Pre-Arrival Checklist to Study in Canada

Getting a Canada student visa is undoubtedly an overwhelming experience for anyone willing to pursue higher education in Canadian universities. After getting your Canada Study Visa, the next important step is to prepare a checklist and organize what you’ll need for a pleasant landing experience in Canada.

When you move to a different country , you need to carry all the essential items to ensure a comfortable life during your length of stay. Although it is impossible to carry all your belongings, there are some important items which are worth carrying when you plan to Study in Canada. If you are also a student travelling to Canada for the first time, here is what you must learn for hassle-free immigration.

Documents Required to Travel in Canada

First things first. As you begin to prepare for your Canadian journey, you’ll need your travel and visa documents, which allow you to study and Live in Canada legally. All international students must gather the following documents and get them photocopied before anything else.

Travel Documents

• Passport( Check the expiry date)
• Student Visa
• Air ticket
• Boarding pass
• Travel Insurance
• Confirmation of enrollment from the university
• Proof of Accommodation from the university

Educational and Financial Documents

• Original mark sheets, degree certificates, and transcripts
• Letter of acceptance from the designated university
• Language proficiency test result
• GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) from Canadian authorized financial institution 
• Proof of payment of tuition fee
•  Proof of Canadian bank account
• Job experience or Reference letter from employer( if you have worked before)
• Driving License
• Passport sized photographs

Make sure to have atleast one photocopy of each of these documents before your travel to Canada. Having a digital copy of them saved on your phone or laptop for emergency access is also a good idea.

Electronics Gadgets and Accessories You’ll Need

Electronic gadgets are crucial for efficient communication, education and assignments, job search, and other activities. Students going to Canada will need the following electronic gadgets to accomplish their tasks.

• Mobile Phone
• Laptop
• USB drive
• USB cables
• Charging cables for mobile phones and laptops
• Universal Adapters

Get Weather-Ready Before Moving to Canada

As you plan to move to canada, you must be aware that Weather in Canada is extremely cold and mostly remains below 0 degrees Celsius. To survive in this harsh weather, one must cover themselves with layers of warm clothing. Thus, all Canada Student Visa holders must pack the following clothing:

• Casual outfits-Trousers, Jeans, t-shirts
• Loungewear
• A warm winter jacket
• Thermalwear
• Undergarments
• Raincoat
• A pair of shoes and socks
• Towel and Napkins
• Hand gloves, cap, binny cap
• Formal outfits
• Traditional dress

All the above things are enough to keep you cozy and are essential to protect your body from snow during the winter season in Canada.

Toiletries and Bathroom Essentials

Bathroom essentials are something that you’ll need on an everyday basis. However, it is not convenient to go shopping for toiletries immediately after landing in Canada. Moreover, you do not want to spend bucks during those initial days of your arrival in the country. That’s why bringing some basic things essential for looking fresh and presentable is advisable. Here is the list:

• Shower gel/Soap
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Shaving cream, razors
• Small or medium-sized Makeup and grooming kit
• Comb, hairbrush, hair ties
• Sanitary napkins
• Face wipes

Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need in Canada

Food is as important as anything listed above. Most students in Canada prefer to cook at home to avoid unnecessary expenses in restaurants and cafes. To prepare food at home, you’ll need basic cooking utensils that make your job easier. Bringing kitchenware essentials with you can cut down the living cost significantly. Here is what you need to pack:

• Medium-sized Frying pan
• Pressure cooker
• Plates and bowls
• Spoons
• Pots
• Rolling board and pin
• 2 Stainless steel glasses

While you pack your utensils, also get some ready-to-prepare food packets of soups, noodles, and curries for quick food preparation. It will satisfy your hunger and save you a lot of time when you dedicate a good time to your studies.

Prescribed Medicines

Unfamiliar weather in Canada is going to make you sick. If you get sick very often, getting medicines from India with an appropriate prescription from a recognized MBBS doctor is recommended. Make sure to check the expiry date on the medicines and buy ones with a long expiry date. Some common medicines that you must bring include the following:

• Pain killers
• Cold and cough tablets
• Cough syrups
• Allergic medicines

Miscellaneous Items to Carry

Besides the above-listed items, Canada Study visa holders should also consider packing some miscellaneous things that might be useful during their stay in Canada. Although these are optional items, you can pack them in your bag depending on your preferences and the airline’s luggage’s weight.

• Stationery items such as pens, pencils, registersBedsheet
• Blanket
• Bedsheet
• Calculator 
• Purse, backpack
• Sunglasses, sunscreen
• Light-weight and inexpensive jewellery

Don’t Forget to Get Local Currency

When you land in Canada, you’ll need Canadian currency to make purchases for the initial days. From booking cabs to public transportation, you’ll need Canadian dollars at every step. You can exchange local currency for Canadian currency at airports or from private money exchange businesses.

Conclusion

Once you have ticked off all the boxes, you are ready to move to Canada and start a new chapter of your life. The above list will help you prepare in advance and make it easier for you to Settle in Canada. If you are also planning to apply for a Canada student Visa, but need guidance on immigration procedures, seek help from our expert consultants, who can assist you at every step of the visa process. For more information regarding Canada Student visas, keep reading our blogs. Good luck!