The Essential Packing List: Things Indian Students Must Carry to Canada

What are the most important things Indian students must carry when moving to Canada? What are the Indian things not easily available in Canada? Here is an article detailing the packing list for Canada.

First of all, congratulations! I’m sure it has been an anxious journey so far. And you have tons of questions including what should you carry when moving from India to Canada on a student visa.

Immigrating to a new country can be an overwhelming experience, especially for students leaving their home country to study in a foreign land. Moving from India to Canada can be both exciting and challenging, and there are certain things that students must consider before packing their bags. In this article, we will discuss the essential things that Indian students should carry with them to Canada and the things that they might not get there.

There is a detailed article with a list of essential items for families to carry from India to Canada. While a lot of items on this list for students are similar, here is a list specifically for Indian students to carry from India to Canada.

Must-Have Things to Carry from Canada to India

1. Valid Passport and Student Visa

Duh! The first and foremost important thing that students must carry with them when immigrating to Canada is a valid passport and student visa. It is essential to ensure that these documents are up-to-date and easily accessible, as they are required for travel and entry into Canada.

2. Warm Clothing and Winter Gear

Canada is known for its harsh winters, and students from India may not be accustomed to such weather conditions. It is crucial to carry warm clothing such as sweaters, jackets, gloves, caps and boots to stay warm during the winter months. It is also essential to bring winter gear such as a snowsuit, a scarf, and a hat to protect against the cold and snow. I recommend buying Decthalon or Columbia jackets that are good for extreme winters.

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3. Prescription Medications

If you are on prescription medications, it is vital to bring an adequate supply of medication for the duration of your stay in Canada. Ensure that you carry a copy of your prescription, and it is recommended to consult with a doctor in India before leaving for Canada. Also, purchase a first-aid kit.

4. Indian Spices and Ingredients

Well, you do get everything here but you may want to carry Indian spices and ingredients for initial days. It is recommended to carry a supply of essential spices and ingredients such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala to make Indian dishes in Canada.

5. International Credit/Debit Card

It is essential to carry an international credit or debit card that can be used in Canada. This will enable students to access their funds and make purchases without any hassles. Ensure that the card is activated for international transactions before leaving India. Consider buying a cardholder for organizing things.

6. Personal Documents

Students should also carry their personal documents such as birth certificates, educational certificates, and medical records. These documents can come in handy when applying for scholarships or jobs in Canada. Carry a folder to keep the documents organized.

7. Adapters and Converters

Canada uses a different electrical system than India, so it is essential to carry adapters and converters for electronic devices. This will enable students to charge their phones, laptops, and other electronic devices without any issues.

8. A Valid Driving License

If you have a valid driving license from India, it is recommended to carry it with you to Canada. It can be used to obtain an international driving permit, which will enable you to drive in Canada for a limited time.

Things Indians Do Not (Easily) Get in Canada

You get everything in Canada! There is hardly anything I can think of that you will not find in Canada (except specific medicines and Indian books). But some items may not be easily available. It is recommended to carry some of these things to get you by till the time you don’t find out where to find more of those somewhere around you.

Maggi: Kidding!! You get Maggi easily at the international section in Walmart/No Frills etc. and Indian stores; don’t bother getting the packets or Maggi masala here 🙂

Traditional Clothes: Canada is a multicultural country, and Indian clothes, such as sarees, salwar kameez, and kurta-pyjama, are not readily available. Carry some traditional clothes for cultural events and festivals. Trust me, you’d regret not getting them. I’ve had colleagues who didn’t think they’d need them but come festival time, they wished they had carried some.

Regional Snacks: Not a bad idea to get some our your favourite regional snacks or savouries from the shop near your home. Again, stores such as Patel Brothers, Panchvati, Iqbal Brothers etc offer groceries and snacks from different regions. But there is no harm in carrying some to nibble on when you initially feel homesick.

Religious Items: If religious, carry idols and religious items to perform their daily rituals.

Indian Books and Magazines: If you’re like me and have not transitioned to Kindle yet, get some Indian books and magazines if you like. Eventually, you should become a library member and enjoy the option of getting 50 books at a time 🙂

Ayurvedic Medicines: Carry the Ayurvedic medicines you’re used to or the prescribed Ayurvedic medicines along with a doctor’s prescription.

In conclusion, immigrating from India to Canada can be an exciting and challenging experience for students. However, with proper planning and preparation, they can make the transition smoother. Students should carry essential things, such as valid documents, warm clothes, medicines, power adapters, and money. They should also consider carrying things that are not readily available in Canada, such as spices and masalas, traditional clothes, religious items, Indian books and magazines, and Ayurvedic medicines. With these things in hand, Indian students can make Canada feel like their second home.

Bonus: Cultural Shocks for Indian Students in Canada

Moving to a new country like Canada can be an exciting experience, but it can also bring cultural differences that may cause some culture shock. Here are some cultural differences that Indian students may experience when studying in Canada:

1. Communication Style: Canadians tend to be more direct and straightforward in their communication style compared to Indians, who may be more indirect and use more flowery language. This difference in communication style may take some time for Indian students to get used to. Read about Common Canadianisms [Unique words in Canada] here.
2. Punctuality: Canadians are generally punctual and expect others to be on time as well. In contrast, Indians tend to have a more relaxed attitude towards punctuality. Indian students may find it challenging to adjust to the Canadian way of being on time.
3. Social Norms: Canadian social norms may be different from those in India. For example, physical touch, such as hugging or kissing, is not as common in Canada as it is in India. Students may need to learn and understand Canadian social norms to avoid any misunderstandings or awkward situations.
4. Food: Indian cuisine is known for its spices and flavours, which may not be readily available in Canada. Indian students may need to adjust to the different types of food available in Canada and learn to cook their own meals.
5. Weather: Canada has a cold climate for most of the year, which may be very different from the weather in India. Indian students may need to adjust to the new climate and learn to dress appropriately for the weather.

Keep an open mind, learn about Canadian culture and customs, and be willing to adapt to their new surroundings!