Namaste - University of Saskatchewan
Transcription
Namaste - University of Saskatchewan
Issue 1 | August 2013 Committee 2013-14 Namaste President Rajat Chakravarty Vice President (Social) Ashish Singhal Arrival and survival guide for incoming Indian students at the University of Saskatchewan Vice President (Academics) Naveenji Arun Treasurer Sourav Gangopadhyay Social Secretary Shaon Ganguly Sports Secretary Sagar Sampath Muddada Web Coordinator Prachi Patel Member At-Large Vivek Vardhan Reddy Greetings! Congratulations on your decision to join the University of organization founded to celebrate a national heritage, ISA Saskatchewan. is distinguished by the fact that we do not encourage India Students’ Association (ISA) is a non-profit organization run by the Indian students studying in the University of Saskatchewan. ISA endeavors to foster a community feeling by providing networks of social and cultural support systems to Indian students. The University of Saskatchewan has an ethnically diverse student population. ISA provides Indian students with resources that enable them to adapt smoothly to the changes ushered in one’s life in Canada. Albeit a student India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan communal insularity. Partaking in transnational cultural experiences is high on ISA’s priority list. Our events not only attract the Indian crowd but also are open to and enjoyed by the members of other communities including Canadians. We organize events, which serve as ice breakers for incoming students, initiating them into oncampus life as well as bring together senior undergraduate and graduate students to participate in a plethora of extracurricular and cultural activities. 1 Namaste Issue 1 | August 2013 Things to do before leaving Learn Driving - It helps to know driving even though you may not be buying a car straight away. Rental cars are a good and cheap means of transport for short trips. An Indian driving license allows you to drive in Saskatchewan for your stay as a student before you Holi – The festival of colours graduate and go for the road test and obtain a local license here. Learn Cooking - Cooking at home is a healthy and economical alternative to Things to be left at home eating out every day. Passport - Make sure your passport is 1. Keep a list of addresses/phone valid for at least 6 months more than numbers at which information about your stay indicated in your study/work you can be obtained. permit. 2. A few copies of all your apply/collect/mail your transcripts Medical Check-ups to be done - important documents like passport (about 10 in number preferable) as with visa, PR card (if applicable), and when required if you do not certificates, mark sheets etc. have them with you while leaving Eyesight: Get your eye-sight checked 5. Your tailoring measurements. 6. Arrangements (letter of authorization etc.) to India. and get a new prescription from an ophthalmologist. Bring at least two 3. A copy of all relevant parts of extra pair of glasses, lenses if you are your medical history files. dependent on them. 4. Don't get Indian files (empty) or authorized to look after anything on Dental: Get your teeth checked up punching machines. Canada has a your behalf. thoroughly and all cavities filled. different filing system (3 holes, A4) 7. Few blank signed papers - so that your parents or guardians can be Get prescriptions & medicines for all common ailments (the generic name of the medicine along with Canadian brand “Saskatoon was my first trip name). Medicines are not sold without outside India. The support I got valid prescriptions: possession of from friends and ISA is amazing. I medicines without valid prescriptions in wish I stayed here longer!” your name might be a violation on the law and may be confiscated. India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan - Faisal Lateef, Public Health 2 Namaste Issue 1 | August 2013 Your Flight Bookings 1. Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker 6. Most airlines offer Frequent Flier 11. Always keep a photocopy of International Airport (YXE) is the programs (e.g. Air Canada, Jet your passport, tickets, study nearest airport to the University of Airways, Air France, British permit and contact info of your Saskatchewan; this should be the Airways, Lufthansa) implying that school/apartment in every piece of final destination on your air tickets. after a certain number of miles of baggage including your cabin flying with that airline you get a free baggage. 