International students are already arriving and the university is taking steps to ensure they're ready for their first year abroad

For many international students, learning abroad can be a very stressful time. Ahead of the mass influx of students moving into the Waterloo university district, international students are arriving in the region.

Meanwhile, the University of Waterloo wants to take the time to get those students properly settled and ready for their first year.

Hazel Kibibi, International Student Coordinator, University of Waterloo, says they have been listening to feedback from students who felt they weren't fully ready.

"We heard from international students that they felt like they weren't ready to participate in first year orientation or classes until they had worked out some basic immediate needs," she says.

"So for example, a student may come off a 15 hour flight and they might land and they might not be able to communicate with their parents that they're here yet because their cell phone maybe isn't set up, which can be a little bit scary cause parents are worried that their student hasn't made it to campus yet."

Kibibi says that international students also don't all arrive at the same time. Some arriving later at night when many stores are closed and they can't access some basic supplies like bed sheets.

She says the university will have student ambassadors and volunteers helping out to cut down on the stress of moving to a new country. They will have charter buses running between the campus and airport to bring students to their residence. Volunteers will also be giving guided tours on the ION to show international students Conestoga Mall and Uptown to sort out some basic necessities like a cell phone plan or bank account.

The university's own "W" store will also have extended hours for students to pick up dorm essentials and supplies.