About Course

Course Description

This 10-module course is designed to help future students successfully transition into the Canadian academic system.
Whether you’re arriving straight from high school or switching to university from abroad, UniPrep
will equip you with the tools, strategies, and insider knowledge that most students only learn the hard way in their
stressful first year. From academic writing and exams to housing, campus life, and mental health, this course covers it all.

Module 1: Introduction to the Canadian Academic System

• Understanding how higher education works in Canada
• Key differences between high school and university
• Academic expectations and responsibilities of students
• What professors expect vs. what students are used to
• Overview of common degree structures and credit systems

Module 2: Academic Writing

• Writing essays and research papers: structure, argument, and editing
• Avoiding plagiarism and understanding academic integrity
• Citation styles: APA, MLA, Chicago, and when to use them
• How to work with academic sources (Google Scholar, JSTOR, university libraries)
• Drafting, revising, and submitting high-quality academic work

Module 3: Study Skills and Learning Strategies

• Effective notetaking during lectures and online classes
• Active reading techniques for textbooks and scholarly articles
• Structuring and summarizing information using mind maps and flashcards
• Building study routines and memory techniques
• How to prepare for weekly assignments and class participation

Module 4: Exams and Test Preparation

• Types of assessments (multiple choice, essays, open-book, short answer)
• How to study effectively for different exam formats
• Managing time and nerves during exams
• The myth of “open book exams” — how to prepare properly
• Practice resources and mock testing strategies

Module 5: Presentations and Group Projects

• How to create engaging presentations with tools like PowerPoint and Canva
• Public speaking strategies and delivery confidence
• Tips for smooth transitions and Q&A sessions
• Group project planning: assigning roles, timelines, and expectations
• Tools for collaboration: Google Docs, Trello, Zoom

Module 6: Communication with Professors & Using Student Services

• Email etiquette and how to approach professors respectfully
• Making use of office hours: what to ask, how to prepare
• Academic etiquette: asking questions, participating in class
• Tutoring centers, writing labs, and academic supports
• Diversity and inclusion services for international and equity-seeking students

Understanding Your Rights as a Student:

• Privacy, academic fairness, and harassment policies
• Appealing grades or decisions
• What to do if you’re accused of academic misconduct
• Campus safety and where to seek support
• Ombudspersons and student advocacy offices

Module 7: Time Management and Campus Life

• Building a balanced weekly schedule
• Using planners, calendars, and productivity tools
• Avoiding burnout and staying mentally healthy
• Getting socially involved: events, dorm life, peer support
• How your environment impacts your success (on vs. off campus)
• How to find clubs, associations, and leadership opportunities
• Volunteering: why it matters and how to get started
• Building a support network on and off campus

Module 8: Housing and Residence Life

• On-campus housing: what to expect in dormitories and residence halls
• Meal plans, communal spaces, and residence staff roles
• Off-campus housing: finding rentals, roommates, and contracts
• Moving tips and adapting to shared living
• Budgeting and balancing cost vs. convenience

Module 9: Financial Literacy for Students

• Types of financial aid: scholarships, bursaries, and grants
• Budgeting and tracking monthly expenses
• Student banking and understanding credit
• Tuition payment plans and emergency funds
• Financial planning tools and where to get advice

Module 10: Immigration Information for International Students

• Study permit conditions: full-time status, off-campus work limits
• PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit): eligibility and deadlines
• Maintaining status during school breaks, transfers, or program changes
• Extending permits, IRCC account basics, and biometrics
• Common mistakes international students make and how to avoid them

Bonus

+ 3 Complimentary Q&A Online Live Sessions with instructors and guest speakers