Coming to Canada
Arrival and Orientation
International students are encouraged to arrive in Olds at least a week prior to the first day of class. This will allow you to adjust to the new location and familiarize yourself with the community and the campus.
Travel from the Airport
Olds College offers limited shuttle services you can access through the Admitted Student Checklist.
Arrange Accommodations
It is the student's responsibility to secure appropriate accommodation. Students have two options for on-campus accommodation. Please review the options and application requirements. We prioritize your safety, experience, & well-being; making it the ultimate place to call home while you study!
Living in Canada
Learn about the town of Olds, its location, transportation options, amenities, and services.
- Town of Olds
- Open a Canadian bank account (if applicable)
Weather in Olds
Olds experiences a wide range of weather, so it is advisable to prepare accordingly with appropriate clothing.
Spring (March - May)
Temperatures can be cooler at the start of spring and start to warm up by May. Typically days are clear and sunny, with periods of rain.
Summer (June -August)
Temperatures range in the high teens to mid-20 and can reach as high as 35℃. June is normally a rainy month. The area is also known to produce large storms (thunder, lightning, hail, strong winds) during the summer months.
Fall (September - November)
September will see warmer days reaching 20℃ and November daily temperatures falling around 0℃ to 5℃. Overnight lows in October and November can fall to -20℃. Snow usually starts to fall in late October.
Winter (December - February)
Temperatures during these months can vary drastically throughout the day. You can expect highs of +10℃ and lows of -35°C. There will typically be snow & ice on the ground.
Clothing
A variety of seasonal clothing is required. Light-layered clothing is great for Spring to Fall. Warm inner clothing and heavy outerwear are necessary for the winter months, as well as winter boots, mittens, and toques.
Some programs do have a dress code (refer to program pages). It is very important to pay attention to any safety equipment/clothing required.
The town of Olds has a variety of shopping locations to purchase clothing. Uptowne Olds is a short walk from the College and offers a number of independent boutiques. The main shopping location is within driving distance of campus and offers clothing options ranging from everyday wear to work wear and safety clothing.
Transportation
There is limited public transportation from Calgary or Edmonton to Olds. Within the town limits, residents can utilize taxi services, walk, or bike ride.