For labs do we have to buy our own lab coats, goggles and gloves? Is there a specfic date we should pick our OSAP up? Where do I go to check if my OSAP funding certificate has arrived? I applied for OSAP on June 12th, so should I expect it a little later?

I can't answer about the OSAP stuff, but yes you are expected to buy your own labcoat and goggles. Gloves are provided, however.

For labs you buy your own goggles and lab coat, you can find them at the campus bookstore. Gloves are provided. There's like a couple of days for osap pickup and you will get an email telling you when it is, it will be near the beginning of school. Since you sent your OSAP application in June, you will be able to pick it up on the pick up days!

Is it a good idea to buy the lab coat and goggles right now or should I wait until classes start?

Originally Posted by kanvi_v30

Is it a good idea to buy the lab coat and goggles right now or should I wait until classes start?

You're gonna need them, so it really doesn't make much of a difference.

Regarding OSAP, you should check the OSAP website to see the status of your application. Assuming you handed in the declaration pages in June as well, it should give your official amount. The pick-up at Mac starts on the 24th and it's in Convocation Hall, which is in the Student Centre. You can look here for more info..

http://sfas.mcmaster.ca/osap.html

Edit: Woops, yup, it's in university hall. I was thinking CIBC hall where it's been the last couple of years

Convocation hall is actually in University Hall on the second floor.

I checked the OSAP website and the date beside the funding certificate said Sept. 8, and I got an email saying that OSAP pick up starts on the 24th. so do I go pick up my OSAP on the 24th or Sept. 8.

Originally Posted by kanvi_v30

I checked the OSAP website and the date beside the funding certificate said Sept. 8, and I got an email saying that OSAP pick up starts on the 24th. so do I go pick up my OSAP on the 24th or Sept. 8.

8th, you can't pick up your OSAP until it's released. You should also consider calling SFAS to see if your documents will be at McMaster on the 8th or if it'll take time for OSAP to send the documents once your entitlement is released.

Where do you find your release date? I was hoping to pick it up early to avoid the long line-ups :/

Originally Posted by ~*Sara*~

Where do you find your release date? I was hoping to pick it up early to avoid the long line-ups :/

I'm pretty sure it's in OSAP somewhere.

Originally Posted by SC04

Regarding OSAP, you should check the OSAP website to see the status of your application. Assuming you handed in the declaration pages in June as well, it should give your official amount. The pick-up at Mac starts on the 24th and it's in Convocation Hall, which is in the Student Centre. You can look here for more info..

http://sfas.mcmaster.ca/osap.html

Edit: Woops, yup, it's in university hall. I was thinking CIBC hall where it's been the last couple of years

It's in CIBC Hall for regular pick-up starting Sept 6th, but Con Hall for early pick-up (Aug 24-Sept 2).

Originally Posted by jhan523

I'm pretty sure it's in OSAP somewhere.

Thanks! I'll check it.

I'm in a situation similar to Kanvi. Beside the funding certificate information on the OSAP website it says September 8, so I'm guessing that I can't pick up my OSAP before that date.

Having said that, how long do the lines tend to be after the first few days of OSAP pickup (since it starts on Sept. 6)? I'm asking because classes start on the 8th, so I don't want to stand in line for a few hours and then realize that I have to leave for a class.

Originally Posted by vinny06

I'm in a situation similar to Kanvi. Beside the funding certificate information on the OSAP website it says September 8, so I'm guessing that I can't pick up my OSAP before that date.

Having said that, how long do the lines tend to be after the first few days of OSAP pickup (since it starts on Sept. 6)? I'm asking because classes start on the 8th, so I don't want to stand in line for a few hours and then realize that I have to leave for a class.

Personally I've never had to wait more than 15 mins. After the initial rush (first few days) for OSAP if you go in the morning you can walk right in sometimes...

Random: buy your lab coat/goggles second hand or somewhere other than the school if you wanna save some money.. goggles have to cover your whole face (I think the titles-sold ones have a suction seal?) and lab coats are pretty much all the same (oversized, big pockets, ridiculous looking)