Your Ultimate Guide for a Successful Study Abroad Journey

Preparation for Study in Canada

International students before starting their preparation always have a question on their mind, how to apply for study in Canada. You need to first choose the right university and courses towards a successful study abroad journey. Make sure to look for the universities and programs that are suitable and align with your goals and interests.
You must also need to understand the Canada application process. This involves filling up the online application form, and academic transcripts, and taking your language proficiency tests. Securing a scholarship and funding are also essential to support your living costs and tuition fees in Canada. Lastly, obtaining a student visa is mandatory to get admission into any Canadian institution.

Packing Your Bags to Move For Canada

If you get your admission and visa confirmation the foremost thing you need to prepare is to pack your bags to study in Canada from India. Although it is almost difficult to get all the right items while packing bags. But here we have all the necessary things you must take with you before leaving.

Documents

You will never be allowed to enter Canada without having these important documents, so make sure to carry all essential documents. This includes

• Passport Copy
• Travel Authorization or temporary visa
• Birth Certificate
• Your driving licence
• Letter of intent
• Acceptance letter from your university
• Your academic certificates and documents
• Medical certificates
• GIC documents
• Study Permit Visa

Food

Dried and packaged foods can be brought into Canada but you must have to declare it before moving. Failure to do so will let you pay some charges. Fresh foods and vegetables are also not allowed in the country. Indian spices such as masalas can be brought, but you must label and double-packed them for safe transport. This way you can enjoy your favourite flavours while studying in Canada.

Clothing And Footwear

It's also important to research the climate and culture of the country you are moving to and pack your clothing accordingly. Keep your packing list simple and practical. There is no specific clothing packing list for students moving to study in Canada from India, but the following items are considered essential:

• A weatherproof jacket
• A raincoat (if the country has rainy weather)
• 1-2 pairs of shoes and socks
• A few pairs of undergarments
• 3-4 casual outfits
• 3-4 daily wear outfits
• At least one business outfit
• A towel

These items will ensure you are well-prepared for your new environment and ready to take on any challenges that come your way.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices, such as mobile phones and laptops, are now considered essential items. may not be compatible with those in your home country. The following is a list of essential electronic items that Indian students should include in their packing list when studying abroad:

• Mobile phone and charger
• Laptop and charger
• Universal adaptor

By bringing these items, you'll be able to stay connected and equipped for success in your studies abroad.

Local Currency

Now Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted across the world, but you must have some notes in hand to avoid urgency. You can easily obtain Canadian currency from airport kiosks, foreign exchange desks, or private money exchange businesses. This will ensure that you always have access to the funds you need while abroad.

Medicines

Medicines are an important thing you must have while travelling. Also, make sure to bring a prescription for all your medications, as customs may confiscate them if you don't have proper documentation. By preparing in advance, you can avoid any potential headaches or disappointment during your travels.

Miscellaneous

Other miscellaneous items that can be included in your packing list to study in Canada for Indian students include:

• A backpack for carrying books and assignments to university
• A purse or wallet
• Sunglasses
• Important Jewellery
• A sleeping bag
• A journal or diary
• Bed sheets and pillows
• Office supplies such as paper, pens, and folders

Whether you choose to bring these items from your home country or purchase them in your host country is up to you

Airport procedures in Three Simple Steps

Once you have packed all your belongings in a bag, the next step is your airport checkup. You will have to go through three easy steps before stepping on your feet to study in Canada.

Declaration Card

The Declaration Card is a mandatory form that must be completed and submitted to Canadian customs upon arrival. Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) requires you to declare all the goods in your possession, such as food, sharp objects, cash, and medicine. Failure to declare any items can result in fines, confiscation of goods, or even criminal prosecution.

CSBA Checkpoint

Upon arrival at the Canadian airport, you need to follow airport staff to the first checkpoint of the CBSA. This checkpoint will examine your declaration card, identification documents, and travel papers, and will be asked questions about your travel. If you have not declared an item, you need to inform the officer to avoid any penalties.

Claim Baggage and Second Checkpoint

After the initial inspection, you can retrieve your luggage and proceed with the second CBSA checkpoint, where you need to show your declaration card and receipts of any duties or taxes paid. There will be a thorough inspection of the baggage to ensure the safety of the Canadian environment.

What to Do After Arrival in Canada

Once you have completed your airport process the next thing is to make the transition to Canada as smooth as possible. Below we have discussed all the important things you need to do first

Bank Formalities

To get started in Canada, you need to first set up a bank account, get a phone number and apply for the SIN to work part-time while studying in Canada.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A Social Insurance Number issued by the Canadian government is essential to open a bank account, work, receive government benefits and services, and file taxes. You can apply for a SIN at Service Canada, by presenting your passport and study permit. Once you receive the number, it is important to keep it confidential and not to share it with anyone indiscriminately.

