International students, let’s end the year with some cheer and festive fun!
You’ve accomplished a lot this year. Now’s the time to celebrate and make some memories. Join us for some end-of-term events and activities to unwind, socialize and have some winter-themed fun.
Note: These events are for international students only.
Cookie Decorating and Gingerbread House Making
December 13, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET (MUSC B118)Join us as we celebrate the holiday season and participate in a holiday tradition of decorating cookies and building gingerbread houses.
Friendship Bracelet Making
December 15, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET (MUSC B118)This event is designed for everyone. We’ll provide all the materials you need to craft beautiful, personalized friendship bracelets. It’s a fantastic opportunity to relax, unwind and connect with friends old and new. Feel free to bring along anyone you think would enjoy this creative and bonding experience. The more, the merrier.
Movie Night: Home Alone
December 18, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET (MUSC B118)Take a break from studying and exams, reconnect with fellow international students and join us as we watch a holiday favourite movie, Home Alone. Feel free to bring your coziest blankets and pillows to make yourself even more comfortable during the movie. Snacks will be provided.
Movie Night: Home Alone 2
December 19, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET (MUSC B118)Take a break from studying and exams, reconnect with fellow international students and join us as we watch a holiday favourite movie, Home Alone 2. Feel free to bring your coziest blankets and pillows to make yourself even more comfortable during the movie. Snacks will be provided.
End of Term Celebration
December 21, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET (MUSC B118)Join us for a celebration with fellow students, featuring a hot chocolate station, food, postcard-writing to honour our seniors in the community, non-stop music and karaoke. Come dressed in festive wear or as you are after exams. We hope to celebrate with you.
International Grocery Trip
December 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ETFood and grocery shopping can be challenging in a new environment. Enjoy free food tastings, tips on how to save money while grocery shopping and enjoy spices and food from other countries. This trip offers African and Afro-Caribbean groceries, clothing, cultural items, Indian groceries, clothing, jewelry and cultural products from Africa and Asia.
Walking Tour Series: Outdoor Ice Skating
December 22, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET (47 Discovery Dr.)In partnership with the City of Hamilton, Mohawk College and Redeemer University, join us for an afternoon of skating at Pier 8 Outdoor Skating Rink as our Walking Tour Series wraps up for the Fall term.
Weekend in Westdale
December 23, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET (1050 King St., W.)Discover the heart of Westdale as we guide you through a fun walking tour, highlighting local businesses for last-minute shopping, landmark sites, cozy cafes, viral eats and connect with others finding a new home in Hamilton.
Boxing Day Shopping at Square One
December 26, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ETJoin us for Boxing Day at Square One, where you can enjoy discounted deals at one of Canada’s largest shopping malls and is home to over 300 stores from high end designer to local favourites.
Bowling at Splitzville
December 27, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ETEnjoy bowling, arcade games and yummy appetizers at Splitzville.
Dundurn Castle Tour
December 28, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET (610 York Blvd.)Experience a guided tour of this 40-room Italianate-style villa built in the 1830s on Burlington Heights; the former site of a fortified military encampment established by the British during the War of 1812.
Lacrosse: Toronto Rock vs. New York Riptide
December 30, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET (114 York Blvd.)Did you know lacrosse is Canada’s national sport? Come cheer for your team as Hamilton faces off against Toronto in one of the most anticipated games of the season. Get ready for an unforgettable sporting experience.
Tiffany Falls with Friends
January 3, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ETHamilton, Ontario is considered “the waterfall capital of the world” as it is home to over 100 waterfalls. Join us to explore the gorgeous Tiffany Falls near the university’s backyard. Afterwards, warm up with a drink at the café and connect with new friends. This event is all about nature and socializing.
Art Gallery of Hamilton Tour
January 4, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ETAre you an art enthusiast or curious about art? Join us for a free guided tour at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Founded in 1914, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is the region’s oldest and largest art museum, showcasing a distinguished permanent collection of over 10,000 works. From Canadian historical to international and contemporary art, the collection includes pieces by notable artists like Alex Colville, Tom Thomson, Emily Carr and more.
MOOSE-eXchange Trip
January 5 to 7This trip if for new and returning Exchange Students to McMaster University and will involve travelling by bus to the Metcalfe Rock area, where we will be staying in a rustic cabin where we will be doing traditional winter activities such as, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, snowman building, maple syrup taffy in the snow, caving, hiking and more.
International and Exchange Student Experience
Available until December 22 and begins again, January 4The International and Exchange Student Experience team’s here to support you. Feel free to connect with us if you have questions or concerns about:
- Academic performance or personal concerns
- Adjusting to living in Hamilton
- Immigration
- Understanding your health insurance
- Accessing campus resources
- And more
Book an appointment on OSCARplus (under Student Success Centre > Appointments > International Student Services). Or, visit us on Mondays and Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET and Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET.
Student Wellness Centre
Varied availability during the winter breakThe Student Wellness Centre is the place on campus to address your wellness needs. They provide a range of counselling options, medical services and wellness programs so that you can get the most out of your McMaster experience, academically and personally.
- Counselling (available until December 22): Learn how to access options for mental health and wellness counselling.
- Resources (varied availability): Discover a collection of mental health resources and ways to get non-urgent help outside of clinic hours.
- Crisis support (including 24/7 options): Find out how to get crisis and emergency support, whether you’re on or off campus.
- Emergency Numbers:
- Emergency: 911
- McMaster Security Services: 905-522-4135
Visit their website for a full breakdown of all the resources open to you during the winter break.
Mental Health Supports
- Student Assistance Plan: Mental Health assistance available 24/7 for Undergraduate Students.
- 1-888-377-0002
- Student Care: Conversations: Mental Health assistance available 24/7 for Graduate Students.
Good2Talk
Available during the winter breakGood2Talk is a free, confidential helpline providing professional counselling, information and referrals for mental health, addiction and well-being. This service is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Options are available via phone call, text, online forums and more.
- You can contact a trained, volunteer crisis responder 24/7 by texting GOOD2TALKON to 686868.
- You can contact a professional counsellor 24/7 by calling 1-866-925-5454.
TAO
Free for McMaster students.Feel better faster with access to over 150+ video sessions that provide scientifically researched content to help you build life skills, engage in professional development, and explore common concerns, such as stress, anxiety and depression.
COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team)
Hamilton’s crisis line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The COAST mobile team, consisting of a mental health worker and a police officer, will respond to crisis calls between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. ET daily.
Barrett Centre for Crisis Support
Barrett Centre for Crisis Support provides a safe environment in the community and responds to the needs of individuals, 16 years of age and older, who experience a mental health crisis and do not require a hospital stay. We provide confidential and free services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- 24 Hour Crisis Line: 905-529-7878
- Toll Free: 1-844-777-3571
Emergency Departments and Medical Care
Emergency Departments
- Hamilton General (237 Barton Street East Hamilton, Ontario, L8L LX2)
- Juravinski Hospital (711 Concession Street Hamilton, Ontario, L8V 1C3)
- St. Joseph’s Healthcare (50 Charlton Avenue East Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 4A6)
Medical Care
- Main West Clinic (1685 Main St. W, Unit 135, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 1G5)
- 905-512-2222
- West End Urgent Care (690 Main St. W, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 1A4)
- 905-512-2199 ext. 72000
- MarCare Walk In (1461 Main St. W, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 1C9)
- 905-521-2222
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