• Study Abroad Guidance

Packing Tips for Canada

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3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Oct 19,2024 04:46 PM IST

Stick to the airline’s baggage allowance, typically around 23 kg per checked bag, to avoid extra fees.
Keep important documents, cash, and electronics in your carry-on for easy access and safety.
Bring weather-appropriate clothing and pack layers to stay comfortable in Canada’s diverse climate.

Imagine you have just received your acceptance letter to study in Canada- exciting right? Of course! That adrenaline rush is for real, the snow-covered streets and sipping on your hot coffee from Tim Hortons……But wait! What about packing? Yes! The most exciting, overwhelming, and stressful part of you heading towards new academic heights. Before mentally planning all the picture-perfect shots, you need to figure out how to pack your entire life in just two bags. And trust me it is no less than a puzzle! But with a suitable plan in place and a checklist, packing can be fun!

Let's break it down so you can dismiss that chaotic last-minute stuffing of bags and have a stress-free abroad life. Let's dive into this study in Canada packing guide!

Things to Do Before You Pack

Before you even consider what you're going to pack, there are a few things to check off the list. That's just a warm-up before playing the game; you have to get it right before you sink into the hard part.

Begin with a list of everything you'll need for the amount of time you'll be studying in Canada. It makes no difference whether you'll be there for a few months or a couple of years, and having that distinct idea of what you need may save you from the chaos and last-minute over-packing. Here's how to get organized before packing:

Keep all your significant paperwork and contacts stored on a cloud service, such as Google Drive or iCloud—because losing your essential information will be quite disheartening.
Arrange pickup and drop-off at the airport beforehand. It might sound a little silly, but it is a thing to worry about when you land in a foreign land.
Research airline baggage weight limit, so you are not some idiot arguing over extra fees at the airport.
Add a sign or symbol to your luggage so that you can immediately see your luggage in a heap of bags.

Now, these steps are common ones, but will make you set for packing like a seasoned bag-packer, and now comes the fun part: choosing the right luggage!

How to Choose the Perfect Luggage?

Dragging a huge, overpacked suitcase in a crowded airport and struggling to fit that bag in a car is no fun. The key here is to make the smart choice by choosing the right bag packs. Most airlines allow students to carry 40-46 kg of luggage. It is better to divide and split it into two bags.

For a comfortable experience, you will want two sturdy stroller bags and a handy backpack to hold the essentials you will need during your travel to Canada. And remember these bags should be strong enough to survive and big enough to fit in all your commodities

Now, that you've got the perfect luggage, it is time to decide what to put in it!

Things to Pack While Travelling to Canada

While packing there are two types of luggage- checked luggage i.e. the suitcases and carry-on bag i.e. a backpack. Now, a handy bag is like your travel buddy and will hold everything you'll need during the flight. Here are the essential items for packing to study in Canada: -

Documents	You must carry your passport. Visa, offer letter handy with you.
Cash	Keep a little Indian currency and some Canadian dollars, just in case.
Tech Gadgets	Carry your phone, laptop, or tablet. These things will keep you entertained.
Pen and Diary	If in case you like reading and jotting things down, you can carry any book or journal.
SOS Medicines	Keep your essential medicines close by.
Extra Layer	Pack an extra jacket or scarf as Canada's cold can sneak up on you.
Things to Pass Your Time	You should carry things to pass your time if you are not a movie person. You can carry things like Rubix cube, beads, magazines, etc.

Now, after packing your lifeline, it's time to pack the checked luggage that will be your toolkit for the rest of your time in Canada. You will not have access to it during your flight. Here's what you need to pack in your checked luggage.

Clothes	Bring layers for the cold and moderate climate. Pack smart with a mix of casual and formal outfits.
Shoes	Don't go overboard with shoes. Choose a couple of your favorites and that will be fine.
First Aid Kit	It's always good to have some basic medicines like paracetamol, bandages, and antiseptic creams.
Toiletries	Packing some of your essentials like shampoo, deodorant, grooming kit, etc. is always advisable to use as soon as you land.
Kitchenware	It's smart to pack a few basic utensils and some homemade snacks to pamper yourself whenever you are homesick.
Miscellaneous Items	You can pack some other commodities like bedsheets, pillow covers, and other home decor items to make you feel at home.

