Documentation:Science Co-op/Calgary - AB
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Helpful Tips For Co-op Students Going to Calgary
Purpose: This document was created to help you prepare the necessary documents and funds
BEFORE your departure to Calgary. This information may help to prevent some difficulties with
paperwork and make it an easier transition for you.
Introduction
Howdy there! So Calgary, also know as "Cow-town" is located in Southern Alberta and contains approximately 1.1 million people. It's situated a few hours drive away from popular destinations such as Banff, Waterton Provincial Parks, Edmonton, and Drumheller. Throughout the year, Calgary experiences cold and dry winters (bring lots of warm clothes (ski jacket + snow boots) cause it can get to -30/-40C no problem with windchill) and moderately warm summers (usually in the 20's or low 30's).
Since Calgary is mostly a business city, on the weekends or after work hours, the downtown is quite quiet. The closest equivalent to Robson street in Vancouver would be Stephen Ave (on 8 ave) and 17th Ave. During the Stampede season (10 days in July), Calgary transforms into a booming cowboy town, and most companies allow their employees to dress as a cowboy (if they want to of course) in celebration. Be sure to check out the Stampede grounds (you'd be surprised at how many things can be deep-fried or put a stick), the Rodeo show and the Chuckwagon and Grandstand show.
Common attractions in the Calgary Zoo, Telus World of Science ("Telus Spark"), Heritage Park, the Calgary tower, Calgary Art Gallery, the Olympic Oval and Glenbow Museum. Good places to shop: Chinook Mall, Cross Iron Mills Outlet Mall (you need a car to get to it!), Market Mall, and TD Square.
Finances
Most major banks found in Vancouver are also in Calgary.
Insurance
The BC Medical Service Plan or the UBC AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan should still work since you are not leaving Canada; however double check to confirm if your extended health benefits are covered. Bring your BC CareCard or other medical information with you (e.g. vaccination history).
Housing
For housing in Calgary, check RentFaster(dot)com or Kijiji. Typically rent ranges from $450-$1000 depending on location, apartment size etc. Other options you may consider is living on residence at Mount Royal University, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology or at the University of Calgary.
Transit
The main forms of public transportation are the c-train and bus. The c-train is a light rail system which has 2 lines (one going from NW to SE Calgary and the other going from W to NE Calgary). In comparison to Vancouver's bus system and skytrain, Calgary's transit system does not run as frequently. To text stop numbers and check for bus times, text the stop number to 74000. Calgary is very spread out so make sure you're close to a reliable bus stop or near a ctrain station. Also, downtown is consider a fare-free zone for the ctrain (not for bus!) so if you're only ctraining within downtown, it's free!
Document Preparation
Additional Advice