It is sometimes a challenge to decide what to pack. The following list is intended to be a guide

Pack light! Each year students find that they have taken too much luggage and regret it.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

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One of the first things you will need to think about is what kind of bag/ luggage to carry?

The most preferred brands are:

• American
•  Tourister
•  VIP
• Samsonite

             

 

You will most likely be allowed to carry more bags if you inform the airline that you are a student. Once they are aware of your student status they may allow you to carry 3 * 23 kgs plus cabin luggage.

Know Your Carry on Rules:

Different airlines have different policies, so please check before booking. Also, confirm the size and number of pieces you are allowed. Most airlines restrict carry-on baggage to two pieces per passenger.

Watch this video on airline baggage limits, fees and liability for more details:

https://youtu.be/hVsT4LuFO-U

THINGS TO KEEP IN HAND BAGGAGE

Pack only the essentials – prescriptions, personal hygiene items, passports – and valuable items in your carry-on bag.

All airlines have a list which you can refer to. It’ll give you all the information regarding what can be carried in your suitcase and carry-on.

 

Some things that you could include are:

• Some medicines (include air-sickness tablets)
• Your keys, wallet, and phone with must be kept with you and not in your checked in baggage
• A set of clothes can be put in, in case of emergencies
• Sweater
• Original important documents (Passport, Offer letter, visa, tickets)

Leave another copy of these documents at home with someone you trust.

• Money (little cash, travellers’ checks)
• Address book/phone book (Indian & Canadian)
• Copies of your photos (passport size)
• Personal hygiene products (mentioned below)
• Travel Pillow/Blanket

CLOTHES

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Before you start packing you should consider the climate of the country. In the summer, you would require summer clothes and also something warm (long pants, closed shoes, jacket, and long sleeve shirts) as the evenings may be colder. As Canada is a colder country you would require good winter items as well. Don’t forget to take an umbrella as the weather in Canada is quite unpredictable and it may rain even in winter (especially in Vancouver).

Don’t carry too much. You’ll be pressed for time due to your studies, so carry enough to last you a minimum of 1-2 weeks. A general list would be:

• T-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, dresses, etc – A combination of basic T-shirts and long sleeve shirts are great for various temperatures
• Jeans, pants, shorts, etc – Different types of pants can be taken
• Jacket
  • Fleece Jacket – This is an item you should bring as it can be used for all seasons. It can be an outer layer for long summer nights and cooler spring/fall days. In the winter it works great as a layer underneath your warm winter coat.
  • A light, water-resistant jacket can act as a windbreaker on the East Coast or a rain guard in the rainy spring in Ontario.

• Sweaters (polar fleece or wool)
• Muffler, monkey cap, woollen gloves and windcheater
• Night clothes 7. Formal suit & Ties / Dresses- 1-2 pairs
• Undergarments
• Socks
• Kurta-pajamas / a traditional dress – these would be good during cultural meets
• Shoes / Sandals (Sports shoe, Leather shoe, Chappals) – The kinds of shoes you will be packing for Canada depends largely on which activities you plan on doing.
  • We’d recommend that you bring comfortable shoes or boots that are good for walking, hiking, etc.
  • Having rubber boots might be a good idea for the springtime since the melting snow can make the ground very damp.
• You might consider thinner and longer underwear to wear under your pants if it’s cold enough during the winters.

 

PERSONAL ACCESSORIES

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• First aid kit
• Wallet / Purse
• Glasses / Contact lenses
• Personal medicines: This is important since, for any specialized medicine in Canada, you need a prescription.
• Sunglasses
• Small mirror
• Small scissors, Safety pin bunch, Mini-sewing kit with some buttons
• Small lock for hostel lockers
• Belts
• Sun hat / Toque (optional)
• Swimsuit
• Scarf
• Towels / Napkins / Handkerchiefs (optional)
• Bedsheets / Blanket / Pillow Covers                                                                                                                                    

If you are uncomfortable with using toilet paper, carry a plastic mug

PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

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Hygiene products could be taken for more than a month’s use. Most of the brands available in India are available in Canada too. However, you might need to bring the following items:

• Moisturizing body lotion
• Lip balm
• Makeup-kit
• Shaving kit
• Brush & toothpaste
• Soap and shampoo
• Combs & hair oil
• Hand sanitizer
• Deodorant
• Sanitary napkins
• Nail cutter
• Sunscreen and/or Bug Repellent

ELECTRONICS

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Though most electronics are cheaper in Canada, there is some stuff you may buy from India.

• Converter / Adapter (electric)
• Mobile phone + charger
• A camera and charges
• A scientific calculator (optional)
• A laptop (if you have one)

UTENSILS AND FOOD ITEMS

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If you plan to live in apartments, utensils are important things you need to carry from India. If you already have a group of friends going with you from India as your roommates, then you will have the luxury of sharing/dividing items equally. All vessels should be flat bottomed since, in Canada, most apartments use electric stoves.

 

You should start your packing well in advance (you may miss out on some important things while packing last minute) and do not forget to put identification marks and labels on both the inside & outside your luggage with both your home address in India and your university address.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines but ultimately you do what you have to do to travel comfortably and in your own way!