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PrintWelcome to Hamilton!
Welcome to the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
We have provided some links and information to help you familiarize yourself with the University and with Hamilton.
Where is Hamilton? http://map.hamilton.ca/Ontario.asp
Where is McMaster? http://www.mcmaster.ca
Where can I stay while I’m on elective? www.macoffcampus.ca
If I am coming from another country, what are some things I will need?
Before you leave your country, arrange personal health insurance that will cover you while you are in Canada. Medical costs are high; it is vital that you be insured. These are just two of the many companies that provide health insurance to visitors to Canada but you may also find providers in your own country.
http://www.bluecross.ca/travelinsurance.html
What's the weather like in Hamilton ? http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca
What should I bring to wear?
The climate in Hamilton obviously varies from month to month and we do recommend that you feel free to “dress for the weather.” Our community is quite casual; suits for men are usually reserved for special occasions and observances and are more commonly reserved for the cooler times of the year. Hospital attire should be neat, clean and respectful but need not be overly formal. The often oppressing heat in the summer lends itself to a more casual atmosphere.
Here are the official seasons but there could be great variances in the weather at any time
December 21 - March 20 Winter
Snow, snow and more snow so a warm coat, hats, mitts, boots are a must
March 21 - June 20 Spring
March and April can still be quite cold, so stick with the winter wear and add some lighter clothes and a raincoat. May and June will warm up so a raincoat would still be a good idea along with some lighter clothes and shorts.
June 21 - September 20 Summer
The hot and sometimes extremely humid conditions necessitate light clothing. Shorts are a must have, as are sandals and don’t forget your bathing suit!
September 21 - December 20 Fall/Autumn
The most beautiful time of the year comes with the changing of the leaves. Summer still lingers for a few weeks but usually by the time early November rolls around, snow will start to fall
How do I get to Hamilton from the airport in Toronto?
BY BUS: It takes approximately a half hour to travel from the airport to the GO bus station at Union Station in downtown Toronto, at which time you would have to purchase a ticket to Hamilton. The trip from downtown Toronto to Hamilton Bus Terminal at James and Hunter Streets is 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. One-way fare is approximately $8.60. At this time, there is no bus that goes directly from the Toronto airport to Hamilton.
BY TAXI: The cost for a taxi to Hamilton is approximately $90.00 and will take you right to the door of your address in Hamilton. All taxi stands are outside the arrivals level at each terminal.
BY AIRPORT LIMOUSINE: The cost of the airport limousine services is usually standard with each company at about $80.00 and they will take you right to the door of your address in Hamilton. All limo stands are outside the departure level at each terminal.
So now I’m in Hamilton, where do I go from here?
There are several health care facilities in the Hamilton area where students may be placed; McMaster University Medical Centre (MUMC), Chedoke Hospital, Henderson General Hospital, Hamilton General Hospital, St Joseph’s Hospital. St Joseph’s Community Health Centre, St Joseph’s Mountain Site and the Juravinsky Cancer Centre. All hospitals that elective students are placed at are on major bus routes.
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/Living Here/Transit/default.asp
What can I see and do while I’m in Hamilton?
http://www.tourismhamilton.com
A few facts
- Banks and ATM’s are abundant throughout the city and within the hospitals and the University. Cash, debit cards, traveller's cheques, Mastercard, Visa and American Express are readily accepted at most businesses. A credit card is advisable if you wish to rent a car or obtain extra cash.
- The charge for using a pay phone is 25 cents per call. If your call is "local", you can talk for as long as you like. Long distance calls are extra. You can call the operator and emergency numbers listed on the phone for no extra charge. For police, fire or ambulance, call 911. The local Phone Centres and some convenience stores sell prepaid phone cards called "Quick Change Cards". Cards come in various denominations.
- There are many places of worship and prayer for people of all faiths. http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/Living Here/places of worship