Top 9 Things to know before going to Canada

Things to know before going to Canada-Preparing for college can be overwhelming especially traveling to a different country to study. However, With the right preparations, documents, and information, it will be easy to settle in.

Once your Canadian student visa is approved, the next thing is for you to prepare and it is important you know the things you need before traveling. so In this article, I will share with you nine important things you need to know before going to Canada.

Things to know before going to Canada

Financial Plan

A financial plan is important as you are leaving for Canada. It is advisable to get the funds for tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, feeding, and other necessities. Depending on your job paying all these bills can be really stressful, especially the first few months.

You might not get a job immediately after you get to Canada, so it is important you get at least the tuition fee for the first study year and at least ($12,000 CAD) to cover your accommodation for the first few months, feeding, transportation, and healthcare insurance.

International students must show a certain amount of money in their accounts. this money proves that they can pay for their tuition fees and take care of themselves till the end of their program. if you are coming with your family it will certainly be more than that.

Accommodation

Before leaving for Canada, it is very important to get accommodation as you do not want to get stranded when you first arrive, Even if you have a family or friend in Canada, you must ask for permission before going there and try not to stay more than a week because it is not easy paying bills. So here are the types of accommodation you can get in Canada, so it all depends on the one you can afford.

Private apartments: These are usually more expensive, and it is sometimes advisable to find a roommate to split the cost with. This also means spending more money on transportation because the houses are not on campus so they are not close to the class.
On-campus accommodation: This is a situation where the university provides accommodation for students though they are not free but cheaper than staying outside the campus. They are always In high demand most especially for new students and you also get to save transportation money because they are close to the lecture hall.

Health care Insurance

It is a must for an international student to have basic health insurance. Most provinces do not provide publicly funded insurance so in a situation where your province falls under that list, you can either get private health insurance or get health insurance provided by the university.

Weather and Clothing

Unlike other countries, Canada can get cold and if the country you are coming from is not so cold talk more of (-30 degrees Celsius) type of cold, it is advisable you get at least three or four winter jackets, thick socks, warm sleepwear, scarves, waterproof boots from your home country before arriving in Canada. it might take weeks to locate the stores where they are sold so in order not to fall sick it is wise you buy some to cope with the cold for the main time.

Job

Before leaving for Canada make the decision if you want to work or not when you get there. The Canadian government has been really nice to permit students to work while they study. As an international student, you can work on or off campus depending on the condition of your study permit.

Students work 20 hours per week and full-time during breaks. Working while studying can be really stressful but it can help cover some bills. also, remember that when asked at the airport if you want to work when you get to Canada, say yes so they can grant you a work permit.

Driving license

You can be allowed to drive in Canada if you are an international student. As an international planning to drive in Canada, yore required to get your international driving permit before arriving in Canada. It is important to get your international driving license from your home country because it is expensive and not very easy and also takes a long time to get it in Canada.

Research about Canada

Do some research about the course you intend to study, the school, and the province you will like to stay and visit. Canada has so many beautiful places to see and planning things like this ahead, you won’t be so confused and also save toward it.

Documents Needed to Study in Canada

After you have done your research, the next important thing to do is get all the necessary documents required available.

Get your valid passport(it should not expire in less than six months)
A copy of your bank statement
Police clearance report
Letter of acceptance from your school
Immigration medical exam report
Study permit visa

Food

As we all know food is very important. Moving to a different country, also means the food will be different from what you are used to in your home country. while arranging your clothes, you can also make provision for food that is not easily perishable and also check that this food is not prohibited at the airport.

I hope this article was able to help with the things you need to know about before going to Canada. If you need help or assistance with your Studies in Canada, you can visit our Study Abroad page or send us a message using the Contact Us page.