Packing for Canada trips up a lot of new students — partly because the weather swings from −30°C winters to genuinely warm summers, and partly because some things are far easier (and cheaper) to buy once you’re here. Here’s a practical checklist to get you started.
Documents — Keep These in Your Carry-On
Never pack these in checked luggage. Keep them on you, and leave photocopies with family at home:
- Your study permit / approval letter
- Letter of acceptance from your school
- Passport with your visa or eTA
- Proof of funds and proof of tuition payment
- Transcripts, diplomas, and language test scores (IELTS / TOEFL / PTE)
- Vaccination or medical exam records
Clothing — Pack for Four Seasons
Canada has real seasons, so plan in layers:
- Spring / Fall: a sweater, jeans, a light coat, and water-resistant shoes
- Summer: t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers — it gets genuinely warm
- Winter: thermal base layers, a thick coat, warm boots, and gloves
Pro move: buy bulky winter boots and a heavy coat after you arrive rather than packing them — they’re easy to find here and will eat your luggage allowance.
Don’t Forget Interview-Ready Clothes
If you plan to work, intern, or do a co-op while you study, pack at least one business-casual outfit and one more formal outfit. You’ll want them for interviews, networking events, and your first day on the job — and Inkaer’s whole model starts with putting your best foot forward.
A Few Comforts From Home
Most global skincare, makeup, and tech brands are available in Canada, so you don’t need to overpack. Do bring a few small things that remind you of home — they make those first homesick weeks easier.
What You Can Easily Buy in Canada
Resist the urge to overpack. Anything you can buy here in your first week isn’t worth checking-bag space:
- Bedding, towels, basic kitchen gear — cheaper at Walmart, Canadian Tire, or IKEA
- A real winter coat — better-fitted and warmer if you buy one once you arrive
- School supplies, toiletries, cleaning supplies — all easily found
- Most appliances and electronics — and Canadian plugs are different anyway
What to Leave Behind
A few things travellers regret bringing:
- Heavy textbooks — most are available digitally or through the library
- More than two weeks of clothes — you’ll do laundry
- Appliances with the wrong voltage or plug
- Decorative items — your first apartment will be temporary anyway
A Note on Documents
The one category where you should over-prepare: documents. Bring originals plus digital backups of your passport, study permit, letter of acceptance, transcripts, and any medical records. Lost paperwork is far harder to replace from Canada than from home.
What to Buy First Once You Land
Plan to spend your first weekend on the practical-purchase loop:
- Winter coat, boots, gloves — non-negotiable, and best fitted in person
- Bedding and basic kitchen gear from Walmart, Canadian Tire, or IKEA
- A SIM card and a Canadian phone plan — student plans are cheaper than retail
- Pantry basics so you’re not eating out every night while you settle in
- A bus or transit pass appropriate for your city
It feels like a lot to do in one weekend, but front-loading it means the rest of your first month can be spent on classes, people, and the city — not on shopping for the things you forgot to pack.