Naijaforeigner:


I attend Fanshawe. Yes, that has to be the cheapest. How many washrooms are in the penthouse?

Wow! Sounds great , am looking forward to enroll with fanshawe driving school for my G license this month.

there are 2washrooms and 1 half-bath. One washroom downstairs which is only used by me, the half-bath is in the middle floor close to the living room while the other washroom is in the upper floor shared by 3rooms.

Naijaforeigner:


Congrats in advance, I stay on Huron street...

300CAD is super cheap .

Very cheap my brother and the cheapest in London so far . Do you also attend western?

Thanks alot

Hi guys! Kudos to everyone for keeping up with the flow on this thread. I am actually an old follower and all the names seems new tho' except mccobex lol


Back to the main point, anyone coming to Western University or Fanshawe College this fall or winter 2020?
I will be finishing my program this summer and would like to give my room out to anyone who will be interested because I am leaving London to the GTA (2 rooms should be available but am sure of mine for now). The house is the cheapest so far in London Ontario considering the skyrocket increase in rent lately. The house is a 5 bedroom penthouse ( also known as Nigerian Villa cos for the past 6years, Nigerians living here has always been passing the house to other nigerians like am doing), the house is 3min walk to the bus stop, 6mins 1 bus ride to western and 10min ride to fanshawe college and also close to grocery stores, shoppers drug mart and restuarants. The room is spacious and located downstairs, you will have a bathroom to yourself and only get to share the kitchen and the common area with other tenants who are also Nigerians. The rent is only $300 per month, you have the freedom to everything as the landlord is a carefree type who doesnt come to disturb at all and also, you don't need to commit yourself into signing any long term lease because its month-to-month payment type which gives you a great opportunity to leave at anytime if you wish to.


The most important thing to keep.in mind when coming to Canada is to avoid going for too expensive houses even when you feel you have the money, the bills will still shake you , it is very easy to spend here but the inflow to replenish the spent money do appears to be very slow. In my own opinion, maximum of $550 per month is fine because you wont know the impact until you start paying and as we all know, no story at all when it comes to paying rents in Canada, you must pay your rent every 1st of a new month but when you go for less expensive houses, you will be able to safe more and work less to meet up with your bills, unless you are coming as married couples. I was indeed able to save more because of my low rent. Savings should be taken seriously as a student especially if your program doesnt permit you to do part time jobs due to the tight schedule, you will always have something to fall back at when you finish school and before you get a sustainable (menial) job because finding a professional job after graduation doesnt come immediately so you have to get prepared.

Anyone who is interested can PM me so as to talk to my landlord to reserve the room(s) for you. More TRV approval testimonies this week by his grace is my prayer for everyone. Merci

Hi guys, good to see everyone is getting approval, congrat to those that have been approved and to those that are still waiting for approval, dont give up, be optimistic.
It really been a while though, now I understand why it seems most people hardly get back to the house after they land, studying in Canada no be beans o especially research masters, it really crazy to the extent that you hardly have a leisure time. Everyone coming down for masters or PhD should please buckle up, a single course here is equivalent to 10 courses in Nigeria, the stress and pressure is real, naija's educational level is below standard here but at the end, you will be fine. Osemegho,maziude, Canadian_Nurse, Mr J, to mention but a few, I do hope you guys a doing great.

Anyone coming to London this fall, UWO to be precise should PM me for accommodation arrangement. Enjoy your day guys!

samjumbo:
Hello Friends,


VISA APPROVED.

I was an ardent follower of this Group. All everyone needs is available freeeeeee at his disposal. Just ask and read religiously.

I am self sponsored and this is my first application to Canada. But the information's I got here made life easy for me to apply.

Purpose of Visit is everything pals. Be sure of your purpose and let it be in line with your aspirations.

Thanks to @poesy(friend like no other- dinner awaits you in UWO) @ayoola and you lovely husband, @austinepee ( great teacher) @my favourite Mazi 1 of Canada (I will see you in person as your humility inspires me daily). @canadianurse @oseimoge( the intelligent write), @Mcobex (delay is not denial bro) and @juyanue- (who challenges my critising skills).

Timeline is processing. Will update all soonest.

May God grant us all his very own heart desires for us!!!!