2. Book your tickets on time; flights are usually packed to capacity in Aug/Sept and Dec/Jan. Try and travel in groups as this will simplify ticket. Enroll in such programs. Enrollment needs to be done before you fly: check out the website of your airline to register. a lot of things such as taking care of 12. Always keep original copies of your certificates, bank statements, sponsor’s affidavit, passport, admission letters, and mark sheets in baggage when you want to visit the 7. Baggage is usually safe with a your cabin baggage. Sometimes, the restroom. single airline while a change of immigration officials may ask you to airline sometimes leads to misplaced present them at the airport. 3. Avoid booking uncomfortable, long-haul flights by making stopovers in Europe and/or the Middle East. luggage. Some airlines don’t take care about baggage transfer. You may have to personally carry it (check this while booking). 13. Ideally, a student should bring $1500 in cash for preliminary living expenses (this is only a suggested amount and may vary on a case-to- 4. A day before the flight, call the airline to confirm your reservation 8. Arrive at the airport at least 3 case basis). The safest and most hours before flight departure time. convenient way to pay tuition fees is and to cross-check everything the wire transfer. Once you open a bank travel agent may have told you 9. Drink a lot of fluids and juices on including your seat number. the flight. This will prevent your jet lag from becoming worse. Alcoholic 5. Indicate your meal preferences: depending on your dietary requirement, choose whether you beverages and caffeinated drinks are diuretics, which cause you to lose water and should be avoided. want a Vegetarian Meal or a Non account in a bank here, you can wire transfer the money to this account or you can transfer it to the University of Saskatchewan directly. You may also bring a demand draft, however they may take several days to be Vegetarian Meal or any other 10. Many airlines are fussy about the processed. Check your Bursar preference. Asian meals are generally weight of your cabin baggage. The statement to determine the exact Chinese. This can be done at the time usual weight limit is 8 kgs. However, figure. of booking the tickets with the travel it’s better to check with your travel agent or online. agent regarding this. India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan And finally, don’t panic! Air travel is by far the safest way to travel. 3 Namaste Issue 1 | August 2013 On the day of the flight - Call in advance and find out if there is any rescheduling of your flight. Port of Entry Procedures The port of entry is the first airport - Be very relaxed and answer all the you will encounter when you enter questions that the officer will ask. Canada. Depending on your flight Sometimes the officer may ask you itinerary, it would most likely be to present financial documents or - Wear something comfortable Toronto, Montreal, Calgary or letters from your sponsors. It is thus preferably cotton shirts, trousers and Vancouver. advisable to carry these along with - Rest well and get ready to face the long journey / jet lag and bid goodbyes to all your friends and family. shoes. Relax during the flight, drink lots of fluids and sleep as much as possible you in your cabin baggage. - Before landing, the flight attendant will distribute customs declaration - Go to the conveyor belts to fetch forms & immigration forms. Fill your luggage. Pick up a cart to carry - For vegetarians, watch out before you these out on the plane (you will the bags. Then pick up your bags as eat for you may get non-vegetarian food submit them to the appropriate they come out on the conveyor even if you had asked for vegetarian. authorities when you land). Do not (suitable eye-catching labels help Vegetarian food is generally bland – hesitate to take the flight attendant's here). If you don't get your baggage fruits/juices/salads are good choices. help. inform the enquiry section. Carry to get over the jet lag quickly. Never hesitate to ask questions. your baggage to the respective - You can indicate that you have - Don’t trust anyone at the airports, nothing to declare & total value of especially people who may approach all goods you carry is less than $100 you on soliciting matters. For any on the customs form. assistance, try and approach airport/airline staff as far as possible. ________________________________ conveyor belt corresponding to the domestic flight to Saskatoon. - Never leave your baggage unattended. Don't go out of the - Just before you land the correct local time will be announced. Set your watch. airport until somebody comes to receive you. If you have doubt on the person who has come to receive - Once you are out of the plane go you, don't hesitate to ask for his/her straight to the immigration counter. identification paper(s). Once you Keep your passport, admission reach your house, call home & letters and other documents ready inform them of reaching safely. for inspection. They might ask few “Events ISA organized were very questions like - is this your first time helpful for settling in. Don’t forget to in Canada? Are