Plan your stay in Québec City
Have you recently received your offer of admission? You are now part of the ULaval student community. From the moment you accept your offer of admission to your first day on campus, we are committed to supporting you throughout the entire process.
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First steps
Here is what you need to do now to start your semester off smoothly. Make sure to meet the deadlines the university sets and to get a head start on the most time-consuming steps.
Accepting your offer of admission
This step is the starting point of your adventure at Université Laval. Follow the procedure for responding to an offer of admission, no fees incurred.
It is important to use your official offer of admission, regardless of whether it is conditional or final, for your immigration process.
Starting in the fall of 2026, you will first receive a notice of offer of admission. The official offer of admission will be emailed to you once you have completed the steps to accept the offer.
Initiating the immigration process
Since immigration is a long process, it is best to get started as soon as possible.
Our videos will guide you step by step through the process, which is crucial for you to be able to come to campus to study and experience Québec.
Please note that the information provided by the governments of Canada and Québec take precedence over the information in these videos.
We have created a whole page with detailed information on the immigration process.
Budgeting and financing your studies
Université Laval has put several tools into place to help you plan your budget, which should take into account both your tuition fees and living expenses.
You may also want to look at the available scholarships to see what options are available to you.
You may also be able to work during your studies. Professional experience is particularly valued in Québec.
Preparing for your arrival in Québec City
Once you complete the first steps, you can move on to preparing for your stay in Québec City and planning your semester.
Housing in Québec City
On-campus housing is a simple solution if you are arriving from outside of the country. Université Laval has four residence buildings, one of which is specifically for women. You can request to reserve a room several months in advance. Hurry, spaces are limited!
You can also find off-campus housing in the city. The main campus is in the Sainte-Foy neighbourhood, but it is close to several other (frequently less expensive) neighbourhoods that are easily accessible by public transit.
The Se loger à Québec: possibilités et informations essentielles webinar will give you all the information you need.
Registering for courses
Once you accept your offer of admission, keep an eye on your @ulaval.ca email inbox (in French). Your program director will share useful information to help you choose your courses and prepare for the upcoming semester.
You will be registering in monPortail using your new username (IDUL) or with the help of your faculty’s Academic Advising team (in French).
Attending the mandatory pre-departure sessions
The Student Life Office (BVE) requires all international students who are about to begin their studies at Université Laval to attend 2 mandatory information sessions. These online-only sessions will help you prepare for your arrival.
The BVE also provides a checklist to make sure you do not forget anything before you arrive.
Arriving in Canada
We recommend that you wait until you have obtained your immigration documents before incurring any expenses related to your studies abroad. Note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you have health and hospitalization insurance, and to plan your arrival date accordingly. We advise you to arrive in Québec City 1 to 2 weeks before the beginning of the semester.
Important: make sure you have all your documents ready when clearing Canadian customs. As soon as you arrive at Université Laval, you will need to submit your legal documents to the Registrar’s Office electronically.
Starting your first semester
The Student Life Office is available to support you throughout your time at Université Laval.
Keep an eye on your @ulaval.ca email inbox; you will receive a wealth of useful information from the Student Life Office to help you prepare for your arrival on campus, including an invitation to the mandatory orientation and information session that is held at the beginning of your first semester. Various activities and lectures will also be offered to help you get acquainted with your new home.
Make sure to visit the Prepare your stay and Living in Québec City pages on the Student Life Office website to find all the information you need for a successful arrival and integration into life at Université Laval.