8 Essential Packing Tips to Study in Canada

Congratulations, it is finally time to begin your journey. Although the heaviest parts are over, packing for your first time studying abroad could be a challenge in itself. What to purchase, what to carry? On top of it all, Canada’s weather! You are going to need warm clothes. And then the luggage weight limit! It’s okay. Breathe. Let us help you. From important documents to clothing and necessary items, we will help you make a mental packing list for your first time abroad. With this guide, we will ensure that you pack the useful things for easy settlement. Together, we will make rational choices and subdue the hoarder in us and tell them, “Not today”.

Check the Weight

Students travelling to Canada in economy can carry up to 46 kgs of luggage. They can make two bags of 23 kg each to make them easy to carry and manage. Additionally, they can carry a handbag and a laptop bag as cabin bags. This should not exceed 7 kg in weight. Particularly, your handbag is to carry essentials and the laptop bag is for electronics and to use in Collee. Further, with a first-class ticket, they can carry up to 64 kg in 2 separate bags. Notably, the weight allowance varies with the airlines. One must always check limits and restrictions before booking the flights.

Documents on the Go

Before heading for the airport, save all the necessary information and contacts on Google Drive or iCloud. It would help you get your documents anytime anywhere without having access to your phone. Further, you will need to present your documents at every airport. If you have a connecting flight, which you most likely will, it is wise to keep your documents handy. Keep physical copies of your boarding pass, passport, visa and university offer letter handy in an easy-to-access pocket.

Cabin Bags for Connecting Flights

You will receive your check-in bags when you reach your final destinations. The kind lady/gentleman at the airport counter would tell you (exactly) the same. Connecting flights to Canada usually come with awfully long halts. Remember, the items in the cabin bags should be relevant to your halt duration. Your laptop, iPad, phone and books would help not only kill time but also stay connected with your loved ones throughout the journey and after. Carry your hygiene products like toothbrush, face wipes, hand sanitiser, purell, hydration cream and more to use during this time. You must also carry some cash, both in Indian and Canadian currency for both safety and need. Perhaps a pen and diary to jot down your thoughts. It would be a good time to start journaling, wouldn’t it? Penning down all those warm feelings. For the cold ones, carry a jacket and a shawl.

Prepare for Change

Quite frankly, your dressing sense would likely change with your surroundings. Avoid shopping in India as much as you can so that you can shop in Canada as needed. Are you going for a year or more? Carry enough clothes for 2-3 months and waterproof shoes for a week. Or is it a matter of a couple of months? In that case, pack as if you are to go for a month-long trip. Believe us, it will keep you in check for a year and more. When selecting clothes to pack, casual, daily wear and nightwear are a must. While you are at it, throw in some warm clothes too. Other than that, you will also need a couple of bedding sets and towels. If you have a comfort toy, take him with you. We know we would!

Carry your Doctors

Yes, you read it right. Carry all your doctors. From dermatologist to pediatrist, primary care physician and dentist. Visit them at least a month before your departure and carry their guidance with you. Prepare a first aid kit with paracetamol, bandages, anti-allergy medicines, basic ointment and others as suggested. If you are currently, under medication, carry your prescription and medicines in your cabin bag. It would be of great help to keep some doctors available on the dial in case of sickness during and after your travel.

Let your Plan Pan out!

Food is a major concern for students living abroad as well as their parents. If you know how to cook, you are gold! However, even an entire flight is not sufficient to carry an Indian kitchen with you. And you don’t have to. All you need is a pan! Your plan of cooking and eating healthy will pan out just right. You can make everything from chapatis to rice to curries on a pan. Invest in a good quality non-stick pan. In addition to that, take a masala box, a couple of plates, bowls and string and serving spoons with you too. Choose only light-weighed non-plastic utensils.

Watch Yourself

It couldn’t be any easier than this. Watch yourself throughout the day to notice the things you use. Take a day of packing captain! Use this to observe. Notice the items you use from the morning to night and make a list. From fash wash to your morning coffee mug to detergent to grooming kits to your favourite perfume. Carry light so you can carry more. Bid all your saver packs goodbye. Besides, Canadian airlines only allow liquids in containers less than 100ml.

It would be hard to maintain your 10-step routine with the academic pressure. Not impossible, but hard. Make your selections and add them to the yes pile. Perhaps, research a little on the brands available in your city in Canada. In effect, carry more of the ones you hold dear and won’t be able to restock during your time there.

Switch it off

If you are a reader, we have some bad news. You need to switch your book-reading habits off. But hey, you can always get an Amazon Kindle or Apple Books! Moreover, it is only temporary. Truth be told, books weigh a lot. With all the things you already need to carry, books would increase the weight of your luggage like nothing else. Switch to electronics. Furthermore, a laptop would help you with your assignments, presentations and connectivity in college. When you are all settled, buy books. How does that sound? Oh, and carry chargers and a power bank for emergencies. You will go book shopping for your curriculum anyway.

Are you ready to fly? Connect with Studwise International to start the journey to your dream university in Canada today!