General
Welcome to Greystone College!
We're looking forward to welcoming you into our exciting and diverse school community and supporting you to achieve your learning goals!
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New Student Orientation
Did you miss the live orientation session before starting at Greystone College? Did you attend but believe you may have missed an important detail? You're in luck, you can watch the recorded orientation video at your own pace here!
Watch this video if you were unable to attend the live orientation session or if you would like to review.
- Review the PDF version of the orientation if you need the access to links, QR codes, and contacts.
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Greystone College Student Policies and Handbook
Before you arrive at your campus destination you must review the Greystone College Student Policies by visiting the webpage below and the Student Handbook. It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of Greystone College policies and to adhere to them throughout their studies. By signing the student contract with Greystone College, you are agreeing to the Greystone College Student Policies.
Please review our policies to understand your rights and responsibilities as a student at Greystone College. If any policy contained on the website conflicts with the policies contained in the student's Written Agreement, the student's signed Written Agreement will govern.
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Prepare For Your Adventure in Canada
Before you leave home
Get tips and advice on what to pack...and what not to pack!
Would you like more information on things you can and cannot bring in to Canada?
- Find out about medical insurance URL
If you are staying for more than six months, MSP is recommended for all eligible residents and their dependents. There is a three month wait period before medical benefit coverage begins, so in the meanwhile you should have an international health insurance. You can apply for MSP immediately after arriving in British Columbia
Important Information About Canada
Voltage & Power Plugs
In Canada, the voltage is 120V 60Hz. Power points and plugs look like this.
Check your electronic devices to see what voltage they run on. You may need:
- A plug adapter
- A voltage converter.
Mobile Phones & SIM Cards
The cheapest option is to bring your mobile phone and buy a SIM card and pre-paid phone plan.
These are available at all Canadian airports; however, if you look around you may find better deals.
Some Canadian providers are:
- PhoneBox (Ontario)
- WIND Mobile (Ontario, British Columbia)
- Fido (Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec)
- Telus (Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec)
- Videotron (Quebec)
Water
Greystone College has water coolers with filtered water. Bring your own water bottle so you can refill it at the College. It is safe to drink water from a faucet in Canada.
WiFi
Greystone College offers free WiFi throughout the college. There are also free WiFi hot spots throughout many coffee shops, restaurants and subway stations.
The college WiFi login details are displayed on posters around the campus.
Climate
Canada's climate is hot and humid in summer, and relatively cold in winter:
- June to August is the Summer season, temperatures are usually between 20°C to 35°C.
- September to November is the Fall season, temperatures are usually between 0°C to 15°C.
- December to February is the Winter season temperatures are usually between -22°C to 15°C (occasional snow fall).
- March to May is the Spring season, temperatures are usually between -10°C to 15°C.
Tipping & Taxes
In Canada, between 10% to 20% tipping is expected in restaurants, bars, taxi's, hotels or other service industries.
15% is recommended.
Most goods in Canada are subject to a 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). In Québec, most goods are subject to a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) and 9.975% Québec Sales Tax (QST). Prices listed do not include tax; therefore, you will need to pay more than the advertised price.
Currency
- A plug adapter
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When You Arrive in Canada
At the Airport
Arrivals
You must declare ALL prohibited items on your Incoming Declaration Card. Prohibited items are:
- fruit and vegetables
- meat
- plant materials
- wooden items
- animal products
- $10,000 CAD + cash
Airport Pick-up
If you are staying with a homestay family and arranged an airport pickup, they will be waiting for you inside the terminal. Your name will be on a poster.
If you cannot find your homestay family, go to the Information booth. Call your homestay family or the ILSC emergency number. An ILSC staff member will answer the phone and make sure you are connected with your homestay family.
ILSC Emergency Phone Number
Montreal (514) 378-8488
Toronto (416) 459-5657
Vancouver (604) 786-7095
Important: Carry your homestay family name, address and phone number in English in case you need it.
When you enter Canada, you must complete a Declaration Card in English or French.
More information on the Montreal Trudeau International airport
More information on the Toronto Pearson International Airport
More information on the Vancouver International airport
Currency Exchange
You can exchange money at the airport at either a currency exchange or an ATM. The exchange rate will not be as good as at a bank. Banks are closed Saturdays and Sundays. There are also currency exchange kiosks throughout the city.
Catching a Taxi, Train, or Bus from the airport
The Vancouver Airport is located approximately 40 minutes from the school by Skytrain. The Canada Line connects to other train lines in Vancouver. You can also download an App to your phone before you arrive.
