Student Guidebook: Now that you’ve arrived Welcome to Winnipeg! We’re so happy you’re here. Winnipeg is a small Canadian city that has been described as "cultural cradle of Canada" – meaning we have a lot of people from many countries living here! We are very proud of our diversity and many cultures here. We hope you’ll find this information useful for your time in our lovely prairie city. For more information about Winnipeg, see http://blogs.rrc.ca/international/study-at-rrc/winnipeg/ , and for information on Manitoba, see http://www.gov.mb.ca/ie/study/ . 1 AJ Batac at http://flickr.com/photos/89309115@N00/7362168462 A. Getting Around: How to Move Around Winnipeg Bus: You will be provided with a bus pass. Your bus pass will allow you to take the public buses without charge to you. You will take the bus from your homestay to and from your classes each day. Busses run regularly through the day. We will also use your bus pass for many of the activities we attend. It is very important that you keep your bus pass in a safe place and do not lose it. We will be asking you for $5 as a deposit on your Peggo bus pass. When you return your bus pass, we will return your $5. However, if you lose your Peggo bus pass, you will be charged the $5 for replacing the card. Planning your Bus Trip 1. Navigo Website - http://winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo This online tool is very easy to use. Once you enter your destination and “origin” (starting point), you can choose a time to arrive (great for being sure you will be on time!) and the tool will give you the bus stop, bus numbers, and transfers (if needed). Page 1 of 18 2. Wpg Bus Live – Smart Phone App Android http://tinyurl.com/AndroidWpgBusLive Apple http://tinyurl.com/AppleWpgBusLive This free app for your smart phone finds all the bus stops near your current location. When you choose a stop, it will give you the schedule for the stop and tell you if your bus will be on time or late. All data is from Winnipeg Transit. Busses: Did You Know? Not all buses stop at all bus stops. A sign at the bus stop will tell the location and which bus numbers stop at that location. Buses only stop at bus stops, never on parts of the street without a stop. You do not need to signal or wave for a bus. Wait at the stop where the driver can see you and he or she will stop. You must pay for your bus with your card when you get on the bus. If you pay your fare in cash, rather than with your bus pass, you are able to ask for a transfer which will give free rides (unlimited) on busses for the following 75 minutes. The price for each bus ride is the same, it doesn’t change for different routes. When you are ready to get off the bus, ring the bell before the bus stop to tell the bus driver you want to get off. Most bus stops are announced in advance so you can plan for your stop. o You can ring the bell by pulling the yellow string or by pressing the red button. If you do not know when you will arrive at your stop or location, tell the bus driver and he or she can tell you when you are at your destination. Enter at the front of the bus and exit the bus from the doors at the back. Press firmly on the yellow strip for about 3 seconds for the doors to open. Driving If you will drive in Manitoba, it is your responsibility to know Manitoba’s driving laws. You can get information from the Manitoba Public Insurance Driver’s Handbook, available in PDF for free on the Manitoba Public Insurance website: https://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/PDFs/CompleteHandbook.pdf International students are allowed to drive in Manitoba with a valid driver’s licence from another country for up to three months from the date of entry into Canada. To drive in Manitoba after the first three months of your stay, you must visit a Manitoba Public Insurance driver and vehicle licensing service outlet to learn about your options. Page 2 of 18 Taxi: Although taxis are often very affordable in other countries, in Canada taking a taxi is one of the most expensive ways to get around! If you would like to take a taxi, it is best to phone in advance because it is difficult to hail (wave over) a taxi on the street. Smoking is not permitted (allowed) in taxis. Minimum fare: CAD $3.50 for first 72.5 metres (or fewer) Beyond 72.5 metres: add CAD $1.37 per kilometer (plus time) Taxis: Did You Know? In Canada it is usual to give the Waiting: CAD $0.10 for each 13.18 seconds driver a “tip” (extra money) for Luggage charges: No charge their service. The tip should be about 15% of the cost of the Travel to pick up: No charge ride. For example, if your ride is $10, it is expected that you will Taxes are included in the price give the driver an extra $1.50. There is a maximum of four (4) passengers allowed in the taxi cab On average, expect to pay CAD $1.75 per kilometer in a taxi plus the minimum fare of CAD $3.50 Our taxis must use the meter and cannot tell you the exact price before your trip. For example, you may not negotiate a price before going to your destination. If you would like to calculate the cost of your trip before booking a cab, use this useful Fare Finder http://tinyurl.com/FareFinder to guess the approximate cost of your ride. See the directory for contact information for Winnipeg taxi companies. B. Red River College Page 3 of 18 Red River College has 3 main campuses in Winnipeg. Each campus is located in a different part of the city and has a different specialty on which it focuses. We hope to familiarize you with all three locations and the services available at each one. 1. Language Training Centre (Union Station) – 123 Main Street at Broadway For over 30 years, The Language Training Centre (LTC) has delivered an intensive English language and academic-preparation program that supports successful learning, living and working in the heart of Canada. The innovative and accessible programs bring communication to life with a dynamic learning environment and clear pathways to academic programing. The LTC supports students and their success through the delivery of educational and cultural activities – in classrooms and computer labs, online, in the community, or in the workplace. Your classes will be held at this campus alongside other English learners. 2. Exchange District Campus – Roblin Centre 160 Princess Street at William Avenue and Patterson GlobalFoods Institute 504 Main Street at William Avenue The Exchange District Campus (EDC) is a short 15-20 minute walk from LTC or a quick bus ride. It is nestled in the heart of downtown Winnipeg and is home to RRC’s creative arts, IT, culinary arts and hospitality programs. EDC also has a fitness centre (available with student card) and relaxing study spaces. Page 4 of 18 3. Notre Dame Campus – 2055 Notre Dame Ave. The Notre Dame Campus (NDC) is RRC’s largest campus and is home to the majority of the College’s skilled trades, transportation technology, health sciences, and engineering programs. The NDC includes fitness facilities, applied research labs, a full-service library, a variety of food services, child care, classrooms, study spaces, and more. Campus Maps: Page 5 of 18 To view campus maps (NDC or Roblin Centre only) or get more information about the campuses, visit www.rrc.ca/campuses College Policies You should be familiar with Red River College’s policies, especially those that relate to your Code of Rights and Responsibilities, Student Discipline, and Academic Integrity. Read the policies at http://www.rrc.ca/policies Diversity and Intercultural Services As an international student, you have access to a range of services and programs provided by Diversity and Intercultural Services which will help with your transition to life in Winnipeg. Even though your schedule may be busy with school and adjusting to life in a new place, it is a good idea to plan to participate in the various Diversity Programs and events. These will be very beneficial because they will help you understand Canadian culture, communication style, and you’ll make new friends. Visit office 418 at the Language Training Centre to find out more information. Everyone is welcome! Visit www.rrc.ca/diversity for more information about our programs. Campus Services Red River College has a wide range of services for all students. To view an extensive listing of student services, visit http://www.rrc.ca/studentservices ; for services available at Roblin Campus, visit http://blogs.rrc.ca/edc/services/ Page 6 of 18 C. Shopping: Malls, Shops, and Grocery Malls: There are a number of shopping centres where you can buy good quality clothes – including designer and unique selections. Winnipeg has three main shopping malls (of eight malls in the city). All malls are easily accessed by busses and mostly offer clothing, accessories, and some products for home. 1. Polo Park Shopping Centre Polo Park is Winnipeg’s largest shopping mall with more than 200 stores, including Sears, Apple, Forever 21, H & M, Hollister, and Anthropologie.