International students deserve to feel safe on their university campus and within their destination country. As one of the top choices for studying abroad, Canada stands out as a place that honours the diverse contributions of international students. In Canada, both nationally and on individual university campuses, such as Huron University in London, Ontario, strong policies and programs are being implemented to protect international students and support their success.
National policies that put international student needs first
International student safety in Canada has always been a priority. Today, the spotlight is on the measures universities have implemented to protect international students. In response, Canada has adopted a thoughtful, student-centric approach. This includes:
- Equity-driven immigration and education policies
- Programs that improve access to affordable housing, food, and essential daily needs
- Work-study permits that enable students to remain in Canada after graduation
Huron University sets the standard for international student safety
Long before the international student experience came under the spotlight, Huron University made student well-being a priority by offering:
- Small class sizes and a high faculty-to-student ratio foster engagement and meaningful peer connections.
- Personalised academic, wellness, and cultural support
- A tight-knit community where every student is known by name
Namra Amrohi, a Huron alumna and International Admissions Advisor, chose to study in Canada because of its strong focus on safety, diversity, and inclusivity. She notes that while many students are drawn to the portrayal of student life in the US or Europe as seen in movies, her experience in Canada far exceeded expectations. Namra found Canada to be a place where people from all walks of life are treated with genuine kindness.
She says, “Even when I first arrived in Canada, I did not feel like an outsider,” Namra shares. “Here, immigration has been taking place for so long that there is no one look or background that defines you as Canadian. Everyone is welcome.”
International Welcome Week is a key part of student success at Huron University
Moving to a new country is a big step, and Huron helps make it easier with their International Welcome Week. Designed specifically for international students, the programme facilitates smooth transitions with:
- Guidance on opening bank accounts, getting SIN cards, and setting up phone plans
- Support for settling into residence and understanding Canadian culture
- Fun, engaging opportunities to connect early with fellow international students
“I kicked off my university experience with Huron’s International Welcome Week,” explains Namra. “The whole thing was customised to international student needs, so we were not just thrown into the beginning of the semester. We were supported by Huron staff, faculty, and upper-year students to learn more about the culture and the campus. I made lifelong friends during that week, and I became comfortable with navigating all aspects of student life.”
International student safety beyond policies
While Canada has implemented strong policies to protect international students, universities must also uphold a high standard of care on campus. At Huron University, student safety is prioritised around the clock. Throughout the academic year, students benefit from:
- Training in conflict resolution, resilience, violence prevention, and reporting
- Access to late-night shuttle services
- “Foot Patrol” volunteers who escort students to classes, residences, or vehicles
“We never had to worry about Namra’s safety while she attended Huron,” share Mr and Mrs Amrohi. “If we ever had questions, we could always reach out to her Residence Manager or another campus staff member. Thanks to Huron’s close-knit community, our concerns were never lost in a general inbox. We always heard from someone who knew Namra personally and genuinely cared about her well-being.”
Huron’s dedicated Wellness team further places student well-being at the heart of academic and personal success. Services focus on fostering mental health literacy and a culture of care, including peer support, group programs, and events held throughout the year.
Feeling safe is the foundation of a successful university experience
A student’s sense of safety is a critical part of their ability to learn and thrive. For parents who want their children to succeed, it’s important to understand the specific measures a university has in place to support student care and well-being.
At Huron University, this commitment is reflected in every aspect of campus life:
- Intentionally small class sizes
- A student population of just over 2,000
- A close-knit community where students are known by name
- Greater access to wellness services, academic support, staff, and faculty
When exploring universities, consider not only the size of the institution but also whether your child will be one of 40,000 or one of a few thousand personally supported by a community that prioritises safety and student success.
Canada continues to uphold its reputation as a top destination for international students, offering high-quality education, hands-on experience, and a welcoming environment that empowers students to grow and thrive. Huron University reflects these strengths by providing a holistic educational experience that equips students for a wide range of opportunities after graduation.
Huron University was established in 1863 and is the founding institution of the University of Western Ontario. Its business, liberal arts, and ethics-based programmes offer elite yet accessible education, combining close-knit campus life with the resources of a large world-class university.
For information on admissions and recruitment, email huron@uwo.ca. For assistance with applications, contact The Red Pen Undergraduate Admissions Team.