Taxis from the airport to downtown Vancouver cost approximately CAD$30-40, without a tip. You can calculate your fare and book a taxi on-line from their website.Catching a Taxi, Train, or Bus from the Airport
The Union Pearson Express Train (UP Express) departs every 15 minutes (between 5 am and 1 am) from both the international and domestic terminals at Pearson Airport. The train will take you to Union Station downtown. A one way trip costs $12 but you will have to pay to continue travelling on the subway from Union Station to your destination.
Taxis are another option. Taxis from Pearson Airport to downtown cost around $45-$60. You can calculate your fare and book a taxi online with Aerofleet.
Catching a Taxi, Train, or Bus from the Airport
The Montréal Airport is located around 30 minutes from the school by car or bus. The 747 STM bus departs regularly from the international terminal. A one way trip costs $10 from the airport to downtown Montreal. You can plan your journey on the STM website.
Taxis are another option. Taxis from the airport to downtown cost around $40-$70.
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Public Transit
Transportation
Explore Vancouver
Vancouver’s public buses and ferries operate throughout the city. For more information on the services available, timetables, ticket costs and more visit their website below.
Compass Card
Compass is a re-loadable fare card that works everywhere on transit in Metro Vancouver. It’s convenient, easy to use, safe and secure. Now you can load fare products onto one card and tap your way across the system.
Compass Cards can be loaded with the fare product of your choice including Monthly Passes, DayPasses and Stored Value. Travelling with Stored Value allows you to pay-as-you-go.
Using your Compass Card is easy. Simply tap in when you start your journey and tap out when exiting or transferring. Remember, buses are tap in only, so there's no need to tap out when exiting. When you tap out, the system calculates the fare zones you've travelled and charges you the correct fare.
This applies to all products, including Monthly Passes. Card readers are located at all SkyTrain and SeaBus fare gates, near bus doors, and at the entry and exit points to West Coast Express stations.
Single Tickets
With a single fare, you can transfer as many times as you need to for 90 minutes. You can hop on and off for errands and as long as you make your final transfer within 90 minutes, and tap out before the expiry of your in-system time (120 minutes), you won’t need to pay for a second fare.
If you pay with cash on the bus, you can transfer to another bus with your bus transfer, but you’ll need a Compass Card or Compass Ticket to transfer to SkyTrain, SeaBus or West Coast Express.
Remember:
- Buses require exact coin fare if paying cash.
- Customers paying cash on the bus (or using a Fare Saver) will need to purchase an additional fare on Compass fare media if transferring from bus to rail or SeaBus.
- SkyTrain/SeaBus Compass Vending Machines (CVMs) accept coins and bills (up to $20), as well as debit/credit cards.
Monthly Pass
You can buy a calendar Monthly Pass for one, two or three zone travel by bus, SeaBus and SkyTrain services. All bus travel is a one-zone fare. In order to load a monthly pass, you need to have a Compass Card. Monthly passes are transferable and valid for an entire calendar month.
Where to Buy Compass Cards and Tickets
You can buy a Compass Card at the following convenient locations:
- Compass Vending Machines (CVMs) at SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express stations.
- BC Ferries Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals.
Important Information
When travelling on buses, trains or ferries in Vancouver, you must validate your ticket. Transit Police travel on public transit and check passengers’ tickets. You can be fined if you don’t have a valid ticket.
In Vancouver, people queue up politely for public transportation. Stand without touching others who are waiting. Do not push ahead of others in a queue, and allow people with children, the elderly or people with disabilities to go ahead of you.
Skytrain Changes
To get ready for the launch of the Millennium Line Evergreen Extension, Translink has changed the operating pattern of the SkyTrain network. This change occurred on October 22, in advance of the Evergreen Extension opening at the end of the year, to give you time to adjust to the new pattern.
What has changed?
The Expo Line now has two branches:
One Expo Line train continues to travel between Waterfront and King George stations.
A second Expo Line train now runs between Waterfront and Production Way–University stations.
The Millennium Line no longer travels to and from Waterfront Station:
The Millennium Line now runs between VCC–Clark and Lougheed Town Centre stations, continuing on to the Evergreen Extension once it's launched.
What are the new transfer points?
