For students ready to keep moving, January can be the right moment to begin.
For many international students, studying abroad is not just about choosing a university. It is about choosing the right moment to continue moving forward.
That was the case for Daniela Pelaez, an international student from Mexico and a second-year student in the Bachelor of Commerce in Management program at the Telfer School of Management. Daniela was originally supposed to begin her studies in the Fall, but a visa delay changed those plans. Instead, she started at the University of Ottawa in January 2024 and even arrived two weeks into the semester after receiving her student visa.
Starting in January and Still Moving Forward
Her journey reflects the reality of many international students whose paths are not always linear. Sometimes there are delays, transitions, or changes in timing when moving to Canada from abroad. What matters most is having an entry point that allows you to continue pursuing your goals. Telfer’s Winter Admission Pathway allowed Daniela to do so.
“Even though I started in Winter and arrived a bit late, I was still able to settle in and make the most of my experience.”
During her first week, Daniela joined an orientation tour with student ambassadors, explored Telfer’s spaces and services, and quickly found the support she needed. Her story shows that starting in January can still be a confident and welcoming way to begin university life.
“I was excited to learn more about the school and see what support and opportunities were available,”
Starting in January may feel unfamiliar to some students at first, but Daniela’s experience shows that it can still be a strong and welcoming entry point into university life.
A Bilingual Environment That Felt Like The Right Fit
Daniela chose the University of Ottawa for a reason that felt deeply connected to her academic journey: language. After completing an exchange in France, she wanted to keep improving her French while continuing her business studies. “I didn’t want to lose my French,” she says. This goal led her to the Telfer School of Management, where the bilingual environment allowed her to study and live in both French and English. She was also drawn to Ottawa’s location near Quebec, which gave her the chance to experience both cultures and strengthen her language skills every day.
Finding Confidence Through a New Beginning
Before beginning university, Daniela took two gap years, which she sees not as lost time but as an opportunity to gain focus and confidence. “Taking two gap years helped me think more about what I wanted and made me feel more ready to start university,” she says. Her experience is a reminder that there is no single perfect timeline for beginning your studies. For students who have taken time to reflect or followed a nontraditional path, Winter can be the right moment to move forward.
Starting university in a new country brought its own challenges, especially after time away from school and adapting to Canada’s education system. Daniela quickly found support in Telfer’s learning environment, which she describes as open, collaborative, and student focused. Discussion groups, teaching assistants, professors, and classmates helped her settle in. “Professors are attentive, approachable, and genuinely available when students need help,” she says.
Finding Community and a Full Student Experience in the Winter
Like many international students, Daniela had to build her network from scratch, which was not always easy at first. She made a conscious effort to step out of her comfort zone and get involved, connecting through job interviews, volunteering, Telfer clubs, and case competitions. She also joined Telfer International and Enactus, which gave her more chances to meet people and become part of the school community. “Building a network was one of the most important parts of my experience,” she says. Her advice is simple and encouraging, getting involved does not always happen instantly, and rejection can be part of the process. “There are so many opportunities, but you have to keep trying and keep putting yourself out there,” she says.
That mindset helped Daniela turn her Winter start into a meaningful and memorable experience. Although she missed some of the traditional September Welcome Week activities, she still felt fully included in campus life. “I’m really happy and grateful that I started in Winter,” she says. Winter quickly became a highlight of her time in Canada as she embraced the season by skating on the Rideau Canal, volunteering at Winterlude, joining Winter Frosh, and even competing in a 24-hour snow fort challenge. These experiences helped her form friendships, connect with Ottawa, and create lasting memories. Despite the warnings she heard about Canadian winters, Daniela found the season full of surprises: “The winter semester really has everything, and you won’t miss out on anything. If anything, you might gain even more.”
Daniela’s Winter semester was also filled with opportunities beyond academics. She attended events like the Telfer Formal and the Excellence Ceremony, where she connected with classmates and celebrated achievements together. These experiences reinforced something important for her: starting in January does not mean missing out on university life. The same community, opportunities, and memorable moments are all there. “What really matters is your attitude. You’ll make friends, get involved on campus, and have an amazing time,” she says.
Daniela’s story reflects what the new Winter Early Admission opportunity at Telfer represents for international students. For those ready to begin their studies, the January intake is not a second option but a flexible path to keep moving forward and reach their goals when the timing feels right.
Are you an international applicant ready to begin your Bachelor of Commerce as soon as possible?
As Daniela puts it, “Don’t wait, go for it. The winter semester really has everything… If anything, you might gain even more from the experience.”
To better support international students in this situation, the Telfer School of Management is introducing a new pilot project that enables eligible international BCom applicants to submit their applications earlier for admission to the Winter 2027 term.
You may be eligible to apply as early as June 2026 for a January 2027 start date. If you qualify for this early application pathway, the typical application fee will be waived. Visit the Winter Admission Pathway to learn more about this project and view admissions requirements.