you on a student We hope you have a safe and attend Rendezvous and Parichay.” visa? Which University are you enjoyable flight. Relax; enjoy the joining? views and the hospitality. - Prachee Misra, Chemical Engineering India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan 4 Namaste Issue 1 | August 2013 Things to Pack You can’t pack memories though Start your packing at least two days before departure date. unlocked) from India to use with prepaid SIM cards that you can purchase Put identification marks and labels easily in Canada. both inside & outside all your bags. Always carry some change with you. calculators, clocks, shavers or you almost every slot operated machine will be forced to do it at the airport. including telephones and/or luggage Remove the batteries from all your electrical appliances such as Quarters (25 cents) are required for trolleys. You can bring your cellphone (if Do not bring electrical appliances, as the voltage and frequency in Canada Depending on how many gadgets you are bringing from India, get India to Canada plug adapters. is different from India. India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan 5 Namaste Check-In Luggage Issue 1 | August 2013 Jeans: 4 to 6 pairs. Towels and Napkins: 2 Shorts: 6-8. Single bed sheets: 2 T-shirts/Tops: 6-8. Air pillow: 1 Cotton shirts: 4-5. Cotton clothes are good in summer. Night clothes: 2-3 sets. Formal suit & Ties: 1-2 pairs. Buy sturdy bags to retain for years. They (For professional reasons - should be able to withstand a lot of rarely required) Baggage Allowance Usually, weight of each bag should not exceed 23 kg. mishandling. They should be as large as possible within the size limitations. Undergarments: 10-15 sets Usual baggage specifications are as Socks: 4-5 pairs (or more if you The number of bags allowed vary by airline (and is usually 2-3). wear shoes most of the time, follows: preferably cotton) - 1, 2 or 3 (check with airline) pieces of checked-in baggage with total linear dimension (length+width+height) not exceeding 62″. sleeved. Sunglasses: 1 Muffler, Woollen Cap, Woollen Cap: 2 gloves and windcheater. Umbrella: 1 Handkerchiefs: 1 dozen Wallet with more pockets for Belts: 2-3. One formal leather - The weight of each bag should not exceed 23 kgs. - 1 piece of carry-on baggage that is well under 15 kg. (depends on airline) Sweaters/Jackets: 2 - full belt and others as you please. - Check with your airline; these are just guidelines. cards: 1 Sport Shoes / Leather Shoes: 1 each Indian traditional wear: 2 or more (for cultural events) Clothes: Sandals: 2 Slippers: 1-2 (for home) Traditional Shoes / Kolhapuris: Bedding, Accessories and Footwear: Assume a laundry cycle of around a couple of weeks. Winter clothes are best purchased here as they are more appropriate for Canada’s climate. Most items are available here for a few 1 (optional) dollars. Use your own discretion depending on your level of funding, requirements and luggage space. India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan (Continued) 6 Namaste Check-In Issue 1 | August 2013 Shaving Kits and Blades Cosmetics: lipsticks, face powder, Luggage (contd.) bindis, makeup, bangles etc. stick Frying Pan: 1 Cutting board for vegetables Ladle, serrated knife, spatula, peeler, Medicines (with prescriptions) and rolling pin: 1 First Aid kit Books: Academic texts, some basic books like the Dictionary and Bathing Soap: 1-2 Combs and Hair Oil Thesaurus, Clark’s Table, standard Beware of airport custom confiscations; carry mathematical formulae books etc. in small amounts for initial days only and fiction/non-fiction books (if you would like to read a lot). [Note: there Food Items: Small mirror should be no legal hassles bringing photocopies of books - but don't Nail cutter, Scissors, flaunt them to Canadians/profs] Everything (especially liquids) should be well-sealed in packets/bottles. Seeds like jeera, raw tamarind etc. could be confiscated at airport security Safety pins, Mini-sewing kit with some buttons (optional) Body spray Passport and stamp size sharpeners, staplers, white sheets, Rice and dals: 1 kg Ready-to-eat / Maggi / soups: 5+ Salt, pepper, cooking oil and sugar tapes, gum etc. Stationery: pencils, pens, erasers, (for initial days): 1 small packet each snaps: 36 (approx.) Utensils: Family photo and religious Cooking for days together is the norm here; items (optional) your vessels have to be arranged accordingly Calculator If your roommates have been fixed before Asafoetida, Red Chili, Dhania, Garam Masala: 1-2 Packets Torch and Alarm clock Safety pins Stitching equipment: blanks Pickles, spices, elaichi, clove, cinnamon, papad (optional) (Eating/serving), tongs, knives: 2-3 Needles and thread reels (black, white, blue etc.) Plates, Glasses, Cups/Bowls, Spoons Tea Leaves: 1 packet (coffee is cheap here) arrival, share the