Congrat boss! #Team purple and pride# unfortunately you missed the insightful orientation sessions,we wish it never comes to an end coz there was lots of merry merry and item7 @poesy can explain better. Congrat once again and welcome to MAPLE LAND

Long post alert!

Welcome home boss! @wealth360 degree, Don't forget to send my own share of the garri lol.

To buttress your point, my own experience from Lagos-Cairo everyone was asked to pull off their footware for scanning (all types, be it shoes,boots or sandals) there was a guy that put on a normal outdoor slippers, he was asked to pull it off. I think it all depends on the officers on duty. There is one witch mama at mma who just want to search everything including your jacket. And from Cairo-Canada,same process(footwares and hand luggage was scanned and they only searched males hand luggage females are allowed to go)

The issue of the pen, I am still surprised why your airline didn't give you one, Egypt air gave all passengers a fancy purse and in it we have a pair of socks,1 travel eye mask,tooth brush+toothpaste, wipes and a pen. Although it good to travel with one but in most cases not everything are always remembered,worry less in case you forgot to and even if your airline didn't provide,you will find a short term use in the plane from someone. Make sure you have a USB cord with you in the plane in case you need to charge your fone, USB ports are available for charging.

I will also advice everywhere coming soon, if you are using 3mouth square/ all round charger go and buy the 1round 2flat mouth charger like the ones some laptops uses or 2flat mouth charger like that of iPhone charger coz the socket here is completely different from what we have in Nigeria. Any other type will be useless.

For those that will be seeking for accommodation after arrival, you can check online to see the available apartments,contact the landlord to book an appointment for viewing, you can't go to the apartment without prior contact,no one will attend to you. Once you contact the landlord, he or you will schedule a day to come over for viewing. You can check like 3-4 apartments then decide on the one you want to settle in for.

Please avoid basement apartments, even here, the whites also do that as well, the landlords are the ones living in the main building while they reserve the basement for ignorant international students,coz you will suffer during winter. here, basement apartments are the cheapest and also known to be the coldest. Although,I confirmed it even now that it's summer, most basement apartments I checked out feel so cold, I wonder what it will feel like when it's winter. Well some will say you can get a room heater but the choice is yours.

Before you take up any accommodation,consider the distance from school at least for the first year, you can live very close to school to get use to the system. Also, consider the cost and as well the condition of the room I.e furnished or not. Most students prefer a fully furnished room coz it ease the stress of getting furniture and reduce cost. If you have all that at a subsidized room lease,it is much more better than an expensive unfurnished room. But if you feel you can't use those furniture and you fit buy a brand new, just prepare to spend like $300-$400, the choice is yours.(when you arrive, you will understand the fact that student spend less to save more).

Make google map your friend but be prepared to get lost several times tho it's good cos you will get used to the system faster. But with google map you can navigate your way. You can as well buy bus tickets to enable you to move around pending the time you will get a bus pass from your school. 5bus tickets goes for $9 in London but I don't no of other province and 1ticket is valid for 90mins I.e you are free to enter any other buses and move around with in 90min in which the pass will expire.


When you resume,Be prepared to be intimidated by this people(the whites), they know Nigerians/international students are good therefore, they will make you feel they are far better than you, they will attempt to stylishly snob you and pretend as if they don't hear you all because we have the accent. They will surely want you to feel interior been an international student.Please never accept defeat and don't allow anyone to intimidate you, don't be shy to ask questions when you feel it's necessary, feel free to talk when the need arises, do not take shit from anyone,let your no be no and stand clear on what you want and what you don't but don't forget to do it in a polite manner. Everything you do here, you do it with courtesy. Be yourself and do not form(we like to do that alot ). I respect the fact that We are also brilliant and intelligent and we must prove it to them, contribute your own quota when you are having a group discussions or presentations, be bold and have confidence in yourself.

And lastly, everyone wants to study in Canada for various reasons at the same time we all want a greener pastures. Please my brothers and sisters, it is very easy to pronounce your dream of studying in Canada but the issue is how to completely achieve one's dream. When we all get to Canada, never forget your primary assignment. YES Canada is beautiful,fun filled and also availability of part time jobs for students, don't be carried away. Remember your dreams depends on your Inputs and output in school and also your destiny lies in your hand, you decide either to remain in Canada legally or illegally(be ready to face the consequences).

