August 21 - 24, 2025
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION
International Student Orientation is Vic’s welcome and orientation program designed exclusively for International Students
ISO 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 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 21-24 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.
2025 International Mentor BIos
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!
Maryam Moghrabi
Senior International Mentor
Maryam (she/her) is a fourth-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!
Maria Dzevitski
Senior International Mentor
Hi! My name is Maria, and I am a third 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!
Salma Somerville
Senior International Mentor
Hi everyone! I’m Salma, a third 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!!
Sakina Ataullah
“Hi everyone! I’m Sakina and I’m a third-year student majoring in Political Science and minoring in Anthropology and Classical Studies. I grew up in Pakistan but moved to Vancouver a few years ago. I love to cook, travel, eat, watch movies but most importantly hang out with friends and I am always looking forward to making more! If you have any questions about Vic, residences, Toronto, UofT or life in general, I would be more than happy to help you out or even just lend an ear. I’m so excited to welcome you all on 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.)
Aiden Kong
Senior International Mentor
Aiden (he/him) is a fourth-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!
Vincent Jiang
Hello, Bonjour, Hola, こんにちは, 안녕하세요, 你好呀!
Vincent Jiang, a fourth-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!
Yomna Elshabrawy
Hey! I’m Yomna, a third-year student specializing in Neuroscience and minoring in Data Science. Born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, I call the land of the pyramids my home. Outside the IM program, I’m involved in UofT Scientista and the Arab Student Association, as well as being a student researcher. In my free time, I enjoy reading, drawing, going on walks, and picking up new hobbies. I love meeting new people, so if you see me around don’t hesitate to come say hi :)
For the past two years Vic has been my home away from home, and I hope it will be the same for you. Looking forward to meeting you all in August!
Lisa Ishizuka
Hi everyone! My name is Lisa, a second year student in Rotman Commerce, specializing in Management with focus on Data Science and Marketing!! I am from Tokyo, Japan (was born and raised there!) so coming to UofT was my first time living away from home. I am also part of Rotman Commerce Innovation Group, Rotman FLC peer mentor, and VUSAC sustainability commission. I love listening music, baking, and exploring cafe in Toronto (let me know if you want to know my favorites!). Transitioning into university can be overwhelming especially moving to different environment, but you got this!! I cannot wait to meet you all!
Akari Tomita
I'm Akari (they/them), and I'm a 3rd year student pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and SCL Anthropology (with a Medical Anthropology concentration). My “home” is wherever my loved ones are, which include Japan, USA, and Canada. I'm currently a co-president for VicPride and will be around to rep the levy throughout the orientation weeks! I'm also involved in the undergrad Neuroscience Association (NAUS) and the Hart House Symphonic Band, as well as research at CAMH. In my free time, I love to dance or try to do embroidery (it's a work in progress). I'm so excited to be back at ISO to welcome you guys!
Amie Njie
Hi! My name is Amie (she/her) and I’m a second-year student double majoring in Political Science and Criminology. To pinpoint one place as home is a little tricky for me. Ethnically, I am Gambian, however I’ve lived in Italy, Egypt, the US, and now Canada. This year I hope to become more involved in campus creative writing spaces and news articles. In my free time I love to watch and write reviews on films, listen to music (Bossa nova, neo soul, rnb and 90s rap), play the sims, write poetry, and read (usually about feminist/queer/racial/political discourse). I understand how difficult it is to be in first year, let alone a new kid in a whole new country so please reach out- I see you<3
Lilian Ekenta-Ifeanyi
Lilian is a third-year student from Lagos, Nigeria studying a Global Health major and double minors in Immunology and Physiology. Besides the ISO program, she is actively involved with Vic's black student levy, BLVCK, and volunteers with the UofT stem cell club. In her downtime, she loves to be in the company of friends or doing routine tasks with a good playlist. Lilian particularly enjoys thrilling activities like go karting, rock climbing and roller coasters. Feel free to reach out to her whether you have questions or not! Lilian hopes all incoming students feel at home as part of our lovely Vic community.
Cailey Lockitch
Hi everyone! My name is Cailey and I’m a second year student double majoring in Rotman Commerce (management specialist) and economics. I’m American (born and raised in California) and Canadian (my parents are from Vancouver). In my free time I like to start learning new languages and then give up, eat cheese and crackers, and overuse parentheses. On campus, I’m an events manager for the Rotman Commerce International Business Association. Coming to a new country alone is terrifying, but remember that everyone else at ISO is in the same boat—that’s what makes it so fun. I’m so excited for you all to be a part of Vic’s amazing community!
Lea Palme
Heyyy! I’m Lea (she/her), a second-year international student from Germany, studying Computer Science (specialist) and Cognitive Science (major). This year, I’m also part of the Computer Science Orientation Committee, so maybe we’ll see each other there, too! “Home” for me is Berlin, Toronto, and wherever my dog Mila is. Besides hanging out with her, I love horseback riding, traveling, and discovering new restaurants around town. ISO was honestly one of my favorite parts of first year, and I’m super excited to help make it an even better experience for you this year!”
Kate Haliash
Hi everyone! I’m Kate, a second year student pursuing a specialist in Political Science and double minor in European Affairs and Human Geography. I was born and raised in the Netherlands but am originally from Toronto so both are home to me. I love love playing tennis, badminton, basketball, surfing, skiing (or any sports really), I like dancing or playing on the saxophone too. In my free time I explore Toronto with my friends, go to concerts or read. I’m also quite adventurous, travel a lot and speak 5 languages. This year I got involved a lot on campus, whether it was organising MUN conferences like NAMUN, being a member of the Victoria College Sustainability Commission or completing my VicOne Pearson Stream. I love to yap so please feel free to come and chat! I am really looking forward to meeting you all and am super excited to be a part of the IM team this year!
Ziad Nashed
Hey! My name is Ziad. I’m going into my third year, majoring in Neuroscience and Immunology. I’m originally from Egypt, but I live in downtown Toronto. I’m passionate about mentorship and love helping students feel more confident navigating academics, campus life, and everything in between. I also work as a UT3 tutor, and outside of class, you can find me running, playing soccer, or exploring the city. I’m really excited to be an Internal Mentor this year and to learn from your perspectives along the way. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Navya Rajan
Hi everyone! My name is Navya, and I’m a second-year student majoring in Economics and Environmental Studies. I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, but I consider Toronto my second home! In my free time, I love watching movies, going on exceptionally long walks in the cold, buying unnecessary sweet treats, and listening to music. At UofT, I am part of the Sustainable Finance and Economics Club, Badminton Intramurals, and the Vic One Chambers program. I’m thrilled to join the IM team this year and can’t wait to meet everyone! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, I look forward to welcoming you very soon :)
Talah Mandourah
Hi !! My name is Talah, and I’m going into my second year majoring in Human Biology with a double minor in Psychology and Education & Society. I’m from Saudi Arabia- was born in the United States, but raised in Ireland, and I completed my high school degree in the UAE. Saudi is definitely where I call home. I’ve gotten involved with photography, Caffiends, fundraising and tutoring on campus and I’m always on the lookout for more to do ! In my spare time, I love meeting new people, watching movies, taking photos, eating loads, and exploring the city !
