Navigating the Airport and Your First Day at UPC

 Welcome to Canada and UPC Traveling to a new country can be exciting but also overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), arrive at your accommodation smoothly, and prepare for your first day at UPC.
​

Arriving at the Airport

Step 1: Collecting Your Baggage and Exiting the Airport

Connect to the YVR Free WiFi and inform your loved ones that you arrived safely.

Locate your baggage carousel and collect your luggage.

Follow the signs to exit the terminal or connect to another flight if needed.

Purchase a local SIM card or mobile plan at YVR. You can also purchase the SIM card after you left the airport.

Arrange transportation to your accommodation:

Public Transit: YVR has direct train connected to the Metro Vancouver areas. You can purchase the train ticket at the YVR train station.

Taxis: Taxis departure from the YVR charges fares based on the fixed Taxi Zone Fares. You can plan your travelling cost according to your accommodation or taxi drop off location.
 
Rideshare: Services like Uber and Lyft operate in Canada. You can register for an account prior to your arrival.

​

Step 2: Settling In and Preparing for UPC

Once you arrive at your accommodation, take time to rest and adjust to the time zone. It’s also a good idea to:

Familiarize yourself with nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and transit options.

Review important documents and prepare for your first day at UPC

​

Your First Day at UNITED PACIFIC COLLEGE 

Step 1: Arriving at UPC

Location: UPC Richmond campus address is #2010- #2015, 8888 Odlin cres Richmond BC V6X 3Z8.  It is 8 minutes walk from the Aberdeen SkyTrain station. There are also many bus stops nearby.

Arrival Time: Please make an appointment with your student service coordinator through email ： upccollege604@gmail.com
Documents to Bring: Have your passport, study permit, Coop work permit (if any), updated contact (e.g. new phone number and address), and any other required paperwork.

Step 2: Orientation and Registration

· 
Meet staff, faculty, and fellow students.
Receive an introduction to campus facilities and student services.
Attend the New Student Orientation, where you will review or learn about:
Course schedules, academic expectations;
School policies and procedures, and complaints and appeals processes;
Student life in BC including cost of living, housing costs, availability of suitable accommodation, transportation and health care;
Student support and services available;
Requirements for attendance and academic program progress;
Complaints and appeals processes;
Employment rights and conditions;
Tenancy rights;
Links to the campus and broader community to help with integration (e.g., student, religious, cultural, and sports groups);
The diverse Indigenous peoples of British Columbia and Canada including information about the Treaties and history of residential schools;
Contact information for designated staff members supporting international students at UPC;
Emergency contact information such as campus security, 911, etc;
Ask any questions about your program, schedule, or student life.

​

Need Help?

If you have any questions upon arrival, contact UPC Student Support Services. For additional information on navigating YVR, visit the YVR website.
We look forward to welcoming you to UPC and supporting your journey in Canada!