Studying in Canada is a lifetime opportunity. Once all the formalities regarding institution, IELTS and other abroad essentials are settled and sorted, the next step is to get ready to shift to Canada. Generally, the students are flying for the first time to study in a new country. Though they have been to foreign countries as tourists, this altogether is very different. Here, one needs to move to the country at least for a few months or years. There is nobody to take care fully as we have in our own country. It is normal to be confused and doubtful about what is going to happen next. Well, to be honest there is no need to panic, one needs to be bold enough if such a decision is made. You just need to clarify about the university and be prepared for a new life.
Well, the first thing you need to take care of is your essentials. Yes! It is important for a smooth lifestyle. You should have proper clothes as per the weather of the country. Honestly, it is quite colder than the Indian weather. Similarly, there are other requirements, including basic medicines, or toiletries and other stuff that are essentials should be packed well while leaving.
Now, we bring a list of essentials that you should keep handy so that you do not have any problems while landing and then settling down in the country.
Here are some important essentials, just check whether you have packed it or not?
1. Documents- Well, whenever you are travelling out of the country there are some essential documents abroad that you should keep handy. It is your proof and also helpful in sharing your true self when asked. You can never cross the border of Canada without these valuable documents so make sure you carry all these: Passport is the most important identity proof of your citizenship. It shares all your details. Then your Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or temporary visa issued by the authorities. Birth certificate, Driving license, Letter of introduction, Acceptance letter from the university, Academic certificates and documents, Medical reports, GIC documents, All the documents which you submitted for applying for the study permit. These are some of the basic documents that you are required to produce when asked. It is better if you keep it in a file or holder. Another important tip, try to keep ample copies of all the documents along with the originals as taking photocopies in Canada is quite expensive.
Food- The next important thing is to carry your own food. There are chances you may not know the restaurants or eating joints. So, it needs to be packed with your food stuff, so that you live through it for a few days. Dried and packaged foods can be bought but have to declare it in customs otherwise you will be penalised. Well, you cannot carry fresh fruits and vegetables to Canada. You can take up all kinds of spices in a well-packed manner. You will definitely miss Indian foods so you can bring on Indian masalas and bring them to Canada. Double pack all those packets with a name of what masala it is and you are good to bring into Canada.
Another thing is the instant food packets are going to be your saviour in Canada during your initial days. The food habits and taste are quite different in different countries. It is good to carry some flavour of your own including pickles. Pickles, Maggi masalas or even noodles. Food is a little more expensive in Canada as compared to India. Well, there is yet another thing you shouldn’t miss out on is tea. It is better to bring in tea powder of your choice and masalas for that piping hot chai as Tea is again an expensive item in Canada. The most important part is that you need to declare all these or else the items will be confiscated and pay a hefty penalty as well.
Electronics- Well, if you have your electronic equipment then you should bring it along. If you own a laptop in India just bring it along. If your laptop is in good working condition it’s always the best choice to bring that to Canada. Also, while travelling your laptop bag will not be counted as baggage so you can easily carry it. But if you are planning to get one for your study purpose then do not buy it from India and get one from here. Buying from Canada has many advantages like warranty, free services etc. Requirements and specifications of laptops will be specified in your university website.
As far as your mobile phones are considered, almost all unlocked smartphones above 3G can be carried to and used in Canada. You can also bring a camera to capture some special moments if you wish so.
Bring in your mobile chargers, laptop chargers, trimmer charger from India. They are super expensive in Canada. Also, carry 2 or 3 universal adaptors for your Indian electronics.