Pardon my long post and ignore my errors,I didn't proof read.

I wish everyone all the best life have to offer, may we have the coz to always thank God for his favour in our lives.

Gracias!

poesy:


Thank you! Hope you've settled down by now.

Still in process.......... sorry for the late response

Congrat dear

poesy:
Approved! Glory be to God!
I was going to wait until I pick up my passport from VFS before sharing my profile but I'll go ahead and share my testimony, anyway.

Going for MA (Thesis based) at UWO - Fall 2017

Background
BA (2011) Work experience in my field; self-employed since December 2016

Timeline

Online application 1st July (Upfront Medicals)
Biometrics 5th July
Review of Eligibility/Medicals Passed/Passport Request 17th August
Passport Submission 18th August (yet to be picked up)
Correspondence Letter/Document Status 24th August

Submitted:

All CIC documents

1 page SOP (short and straight to the point - Why I want to study in Canada, rationale behind my choice of school, my research interests, how I'm going to apply the knowledge gained to my career when I return to Nigeria and my source of funding)

Admission letter + email to me from the school, acknowledging receipt of original transcript (it was a condition of admission)

Funding Letter from School (Tuition)

1 page Letter of Funding from Parents (Living Expenses)

Parents' financial docs - bank statement, employment letter and payslips

Obstacles that I overcame

My full name (first name, initials and surname) on my birth certificate and admission letter is ABCD. However, on my passport and other documents, it is ACD. On the form where it asked if you've ever gone by any other name, I listed both versions of my name.

A bulk sum of money was transferred from my parents' former employers the day before I submitted. (The reason for my 'late' submission) To avoid suspicion of money lodgement, I included a letter from the employer to my parents informing them that it was their end of service package (the truth). My parents' SOP also addressed this transfer and its intended use towards my living expenses.

There is no doubt in my mind that doing upfront medicals saved me time. The day I went for my medicals coincided with the 1st day of my cycle and I was not allowed to give certain samples until more than a week later. Imagine if this had happened in August. Ladies, take note of this.

Home Tie - To be honest, this is something I don't fully understand. All I did was state in my SOP conclusion that I would be eager to return to my family after studies.

Travel history - I was denied a UK visa 6 years ago, which I stated. However I included my granted visas to an EU country (10 years ago) and an East African country (5 years ago)

So there you have it; I submitted what CIC specifically asked me to submit and provided explanation and additional documents where necessary. A few documents may have delayed me but I worked on other parts of my application during the interim. All in all, I thank God, because it is truly His doing. I also thank you Nairalanders for sharing your experience and resources with me. Wishing everyone the best of luck!

oluswagger:
Good evening folks
I applied for SP for myself and WP for my wife on May 5th. I was admitted for PhD prog. Would our applications be treated separately or jointly. Has anyone done this before?
I terrible need answers pls. Am on week 15 though.

A moniker here applied with his wife(WP) and kid(visiting) although the moniker is on funding (phD) But still presented a SOA of about 10M and their TRVs was approved! There is a minimum balance anyone applying with a dependent(s) must provide( you can check their site for more details), if you are able to fulfill those conditions I think you have nothing to worry about. Your trvs will be treated separately because you are both applying for different purpose(study/work)but Her TRV depends on your SOA+ a strong home ties. Since you have applied already bro, I will advice you Worry less and pray more coz nothing is impossible. Your Trv is on it way

PureRuby:
God has shown me mercy!
My visa has been APPROVED!!!

Let NL praise the Lord!!!

I said it 100% . Congrat boo, I finally found a roomate . @poesy and @samjumbo we are patiently waiting for you guys

thesoj:


Hahahahaha @ 'mission to relocate his entire family to Canada".

Yeah my bro told me that yesterday an employee of Egypt Air at the airline counter asked him that he must show that he has $1000 cash on him because he has a one-way ticket. The Nigerian employee of the airline said that Egypt Air doesn't want to foot the bill in case he is sent back at the Port of Entry; the employee said that this is because the airline has had to foot a lot of such bills for student visa holders lately lately (don't know if they are lying or not).

