (she/her) is in her third year specializing in Management at Rotman Commerce and minoring in European Affairs and History. Throughout her time at U of T, she has been involved in the Rotman Commerce Competition Team (RCCT), Rotman Commerce Non-Profit Network (RCNPN), the Cat's Eye Subcommittee, and she also performed in the Vic Drama Society's performance of Young Frankenstein (VCDS). In her spare time, she loves skiing, exploring art galleries and museums, and attending Karaoke nights at the Cat's Eye. Dora is also very involved with the Hungarian community in Toronto, and has been folk dancing for over a decade. She loves meeting new people, and is super excited about welcoming everyone to the Vic community!
Nadine Consunji
Senior International Mentor
Nadine (she/her) is a third-year student studying Environmental Studies and Human Geography (with a focus in Planning!). She grew up in the Philippines, moved to Qatar when she was seven, and has spent the last two years in Canada - so home, for her, is any of these three places. Outside of the IM program, she’s been involved with Caffiends, the Cat’s Eye, the University of Toronto’s Environmental Resource Network, the Filipino Students’ Association, and was in Vic-One’s Gooch stream in first year! In her spare time, you might find her thrifting, swimming, listening to the Backseat Lovers, or going to Woodbine Beach (arguably the best beach in Toronto).
Aiden Kong
Senior International Mentor
Aiden (he/him) is a third-year student from Miami, Florida specializing in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology. At UofT, he is involved in the UofT Badminton Club (UTBC) and Students’ Association for Geriatric Empowerment (SAGE). He is also the current Equity Commissioner for Victoria University Students’ Administrative Council (VUSAC). In his free time, he enjoys hiking, baking, and watching anime. Aiden loves meeting new people and learning about different cultures, so he is excited to get to know all of the new international students. If you have any questions about starting at UofT or adjusting to a new environment, don't hesitate to reach out!
Katrina Eilender
Katrina is a second-year at Vic doing an urban planning specialist with minors in Spanish and Religion. She is originally from New Jersey, in the United States but considers Toronto her adopted home. In her free time, she volunteers at Common Table and UofT NDP, sings in Vic Chorus, and helps out with Vic Shabbat Club. She was in the Vic One Pearson Stream last year and is happy to answer questions about that or anything else. Katrina loves reading (especially history and urban planning books), board games, hiking, debate, and disco.
She is so excited to meet the new first years!
Toyin Aina
Toyin (she/her) is a fourth-year student majoring in Biochemistry and Immunology. She calls both Calgary and Nigeria her home. Outside of the IM program, she is also involved in volunteering with the UofT Saturday Tutoring Program and the UofT Undergraduate Research Association. She is also currently a nutritional science research student at St Michael's hospital. In her free time, she enjoys binge-watching mystery shows and dancing. Most recently she tried Bachata dancing (with VicBachata), Jazz Dance (with the UofT dance team classes) and bellydancing (off campus classes). She also enjoys adrenaline filled activities like ziplining and hide and seek (with the Uoft hide and seek club) . Toyin is super excited to welcome all incoming students to Vic!
Sakina Ataullah
Sakina (she/her) is a second-year student majoring in Political Science and minoring in Spanish and Sociology. She grew up in Pakistan but moved and completed high school in Vancouver. Outside of the IM program, she is a part of the UofT branch of AIESEC. She loves to cook, travel, eat, watch movies but most importantly, hang out with her friends and she is always looking forward to making more, so don’t be shy to come up to her and say hi or just start up a conversation. She’s looking forward to welcoming everyone to campus!
Maryam Moghrabi
Maryam (she/her) is a third-year student, double majoring in Cognitive Science and Psychology. She loves to watch and play soccer, tennis, and volleyball. Her interests vary between cooking and baking, airplanes and traveling, good food, and arts & DIY. She grew up in Beirut, Lebanon before moving to live in Canada, speaks English, French, Arabic and is currently learning Spanish and Mandarin. Maryam is super excited to be on the team this year and can't wait to meet everyone. Feel free to reach out to her if you want to discuss adjusting to a new environment as well as any other questions you might have!
Radia Salam
Hi! I’m Radia (she/her), a second-year international student from Dhaka, Bangladesh, studying Life Sciences and Statistics. Last year, I participated in the Vic One Stowe-Gullen program and was involved with VUSAC and my residence floor council. This year, I’m excited to take on new roles as an FLC Mentor and IM Mentor, in addition to joining a few other clubs on campus. I love meeting new people and look forward to connecting through these commitments. In my spare time, I enjoy going out with friends or hitting the gym. I understand the challenges and uncertainties that first-year students face when starting university, especially as an international, and I’m here to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Vincent Jiang
Hello, Bonjour, Hola, こんにちは, 안녕하세요, 你好呀!
Vincent Jiang, a third-year student “immersing” in the areas of human resources and human geography here at UofT. His pronouns are he/him. He speaks English, Mandarin, and a little bit of Cantonese, and is an international student from Shenzhen, China. He is a person who talks a lot, thinks a lot, and does a lot (sometimes too much), so feel free to approach me with any questions at any time! He hopes to see you all around Vic! Go Vickies!
