Your Canada student packing list, built for real winters

Canada is a different level of cold. In many student cities, winter temperatures regularly fall to -20°C or lower, and snow and ice can last for months. Indoor heating also makes the air very dry.

This Canada student packing list focuses on what’s specific to life there. One big difference: Canada uses 120V power and Type A/B plugs. India uses 230V, so many Indian appliances won’t work in Canada, even with a plug adapter. Chargers for phones and laptops are usually fine, because most support 100-240V.

For the general basics, like luggage, a winter jacket, thermals and gloves, see our 25 things to buy before you fly. For room setup, see our first month abroad checklist. Everything below is Canada-specific.

Documents to carry to Canada

The border officer issues your study permit when you arrive, so keep every document in your cabin bag, not your checked luggage.

• Passport with your Canadian visa (TRV) sticker
• Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction for your study permit
• Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your college or university
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), if your programme needs one
• Proof of funds, such as your GIC certificate and bank statements
• Tuition fee payment receipt
• Academic originals: certificates, marksheets and transcripts
• English test results (IELTS, PTE or TOEFL)
• Proof of accommodation
• Health insurance details, as coverage rules differ by province
• Prescriptions for any medicines you carry, with the generic names

Tip: if you carry CAD 10,000 or more in cash or monetary instruments, you must declare it at the border. After you arrive, apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) before you start any part-time work.

Winter essentials for Canada

1. Fleece balaclava or neck gaiter

In a Canadian winter, the wind chill can make it feel far colder than the thermometer says. A fleece balaclava or neck gaiter covers your face, ears and neck, the parts a scarf often misses.

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2. Ice cleats for shoes

Icy sidewalks are one of the biggest dangers in a Canadian winter. Slip-on ice cleats with metal studs stretch over your boots and give you grip on ice.

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3. Anti-fog spray for glasses

If you wear glasses, they’ll fog up every time you walk from -20°C into a heated building. A quick spray of anti-fog solution keeps your lenses clear.

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4. USB mini humidifier

Indoor heating makes Canadian rooms very dry, which can mean dry skin, cracked lips and poor sleep. A USB-powered humidifier works on any charger or laptop, so the voltage difference isn’t a problem.

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5. Waterproof boot mat

Snowy boots leave puddles of melted snow and salt on your floor. A waterproof boot mat by the door keeps your room clean and dry, and it’s a must in shared residences.

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Power and travel

6. Step-up voltage converter (110V to 220V)

If you want to use a low-power Indian device that only works on 230V, a step-up converter makes it run on Canada’s 120V supply. Check the converter’s wattage is higher than your device’s. Don’t use one with heating appliances like kettles, irons or hair dryers. It’s safer and cheaper to buy those in Canada.

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7. Canada travel guidebook

Reading week, long weekends and summer breaks are when you’ll explore Canada. A good guidebook, like Lonely Planet Canada, helps you plan trips to national parks and cities on a student budget.

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Hostel and residence essentials

Most first-year students in Canada live in a campus residence or a shared basement or apartment. Rooms are often small, and walls can’t be drilled.

8. Over-the-door organiser

It turns the back of your door into storage for shoes, toiletries and winter accessories. There’s no drilling, and it frees up precious floor and wardrobe space.

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9. Laptop security cable lock

Libraries and study halls are shared spaces, and laptops do go missing. A cable lock secures your laptop to a desk while you grab a coffee. Check your laptop has a lock slot, or choose a model with an adhesive anchor.

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10. Adhesive wall hooks

Residences and rentals usually don’t allow nails or drilling. Damage-free adhesive hooks hold towels, bags, keys and coats, and come off cleanly when you move out.

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11. Mesh laundry bags

Shared laundry machines are rough on clothes. Zipped mesh bags protect thermals, woollens and delicates, and keep socks from disappearing.

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12. Personal lock box

In a shared house or residence, keep your passport, cash and spare cards locked away. A small combination lock box fits in a drawer or under your bed.

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What not to pack for Canada

• 230V heating appliances. Indian kettles, irons, hair dryers and heaters won’t work safely on Canada’s 120V supply. Buy these in Canada.
• Heavy winter boots from India. Boots rated for -20°C to -30°C are easier to find, and often better value, in Canada. Buy them in your first weeks, before the first big snowfall.
• Meat and dairy products. Canada restricts meat, dairy and many fresh foods from India. You must declare all food you carry at the border, even if it’s allowed.
• Too many summer clothes. You’ll only need a few for the short summer season.

Quick packing checklist

Frequently asked questions

Do Indian appliances work in Canada? Only if they support 100-240V. Phone and laptop chargers usually do. Most other Indian appliances are 230V only and won’t work on Canada’s 120V supply without a converter.

What plug type does Canada use? Canada uses Type A and Type B plugs, the same as the USA. You’ll need an adapter for Indian plugs.

Should I buy winter clothes in India or Canada? Buy base layers, thermals, gloves and socks in India, where they’re cheaper. Buy heavy winter boots and a parka rated for extreme cold in Canada, where you can find the right warmth ratings.

Can I carry Indian food to Canada? Packed foods like spices, tea and snacks are often allowed, but you must declare all food at the border. Meat and dairy products are restricted.

Ready for Canada?

Canada rewards students who arrive prepared. Pack for the power difference, the ice and the dry winter air, and your first Canadian winter will be much easier.

Planning to study in Canada? Book a free counselling session with our team for honest guidance on colleges, your PAL and your Canadian study permit.

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