A-Z International / Exchange Student Guide

A-Z International/Exchange Student Guide

(So your Bishop's Experience is easier)



Bus Transportation

NEED TO GET OFF THE CAMPUS?
Bus #2 travels from Bishop's University to the city center, "Station du Dépôt" (10 minutes). From there you can take other buses to various places in Sherbrooke.

Bus # 11 travels from Bishop's University to the shopping center "Carrefour de l'Estrie" (40 minutes) and to "Université de Sherbrooke".

BUSES FROM SHERBROOKE TO OTHER CITIES(Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa etc.)
You need to get to the Bus Station located in Sherbrooke (80, Dépôt st.) (take bus #2 from the campus, stop at "Station du Dépôt"), then:

  • Getting to Montreal:
    Limocar: http://www.limocar.ca/en-ca/ to see schedule and fares.
  • Getting to Quebec City:
       Student fares: one way ticket: 33,43$; return ticket: 60,78$
       Schedule:
    • Every day: 9:10 am-12:30pm,
    • Sunday-Friday: 6:30 pm-9:50 pm,
    • Saturday: 2:10-5:30 pm,
    • Sunday and Friday: 1:45-5:00 pm
  • For more information, call the Bus Terminal at 819-562-8899.

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Carpooling

Students may use the carpooling services from "Allo Stop" if you want to get to other major cities in Quebec. It is cheaper than a bus ticket and you get to meet other people. You will need a membership card (6$).

You can contact Allo Stop (Sherbrooke office) at 819-821-3777

For more info: http://www.allostop.com/

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Clubs on Campus

There are many different clubs on campus! (ex: German Club, Photography Club, Amnesty International, Chess Club etc.) Every semester, there is a Club Day organized by the Student Council. On this day, all club representatives are in the SUB lobby to answer your questions. You can consult the Student Representative Council website and click on "Clubs" to get more information.

http://www.busrc.com/

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Computers/ Email

All students have free access to the Computer labs on campus. There are three computer labs in Nicolls, one in Hamilton (H-150) and two in the Library on campus. You can also borrow laptops for the duration of two hours from the circulation desk at the Library. All computers give you access to the Internet. You log in using your Bishop's username and password.

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Cultural Activities On Campus

CONCERTS:
Free for all students, at Bandeen Hall (Norton and Pollack residences)
More info...

CENTENNIAL THEATRE:
Different shows: dance, music, drama, movies, etc. Buy your tickets at the Centennial Box office. (in the Student Union Building)
More info...

ART GALLERY:
There is an art gallery on campus, in the Student Union Building, near the Centennial Theatre. Students are welcome to visit the exhibitions at no charge.
More info...

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Culture shock

Culture shock may affect you to some degree and it is a normal part of your abroad experience. The symptoms of culture shock may include homesickness, withdrawal, spending excessive time in your room, negative feelings about host people, frustration, confusion, irritability, boredom, tiredness, etc.

Should you experience any serious culture shock, notify the International Students Office located in McGreer 210. We will ensure that you receive proper assistance.

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Grocery Shopping

You can buy your groceries at the Provigo or at Bio-Alternatives in Lennoxville. Both are located on Queen Street. If you live in Sherbrooke, you have the choice: Maxi and Super C are "discount" grocery stores, but there is also Metro, IGA. Le Marché Végétarien and Délice des Nations which are alternative grocery stores.

  • DÉLICES DES NATIONS (international grocery store)
    185, Belvédère Nord street
    Sherbrooke
    Tel.: 819-822-0184

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Health

If you need to consult a Psychologist, you can go to the Counseling Office, (Student Union Building, above the Bookstore). It's free!

There is also an on-campus Health Clinic located in Mackinnon Hall (the door under the red cross). You can consult a nurse or a doctor if needed.
More info...

Bring your health insurance card with you if you go to the clinic.

*Contraception: You can get condoms for free at the Health Clinic on campus. The Morning After Pill is also available at the Health Clinic for $10.00.

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Housing

RESIDENCES ON CAMPUS
As an exchange student, you are strongly encouraged to live in the residences on campus. Consult the Bishop's webpage for more info on the on-campus residences. You can apply online to live in residences.
More info...

APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS
If you prefer to live in an apartment off-campus, please consult:

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Library

The Library staff organizes library tours for new students. Ask at the circulation desk for more information. The Library staff is very friendly; don't hesitate to ask for their help!

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Ministry On Campus

There is an on-campus ecumenical chapel. Sunday services at 10 am.

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Muslim students

There is a Muslim pray room on-campus located in the basement of Divinity House (close to the McGreer Building).

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Sports/ Recreation

Yoga, martial arts, dance, swimming, aerobics classes, etc.

Consult Sports & Recreation

All students have free access to the gym, squash courts and swimming pool. (You have to show your Bishop's University student card.) Consult the schedule on the website.

ICE SKATING
Every Sunday at the arena on campus, 12:45- 2:45 pm.
Bring your own skates, the entrance is free!

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING/BIKING PATH
13 km of ski trails/path between Lennoxville and North Hatley.

INTRA-MURAL SOCCER
There is an intra-mural soccer (football) tournament organized during the winter semester. For more info, go to the Sports Center on campus.

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Student Representative Council activities for everybody

You will have more information about the activities during the first week of classes. The Student Council office is in the Student Union Building.
Consult the SRC website: http://www.busrc.com/

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Taxes

When you go shopping (except for grocery shopping) or eat at the restaurant, the price you see does not include taxes. You have to add about 14% to know how much you will have to pay.

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Telephone

There are several public phones on campus (from Bell Canada).

The cheapest way to make international phone calls is probably to buy a pre-paid phone card. ( Vox or Global access for instance) You can buy phone cards at the bookstore on campus.

You can also use SKYPE to make international phone calls if you have an internet connection. Visit the skype website at www.skype.net

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Textbooks

You will probably be required to purchase several textbooks for your classes. You can buy them at the Bookstore on campus. You can also find some books in second-hand stores. (Black Cat, 168 Queen Street, Lennoxville, and there are two second-hand stores in Sherbrooke at the corner of King and Wellington Streets)


Tip

When you go to a restaurant (or a bar), you are expected to give the waiter a tip (between 10-15 %).


Work on campus

Some on-campus positions are available for you. Visit the Employment Center (above the Bookstore, SUB) for more information. Please consult: Career & Employment Centre

Note that to work on campus, students need a C.A.Q. and a Study Permit, even if you are staying for one semester only.

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Weather / winter clothing

Canada has 4 different seasons.

SeasonWhenTemperature variationAverage
FallSept to NovBetween 20ºC and 5ºC10ºC
WinterNov to MarchBetween 5ºC and -25ºC-10ºC
SpringApril to JuneBetween 5ºC and 20ºC10ºC
SummerJune to AugustBetween 20ºC and 30ºC25ºC

We recommend you bring clothing for all seasons. During winter you will need a winter jacket, hat, scarf, gloves and winter boots. Bring warm sweaters as well. Note that all buildings and homes are heated during the winter. (about 20ºC)

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Writing Center

You wrote a paper in English and you want someone to correct it before handing it in? You can make an appointment at the Writing Center in Divinity House (next to McGreer Building), it's free to students! A piece of advice: don't wait until the last minute to make your appointment!

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