Regardless, it sounds extremely illegal for an airline to behave this way. They didn't allow my bro to check-in until he asked them if he could instead sign a letter of undertaking saying he'd foot the bill should he be sent back home at the POE. This is completely ridiculous. It even sounds like an attempted extortion where if you show the cash the employee takes a portion of it to enrich his pocket.

Anyone who experiences this should not let them deny you check-in. If it's possible, take a video on the incident, make a post of this illegal activity on Twitter or Instagram and mention the International Aviation body on Twitter (@IATA), Guardian Nigeria (@guardiannigeria), and Transport Canada (@Transport_gc), etc. Mention that your flight was booked from Lagos to Toronto or wherever.

Better yet, assert yourself and don't let the airline bully you.

@dapoddon: how did you convince them to let you check in? Did you have to find the $1000 cash?

I totally agree with you bro, a lady had similar experience. In her case she doesn't have up to $30 I wonder how a student could travel with less than $30 the airline asked to check her documents and they discovered she is on one way ticket. Na so dem vex for her o and told her to go and book return ticket before they can attend to her (someone on 2years visa and with just $20 cash) lol. Fortunately for her she was able to get in touch with a known worker who bailed her out by pleading to then to allow her go. I don't know the problem of we Nigerians, we go too extreme . When we got to Cairo the officer asked her to show her PTA and she told him she had nothing on her that she is depending on one of her bro in Manitoba ,the man never question her further and she was allowed. At mm airport after showing them my PTA they also asked for my evidence of enrollment (original admission letter) the drill was too much then I tot I was already at the POE my naija people, I hail o

All work and no play makes study thread a dull one, pardon me sir @justwise but I can't just resist the beauty of this country. It's 8:27pm and everywhere is as bright as the sun . I wish everyone best of God in their application,may your dreams be fulfilled,Canada is waiting for you all.......cheers!

PS:will be removed soon

wealth360:
madam Ayoola nah devoted Muslim ooooo. Lol. Mrs Ayoola check well we get mosque too all over the place . Congrats dear. Me and your Oga don thank Baba God on your behalf and success.

Thanks boss, we can't wait to have you here

poesy:


Wow! @Ayoola03 So happy for you. Thank God for a safe journey and hassle-free POE experience. Please survey UWO very well for us o! Share pics if you can. PS. You'll find more info on London on Reddit. There's a Redeemed Church (Nigerian community) in the city as well.

Thanks sis, I will do just that. Going to London on wed for housing ishh

tpain22:
Bro, How did you obtain your transcript from Lautech??

I applied online around dec last year tho the school was still on strike then but I was so lucky when some group including DDSA decided to help those students in need of transcript and certificate. I got the info from one of my lecturers tho. It finally got to my school in May.

I tell you my brother, the rate at which those guys/ladies demand for money at each check point at MM airport is so alarming, they demand like they don't get paid for their job, i was wise enough to have dropped all naija currency I had with me so when they Asked I gladly told them I have nothing to offer. Corruption everywhere. And please let us all be watchful whenever they demand to search your hand luggage, I almost forgot my fone with one of the officers at mm airport,he took my fone without my conscience for security check I later got to know when I noticed something was missing. It will end in praise by his grace. Cheers

Emmane:



Very informative..... Thanks as we would take precautions especially at MM Int'l. Chaiiii ... Lagos people and Zero chill. Nigerians will NEVER change. If to say u put money there or something expensive, na so them for open office for your head. Thanks AY once again.

Hello guys! Good morning from Toronto. So sorry for the late response. I have been trying to settle since I arrived.I used Egypt air and their service was impressive. There is nothin to worry about at the POE as no big deal at all infact it wasn't like how people Painted it, I was expecting a more drilling exercise but unfortunately I was proved wrong by the generosity shown by the officer .the officers are all nice and friendly. I tendered my admission letters and the cic correspondence letter+passport and the questions goes thus :

