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.
Colouring & Conversations Social Drop-In
December 8, 01:30 p.m. to 04:00 p.m. ET | MUSC B118Join us for a relaxing afternoon of colouring while engaging in friendly conversations with fellow participants. All supplies will be provided, so just bring your creativity and a willingness to chat!
Holiday Around the World
December 9, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET | MUSC B118Join us for our “Holiday Around the World” drop-in event as we come together to celebrate the diverse holiday traditions that make this season special.
Holiday Trivia
December 10, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET | MUSC B118Join us for a festive evening of fun and knowledge at our Trivia Night: Holiday Edition! Test your holiday spirit and seasonal trivia skills as you compete with friends (and make some new ones!).
Cookie Decorating and Gingerbread House Making Drop-In
December 11, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET | MUSC B118Join us as we celebrate the holiday season and participate in a holiday tradition of decorating cookies and building gingerbread houses.
Movie Night: Home Alone
December 15, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET | MUSC B118Sit back, relax and enjoy as we watch Kevin McCallister defend his home from burglars in the holiday favourite movie: “Home Alone”. Feel free to bring your coziest blankets and pillows to make yourself even more comfortable during the movie.
Movie Night: Home Alone 2
December 16, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET | MUSC B118Kevin McCallister is back and this time he is in New York City! Sit back, relax and enjoy as we watch “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York”.
Make Your Own Festive Ugly Sweater
December 17, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET | MUSC B118The Ugly Holiday Sweater is a fun staple in the December wardrobe. You’ll have a chance to decorate your very own sweater with crafts, paints and more. All supplies will be provided, just bring your very own sweater to customize!
Friendship Bracelet Making Drop-In Social
December 19, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET | MUSC B118Whether you’re a seasoned bracelet-making pro or a complete beginner, this event is designed for everyone. We’ll provide all the materials you need to craft beautiful, personalized friendship bracelets.
International and Exchange Student Experience
Available until December 24 and reopening on January 5The 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. and Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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: 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 studentsFeel 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




