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About School 
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Accessibility University of Western Ontario
University of Western Onatario is located in London, Ontario, Canada, just 2 hours away from Toronto. Founded in 1878, Western is home to more than 30,000 students and now offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in 12 faculties and schools, including social sciences, business, law and sciences.
School's Main website | Ivey Business School's Main website | International student website | International Students’ Guide
GPA requirement:
None
Language of instruction:
English
Courses:
You can check out the full list of courses for 2016 here.
Course timetables can be found here.
Course registration process:
Registration for courses is usually done by the exchange coordinator. Just indicate and register your choices with the person in charge.
For Ivey Business School: Exchange students have to take part in the university’s course registration process which is done through bidding with the use of allocated points.
Attendance policy:
Western has a relatively strict attendance policy and does not allow students to skip for more than 3 classes.
Campus map:
http://www.geography.uwo.ca/campusmaps/
Selected facilities:
University Community Centre
The heart of campus where you can find most dining options, the Western Book Store and Student Health Services. There is also a pharmacy, grocery store and postal service. Visit the UCC for special events and movie screenings.
Western Student Recreation Centre
The recreation centre is a relatively new state-of-the-art gym with more than 200 pieces of weight and cardio equipment, a 50m pool and squash courts. They also offer fitness classes like spin classes and yoga as well as drop in activities for various sports such as badminton and basketball. A mandatory fee will be charged to all students that allows for use of the recreation
University Tennis Centre
There are 6 indoor tennis courts under the University Tennis Centre. However, it is relatively expensive to book courts and join as a member as the tennis centre is operated separately from the school’s recreation center.
Slightly off campus, books plus is a full-service copy centre and where you pick up Ivey course packs and textbooks for certain programmes. Western Plaza Pharmacy is also located there.
Food on campus:
The University Culture Centre (UCC) has the widest variety of food with fast food joints like Subway, Tim Horton’s, Bento Sushi and Booster Juice, as well as cafes and bars like The Wave and The Spoke. You can also find Tim Horton’s throughout campus in various buildings. Should all the above not suffice, there is a convenience store as well.
Flying Chalks’ recommendation:
- Visit The Spoke for good bar bites like bagel sandwiches and nachos!
Campus transportation:
All students have to get a mandatory bus pass from the school that allows for unlimited bus rides throughout London for a year. Do remember to pick it up from the UCC.
Mustang Express Late-Night Shuttle
The Mustang Express is a late night shuttle service that provides transportation from downtown London to campus after LTC buses’ operating hours.
Western University is unofficially known as the “top party school” in Canada and offers you one of the most vibrant student life experiences that you can get in the country! Western has over 180 student clubs and holds different events such as film screenings and sport competitions throughout the year.
Orientation program:
There is an International Student Orientation Day where you will be provided information regarding the usual academic and administrative matters. The International and Exchange Student (IESC) Welcome Centre is also available for any questions.
Buddy program:
The Peer Guide Program matches exchanges students with a Peer Guide – an upper-year Western student who will keep in contact with you throughout your exchange. You will usually be informed of the program through mailers sent by the school or you can visit the IESC website to sign up.
Student clubs:
Western offers a wide range of over 180 student clubs for you to join.
A list of all clubs can be found here.
Exchange students can take note of the IESC network that hosts a variety of social events and even organizes trips such as Snow Tubing. Global Café is one such social event hosted by the IESC. Held every Thursday, the event is for those interested in meeting locals and other international students.
University events:
Western hosts many events round the year. However, there tends to be fewer events held during the winter term (Jan – Apr). You can find a list of events here.
Flying Chalks’ recommendation:
- Attend one of the Western Mustang’s varsity games, especially an ice hockey game, for the full Canadian experience! Admission is usually free for students and you can get your tickets here.
Western is located in the university town of London, Ontario. Although it is a small town, there are still many food and entertainment options.
For food:
There is a wide variety of food available off campus such as sushi buffets, pizza places and Middle Eastern restaurants that are only a bus ride away from campus.
Flying Chalks’ recommendations:
- The Works is the go to place for burgers in London, even allowing you to create your own burger creations!