items and fill each other’s Backpack Turmeric, Cumin/Coriander, Flat-based Cooking/Serving Vessels Remember, this is only a suggested list. Most with lids (varying sizes): 2-3 of these items are also available here. Some 4L Pressure Cooker (with spare rings, gasket and valves) and Non- India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan of you may have other requirements that may not be included in this list. 7 Issue 1 | August 2013 Issue 1 | August 2013 Namaste High-pressure cricket, our respects to the flag, a new ISA committee, samosas, laddoos, cards, games and new friendships – an amazing 67th Independence Day celebration indeed. Hand Baggage - A good quality, spacious mini-suitcase - Originals of Certificates, Mark Sheets, - All jewellery and electronic items: makes for good hand-baggage Transcripts, Application materials, Camera, mp3 players, laptop, e-readers, Medical prescriptions, Licenses and phone charger etc. - Fluids are not allowed, so no credit cards etc. deodorants, toothpaste, drinks etc. - Passport (with visa), PR Card (if applicable), IDs, Tickets, Work/Study - Letter of acceptance from the (suggested) and traveler’s checks for University along with proof of more flexibility. finance/funding Permits - 1-2 sets of clothes (in case your check- Extra sets of sealed transcripts for in luggage arrival is delayed) scholarships, change of program etc. (optional) - Carry around 1500 CAD in cash - Emergency contacts, recipient’s contact details, passport photos. - Books/Magazines (optional) Sweater (aircraft/airports are often cold) Did you know? - Saskatoon is one of the sunniest cities in Canada, and records an average of 2381 hours of sunlight annually. - The world’s largest uranium company Cameco and the world’s largest potash company Potash Corp have their corporate headquarters in Saskatoon. India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan 8 Namaste Issue 1 | August 2013 Modes of Transportation Public transport thus isn’t very frequent nor well-connected and is also far more expensive here than in India. Buses (Saskatoon Transit) - It’s a lifeline for students without vehicles. Buses ply on most main roads. A ticket is a flat fare of CAD 3 per journey (including transfers). If you stay far away from university, a bus pass is advisable. All students are issued a UPass bus transit pass for the whole Car Rentals semester by default. You could save by buying bus tickets in bulk (available at Car rentals are ideal for short - You have to register the other Lower Place Riel). Buses here are quite vacations. The renting charges vary drivers too as co-drivers of the infrequent but run on fixed schedules. depending on the season, rental car while booking the car. The Place Riel Bus stand at the weekend/weekday, for how many They should have valid driver's University hosts buses that ply to most days you want the car, how much in licenses too. Nobody else should be parts of the city. advance you are booking, allowed to drive the car other than availability, type of car etc. those registered! typically on-call. They run on a meter - You need a valid driver's license to - Unlimited mileage or fixed which works out anywhere close to hire/drive a rental car. mileage is also a criterion, which Taxis - Taxis are expensive and around CAD 2 per km with a CAD 0.30/minute waiting time at traffic lights. decides the hiring charges of a rental - Car Insurance has to be bought for car. the rental car. It is a separate charge or is included in the total per day - You can make the booking over Bicycling - Many students use the renting cost. Some credit card the phone. But you have to go bicycle to ply from university to their companies pay for the insurance if personally to pick-up the car from homes in the warm months. They are you use their card to book a car the renting agency. usually quite expensive at stores, so lots of students prefer buying them secondhand or assembled from vendors and/or Kijiji for under CAD 40-50. Cycling “There are several places around Saskatoon to go for road trips. Banff and Jasper National Parks, and Waskesiu are my favourites.” however is risky and not preferred during winters due to slippery terrain. India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan - Siddharth Tiwari, Chemistry 9 Namaste Issue 1 | August 2013 Buying a Car? Depending on your budget and requirements, used cars are easily available in Canada. There are two categories of cars - the 5) Check for rust in bottom, 2-door and the 4-door. The 2-door radiators, muffler and tailpipe. are usually cheaper. Driving an automatic transmission car is easier and preferred than the stick shift Where to look? variant. power speed/pick-up when you try to 7) Last, check for emission whether What to look for? day. Call up the owner as early in the day as possible and fix up an leaks, and