Service Canada: Social Insurance Number
You will need this nine-digit number to work in Canada or to have access to certain enrolment and financial programs and benefits.
McMaster University’s upper-year students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows have a new year-round housing option.
Connect with other students to find housemates, learn about neighbourhoods and discover tips for living off-campus.
I love Hamilton. The city is not too big and traffic is manageable, which was a welcome change coming from large cities in India. There are beautiful trails nearby campus. People are polite!
You will need this nine-digit number to work in Canada or to have access to certain enrolment and financial programs and benefits.
Mac’s Money Centre can guide you through Banking 101, including things to consider when choosing a bank and how to use credit and debit cards.
Mac’s Money Centre has a helpful video and guide with what you need to know about the Canadian tax system.
My supervisor Dr. Cheryl Quenneville created a welcoming, friendly lab workspace. Within a week, I felt a sense of community and not like the new kid. Dr. Quenneville treats us like colleagues. I’ve also found there’s lots of networking and seminar opportunities so you can build connections.
Check out on-campus hospitality locations.
You can also download the Mac Eats app to find the hours and menus of food services on campus (available on the App Store and Google Play).
Housing & Conference Services recommends nearby grocery stores, retail shops, pharmacies, health clinics and more.
• Samir Super Market
• Eastern Food Market
• Al Amin Grocery & Halal Meat
• Al Sham Market
• Nations
• B&T Food
• Tan Thanh Supermarket
• Swadesh
• GroceryZone Hamilton
• Many of the halal stores carry South Asian products
• Many ingredients used in Iranian cooking are available at halal stores
• La Bodeguita
• Lola Latin Grocery
• Latin Food and Products
A lot of my community in undergrad stemmed from other students who are in my program. I’ve also become close with my lab group members, attending socials and bonding activities. I also was on the synchronized swim team during undergrad and now coach the team. Extracurriculars are a great way to get connected with others.
I’d advise students to explore the Hamilton community because it has a rich heritage. You will find people from different parts of the world with unique experiences and outlooks. People are friendly and helpful.