Step 4. Buy the airline tickets
Type of ticket
"Open" return tickets, that is to say those with no fixed date of return, are usually very expensive. We therefore recommend that your purchase a "closed" return ticket with a flexible return date that you can change if need be. The fee charged for changing flight dates is generally lower than the additionnal cost of an open ticket.
Certain airlines, like Air France, as well as student travel agencies, offer “student” tickets with special fares or conditions. Shop and compare! View the list of airlines with direct flights to Montréal, according to departure city.
Choosing your travel dates | ||
| TERM | FALL | WINTER |
| Date of arrival | Preparatory year (french cohort and english cohort): no later than August 18, 2011 B.B.A.: no later than August 23, 2011 M.Sc.: no later than August 24, 2011 DESS: no later than August 22, 2011 Certificate: no later than August 21, 2011 PhD: no later than August 21, 2011 | For all programs: January 3rd, 2012 at the latest |
| Date of departure | No sooner than the day after your last exam | No sooner than the day after your last exam |
You are required to attend the compulsory orientation day organized by the International Student Affairs office (ISA).
Once you've registered for your courses you can find your specific exam dates through HEC en ligne, under "My Class Schedule". HEC Montréal does not offer make-up examens so if you miss a scheduled exam you will receive a grade of E (= 0).
Welcoming at the airport
Accueil Plus Airport Service (fall semester only)
 | The Accueil Plus service will help you during your arrival in August. The reception staff will be waiting for you at the airport to provide essential information and guide you. |
We encourage you to go to one of the welcoming booths located in the International arrival terminal and in the Domestic arrival terminal (near the automatic baggage conveyor).
The Accueil Plus Service facilitates the process with customs and immigration services and shortens the waiting time at the border for international students with a study permit at their arrival at the Montréal-Trudeau Airport, when this is their Port of Entry into Canada. Register online with the Accueil Plus Service in order to forward your travel information and allow the Canadian Border Services Agency to accelerate the issuance of your study permit.
Accueil Plus will provide information on:
- HEC Montréal as well as the first steps you need to take when arriving on campus;
- the transportation services available to access the downtown area or other cities in the province of Québec;
- temporary lodging available in Montréal for your first few nights in the city;
- life in Québec.
- use a telephone to call home and confirm your safe arrival;
- access the Internet.
Luggage
If you are coming to Montréal for a year or more, you’re likely to have a lot of luggage. Airlines set limits on the number and weight of suitcases passengers can take with them. In economy class, the limit for international flights with major airlines is usually two suitcases in the hold, with a maximum of 23 kg each; for low-cost or charter airlines, the limit is usually one 20-kg suitcase.
When purchasing your ticket, ask the airline for the maximum number, volume and weight of luggage you can bring, as well as the cost of each additional kilogram, if overweight bags are allowed at all. In some cases, a higher-grade ticket can provide fewer restrictions and turn out to be a wise choice when compared to paying a luggage supplement. If you expect to bring along a large quantity of personal belongings, it might be less expensive to have your excess items shipped in a trunk by air freight or cargo ship.
TIP! Although it’s important to see family regularly, keep in mind that you can use your breaks to discover Montréal and the province of Québec in greater depth.
If you return to spend time with family every time there’s a holiday, you might end up leaving Montréal at the end of your studies without having enjoyed some of its greatest treasures!