whether the car gives you accelerate. You can feel if it's okay. The local newspapers and Kijiji carry a lot of car sale advertisement every 6) Most important, check for oil 1) Air filter, valve etc. the smoke is black (thick), which means oil, is also burned with fuel => the car is beyond its life. The appointment to visit and see the car. 2) Transmission. (This is the costliest piston rings might be leaving a gap in Test-drive it, if you like it and the part in an automatic car) the cylinders because of wear. In that price is okay, tell the owner that you would like to get it checked up by a case, don't buy the car, because you 3) If it is a 4 speed never buy it. 5 mechanic. This is normal practice speed is okay. and nothing to feel shy about. It will 4) Check for vibrations when you save you a lot of money later should brake from 40 mph, without unforeseen problems manifest downshifting. If there are vibrations, themselves later. For a fee of about either brake pads or steering pinion is $25-30 the mechanic will check up in bad shape. Get 4 people to sit in the car and tell you the problems or the car and you can make out if the possible problems if any. You may suspensions are okay, when you also purchase cars at car auctions that make a sharp turn. happen now and then. will have to change the cylinder, piston and rings which will come to double the cost. 8) Ask the owner to give the records of the maintenance he has done, like new tires etc. Also, make sure you don't go beyond 3rd hand purchase. There must be something seriously wrong with the car if people have changed owners drastically. 9) Brake cylinder, drum pads India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan 10 Namaste Driver’s License Issue 1 | August 2013 Apart from driving privileges, a Once you are ready for the test, again you Saskatchewan driving license is a useful will have to take an appointment with SGI for government photo ID to have to avoid the driving test. carrying your passport with you all the time. Before appearing for a driving test behind the wheels one has to clear a written test conducted by SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance – similar to RTO in India). SGI issues a book on the rules, which are required to be studied and followed very strictly. On the day of appointment, you have to go there with your learning license. The car in which you will give your driving test should have proper insurance papers. Also, check all the controls, including signal lights and brake lights. If any of these is not in shape, you will not be allowed to appear for the test. This test will be for 100 marks. After your test, driving After understanding the contents of this book inspector will immediately give you your you can appear for the written exam. You can score. Generally they explain your mistakes call up SGI and take an appointment with to you so that you can work on them and them at any time or even go directly. They rectify the same. If you have passed, you will will check your passport and allow you to sit get your license immediately. If you fail there for a computer-based test. Questions are is no minimum period required between the objective type and you have to choose the times you appear again. So you can practice best answer for each question. Once you are again and appear as soon as you can. done, the person on the counter will immediately check your score and determine “There are lots of Indians here in Saskatoon and you will find ample scope to hone your ethnic Indian artistic talents here. From Indian performing whether you have passed or failed. On passing this test you will be issued a temporary driving license for at least eight months. For driving lessons, you can go to a licensed driving school/instructor. If you already have an Indian driving license, you can directly go from the written test stage to the road test without the mandatory 8month waiting period. You are allowed to drive as a student in Saskatchewan province with a valid Indian driving license. arts schools to opportunities to perform at city-level cultural programmes like Folkfest and Saskatoon Fringe Festival; this city truly has a lot to offer” “Saskatoon has a good cricket scene. There is a cricket club in the city. We also have tournaments where ISA compete with student associations from other countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.” - Sourav Gangopadhyay, Plant Science India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan - Hema Sudhakar, Agriculture 11 Issue 1 | August 2013 Telephone connections in Canada are far Telephony Prepaid (Pay-as-you-go): more expensive than in India. Depending on your cellphone connection plan and add-ons, you could spend anywhere between CAD 20 to CAD 60 per month. Pros - Economical as you can buy talk time depending on your usage. No