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.