Everything you need to settle into Kitchener-Waterloo. Curated for co-op students, newcomers, and new residents.
You can use walk-in clinics even before your OHIP card arrives (3-month wait as newcomer). Bring your OHIP application receipt. Options: Langs Community Health Centre (Cambridge, sliding scale fees), KW Walk-In Clinic on King St E (Kitchener). UW students: Health Services on campus for free. WLU students: Student Wellness Centre.
Lucky Mobile: $25/mo unlimited Canada-wide calling + 1GB data (Telus network). Public Mobile: $34/mo 15GB (points system, no support calls but great deal). Koodo: $40/mo 30GB — often has student promos. Avoid: signing long-term contracts your first month — try prepaid first. Bring your SIM from home for international plans and switch over gradually.
Lucky Mobile: $25/mo unlimited Canada-wide calling + 1GB data (Telus network). Public Mobile: $34/mo 15GB (points system, no support calls but great deal). Koodo: $40/mo 30GB — often has student promos. Avoid: signing long-term contracts your first month — try prepaid first. Bring your SIM from home for international plans and switch over gradually.
Scotiabank Student Banking: free unlimited transactions with valid student ID. TD Student Chequing: free with student ID + $0 min balance. RBC Student Banking: free monthly fee. BMO SPC+ card: student discounts at 300+ retailers. All have branches near UW/WLU. Avoid: EQ Bank has no physical branches (can be an issue for cash/cheques as a newcomer).
Scotiabank Student Banking: free unlimited transactions with valid student ID. TD Student Chequing: free with student ID + $0 min balance. RBC Student Banking: free monthly fee. BMO SPC+ card: student discounts at 300+ retailers. All have branches near UW/WLU. Avoid: EQ Bank has no physical branches (can be an issue for cash/cheques as a newcomer).
You can use walk-in clinics even before your OHIP card arrives (3-month wait as newcomer). Bring your OHIP application receipt. Options: Langs Community Health Centre (Cambridge, sliding scale fees), KW Walk-In Clinic on King St E (Kitchener). UW students: Health Services on campus for free. WLU students: Student Wellness Centre.