You can transfer between the Millennium and Expo lines at three places:
Commercial–Broadway Station
Lougheed Town Centre Station
Production Way–University Station (via the same platform: no stairs, escalators, or elevators)
- Information on Fares, timetables and services URL
- Information on monthly transportation passes URL
Transportation
Exploring Toronto
Public Transport
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) includes the subway, buses and streetcars which operate throughout the city of Toronto. For more information on the services available, timetables, ticket costs, planning your trip and more visit the ttc.ca website.
For subway, buses and streetcars you can buy tokens or a Metropass at any subway station or in some convenience stores.
If you are using public transport daily it is cheaper to buy a weekly or monthly Metropass, this will give you unlimited weekly or monthly travel.
Post-Secondary Metropass
A Post-Secondary Metropass is available for students studying full-time who hold a TTC Post-Secondary Photo ID. You can apply for a TTC Post Secondary Photo ID at any subway station using your Greystone College Student ID; you can also purchase your Metropass at any subway station.
Important Information
When travelling on public transport in Toronto, you must validate your ticket. Police travel on public transport and check passengers’ tickets. You can be fined if you don’t have a valid ticket.
In Toronto you must use good manners on public transport:
- Stand clear of the doors and allow all passengers to exit before you board.
- Join a queue with other passengers and do not push ahead of people queuing.
- Allow the elderly, disabled and people with children to board the vehicle before you.
Transportation
Exploring Montreal
Public Transport
Montréal’s public buses and subways operate throughout the city. For more information on the services available, timetables, ticket costs visit: http://www.stm.info/en
For buses, you can buy single-travel tickets onboard. Exact-change ONLY, as the driver will NOT give you change.
For trains and subways, you need to buy your ticket in the station before entering the train/subway.
If you use public transit every day, it’s cheaper to buy an OPUS card. You can buy it from various stores and pharmacies, online and in train/subway stations.
As a Greystone College student you are eligible for a reduced fare. For more information: http://www.stm.info/en/info/fares/opus-cards-and-other-fare-media/opus-reduced-fare-students
On your first day you will be given an STM form with the school stamp. You will need to take this to an STM Customer Service counter and they will add the reduced fare to your account.
Important Information
When travelling on public transport in Montréal, you must validate your ticket. Police travel on public transport and check passengers’ tickets. You can be fined if you don’t have a valid ticket.
In Montréal you must use good manners on public transport:
- Stand clear of the doors and allow all passengers to exit before you board.
- Join a queue with other passengers and do not push ahead of people queuing.
- Allow the elderly, disabled and people with children to board the vehicle before you.
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Information on Work Permits and Visas
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Health and Safety
Emergencies
In an emergency you must dial 911 in Canada.
The operator will ask if you want to talk to the Police, Fire Department, or Ambulance.
Should I go to a clinic or hospital?
In Canada, you do not need to visit a hospital to see a doctor. You can make an appointment to see a doctor at a medical clinic. There will be a fee but if you have medical insurance you will be reimbursed.
Hospitals are for emergencies. If you visit a public hospital, there will be a fee and waiting times might be very long. Unless it is an emergency, you will have to wait several hours. Clinics may be less crowded and they usually have shorter waiting times – ask your homestay family.
Please call your insurance provider for the details of your insurance coverage.
Safety
General safety tips:
- Never carry large amounts of money with you, and never carry your wallet in your hand.
- Never tell anyone your bank account information or PIN number. Avoid using bank machines alone at night.
- If you are going to leave money at home, keep it in a safe, lockable place, like your suitcase.
- Don’t leave any personal belongings unattended, even when you are on campus.
- Pay attention to your surroundings when using mobile phones and electronic devices in public places.
- Choose your route. Know where you are going and how to get there. Carry a map and bus timetable.
- Be direct with someone if you have to. If someone is bothering you and you want him or her to leave you alone, make it very clear to that person.
- If you are threatened, yell loudly for help, and or find a safe place to go and tell a police officer or someone who can help.
- Never get into the car of a stranger.
At night:
- Stay in well-lit areas, on main, populated streets.
- When possible, never go out anywhere alone. If you have to go alone, let someone know where you are going and what time you should be back.
- When going to a nightclub or bar, go with friends. It is ok to talk to people, but always be careful. If you want to drink alcohol in Canada you must be over 18 years of age to drink and you must show a government issued ID.
- When taking the bus after 9pm, you can ask the bus driver to stop at the street closest to your destination (between bus stops).
- Know how to get home. Know when the last bus leaves.
- Never fall asleep on public transport.
- Never carry large amounts of money with you, and never carry your wallet in your hand.
- Santé Montréal URL
Click here to consult Santé Montréal to determine if you should visit a clinic or hospital in Montreal.
