Starting your study journey in Canada can be both exciting and life-changing. Proper preparation before departure can help international students adapt more smoothly and confidently to their new life in Canada. Below are some important things students are recommended to prepare before arriving in Canada.

📄Confirm Eligibility and Prepare Required Documents

To enter Canada as an international student, you must:

• Hold a valid Study Permit or a Letter of Introduction showing your study permit has been approved (unless you are exempt from requiring a study permit); and
• Be enrolled in a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

⚠️Before travelling to Canada, carefully review all your documents and ensure that the information is correct. If you notice any errors, contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as soon as possible.

Documents You Should Prepare Before Entering Canada

• Valid travel document (such as a passport)
• Port of Entry Letter of Introduction or a valid Study Permit
• Copy of your official Letter of Acceptance from your school
• Valid electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), visa, valid U.S. Green Card (if applicable), or other valid travel documents
• Proof of sufficient financial support for your studies and living expenses in Canada
• No criminal or immigration-related convictions (unless pardoned or deemed rehabilitated)
• Valid immigration medical examination results (if applicable) and good health condition

✨For more details, please refer to the official Government of Canada website.

🏡Arrange Accommodation

1️⃣School Residence / Dormitory

School residences are managed by universities or colleges and are usually located near campus, making them convenient for new students adjusting to campus life.

• University of British Columbia: Students may apply for residence while applying for admission. If residence was not requested during the admission application process, students should monitor the university website for updates, application procedures, and deadlines.
• Simon Fraser University: Students are required to complete and submit their housing application through MyPlace@SFU. Please refer to the university website for detailed application information and deadlines.
• University of Toronto: All first-year full-time students entering a postsecondary program for the first time in the 2026–2027 academic year are guaranteed residence if they submit a residence application by March 31 and receive and accept an admission offer by June 2. Students who miss the deadline may still apply and join the waitlist. Please visit the university website for further details.

2️⃣Homestay

Homestay allows students to live with local Canadian families. Some homestays include meals and can help students improve their English communication skills and better understand Canadian culture. Many schools offer homestay arrangement services for international students.

3️⃣Off-Campus Rental Apartment / Shared Housing

Off-campus housing is suitable for students seeking greater independence and flexibility. Some schools also provide off-campus housing support services to help students find suitable and safe accommodation.

⚠️Before signing a rental agreement, carefully review all terms and avoid paying large deposits before confirming the legitimacy of the rental property.

💳Financial Preparation

Before departure, students are encouraged to prepare:

• A small amount of Canadian cash
• Credit cards or debit cards that can be used internationally

This helps ensure sufficient financial flexibility during the initial period after arrival.

Students are also advised to prepare the necessary documents for opening a Canadian bank account and to plan their initial living and transportation expenses in advance to avoid financial difficulties.

🌦️Understanding Canada’s Weather and Packing Preparation

Canada is a large country with significant climate differences between provinces and cities. Students are encouraged to research local weather conditions in advance and prepare appropriate clothing and winter essentials.

Weather in British Columbia

• Major Cities: Vancouver and Victoria
• Winter: Relatively mild temperatures with frequent rain, especially during fall and winter
• Summer: Comfortable weather with less snowfall compared to many other parts of Canada.
• In addition to warm clothing, waterproof items such as rain jackets and waterproof outerwear are highly recommended

Weather in Alberta

• Major Cities: Calgary Edmonton
• Winter: Cold and dry with heavy snowfall. Temperatures may occasionally drop below -20°C
• Summer: Sunny with noticeable temperature differences between daytime and nighttime
• Students should prepare sufficient winter clothing. Some heavy winter jackets may also be purchased locally in Canada, which are often better suited to the local climate

Weather in Ontario

• Major Cities:Toronto and Ottawa
• Winter: Cold with frequent snowfall
• Summer: Warm and humid
• Ontario experiences four distinct seasons, so students are advised to prepare both warm winter clothing and lightweight summer clothing to adapt to seasonal changes comfortably

Related Articles:

Sources: Study permit: Prepare for arrival – Canada.ca, Student Residence | University of British Columbia, Application process – Residence and Housing – Simon Fraser University, Housing | Future Student. University of Toronto