- Barakat, just 10 minutes away from campus, offers a wide range of Middle Eastern food. They are also open till midnight.
- Visit Smoke’s Poutinerie along Richmond Street for the famous Canadian dish of Poutine. It also opens till 3am!
For nightlife and entertainment:
There are 2 bars on campus: The Spoke and The Wave. Off campus, there are many bars along Richmond Street, including Jack’s and The Ceeps that are frequented by Western students.
If you’re interested in watching a movie, Western Film is an on-campus cinema that screens movies from new releases to cult classics at only 3.50 CAD for students almost daily. Otherwise, visit Rainbow Cinema on Tuesdays for 5 CAD deals.
Flying Chalks’ tip:
- Ontario has fairly strict liquor regulations and alcohol can only be purchased from Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) shops. Remember to bring along your identification cards if you are planning to go to a bar.
For daily necessities and groceries:
For daily necessities and groceries, there is a small supermarket on campus, in addition to the convenient stores around. You can also go to bigger supermarkets like “Metro”, “Loblaws” and “No Frills” which are located further away and can be accessed by bus.
Flying Chalks’ recommendations:
- Check out the local Farmer’s markets including, the Western Fair Farmers' & Artisans' Market, Masonville Farmer’s Market and the Covent Garden Market! Fresh produce like fruits and vegetables can go for a cheaper price towards the end of the farmer’s market.
- “Food Island” is an Asian supermarket located at Oxford Street West, near Costco.
For shopping:
There are 2 main malls in London:
- Masonville Place has many dining and shopping options. It is nearer to campus and buses 10 and 13 stops right outside the mall.
- White Oaks Mall is further away from campus but has a greater number of stores and also houses Walmart. Buses 13 and 90 will bring you straight to the mall.
For leisure:
There are many parks in London if you are interested in going for a run outdoors. There are also 2 outdoor ice skating rings that open during winter. The Victoria Park Public Ice Skating also has ice skates available for rent.
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Flying Chalks’ recommendations:
- Boler Mountain, located in London, is open throughout the year. In summer, head there for mountain biking while in winter, you can try snowboarding, skiing and tube.
- If you’re lucky enough to be in London during the maple syrup season in March, visit Kinsmen Fanshawe Sugar Bush to see demonstrations and displays of how maple syrup is collected.
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Getting from London International Airport to Western:
From the airport, you can take bus or taxi to the university.
Bus
Only bus 36 services London International Airport and it only operates on weekdays. You can see the schedule here. You then have to change a bus to bring you to Western or downtown. Hence, it is recommended that you take a taxi.
Taxi
A taxi ride from the airport to an off campus housing near campus will cost around $55 CAD.
London Taxi companies:
- Blue & White 519-432-8294
- Checker Limousine 519-659-0400
- London Green Taxi 519-204-8294
- U-Need-A-Cab Ltd. 519-438-2121
- Yellow London Taxi 519-657-1111
Flying Chalks’ tip: It is advisable to fly into Toronto and make your way to London as it is usually more expensive to fly direct to London International Airport.
Getting from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Western:
By Airport bus
The airport bus service from Toronto Pearson International Airport is usually cheaper than flying into London. There are also student rates available and reservations are required.
Robert Q Airbus
Telephone: 1-800-265-4948
Email: airbus@robertq.com
Robert Q is located in terminals 1 and 3 at the ground transportation desk, and outside of the Terminal 2 baggage claim area
By bus from Downtown Toronto
Greyhound buses are available from downtown Toronto and other cities in USA and Canada. From Pearson Airport, take a bus or taxi to the Greyhound bus station. Tickets can be purchased at the counter or online. It is advised to purchase your tickets online as there are usually web-only and advanced purchase discounts. Do also bring along your student card to enjoy student rates.
Greyhound bus lines website: https://www.greyhound.ca/
By train from Downtown Toronto
From Pearson Airport, take a bus or taxi to the Via Rail station. Take VIA rail from Downtown Toronto to London. Look out for special promotions and discounts for lower fares when you purchase ahead of time. You can also take the train for trips within Canada.
VIA Rail Canada website: http://www.viarail.ca/en
