Find out in advance about Montreal neighborhoods, budgeting and get advice from other international students to help you prepare for your stay in Montreal.

Here is some ressources: 

• montrealabroad.com/
• jechoisismontreal.com/en

Overseas students preparing to study in Canada often neglect one important aspect: culture. While it’s impossible to eliminate all the unknowns, you can take steps to limit culture shock. Finding out about your future living environment may help you adjust your expectations accordingly — and avert any unpleasant surprises.

Polytechnique also offers an array of services that are there to help you through your studies. Find out more on what each service can do for you.

STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE (SERVICE AUX ÉTUDIANTS — SEP)

The SEP covers a range of services to help students integrate, develop and succeed in their studies at Polytechnique. It is also the main resource for international students and new permanent residents, with special services for overseas students.

The SEP is located in second floor lobby (C-240) of the Main Building. Staff at the SEP are ready to answer any questions or help you in any way, the better to help you adapt to your new culture and new academic environment. So don’t be shy!

For more information
Phone: (514) 340-4711, ext. 4853
Fax: (514) 340-5964
E-mail: sep-international@polymtl.ca

Guidance and coaching

The SEP’s guidance and coaching service can respond to your concerns about organizing your studies and curriculum at École Polytechnique. The approach has three components: your personal needs, your academic/professional needs and your educational trajectory. Whatever the nature of your question — coursework, academic or professional leanings, personal progress — the team is there to listen and advise.

The SEP has also implemented a ‘virtual guidance’ site at www.polymtl.ca/soutien (in French only).

This site is full of useful information to help you enjoy your time at Polytechnique. You’ll find tools to help you study more effectively, manage your stress, better organize your time, prepare for your exams, and much more.

Each year, the coaching team at the Student services Office launches a tutoring service to help you with first-year and preparatory courses. Having difficulty with a course? Don’t delay: ask for a tutor.

Psychological support

The SEP also offers counselling. This service is available by appointment only at 514 340-4711, ext. 4853. Confidentiality is assured.

THE REGISTRAR’S OFFICE

The Registrar’s Office oversees every administrative aspect of a student’s file. In particular, the office takes care of admission, course registration, grades and student transcripts. It issues degrees, manages tuition fees, sends out income tax receipts, creates class and exam schedules and books rooms. The Registrar’s Office is also responsible for applying tuition policies.

You can contact the Registrar’s Office for the following services: course withdrawals – admissions – insurance – attestations – official transcripts and copies – student ID cards – changes of address – courses at external institutions – degree issuance – independent students – exchange students – registration – modifications to legal status – tuition fee payment – proof of Québec residency – grades reviews, and more.

Located in Room A-201 of the Main Building, the Registrar’s Office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information:

Phone: (514) 340-4724
Fax: (514) 340-5836
E-mail: registraire@polymtl.ca
Website

A FEW TIPS TO HELP YOU SUCCEED

Invest in your studies from the start

The level of difficulty is high, but it’s entirely possible to succeed at your studies at Polytechnique — provided you put in the necessary effort. First and foremost, you must maintain a high attendance. Attending every class is unquestionably the most important step on the road to academic success. Keeping on top of your coursework is just as vital. We strongly discourage last-minute “cramming” for exams: even if this method has worked for you in the past, experience shows that it doesn’t pay off at Polytechnique. What matters most is understanding course content; and understanding the content to any degree of depth takes time.

Don’t hesitate to consult your professors

The North American student-professor relationship may be different to what you’re used to. Here, students who need help commonly phone or e-mail their professors, make appointments or simply go straight to the prof’s office. If this is surprising to you, you’ll soon see the advantages. Meeting your professor outside of classroom hours can clarify certain concepts and even help you prepare for your exams. Professors are available for consultation at set times; these will be indicated at the start of the semester.

Consult your course outline

At the start of the semester, the professor will hand out a course outline that covers the entire semester. Read it carefully, since it contains important information about course content, exam dates, assignments, grading procedures, the professor’s rules and those of the course, stipulations, and so on. A careful reading of your course outline will give you an idea of what you need to learn as well as the work you’ll need to do to succeed.

Consult the academic calendar

The calendar lists Polytechnique’s regulations and their application, as well as information on tuition fees and programs. Since programs are prone to change, you must be sure to obtain a new calendar each fall or consult Polytechnique’s website. The latter part of the academic calendar lists the various program streams. N.B.! Hold onto the calendar you received when you arrived, since this is what determines what courses you need to complete to obtain your degree.

Respect deadlines

It is vital to comply with the various deadlines imposed by the school, whether regarding course selection, course withdrawals, absence justifications and so on. No exceptions will be made for missed deadlines. Polytechnique adheres strictly to its deadlines, which are non-negotiable. Forewarned is forearmed!

Seek help QUICKLY

Don’t wait until your personal or academic situation deteriorates before seeking help. Many students who experience problems during their first few semesters believe they can deal with them on their own, or that the situation will take care of itself. Sadly, experience shows that this is rarely the case. The school puts an array of resources at your disposal to help you succeed. Why wait? Avail yourself of these resources at the first signs of trouble. A host of professionals is on hand to advise you on any number of topics: come and meet them at the SEP.

Don’t know where to look for solutions?

The team of counsellors and international student advisor are there to direct you quickly to the appropriate resource. They will help you identify and adopt the best approach that applies to your studies and situation. Don’t hesitate to contact them.

Student life at Polytechnique is rich and stimulating. A multitude of activities are organized through the school’s many associations and committees. With so much on the go, there’s something for everyone!