- Walk-in Medical Clinics Toronto URL
Click here for a list of walk-in medical clinics in Toronto.
- Walk-in Medical Clinics Vancouver URL
Click here for a list of walk-in medical clinics in Vancouver.
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Stay Healthy at School
Student Mental Health & Wellbeing
Our Stay Healthy at School Program provides all students with 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support.
At Greystone College, we believe your wellbeing is key to your success. We're committed to empowering you personally and professionally to achieve your education and career dreams, and it’s our aim to provide a supportive environment on and off campus.
With our Stay Healthy At School program, you’ll have free access to immediate chat support and a wealth of free resources to help your ongoing personal and academic success, in the way that’s most convenient, comfortable and valuable for you.
Whether you’re stressed about an assignment, finding it difficult to adjust to life in Canada, struggling to manage your time, or simply feeling overwhelmed trying to manage finances, speak to someone who understands your language and culture, in confidence, and access resources and tools to help.
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Your Greystone College Campus
Do you need to talk to a student advisor? Contact:
Please include your name and student number so we can assist you better.Montreal
Toronto
Vancouver
advisors.montreal@greystonecollege.com
advisors.toronto@greystonecollege.com
advisors.vancouver@greystonecollege.com
Do you need to talk to a COOP advisor? Contact:
Please include your name and student number so we can assist you better.Montreal
Toronto
Vancouver
coop.montreal@greystonecollege.com
coop.toronto@greystonecollege.com
coop.vancouver@greystonecollege.com
Campus locations
Greystone College Vancouver campus
Address: 560 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3P1
Greystone College Toronto Bloor Street campus
Address: 80 Bloor Street W, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2V1
Greystone College Toronto University Street campus
Address: 443 University Street W, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2H6
Greystone College Montreal campus
Address: 550 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1E3
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Studying at Greystone College
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)To ensure our students have the most transformative learning experience, our programs are delivered using online and mobile technologies, allowing students to work with a Learning Management System (Moodle) in and out of the classroom, participate in collaborative learning environments, and enhance their digital literacy.
Greystone College’s Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy requires all students to bring their own laptop to use on campus. The laptop must meet or exceed the technical specifications outlined below.
Touch screen devices, such as smartphones, tablets and iPads, are great tools for learning and can be used to access course materials but will not be sufficient for completion of course assignments.
Chromebooks or Android devices are not recommended as they do not support all course-related software requirements, such as Safe Exam Browser (SEB). Students will not be able to take online tests on these devices.
Minimum device and connectivity requirements
Data Analytics program:
- Windows 10 or higher. Mac OS does not support software used in the program (SQL Server Management Studio and Power BI)
- Windows 10 or Mac OS v.10.7 or higher
- Processor: Intel I5-6400 or Ryzen 5 1400 minimum
- Memory: 8 GB recommended
- Screen: 14 inches recommended
- Ports: minimum 1 USB 3.0 port
- Built-in camera, speakers and microphone
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Speed: 50Mbps download speed recommended
Optional but recommended
- External numeric keyboard
All students at Greystone College will have access to Microsoft Office 365 and Learning Management System (Moodle) at no additional cost. Throughout the program, students will have access to course-specific software and will be required to download and install a secure web browser (Safe Exam Browser) in order to take quizzes and exams.
COOP Resources
- COOP Resources URL
Are you in a co-op program? Join the Co-op Resources course!
Toronto students Password: Toronto+1
Vancouver students Password: Vancouver+1
- COOP Resources URLAre you in a practicum program in Montreal? Join the Practicum Resources course!
Activate your access here
Additional Academic Resources
Read this article to learn more about effective study habits.
Access this website for more information on how to cite sources using APA, MLA, or Chicago citation styles.
Read this document to learn how to submit your assessments on Moodle.
Read the following PDF about academic integrity.
Program Overviews
Greystone College offers a variety of programs at our schools in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. Click on the program overview for the program you are enrolled in to find out more information about your schedule, courses, and to view your grades.
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Microsoft Office 365 & MyGreystone App
Many of your courses, online activities, and events at ILSC & Greystone College will use Microsoft 365 tools. You can instantly communicate with classmates through chat and access online classes through audio/video conferencing. Go to https://office.com and login using your ILSC Education email to access your account.
Microsoft Office 365
Access this page for answers to frequently asked questions, to download
Office 365 apps, or use the Chat Bot to get app support.
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Tax Form Requests
Fill out the information on this form to request your T2202 tax form.