hassles of monthly fees and contracts. Canada’s country code - +1 Cons - Add-on features are expensive. You Saskatchewan’s area code - 306 would have to own or purchase a handset. Cellphone connections can be taken either with or without a contract. You may choose either depending on your convenience, usage Calling India: requirements and duration of stay. Talk time Calling to India from here usually works out is allotted in minutes, which normally cheaper than from India. includes both incoming and outgoing (unless your scheme suggests otherwise). VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol (Internet to Phone) Using your laptop, PC with mic/speakers (or Contracts: certain cellphone apps through Wi-Fi) to call phone numbers in India is quite inexpensive “I was surprised to learn that Pros - Wide selection of advanced handsets at and a popular practice here. Costs can range subsidized prices or free. Economical if you from 0.8c/min to 2.5c/min depending on the plan on taking lots of add-on features like VoIP service you choose. Popular ones text, data etc. include Reliance Global, Google/Skype Broadway Theatre here in Voice, SmartVoIP, CallPirates etc. Saskatoon screens Indian movies and hosts concerts of Indian artists from time to time. There is also a radio station here that airs Indian programming in Hindi and various other Indian regional Cons - You are contractually bound to pay the Vonage / Calling Cards (Phone to Phone) monthly scheme amount for the duration of your contract (usually 2-3 years). Breaking a contract would require you to pay a termination penalty, which is usually significant. Vonage is a home-phone service with unlimited calling plans to India (around CAD 30 a month). Prepaid calling cards are available in multiple denominations at rates of 1c/min. languages on Saturday mornings.” Major operators in Saskatchewan - Sasktel, - Prachi Patel, Computer Rogers, Fido, Bell, Telus, Koodo Science India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan Public payphones usually charge 25c per call (unlimited time). 12 Namaste Issue 1 | August 2013 Housing Lots of Indian students prefer living in Eating & Shopping the University residences. Residence provides a rich variety of activities, services, and programs. While living in Residence, you'll meet lots of Indian students among others who will become your life-long friends. The rates of accommodation varies across the residences. The University High Rises at the McEown Park, which is at walking distance from the university works out to be the most reasonable. We encourage you to apply at the On Campus Some 10-minute breakfast ideas Eating on campus is a convenient Cold cereal, milk, fruits option but expensive if done on a daily basis. There is a food court at Lower Place Riel, a dining hall at Whole wheat toast and butter/cheese Marquis Hall and STM College as well as several smaller cafes strewn around various departments. Whole grain bagel, peanut butter Bran bar, Chocolate Milk Grocery Shopping earliest, as there is a long waiting list for In all likelihood, you will be these apartments. You can apply from cooking or arranging your own food India and can have accommodation here. No matter how busy you are, ready before you come here. healthy eating should be on the top Not everyone lives in the residence Frozen whole wheat waffles, yogurt Backpack food stash ideas Dinner from the previous night Fresh or dried fruit of your priorities. Raw cut-up veggies though. Depending on your budget, you In general you’ll find what you need may choose to rent apartments or houses for monthly shopping at the Real elsewhere in the city as well. A good Canadian Superstore and Walmart. place to start looking would be the However, if you want condiments USSU housing registry or Kijiji. and ingredients required to cook your favorite Indian dishes, there are specialized Indian grocery stores. The popular ones include Swades Whole grain crackers High fibre cereal bars Trail mix, nuts Yogurt cups Peanut butter sandwich Supermarket and Pardessi Bazaar. Vegetable or fruit juice Restaurants Refillable bottle of water “Staying on residence proved to be a great advantage in the snowy winters to quickly go and return to campus.” If you’re craving Indian food, and don’t feel like cooking those delicacies at home, these are several Indian restaurants in Saskatoon as - Yashwanthan Manivannan, Physics Vegetarians need to pay special attention to what they buy/order. Always cross check with the vendor. well. India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan 13 Namaste Issue 1 | August 2013 India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan Compiled & designed by Rajat Chakravarty Contact Us www.isausask.com words.usask.ca/isa [email protected] fb.me/isa.uofs India Students’ Association, University of Saskatchewan 14