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 by August 2nd. 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 Fall Term deadline through the Service Centre.