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This handbook is designed to help you navigate
your first few weeks on campus. It contains
important information that will make your
transition to a full-time student in Canada
easier and more rewarding.

SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER (SIN)

You need a SIN to be able to work in Canada, or to receive benefits and
services from government programs. To apply for a SIN you need to visit
a Service Canada office with your passport and study permit. Your study
permit must have these conditions written on it:
• May accept employment on the campus of the institution at which
registered in full-time studies; and/or:
• May accept employment on- or off-campus if meeting eligibility criteria
as per R186 (f), (v) or (w).
Service Canada Offices:
Sydney Office Glace Bay Office
Commerce Tower, Floor 1 633 Main Street
15 Dorchester Street Glace Bay B1A 6J3
Sydney B1P 5Y9
Hours of service: Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm
At the start of each semester, a representative from Service Canada is
present on campus to assist students with getting a SIN.

ACCOMMODATIONS
As mentioned in your pre-arrival checklist, accommodations should
be booked prior to leaving your home country. However, we know that
sometimes things change. For more information on off-campus housing
and accommodations visit CBU.ca/housing.

WELCOME TO CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY

NOVA SCOTIA IDENTIFICATION (ID) CARD
AND DRIVER’S LICENSE
Your Nova Scotia ID and NS Driver’s License can be obtained from
Access Nova Scotia office located at: 380 Kings Rd, Sydney
HOURS OF SERVICE: 
Monday and Tuesday 8:30am to 4:30pm
Wednesday to Friday 8:30am to 7:00pm
Note: Students are strongly encouraged to apply for a Nova Scotia ID card as soon as
possible, and to use it as their main identification document. Store your passport at home,
in a secure place, to prevent loss or theft.

TRANSPORTATION
Getting to and from campus is easy with public transportation services.
Be sure to leave plenty of time to arrive at your destination on time.
Buses are affordable and available 7 days a week.
Bus Services
Buses travel throughout the city and surrounding areas on a regular basis.
Please check the latest bus schedule at www.cbrm.ns.ca/transit for
more information. Bus passes can be purchased on-campus through the
Students’ Union.
Taxi Services
City Wide Taxi Dynasty Plaza Cabs District 11 Taxi
902-564-5432 902-562-5777 902-271-3635

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ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students attending university in Canada need to familiarize themselves
with the common practices of preparing and submitting academic writing.
It is important that students understand that they are responsible for being
honest in their scholarship efforts. Students are expected to present work
that they have prepared and researched themselves.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is not accepted at Cape Breton University and is a serious
academic offence. Students studying from other countries, who are not
familiar with plagiarism issues, should visit the CBU Writing Centre to learn
more about properly citing sources and research efforts. Examples of
plagiarism include:
• Submitting work that is not prepared by you
• Submitting work that is not written by you
• Submitting work that is copied from another source without proper citation
• Submitting work that quotes phrases or concepts without citation
• Reusing academic content you’ve already written for another course

STUDENT SERVICES
CBU offers a number of student services and supports to help make student
life easier. Take some time to get to know each service, and don’t hesitate to
reach out to any service if you feel they can be of help.

First Year Advising Centre (FYAC)

Visit the FYAC to receive academic advising and learn how to schedule and register
for courses.

International Student and Study Abroad Centre

Learn about life in Canada, get advice on how to obtain permits, file documents,
get help with health care and more.

Academic Success Coaching

Get one-on-one support from a coach that can help you make the right choices
about your education, learn new study skills and improve time management.

WELCOME TO CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY

Career Services
Learn to create cover letters and resumes that will help further your career in
Canada, and find out how to make the most of your degree with co-op
placement options.

Max Bell Health Centre

Visit our on-campus doctor, physiotherapist and nurse to ensure you’re staying
healthy.

Personal Counselling Services

Get confidential support for any issues related to grief, anger management,
anxiety, homesickness and more.

Math and Science Centre

Get support and guidance to improve your understanding of math and science
subjects at the university.

Writing Centre
Get support and guidance to improve your understanding of academic writing
and integrity.

Sport and Fitness

Make the most of your stay in Canada with CAPERS sporting events, by visiting
the Cape Breton Health & Recreation Complex on campus, or by participating in
campus recreation activities.

Libraries and Research Facilities

Our library is connected to libraries all over the world. We can help you find what
you are looking for.

Students’ Union
The Students’ Union operates in service of students. Be sure to visit the Students’
Union building near the cafeteria.

Safety on Campus
CBU has security on campus at all times. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate
to visit the security office near the library.

CBU Bookstore
Get your textbooks, equipment, resources, and supplies to ensure a successful
school year. You’ll also find clothing, basic needs items and more.

CBU Also offers: Chaplaincy Services, Childcare, Peer success coaching and more!

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ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING
You’ll find plenty to keep you busy when you aren’t in class or studying.
Sydney and the surrounding areas are home to some of the best
entertainment and dining around.
You’ll find local performances at the Highland Arts Theatre, Savoy Theatre,
and our on-campus Boardmore Playhouse. Looking for sporting events?
Look no further than CBU’s Dome for soccer and Sullivan Fieldhouse for
basketball. Restaurants and food trucks are found in downtown Sydney,
and along the waterfront at the Port. Dining experiences are also found in
downtown Sydney, Glace Bay, New Waterford, and North Sydney. A movie
theatre is located in Sydney, as well as many fast food restaurants.
Shopping
You’ll find plenty of shopping experiences in Sydney, Glace Bay, North Sydney
and New Waterford including boutiques, a mall with a food court, big box
stores, local interest stores, as well as grocery and food stores. There are
also thrift stores, international food stores, health food stores, and more.

Explore CAPE BRETON ISLAND >>> CBIsland.com

BANKING
A Canadian bank account and debit/credit card are required to do most
financial transactions at CBU, as well as in the community. There are
many banks located in new CBU: CIBC, Scotiabank, TD Bank, RBC, BMO,
and others.
Note: You will need 2 pieces of identification documents to open a bank account.

HEALTH CARE AND EMERGENCIES

International students must accept CBU’s insurance plan in order to use our
local health care system. Sydney has one large hospital with an emergency
room, and CBU has its own health care center, Max Bell Health Care Centre.
For more information about health care in Canada, visit the International
Student and Study Abroad Centre.

WELCOME TO CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY

WEATHER PREPARATION
Cape Breton experiences four seasons of weather. If you arrive
in September, you’ll be greeted by warm winds and won’t need
a heavy jacket. In October and November, the weather starts
to change and you will need warm-weather clothes such as a
winter jacket, gloves, hats and when the snow falls, boots. Spring
starts to blossom in late April and May and summer on campus is
comfortable in shorts and t-shirts.
 HELPFUL TIPS FOR NEW STUDENTS
• Get to know the CBU campus and the location of your
classes before classes start
• Visit the CBU Bookstore and purchase supplies, books,
and resources needed for class
• Review your class outlines and syllabi as soon as you get them
to familiarize yourself with the class expectations
• Use a planner or calendar to help keep yourself organized
• Review the important dates related to adding or dropping
courses, as well as payment deadlines
• Join a social group or campus club
• Visit the library to familiarize yourself with how it is organized
• Attend on-campus events to connect with your new community