Ontario transforms into a winter wonderland in December, offering international students countless ways to experience Canadian culture. Explore dazzling holiday light displays like the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls or stroll through Toronto’s charming Distillery Winter Village, filled with festive markets and seasonal treats. Cozy up with hot chocolate at local cafés, try outdoor skating at city rinks, or watch a Santa Clause Parade near you.
Embrace the season, join community celebrations, and make unforgettable winter memories in Ontario.
Winter Tips for International Students
-
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!
-
Invest in Good Boots: Waterproof boots with good traction are essential for snowy and icy sidewalks.
-
Stay Warm Indoors: Keep your living space cozy, use draft stoppers and check heating settings.
-
Plan for Shorter Days: Daylight is limited, so schedule outdoor activities early and stay safe after dark.
-
Know Your Transit Options: Winter weather can affect buses and trains. Download local transit apps for real-time updates.
-
Stay Active: Try indoor fitness classes or winter sports like skating or skiing to beat the cold-weather blues.
-
Emergency Kit: Carry essentials like a phone charger, snacks, and extra gloves when traveling in winter conditions.
|
Graduating International Student Experience (GISE)
While it is exciting to think about graduation and your future, it is also important for you to get the information you need and take the necessary steps to cross the finish line. In early November, all graduating international students were emailed about the GISE program, offered through DC Connect. Don’t forget to go through the 7 steps in GISE by December 31, 2025. In the final step, you will find two other GISE workshops with a focus on career supports. Questions? Contact us.
|
Monthly Immigration Workshop/GISE Workshop: PGWP Walk through (Virtual)
Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Finishing studies this December? Looking for details about your PGWP application process? Wondering about required documents and changes in your work eligibility? Join our workshop for a step-by-step guide! Register HERE.
GISE Workshop: Applying for Permanent Residency in Canada (Virtual)
Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Are you thinking about applying for Permanent Residency after completing your program(s) and gaining Canadian work experience? This workshop will focus on the process of applying for PR. It will go over the Express Entry program, Provincial Nominee Programs, the CRS and NOC, eligibility requirements, and the different ways to apply.
Register Here
|
Living a Healthy Lifestyle – De-Stress and Recharge this December
December can be a whirlwind of final assignments, exams, and holiday planning. Staying healthy means more than just physical activity; it’s also about managing stress and making time to recharge. Here are a few simple ways to support your well-being this month:
-
Take Mindful Breaks
Pause for a few minutes each day to breathe deeply, stretch, or journal. These small moments can help you reset and refocus. -
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Keep a water bottle nearby and choose balanced meals to fuel your body and mind during busy days. -
Get Restful Sleep
Aim for consistent sleep routines—even during exam season. Quality sleep improves memory, mood, and concentration. -
Connect with Others
Reach out to friends, join a campus event, or check in with support services. You’re not alone! For more wellness tips and resources, visit Durham Region’s Mental Health page.
|
Staying In Or Heading Out This Christmas?Taking a big break - If leaving for a winter break, unplug electronics and tell a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your place.
Cold weather - Can cause pipes to freeze and burst. Keep your heat set to a safe minimum if you’re away and report any heating issues right away. Learn more here.
Snow and ice safety – Slippery walkways are common in winter. Wear proper footwear and be cautious entering buildings or transit stops. If you are responsible for cleaning snow at your rental, keep the path safe and learn more here.
|
Home@DC Online Orientation Modules
This is a friendly reminder to complete the Home@DC International Student Orientation Modules if you haven’t already. These modules are designed to help you navigate life in Canada and include essential information such as:
-
How to dress for the winter
-
Understanding consent
-
Staying safe from scams
-
Financial literacy
-
Your rights as a worker in Canada ...and much more!
Completing the modules will help you feel more confident and prepared as you begin your journey here.
If you’ve already completed them—great job! If not, there’s still time. Please log in and finish them as soon as possible.
They are located in your DC connect, in the Fall 2025 tab and it looks like this:
|
Welcome to Canada: Winter Wonderland
We’re excited to host a Winter Wonderland Welcome for international students beginning their programs in January!
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: CFCE Courtyard
About the Event:
Step into a magical winter wonderland designed to create a warm and festive atmosphere for our new international students. The CFCE Courtyard will be beautifully decorated with fairy lights, wreaths, garlands, snowflake projections, and cozy LED candles and lanterns.
What’s Happening:
-
Photo Booth: Capture memories! Students can take photos—especially with the crafts they’ve made. Feel free to add your creative ideas!
-
International Student Mentorship Booth: Engage in fun activities and connect with mentors.
-
Craft Stations:
• Paper Plate Snowman
• Cookie Decorating (kits provided)
Sticker Challenge:
Each table will have stickers. When students participate in an activity, they’ll earn a sticker on their event ticket. Collect enough stickers and receive a Cozy Kit at the end of the event!
We’ll provide hand warmers, mini chalkboards, and LED candles for each table to keep the atmosphere warm and inviting. All new international students starting their program in January 2026 can register for the event .
|
Ready to level up? Become a Global Learner at DC!
Unlock your unique badge. Expand your world. Set yourself apart.Are you ready to go beyond the classroom and embrace a future where your global mindset matters? Join the Global Learner Recognition Program and show the world you’re someone who thinks bigger, learns broadly, and acts globally.
What you get:
-
Gain real-world skills in cultural awareness, global connections, global learning, and sustainability.
-
Pick up a digital “Global Learner” badge at graduation — perfect for your LinkedIn profile.
-
Participate in meaningful activities you’re already doing (or could do): joining clubs, taking global-themed courses, volunteering, and more.
Click on this link to find out more information 🙂 Get Global - Durham College
|
|
|
|
|
|
