Packing Tips for International Students

For international students, packing all your things every time you have to leave the country to study can be a real hassle. It’s hard to narrow down a few things to bring from home. We’ll share with you a few tips, tricks and advice on packing as you prepare to begin a new life at your York University residence or any other Canadian college.

Ensure all important documents are translated

First things first, make sure important documents such as your birth certificate, driver’s license, immunization record and marriage certificate, if possible, are translated into English. Carry copies of these documents. Translating them in Canada can be really expensive. Find out what documents will be needed at the airport and ensure they are all packed somewhere you can easily access.

Don’t forget to unlock your phone

Depending on the type of phone you have, you may be able to unlock it and use it in a different country. Before you travel, visit your service provider and find out if it’s possible to unlock the phone. If you plan to get a phone when you reach Canada, be aware that it can take some time. However, with an unlocked phone, you can easily get a suitable plan that you can pay for while using the phone right away. There is also the option of signing a contract which is usually a one-year term where you will be charged every month by the service provider. The payments are usually made using a credit card.

Know what to buy vs. what to pack

There are certain items that you are better of buying when you arrive in Canada rather than packing them from home. For instance, you really don’t need to carry toiletries and bedding if they are supplied by the school. Most apartments near York University supply these items for students. Check to confirm whether you’ll have to carry towels, linens, blankets, pillows and shampoos, since not all housing facilities provide them. Carry a power adaptor for your computer or any other electronic equipment since it can be costly and time consuming to find one right away when you get to Canada.

Have clothes for all four seasons

The spring season in Canada starts in March and ends in May. From November to September, you have fall in Canada whereas summer begins in June and ends sometimes in August. Carry clothes for the winter season which begins in December to sometime in February. It can be quite cold during winter with temperatures as low as -25 degrees. Some York University housing facilities are situated in warmer areas of Canada so be sure to always be prepared for all kinds of weather.

Know how much you can carry

Make sure you know the rules of the airline you will be travelling with when it comes to how much luggage you can carry. You should have a carry-on luggage which should have a few clothes and the important documents, just in case the other luggage gets lost on your flight. Knowing the baggage allowance helps you to plan ahead of time.

And don’t forget, that the best place for your luggage is next to the student community, choose your room now in the student center of Toronto.