Now, that you have successfully packed, let's look at how to stay organised throughout the process.

Tips to Pack When Going to Study in Canada

Packing isn't just a mad scramble where you simply toss all your stuff into the suitcase. It has to be strategic where you want to maximize the amount of space that can be used and minimize the weight so you don't carry unnecessary baggage around, and most of all, you don't want to be left digging for that one thing you have placed at the bottom of your bag. Sounds tricky? Worry not for we've got some groovy tips to pack efficiently for studying in Canada.

Roll your clothes- Rolling instead of folding not only conserves space but also protects them from wrinkles. Moreover, it is easy to grab any piece whenever you need any.
Bundle Up Fragile Items- Do you have something delicate, like your favourite perfume or new gadget? Wrap it in your clothes or bubble wrap for extra padding.
Plastic Bags to the Rescue- Pour all your liquids like shampoo, lotions, etc., into your sealed plastic bag just to avoid that soapy disaster.
Use Every Inch- Do not waste that little space inside your shoes! Stuff them with socks, chargers, or even small toiletries.
Pack in Layers- Put heavier stuff like shoes and jackets at the bottom and lighter stuff on top. Then your suitcase is perfectly balanced, and nothing gets squashed.
Zip Lock Bags for Organizing- Using zip lock bags you can put all these little things like chargers, makeup, or any accessory in the order.
Label Everything- Use a tag on your luggage with your name, contact information, and destination address in Canada. That's going to be very helpful in case, you lose your luggage.

These simple yet genius hacks make packing less chaotic and more fun. The best part is, when you land in Canada, you'll be stress-free and won't have to pay some extra fees to unpack on top of all that!

Conclusion

And there you have it. All the tricks, and strategies to be packed and prepped for your academic adventure in Canada. Remember, preparation is the key to your hassle-free experience. Take your time to get everything in order, pack essential items, and tick-mark everything from your packing checklist to study in Canada.

So, be ready to pack your bags like a pro and explore a new country, make new friends, and get one step closer to your Canadian journey. For assistance from selecting a university to the pre-departure guidelines, you can connect with the study abroad Consultants at Canam and make your journey easier and smoother.

FAQ

Can I carry my laptop and other electronics in my checked luggage?

It’s safer to keep your electronics like laptops, mobile phones, and chargers in your carry-on. This way, you have easy access to them and can avoid any potential damage during the flight.

Do I need to pack winter clothes if I’m arriving in the summer?

Yes! Canada’s weather can be unpredictable, and you’ll eventually need warm clothes. Packing a few layers, even for summer, can help you prepare for sudden temperature changes.

How do I prevent my luggage from getting lost?

Label your bags with your name, contact information, and destination address. Also, pack a small bag with essentials like clothes, toiletries, and documents in your carry-on, just in case.

How much luggage am I allowed to take to Canada?

Most airlines allow two checked bags weighing around 23 kg each and one carry-on bag. Always check your airline’s specific baggage policy before flying.

Is it better to buy toiletries in Canada or pack them?

It’s a good idea to pack travel-sized toiletries to use right after arriving, but you can buy full-size products in Canada to save luggage space.

Should I carry cash or use cards in Canada?

Carry a small amount of cash in Canadian dollars for immediate expenses upon arrival. However, using an international debit/credit card is more secure and convenient for larger transactions.

What kind of shoes should I pack?

Pack comfortable walking shoes, a pair of formal shoes, and something for colder weather like boots. You’ll need versatile options depending on the activities and climate.

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)

What should I prioritize when packing for Canada?

Prioritize essential documents like your passport, visa, offer letter, and travel insurance. Weather-appropriate clothing, medications, and electronics should also be at the top of your list.

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Packing Tips for Canada

Table of Contents

Things to Do Before You Pack

How to Choose the Perfect Luggage?

Things to Pack While Travelling to Canada

Tips to Pack When Going to Study in Canada

Conclusion

FAQ

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