New Student Checklist

Use the New Student Checklist to get organized and stay ahead as you prepare for university.

Before Classes Begin

• Register for Welcome Week events and activities.
• Contact your Academic Advisor to discuss your course options.
• Get online! Set up your SMU computing account by obtaining an “S number” and SMU email to gain access to Banner Self-Service and Brightspace.
• Secure your account. Setup Multi Factor Authentication  (MFA) on your account.
• Apply for your University ID card. You can pick your card up in September from the front desk of the Patrick Power Library. ID cards cannot be mailed. Please bring a piece of photo ID with you.
• Connect with the Service Centre for student loan and other financial information.
• Get connected with the SMU community! Talk to your Peer Success Coach, a student just like you who can help you with all things SMU.
• Review your course registration and schedule details using Self-Service Banner.
• Planning to live on campus? Apply or confirm your place in residence.
• Students who require academic accommodations are encouraged to contact the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility to discuss their needs.
• International students:
  • Contact the International Student Centre for help with settling into Canada, student visas and work permits, airport pick-up, and more.
  • Airport Pick-Up: Ensure you arrange your airport pick-up in advance through the International Student Centre for a smooth arrival.
• Download the SMUSafe App for important safety and closure alerts and provide instant access to campus safety resources.
• Black and African-descended students: find supports, resources and the Black Student Advisor information on the Black/African Descended Community Hub
• Indigenous students: find supports, resources and the Indigenous Student Advisor information on the Indigenous Community Hub.
• 2SLGBTIQA+ students: find out about Pride at SMU, along with resources, supports and guides.

Your First Week of Class

• Attend Welcome Week Events!
• Attend your classes! Try introducing yourself to professors, TAs, and a few classmates.
• Order your books and supplies at the Campus Bookstore.
• Join a society based on your interests! Checking out the list of active societies and groups.
• Pick up your Halifax Transit U-Pass through SMUSA and the SMUSA Info Desk in the O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre. Students may be eligible to opt-out of the U-Pass and must opt-out during the opt-out period.
• Learn about the health plan and download your plan card(s) on the Student VIP website. Students may be eligible to opt-out of the health plan during the opt-out period. Dependents can also be added to the plan(s) for an extra fee during this period. Contact healthplan.smusa@smu.ca with questions or to learn more.
• Make sure to review your courses and finalize course registration details before the Add/Drop date. 
• Review and pay tuition fees by the Winter Term deadline through the Service Centre.