Vancouver Student Orientation

New Student Orientation Fall 2023

Fall 2023 orientation will take place online and in-person at the Cambie campus (located at 842 Cambie Street).

Please bring the following items:

• Photo ID (Passport or Citizenship document)
• Study Permit (if applicable)
• All original copies of requested admissions documents

Health Insurance for New Students

All students in British Columbia are required to have health insurance during their university studies. Basic health care coverage (doctor visits, hospital care and more) is typically provided through British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) – See B.C. MSP. There is a 3-month waiting period before newcomers to BC are eligible for the BC Medical Services Plan. This waiting period is required by the BC government to process any newcomer’s application for BC MSP and is governed by the BC MSP Act.

FDU Vancouver provides private Health Insurance through Guard Me https://www.guard.me/, covering students during this 3-month waiting period.  Guard Me provides affordable comprehensive health insurance for the initial three months when students arrive in Canada. All FDU Students must purchase Guard Me’s University and College Plan during this 3-month waiting period through FDU. FDU does not accept other travel insurance coverage from other providers. 

Guard Me insurance is mandatory unless you have BC MSP. If you have BC MSP, please email Niharika Padiyal at niharikap@fdu.edu with a picture of your MSP card prior to August 31, 2023. 

New Fall 2023 students arriving in September 2023

Students will be automatically covered by Guard Me medical insurance for the first 3 months in Canada starting September 1 and expiring on November 30 for at a cost of $189 USD.  Your Guard Me insurance policy will be sent to your email address.  Please make sure to check your junk mail folder. The additional Guard Me fee will be added to your tuition balance during Orientation week. 

Early Guard Me activations:

If you are landing in Canada prior to September 1, 2023, please complete the Guard Me activation form and email it to Niharika Padiyal at niharikap@fdu.edu prior to August 31, 2023. 

Family Members:

If you would like coverage for any family members traveling with you, please complete the Guard Me activation form for each family member and email it to niharikap@fdu.edu. Activations for family members can take up to 5 days, please send your family’s activation form 5 days prior to their arrival in Canada.  We are unable to provide refunds once Guard Me policies have been activated unless a student’s BC MSP policy coincides with their Guard Me policy.