Nikita Nunes
Nikita (she/her) is a third-year student double majoring in Health Studies & English with a minor in Bioethics. In her free time, she likes going to the bookstore to read or sit in a music room on campus - singing, playing the piano and writing songs. She also enjoys skating, going on walks to explore the city and spotting cute dogs! She is an avid advocate of animal welfare rights. Aside from being an international mentor, Nikita is the Vice President for Vic Records while also being a copy editor with the University of Toronto Undergraduate Criminology Review and The Varsity. She loves talking to and meeting people so if you see her wandering around make sure to say hi! Nikita is super excited to join the team again and is looking forward to welcoming you all to campus!
Moksh Guliani
Moksh (he/him) is a third-year Rotman student, specializing in management with a focus in finance. He loves to involve himself with activities on campus- he's a VCAA representative, captain of Vic's Open Soccer intramural team, part of multiple clubs and is looking to join even more. He loves to read and dance, he loves soccer (ahem, football) and basketball, cricket, boxing, badminton, tennis, F1.... okay any sport works really. He's also a massive extrovert (seriously. His school's psychology teacher was shocked to the core when she saw his scores on a personality test), so never hesitate to reach out, he'd love to talk about anything and everything! (Basically, he loves to yap.)
Maria Dzevitski
Hi! My name is Maria, and I am a second year at Victoria College, pursuing a double major in Political Science and Criminology. I was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, and came to Toronto to learn and experience more in a new city! In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and volleyball and exploring the beauty that Toronto has to offer. At UofT, I’ve participated in all sorts of activities recreationally, like badminton and swimming at Hart House; I have also run several study groups registered with the university, known as RSGs. As of the fall semester, I will be a member of the University Tribunal and, of course, with utmost pleasure, one of the international mentors this year!
Claudia Moguel Pinto
My Name is Claudia (she/her), but my friends call me Clau! I will be starting 2nd year, studying Cell and Molecular Biology! Home for me is Cancún, México.In my free time, I like to cook Mexican food that reminds me of home. I also love watching YouTube while having lunch and anime. Also, when I am feeling creative, I play the guitar and write some music. I try to do lots of yoga and swimming to help distress. Finally, when I have a free day, I like to go out and discover the amazing city that Toronto is! As an international, commuter student, first year was a huge transition for me, but the friendships I made and the advice I got during ISO really helped me build a strong base. And I want to help new students to feel that way too!
Cemre Boz
I’m going into my second year the following term. I’m studying computer science and thinking of doing a minor in statistics. I’m an international student from the beautiful city Istanbul, Turkey. Travelling is my greatest passion, and I intend to travel every single continent in the future, including Antarctica! I’m also very into photography. I keep a digital camera with me everywhere I go. I’m very excited to meet everyone and can’t wait for them to experience the wonderful Vic community.
Salma Somerville
Hi everyone! I’m Salma, a second year student studying Political Science, Peace Conflict and Justice and Near and Middle Eastern Civilisations! I live in Geneva, Switzerland but I was born in England, so I call both my home. I love reading, and in my spare time I like to walk down to the Harbour Front with a book to watch sunsets, which also happens to be a great way of procrastinating! I also like going to the gym with friends, and exploring new cafes around Toronto! I am really excited to join the IM team this year, and I am looking forward to meeting everyone!!
Lily Kay Van Bergen
Howdy! I’m Lily and I am overjoyed to be one of your International Mentors this year! I am going into my second year here at Vic, where I am double majoring in Literature and Critical Theory and French Language and Literature along with a minor in Creativity and Society (try saying all of that five times fast). We are all so excited to welcome you to our flourishing community and show you everything Vic has to offer! It’s all so exciting and maybe a little overwhelming, and being an international student from the U.S. myself, I have been right where you are—and I can promise you—those nerves don’t last!
Norah Crothers
Norah Jean (she/her) is a second-year student at Victoria studying Health Studies and Medical Anthropology. She is both Canadian and American and considers them equally her home. Outside of the IM team and her studies, Norah Jean is involved in the UTOC and, hopefully, will start working with The Varsity! In her free time, she likes to be outside, hang out with her friends, and try new foods, especially international ones. Learning about and trying new cuisines is a reflection of her hopes to travel and immerse herself in other cultures! Feel free to reach out—Norah Jean is very excited to meet everyone!
Ariza Hossain
My name is Ariza Hossain, and I am an international student from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Currently, I am double majoring in Economics and Statistics. Beyond academics, I am quite involved with the UofT community through various clubs and extracurricular activities. Notably, I am a second-year learning community peer mentor and the Co-President of the Victoria International Student Association. Apart from these roles, I am a Potterhead, a huge sports enthusiast (soccer, cricket, tennis, and F1), and a lover of Thai food. I enjoy hiking and rock climbing as well. For the past two years, Victoria College has been my home away from home, and I absolutely love the Vic community. I cannot wait for you all to become a part of this community and am very excited to welcome you!
Suad Saneh
Mentor Bio Coming Soon!
