Packing List & Tips for International Students going to Canada for Study

Get ready for Canada with this handy guide – it’s got everything you need to pack and tips to make your trip easier

Moving to Canada as an international student requires careful planning and packing. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering everything you might need:

Essential Documents

1. Passport: Ensure it’s valid for the duration of your stay.
2. Study Permit: Required for studying in Canada.
3. Letter of Acceptance: From your Canadian educational institution.
4. Visa or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Depending on your country of origin.
5. Health Insurance: Check if you need additional coverage.
6. Academic Records: Transcripts, diplomas, and any other academic documents.
7. Financial Documents: Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses.
8. Emergency Contact Information: Include contacts in Canada and your home country.

Clothing

1. Warm Winter Clothing: Heavy coat, insulated jacket, thermal underwear, snow boots, gloves, scarves, and hats.
2. Seasonal Clothing: Layered clothing for varying temperatures.
3. Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket, umbrella, and waterproof boots.
4. Casual and Formal Wear: Everyday clothes and a few formal outfits for special occasions or interviews.
5. Indoor Clothing: Comfortable clothing for indoor wear, including loungewear and sleepwear.
6. Shoes: Sturdy walking shoes, boots suitable for snow, casual shoes, and formal shoes.

Personal Items

1. Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, skincare products, and feminine hygiene products.
2. Medications: Prescription medications with prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and first aid supplies.
3. Eyewear: Glasses, contact lenses, solution, and spare pairs.
4. Personal Care Items: Hairbrushes, combs, hairdryer, razor, shaving cream, and any  other personal care items.
5. Towels and Linens: Bath towels, hand towels, bed sheets, and pillowcases.
6. Laundry Supplies: Laundry detergent, fabric softener, and stain remover.

Electronics

1. Laptop or Tablet: Essential for studying and staying connected.
2. Smartphone: With a charger and international SIM card or plan.
3. Power Adapters: For Canadian electrical outlets.
4. Headphones or Earphones: For studying and leisure.
5. Camera: Optional for capturing memories.
6. External Hard Drive or USB Drive: For backing up important files. Although we’d recommend taking your most crucial documents, audios, videos and pictures to the cloud by subscribing to a service.
7. Travel Surge Protector: To protect your electronics from power surges.

Kitchen and Dining

1. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated on the go.
2. Basic Kitchen Utensils: Such as a can opener, knife, fork, spoon, and reusable food containers.
3. Snacks: Non-perishable snacks from your home country.
4. Tea or Coffee Supplies: If you’re a tea or coffee drinker, bring your favorite blends or coffee maker.

School Supplies

1. Textbooks: If you already have them or if they’re not provided digitally.
2. Notebooks and Stationery: Pens, pencils, highlighters, sticky notes, and a planner.
3. Laptop Bag or Backpack: To carry your belongings to and from classes.
4. Calculator: If required for your courses.
5. Language Resources: English-French dictionary or language learning materials if English or French isn’t your first language.

Miscellaneous

1. Travel Documents Organizer: To keep all documents safe and organized.
2. Travel Locks: For securing your luggage and valuables.
3. Portable Travel Scale: To avoid overweight luggage fees when returning home.
4. Adapter Plugs: For charging devices with different plug types.
5. Travel Guides and Maps: To help navigate your new surroundings.
6. Gifts from Home: To share a piece of your culture with new friends or hosts.
7. Reusable Shopping Bags: For groceries and shopping trips.
8. Health and Wellness Items: Vitamins, supplements, and any other health-related items you may need.

What are some of the travel hacks that international students should remember? 

With a million items on your checklist, go easy on yourself and follow some travel hacks to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable:

1. Book Flights Early: Try to book your flights well in advance to secure better deals and more options for departure dates and times.
2. Consider Alternate Airports: Look into flying into smaller airports near your destination city, as they may offer cheaper fares or more convenient connections.
3. Pack Light and Smart: Pack only essential items to avoid excess baggage fees and make traveling easier. Roll your clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles.
4. Use Student Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts for flights, accommodations, transportation, and attractions. Many businesses offer discounts to students with a valid student ID card.
5. Research Public Transportation: Familiarize yourself with the public transportation system in your destination city before arrival. Many cities offer discounted transit passes for students.
6. Download Useful Apps: Download essential apps such as Google Maps, transit apps, currency converters, and language translation apps to help navigate your new environment.
7. Get Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Some credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance if you use them to book your trip.
8. Stay Connected: Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival or activate an international roaming plan to stay connected with friends and family back home. Alternatively, use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Skype for free communication over Wi-Fi.
9. Learn Basic Phrases: Familiarize yourself with basic phrases in English or French, depending on the region you’re moving to. This will help you communicate more effectively with locals and navigate daily life.
10. Pack Snacks and Water: Carry snacks and a refillable water bottle with you during travel to stay hydrated and energized. Airport and airplane food can be expensive, and having snacks on hand can save you money.
11. Arrive Early for Immigration: Allow plenty of time for immigration and customs clearance upon arrival in Canada. International airports can be busy, so arriving early will give you ample time to complete necessary procedures without rushing.
12. Stay Flexible: Be prepared for unexpected delays or changes in travel plans. Keep important documents, such as passports and visas, easily accessible, and have a contingency plan in case of emergencies.
13. Connect with Fellow Students: Join social media groups or forums for international students at your university or college to connect with others traveling to Canada. You can exchange tips, share experiences, and possibly arrange to meet up upon arrival.
14. Research Local Customs and Laws: Familiarize yourself with Canadian customs, laws, and cultural norms before arrival to avoid any misunderstandings or cultural faux pas.