What to Bring?

Presented below is a comprehensive list of things you should bring to Canada. Please note that almost all the items mentioned below are readily available in Victoria – i.e. this is not a list of “must haves”. However, the list is prepared with a view of minimizing your initial expenditure upon arriving in Canada and to provide a checklist to help students who might be leaving home for the first time. But keep in mind the baggage weight restrictions of your airline.

Documents:

  1. Passport (with stamped VISA)
  2. Study Permit
  3. Letter of Acceptance from UVic
  4. Letter of Financial Aid (if present)
  5. Graduation diploma/degree (if available)
  6. Transcripts/Mark-sheets of previously attended schools
  7. Any other bonafide certificates/documents

Note: Remember to carry important documents like your Letter of Acceptance from the University, Study Permit Passport in your carry-on luggage so that they are easily accessible.

Clothes & Accessories:

  1. Pants.
  2. Light T-shirts (Summer-wear).
  3. Thick T-shirts (or Sweatshirts).
  4. Causal Shoes.
  5. Formal shirts & trousers / Dresses.
  6. Formal Blazer or Suit.
  7. Formal Leather Shoes (carry shoe-polish too).
  8. Neck-ties/ Bowties.
  9. Belts.
  10. Jackets for the Fall.
  11. Woolen Cap (Touque).
  12. Traditional Outfits (Kurta-Pyjamas/Sarees – for ethnic functions).
  13. Socks.
  14. Wallets.

Toiletries:

  1. Toothbrushes & Toothpaste.
  2. Razors.
  3. Packets of shaving blades (expensive here!).
  4. Shaving cream.
  5. After-shave lotion.
  6. Shampoo & Body wash.
  7. Deodorant/perfume.
  8. Bottle hair-oil.
  9. Towels.
  10. Comb.
  11. Nail Cutter.
  12. Makeup.

Miscellaneous Items:

  1. Umbrella/Rain Coat.
  2. Bag/backpack.
  3. Stationery set.
  4. Can Opener.
  5. Sewing Kit (needles, thread, buttons, safety-pins, scissors, etc.)
  6. Small/Travel toolkit.
  7. Watch.
  8. Alarm clock.

Medical Kit:

Note: Please carry prescriptions from your doctor for any chronic illness or medical condition. If you use spectacles/lenses, carry an extra pair (a new pair of glasses is very expensive in Canada). It is also advised to have an eye and dental check-up prior to coming to Canada.

  1. Paracetamol/Ibuprofen.
  2. Band-aids and Bandages
  3. Ointments for burns, cuts, etc.
  4. Anti Histamines.
  5. IPain relieving sprays/ointments.
  6. Moisturising cream.

Doctors Visit and other medical services are expensive here with a simple visit costing you upwards of $80. All residents of BC are required to apply for the provincial Medical Insurance known as Medical Service Plan – MSP. However, it activates after 3 months. Inthe meantime, it is highly recommended to get a private medical insurance.

For more information on MSP Click here – BC MSP.

UVic recommends the use of AON Medical Program to cover your experiences for 3 months.

Utensils:

Note: If you know who you room-mates will be, it might be a good idea to share/distribute the utensils to be carried. Do carry a few recipe books if you are not familiar with cooking. If you are living in UVic Dorms, you don’t have a place to cook.

  1. Non-stick Frying pan.
  2. Cooker – 5 litres.
  3. Rolling pin set (OPTIONAL)
  4. Kitchen knives.
  5. Peeler.
  6. Cooking spoons.
  7. Cutting board.
  8. Dinner plates.
  9. Plastic Bowls.
  10. Eating spoons.
  11. Coffee mug.
  12. Small PET bottles for salt, spices, etc.

Food Items:

WARNING: Canadian Immigration strictly prohibits carrying food, meat, vegetables, fruits, seeds, etc. into Canada. Your baggage might be subject to a security check and inspection by sniffer-dogs at the airport. If you do not declare that you are carrying any of these items in your customs declaration form, and if you are caught carrying any of the above items, they will be confiscated, and you WILL BE BLACKLISTED and will be detained the next time you travel. However, our experience at the airports is that you are normally allowed to bring in sealed packets of spices.