January in Ontario: What to Expect
Welcome to the heart of winter! January in Ontario is cold, with temperatures often below freezing and plenty of snow. It’s the perfect time to experience classic Canadian winter activities like skating, skiing, or simply enjoying a cozy café. Remember to dress warmly—layers, a good winter coat, gloves, and warm boots are essential. Short daylight hours mean it’s important to plan ahead and stay safe when traveling. If you’re feeling the winter blues, check out campus events or local activities to stay connected and energized!
Winter Tips for International Students
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Dress in Layers: Start with thermal underlayers, add sweaters, and finish with a waterproof winter coat. Don’t forget gloves, scarves, and a warm hat!
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Invest in Good Boots: Waterproof boots with good traction are essential for snowy and icy sidewalks.
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Stay Warm Indoors: Keep your living space cozy, use draft stoppers and check heating settings.
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Plan for Shorter Days: Daylight is limited, so schedule outdoor activities early and stay safe after dark.
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Know Your Transit Options: Winter weather can affect buses and trains. Download local transit apps for real-time updates.
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Stay Active: Try indoor fitness classes or winter sports like skating or skiing to beat the cold-weather blues.
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Emergency Kit: Carry essentials like a phone charger, snacks, and extra gloves when traveling in winter conditions.
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Welcome to Canada Winter Wonderland (In Person)
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
This welcome session, offered in person, is for all international students starting a DC program in January 2026. Whether you’re new to DC, or you’re starting another program at DC, this session is for you! Get ready to step into a magical winter wonderland designed to create a warm and festive atmosphere for you. Come for the fun, activities, giveaways, food and drinks, and to meet new friends! Register HERE.
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Monthly Immigration Workshop: Co-op Work Permit (Virtual)
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Are you unsure if you need a co-op work permit for your program? Join our online workshop to learn the ins and outs of applying for a co-op work permit from within Canada. Do not miss the opportunity to clarify and enhance your program experience! Register HERE.
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Contact Us Through International Ask-us-Anything
There are many ways to connect with the International Education team! Join our International Ask-us-Anything online drop-in sessions, held twice a week, every week. Bookmark our Linktree page so you’ll always have quick access to the session links.
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Living a Healthy Lifestyle – Start Fresh This January
A new year is a great opportunity to focus on your health and well-being. January can feel long and cold, but small, intentional habits can make a big difference. Here are a few ways to stay energized and positive this month:
Set simple, achievable goals
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Choose one or two healthy habits to start, like drinking more water or adding 10 minutes of movement each day. Small steps lead to lasting change.
Eat for energy
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Add colourful fruits and vegetables to your meals. Balanced nutrition helps you stay focused and fight winter fatigue.
Take care of your mental health
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Practice mindfulness, journal, or connect with friends. If you’re feeling stressed, reach out.
Get outside when possible
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Fresh air and natural light can improve your mood, even on chilly days. Bundle up and join our trip to Samac. Read on for more information on this off-campus trip!
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Camp Samac Trip
Date: January 30, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Explore 163 acres of scenic forest at Camp Samac in Oshawa! Enjoy a day of outdoor fun with activities like the Herbivore/Omnivore/Carnivore Game, a nature hike, and winter shelter building & survival. Tickets are only $8 (regularly $25). Departure from the first floor of the SSB (in front of Tim Hortons). Students can register here.
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🌍 Ready to Level Up Your Global Skills? Join Get Global!
Become a globally minded graduate with Durham College’s Get Global program — a fun, flexible way to build cultural awareness, make international connections, and boost your résumé.
Why join?
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Earn a Global Learner digital badge
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Explore cultural events, clubs, language learning, and global-themed activities
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Build real-world global skills that employers value
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Get recognized at graduation!
How to start:
Email your student number to educationabroad@durhamcollege.ca and complete the short Indigenous Histories and Reconciliation module — then choose activities that inspire you and work toward your 100 points.
Take the first step toward becoming a global citizen.
Let’s Get Global!
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International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP)
Date: Winter 2026 Term (January – April)
Time: Mentees can apply year-round, mentors only up until January 30th, 2026
The ISMP is accepting applications for mentors and mentees for Winter 2026! This program connects first-semester international students with higher-semester peers and alumni. Members enjoy exclusive events with refreshments and prizes. Mentors who meet with their mentee(s) three or more times qualify for a free Myers-Briggs assessment ($30 value). Apply on the program webpage here.
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Arrive in Canada Health Insurance Desk (In Person)
Date: Friday, January 9 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
This session, offered in person, is for all international students looking to learn more about making a claim or to access their resources via the student VIP application. The staff at the table will be able to support and answer any questions around what to expect before making a payment to the doctor and how to identify the registered clinics all across Canada. Do not miss this opportunity to make you more confident on your doctor’s visits.
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Global Café Roommate Mixer (In Person)
Come join us in this exciting ice breaker to find compatible roommates and housing options. Together, we will discover strategies for an affordable housing and have conversations around housing resources and money saving techniques.
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