Tips for Packing When Going to Study in Canada

Since studying abroad requires a student to spend a few months or years in another country, it is important to make rational choices while deciding what to pack and what not. Canada is a country with diverse weather conditions ranging from normal to extreme, which makes it essential to first do a little research about the place a student applies to study. Here are some of the tips that every student should follow to pack easily and effectively:

Things to do before going to Canada as a student

Students should determine their length of stay and make a list of essential items accordingly. This not only helps in better planning and organizing but also ensures a stress-free traveling experience. It can include:

- Saving necessary information and contacts on Google Drive or iCloud.
- Arranging pick-ups and drop-offs from the airport for both the native country and Canada
- Checking luggage weight as per airline guidelines
- Making the luggage identifiable by placing name tags or other symbols 

International student packing list for Canada: 

Here is the detailed list of things that students should keep in mind while packing their stuff for travel to Canada

Choose the right luggage

Making the right choices of luggage is very important as there are strict rules for the weight a student is allowed to carry. Usually, the average weight allowed for a student is around 40-46 kg which should be divided into two bags of 23 kg each. It is advisable that students should carry a handbag, a backpack and two stroller bags to carry sufficient number of items that are needed to live in Canada while studying. The primary gear should be a stroller bag that allows a student to carry and move the bag quickly. It should be tough and big enough to carry maximum material.

Carry-on Luggage

Students are allowed to carry cabin baggage which they can use to keep personal belongings on board. Here is a list of items that students should carry in their carry-on bags:

- Necessary documents, including passport, visa, and offer letter
- Cash in both Indian and Canadian currency
- Boarding pass
- Pen and a diary for noting things
- SOS medicines
- Mobile phone, laptop or tab
- Hand Sanitizer, face wipes, toothbrush
- Extra jacket, gloves and cap to avoid the cold

• Checked-in baggage
  

Checked baggage is a type of luggage delivered to an airline to be stored in an inaccessible area to the passenger during the flights. This bag carries all the stuff that stays with the student till they return to their native country. It includes:

- Weather-appropriate clothes (including casual, daily wear and business outfits)
- 1-2 pairs of shoes
- A first aid kit (including paracetamol, bandages, anti-allergy medicines, antiseptic creams, etc.)
- Toiletries (including stuff like shower gels, shampoo, deodorant, shaver, and other basic grooming kits)
- Kitchen stuff (including utensils and other items)
- Miscellaneous (bedsheets, pillows, backpack, a journal, etc.) 

Preparing for packing is undoubtedly a daunting task, especially when one is unaware of what to carry and what not. Do not worry, as the experts at Canam provide end-to-end assistance to students, from making an application to their preferred institute to helping them make a list of things to pack for Canada. For study abroad-related guidance, visit the website today or book a counseling session with our expert counselors.

FAQs

Students traveling in economy class can carry a total weight of 40-46 Kg, which they can divide into two bags of 23 Kg each. However, if they travel in the first class, the allowed limit exceeds 32 Kg for each bag. 

How much money should I carry to Canada as a student?

While traveling to Canada international students should carry approximately CAD $500-$700.

What not to pack to Canada?

Preparing to move abroad tends to be a stressful task especially figuring out what to pack and what not. Here are some of the items that a student should avoid packing:

- Flammable or other chemical products (these can be hazardous to the safety of anyone who handles them)
- Perishables (anything that needs to be refrigerated)
- Valuable or sentimental items (these items would be irreplaceable if lost or damaged)
- Plants (importing houseplants abroad may be prohibited or strictly regulated to limit the spread of agricultural pests and disease)
- Unwanted stuff (take a little time to sort, manage and get rid of clutter before moving day)

Can a student bring a carry-on bag and a backpack?

Most airlines allow passengers to bring both a carry-on bag and a personal item such as a purse, backpack, laptop bag, briefcase, shopping bag, etc.

What to pack when moving to Canada from India as a student?

Try to pack all the essentials: passport, local currencies, prescription medicines, travel-sized toiletries, power adapters, and face masks. It is also important to bring passport and visa photocopies, just in case the originals get stolen.

What items can a student buy in Canada?

Students should buy bulkier or heavier items once they reach Canada, especially if they have a luggage allowance. Items that can be bought here include pillows, towels, cleaning supplies, as well as winter clothes.

What should  a student do after arriving in Canada as student?
Students should get a Canadian SIM card on arriving in Canada and get to know the different  ways of travelling around the city.