Suggested Packing List

Packing for your time in Canada can be overwhelming, but we are here to help. Below is a suggested packing list to help you feel prepared. This list is only to guide you through the packing process and individuals are encouraged to pack according to their personal preferences.

Essential Documents:

When packing the below important pieces of identification, please ensure you do not pack them in your checked bag. These items should be on your person (pockets, backpack, or purse) as you will need them for security and immigration.

•The contents of this package • Passport • Study/Work permit • Drivers license and Personal Identification Card • Credit card, debit card and Canadian currency • Plane ticket

Clothing and Toiletries:

•Multiple face masks and hand sanitizer

•Clothes

•Shoes/footwear

•Undergarments • Standard toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash, deodorant, etc.) • Toothbrush and toothpaste • Hair products and grooming items (oils, elastics, brush, razor, tweezers, nail clippers, etc.) • Feminine hygiene products

Important: If packing toiletries in your carry-on (hand) luggage, you must ensure that all liquids, gels, and aerosols are 100ml or less in volume and size. Larger items should be packed in your checked luggage. For further instructions, please read the How to Pack Smart section.

Entertainment and Electronics:

•Cell phone, iPad, tablet, camera, and laptop • Power bank and charging cables for personal devices • Headphones • Book/e-reader

•Power converter/plug adaptors (220v to 120v) – you will need this for the hotel

Important: Always pack electronics, valuable and important items in your carry-on luggage. NOT your checked luggage.

Medications:

•Any personal prescriptions in original packaging • Pain relievers/stomach relief

•Allergy medication/nasal spray • Medicated cream

•Band-Aids and sterilizing wipes • Tissues

Important: It is always advisable to keep all types of medication, including non-prescription medications, in their original packaging so that it is clear to security what the medication is. Pack these items in your carry-on luggage.

Canadian Climate:

To prepare for the Canadian climate and ensure your comfort on arrival to Toronto, please consider packing the following if arriving in the fall, winter or spring.

•Warm clothes

•Heavy jacket • Hand gloves • Warm socks

•Scarves

You also may want to consider purchasing the below items if you are arriving during our colder seasons. • Canadian winter jacket (snow jacket) • Warm winter hat (something that covers your ears) • Canadian winter boots (insulated and waterproof) • Warm hand gloves (mittens)

School Supplies:

Please ensure you arrive prepared to begin classes. Consider packing the following items to help ensure your success if you will not have time to purchase them before your studies start:

•Laptop and charging cables • Earphones • Notepad, pen, pencil, and highlighters to take notes • Supplies for courses with mathematics (graph paper, rulers, protractors, etc.)

Comforts of Home:

Moving to Canada is a very exciting experience, however, you may find that you will miss some of the comforts of home that are not available in Canada or may be quite expensive. Below are a few items that you may want to consider bringing with you to assist with a smooth and comfortable transition into your new Canadian life.

•Prepackaged spices for cooking

»Please do not try to pack loose spices as they may be confiscated by customs if they are not in well labelled/original packaging

•Your favourite flavours of tea

»Please not try to pack loose tea leaves as they may be confiscated by customs if they are not in well labelled/original packaging » If you enjoy flavours of tea that are unique to your home country, they may be difficult to find in Canada

•Medicines or prescriptions

»While over the counter medicines are easy to purchase in Canada, you will want to ensure you have enough medicines or prescriptions to get you through your first few months while you adapt to your new environment or before you have the chance to visit a local doctor for any new prescriptions » All medicines or prescriptions must be in their original packaging

•Extra pair of eyeglasses and contact lenses

»Eyeglasses and contact lenses are easy to purchase in Canada, however, they can be quite expensive. A pair of prescription eyeglasses can easily cost $500. If you require eyeglasses, you may want to consider purchasing an extra pair in your home country to bring with you to Canada, just in case.