Key dates to note for the winter semester

The winter semester is one of the most exciting times for international students in Canada. A handful of academic and non-academic events are slated for that period of the year. Honestly, these dates are a lot to remember alone, but IDP has you covered. So, grab your calendar and come with us as we highlight the key dates in the winter semester.

January 3-7: Start of semester

Depending on your institution, this usually falls somewhere in the first week of January. This is the time when school reopens officially for activities. Your classes might not start immediately, but they are surely around the corner. It’s a great time to reconnect with your friends after the winter holidays!

February 20: Family Day*

After a long winter, Family Day – the third Monday of every February - is a nice break from the hard work of studying. However, it’s not called Family Day everywhere, nor is it even celebrated everywhere – Quebec, Newfoundland and the territories do not have a holiday here. Below are some of the names of the holidays in different provinces. It’s called;

• Louis Riel Day in Manitoba (commemorating a 19th-century Métis leader)

• Nova Scotia Heritage Day in Nova Scotia (this year celebrating Rita Joe, a Mi’kmaw poet)

• Islander Day on Prince Edward Island

• Family Day in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, New Brunswick and Ontario

February 21- 24: Reading week

Also known as "study week" or “spring break,” depending on who you ask. It is the time frame set aside by institutions for examination preparation – which means classes are off for a week, and students are advised to make the most of the available time by reading. However, if you choose to have fun instead of hitting the books, you won’t be alone. It’s a very popular time for students to go on a short vacation.

April 7: Good Friday

The Good Friday holiday predates Easter celebrations, and most people spend their time preparing for Easter. You might want to join in or just take the chance to cool off.

April 10: Easter Monday

In most provinces in Canada, Easter Monday is usually a public holiday and universities will be closed – making it a four-day weekend.

Mid-April and onward: Final exams

The specific dates of the exam are dependent on your school calendar, but it would be nice to prepare your mind ahead of time. Examination periods are always very busy and demanding in university, but we are sure you’ve got what it takes!

May, June, July…

You might have classes during the shorter spring and summer semesters, but it’s very likely that your academic year wraps up around this time. You might have a convocation ceremony or an internship to start – but you should also take some time to cool off. After all your hard work, you deserve some rest.