What is the purpose of visit?
Is this your first time in Canada?
What is your undergraduate course?
The duration of the course?
Which school do you finished from and which city(when I told him lautech ogbomosho oyo state Nigeria, the pronunciation almost removed his tongue and he stated mocking me )
What graduate program are you going for
The duration of the course
What is the name of the school
What is the source of funding (self or government)
Jokes jokes jokes, the guy started making fun of me infact through out my chat with him, he only went true my funding letter he didn't bother to check my acceptance letter and the correspondence letter,he didn't give me the opportunity to answer the above questions he ended up answering those questions himself and never bother me at all, all I did was just to smile when he ask and immediately answer himself lol. Non of my luggage was checked everyone was able to collect their permit without stress and I wasn't even asked the amount of my PTA or if I came in with any . The experience was awesome and stress free . Free wifi is available at Pearson international airport so you can easily connect to speak with your loved ones at home. The weather here is still the same sunny weather in naija just that it changes in the evening/night but not too bad tho. All you need is courage and smile. Lastly, anyone coming tru MM airport after your luggage has been weighed should immediately padlock your box and make sure you didn't put any valuable tins in the pockets or other external spaces in your box. Although I locked the main place in my box but other sides that can't be locked I kept some few things in it and discovered like two zips where partially opened when I went to claim my bags at the final destination in Toronto,few things was stolen in my bag but I thank God it is not something that useful. They also ended up damaging my box as well,they turned my box from 4legged to 3legged box,all thanks to those guyz at MM airport , please be careful and take caution.I wish everyone all the best and it will surely end in praise.

Ayoola03:
Hello house! Ayaff come again o my Canadian elders please come to my aid. I am on study permit and I will be travelling to canny next week, my change of name newspaper advert is coming out tomorrow. The plan is once I land my hubby will be planning to apply to join me soon. now my question is will the worn affidavit and the news paper advert page be enough for his application without changing my surname on my passport because my stamped passport still carry my surname or I will need to request for a new passport bearing my new surname in ottawa? Thanks in anticipation

Gurus in the house, pleaee I need an input on this, kindly help a sister. I will be leaving in few days, if at all there is anything i need to fix before leaving your candid advice will go a long way and will be highly appreciated

Hello house! Ayaff come again o my Canadian elders please come to my aid. I am on study permit and I will be travelling to canny next week, my change of name newspaper advert is coming out tomorrow. The plan is once I land my hubby will be planning to apply to join me soon. now my question is will the worn affidavit and the news paper advert page be enough for his application without changing my surname on my passport because my stamped passport still carry my surname or I will need to request for a new passport bearing my new surname in ottawa? Thanks in anticipation

Thanks for the reponse @ceemac I just sent you a pm

ceemac:


I'm happy you are coming to UWO, I presently school there but unfortunately I am a guy and don't meet your description but I won't mind helping anyway that I can..

Please bring foodstuffs oo.. I will collect some Naija packaged ones off you.. Did I remember to mention that I have missed gala and meaty, abeg bring come ooo.. lol

Wish you safe flight, I will be happy to see you around!

Woman power will do lol Thanks for the clarification boss God bless you @tuzinde thank you

[quote author=Ballerz post=59066512][/quote]

Thanks for this useful info boss! I will be using egypt air and I know the laid down kg is 23kg per bag and we r allowed to take just two bags+1 hang luggage. What of if the 2bags or one of them weigh like 25kg and the other weigh 23kg or both 25kg is it possible they waive it and allow me to go? And is it advisable to use padlock to protect your luggage
2. You also talked about putting some foodstuffs in the hand luggage, I heard any foodstuffs or eatable materials found in the luggage will be disposed( at mm airport).
3. Aside the 2bags, Am I allowed to carry a school bag + one small handbag
4. I heard perfumes are not allowed in passenger's luggage please how true is this?
5. The declaration form you talked about (for both foodstuffs and money) will it be provided without asking for it or we are meant to ask for it and if it will be provided, when should I expect it(on board or before)

Please pardon my jjc questions o I cant keep mute when I know i dont know thanks in anticipation

Ballerz:


Shipping Company?
Please carry it yourself. You are entitled to KG allowance. If that will not suffice, pay for excess luggage. It is about 150 - 180 dollars per 23kg depending on the carrier. Egypt air is 150 USD, BA is 180 USD. But you can it it lower if you prepay for the excess luggage.
Just package your food very well. You can buy clingfilm and wrap your food well. Even the palmoil, make sure your cling film the living day light out of it so that it does not spill. Flying from Lagos, you need to get to the airport early to obtain some food clearance certificate as stipulated in their new mode of operations but Abuja Airport, they are no longer authorised to be checking your bag. Once, it has gone through the scanning machine upon entry and the machine did not raise alarm, you are good to go.

