What to pack when studying abroad in Canada?
Canada is one of the most livable countries in the world with a plethora of shopping centers and supermarkets where you can find everything that you need.
However, for long-distance travel, it is still very important to pack those essential, oftentimes costly items that you desperately rely on. Unsure what those items might be? This article will tell you which essential items we recommend packing when studying abroad in Canada – and Vancouver, specifically.
Figuring out what to leave and what to take with you is a confusing process, for this reason a packing checklist might be a good solution.
Additionally, take into consideration that most airlines have weight restrictions. For carry-on baggage, the average is 10 kg or 22 lb. For checked luggage, the average is 20 kg or 50 lb, depending on the airline you are travelling with. Please review the baggage restrictions to make sure the weight and size are correct prior to travel.
Here are some tips on what you can bring and what you can buy in Vancouver, Canada:
Vancouver Climate
Vancouver has a moderate oceanic climate that is protected by mountains and warmed by ocean flow, making it one of the warmest cities in Canada. Also, Vancouver does have seasons, as a result, the weather can vary from warm around (20°– 30°) to cold around (10°– 0°), depending on the season.
What essential items you should pack
Try to be as practical as possible while packing, as it is not possible to bring every item you need. Here is a list of the most important things you cannot forget:
Official documentation (Passport, Cards, University documents, etc.)
Medical insurance papers or card
Canadian money: 200$ CAD for travel expenses or emergencies
Winter and Summer clothes
Travel adaptors and chargers for electrical devices
Credit or debit cards
Hygiene items (Toothbrush, Tissues, Creams, Cosmetics, etc.)
Personal items (Photographs, memories, etc.)
Medicines (if needed)
What to buy when you arrive in Vancouver
Not everything is going to make the plane. Because of this, we recommend buying the following in Canada:
Household products
Pillows and sheets
Appliances and utensils for cooking
Clothing
Food
Local retail stores and supermarkets
Some of the supermarkets or retail stores that are close to the Acsenda School of Management campus and have a good diversity of products are:
Safeway (1766 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1E2)
BestBuy (798 Granville St Suite 200, Vancouver, BC V6Z 3C3)
London Drugs ( 710 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1E4)
Whole Foods (1675 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C8)
Also, other supermarkets that are in other areas of the city but are really useful too are Real Canadian Superstore, Walmart, Loblaws, etc. Some of the drugstores that can help with medicines or personal care are:
Shoppers Drug Mart (586 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1X5)
Rexall Drug Store (1055 W Georgia St #122, Vancouver, BC V6E 3P3)
Therefore, for more help with anything prior to arrival, please contact Acsenda for more information.