23kg of food for host will be perfect. What makes a bag weigh much is usually Poundo yam, Garri and Beans. Another trick is that you can carry that poundo yam in your hand luggage (if they don't become witches and want to weigh your hand luggage). That was what I did recently. 6 Ola Ola were weighing 10kg. I put them in my hand luggage. When I got to connecting destination, I told the airline to please help put in holding and they were very happy to check it in for me unlike the rude Nigeria carriers, who told me to pay for it as excess luggage. (Same carrier, but once they are not in Nigeria, they start showing you respect and overly nice)

Cheers

samjumbo:
At ayoola.. Who is the right person to contact for deferment at UWO? I know you have gone try this process.. Should it be once supervisor, graduate studies or department? Most things in UWO are decided on it the department I am aware. But confused at who I should contact if it comes to that??

So sorry for the late response, @markab have said it all. Am so certain your trv will be approved in August by his grace, all you need to do is to start gathering momentum to air your approval news soon. Patiently waiting for you guyz

seyiT:
What could happen if one is unable to resume school at the appropriate time in canada due to the long processing time of student visa by CIC/IRCC?
For instance, I applied for my TRV here in Nigeria in June and I am supposed to start my MSc program on Sept 5 but am not sure i will get my student visa before september

Cic will surely get back to you before the resumption date. But in case it's few days to resumption say 4-5days and still no news, request for a Deferment asap coz by then, they will get back to you by requesting for new acceptance letter to proceed with the processing. Hope for the best. Cheers!

jnyuwa02:
I have gone ahead and read all the posts I missed while on hiatus. Nothing new, only a debate to the minutiae details on why someone with full scholarship was denied TRV. Many jumped to the conclusion including some gurus, that it was because of how he filled out his tuition and room and board available to him on the CIC application form. I have to disagree. Doesn't matter what you fill out, the VO can see how much money is available to you on the IRCC form filled by school, including funding letter. Plus it's always good to buttress school funding with personal funding, perhaps by happenstance you don't keep scholarship condition and it's God forbid taken away from you. VOs like to see that someone who is receiving funding can also personally foot the bill should the unexpected happen. All applicants must demonstrate ties to home country. I think that first class mathematics student who got a full ride did a shabby job showing home ties. That is why purpose of visit formed part of his denial. To the best of my knowledge, I didn't see any land deeds or employment prospect or birth certificates of his family remaining in Nigeria that he submitted. My five cents.

@bolded,I wish it will be well noted especially for msc funding beneficiaries. My Exact point

Hello house, please who is currently studying at UWO or living in London and can help me out with a few days accommodation just to sort out my own accommodation before resumption date. Preferably female . I will be staying with my family in Toronto when I land in august and will love to come down to London few days after my arrival to sort out accommodation Issh before fall start term.

Alhamdullilah! Eku Ogun ajaye, congrat boss. Kindly share your profile

ibbravura:
Alhamdilillahi!!! Alhamdilillahi!!! Alhamdilillahi!!!
Trv approved o.

Abi o, I trust him. Just been curious tho

wealth360:
@Ayoola03 let baba land nah am so sure he won't forget the house.... . And again have been checking my trv hopeful list everyday to make updates but no1 has made an update but I believe soon positive updates will rain. @Abiodunne heaven will remember you.

@maziude we are patiently waiting for you to share your experience at the POE

famous17:
Awww @ Ayoola am so jealous right now, I wish I have so much info like you right now. @thecongo thank you so much.

Please I still want info about Corner Brook, I will be heading there for my M.Sc at MUN, please i want to be able to sort out my accommodation before i go and also want to know about the place in general.

I have a friend in St. John's but he said he doesn't know about Corner Brook- Grenfell campus and the distance is about 5 hours on road.

Please jurus come to my aid.

Yes you can

lordjayabs:


Please someone should answer me

This will really go a long way in helping new uwo international graduate students, thanks @ TheCongo boss with a good heart

[quote author=TheCongo2 post=58768457]CLV group apartments on Western Road - This location isn't the best of the neighborhoods but it is just an okay place[/