Setting Up A Bank Account

The first step for opening a bank account is to gather all necessary identification documents, including a passport, SIN number, letter of acceptance, study permit, and Canadian driver's licence. However the requirements for bank accounts vary, so it's best to check the specific requirements with your chosen bank.
When selecting a bank, make sure to choose the newcomer student offers, as these can provide savings and benefits such as no service charge and unlimited transactions for a year (as offered by CIBC).

Finding Accommodation In Canada

Finding a place to stay in a new country is quite challenging, but many universities in canada offer residence options or provide resources to find off-campus housing for their students.
However, you can also arrange temporary accommodation in advance after arriving in Canada. This is because searching for a long-term option can be time-consuming and require careful research and consideration. Having temporary housing allows you to take your time in finding the right fit.

Short-Term Stay Options

For short-term stay options to study in Canada for Indian students, you can choose from a variety of options such as Airbnb or hotels through Booking.com. You can also use bed and breakfast through BBCanada.com, and youth hostels. Apart from this Universities also provides temporary accomodation for a few days.

Long-term Stay Options

If you don't want to stay for a shorter time you can also look for a long-term stay in Canada. There are typically two types of long-term stay options for any students who want to study abroad i.e. on-campus and off-campus. Both of these are discussed below

On-campus Accommodations

Living on campus has its own pros and cons, but it's undoubtedly one of the easiest options for students. The university takes care of all the formalities, freeing you from the hassle of paperwork and legalities. One of the biggest benefits of on-campus housing is its proximity to campus, saving you time and allowing you to focus more on your studies.
The cost of on-campus housing ranges from CAD 3000-7500 per year and is largely dependent on the location of your college. Also, make sure to apply for university housing in advance and sign a contract with the university.

Off-campus Accommodation

To find off-campus housing, you can even attend your orientation classes as it gives an opportunity to meet other students and potentially form a group to rent an apartment together, which can save on expenses.
You can also use online resources such as Kijiji, Craigslist, Viewit, and Marketplaces to search for places to stay. Looking for an advertisement or directly contacting the owner, inspecting the property is also a great way to find accommodation.

Cost Of Living and Expenses

After choosing the accommodation types, you need to make a list of your living costs to study in Canada. These are the major expenses you need to spend on studying.

Rent

Rent is mostly dependent on three factors: location, type of housing, and whether you're sharing or not. On average, you can expect to spend 200-450 CAD on shared housing. Living in an apartment, or a detached house without sharing will put a strain on your budget.
If you want your own room, you can consider sharing a house or apartment with others and expect to pay 400-1000 CAD. Also, the cost of housing can be much higher and can go up to 2000-3000 CAD, if you choose a detached house or a townhouse.

Utilities

The utility costs contain electricity, gas, water, internet, and other utilities. Generally, these costs are much higher in larger cities. On average, the cost of electricity in Canada is around CAD 0.18 per kilowatt-hour, while the average cost of natural gas is around CAD 10 per gigajoule.
The cost of water can vary depending on the location, but it is usually charged based on usage. The cost of internet services can range from CAD 50 to CAD 100 per month.

Groceries

Your grocery expenses will depend on your eating habits. For example, cooking at home instead of eating out can save you money and reduce expenses to half. The average cost of cooking at home is around 150-200 CAD per month.

Dining Out

If you like to eat out at least once a week, your expenses could be around 15 CAD per week. If you eat out twice or three times, it could cost you 30-50 CAD. Fast food chains such as McDonald's offer affordable options, but dining at fine restaurants can be expensive.

Miscellaneous

• Movie tickets in Canada cost around 12-20 CAD per person
• A visit to the salon for men costs 40 CAD, while a visit to the salon for women costs 100 CAD.
• Gym memberships cost 40-60 CAD per month.

Transportation Options In Canada

Canada has a well-developed public transportation network in all major cities. You can easily find transport like buses, trains, subways, and taxis for travelling in Canada. Among them, buses are the most affordable mode of transportation, especially for students, and they are the only option for travelling to smaller towns besides cycling or walking.

Students may also opt for travel cards which provide discounts on travel. If you want to save more on travelling, you can also buy or rent bikes in Canada at a reasonable cost. Apart from this, the Transit app is a useful tool that allows you to track all public transportation options in Canada.

Part-time Jobs for Indian Students in Canada

If you want to do a part-time job in Canada while studying you need to first understand the work hours for students. Students are only allowed to work 20 hours per week, with stricter regulations for off-campus jobs. On-campus jobs may offer more than 20 hours of work per week, but it's not guaranteed. Exceeding the permitted hours may result in consequences.
To be eligible for a part-time job in Canada, you must:

• Be a full-time student with a valid study permit
• Have a Social Insurance Number
• Have a bank account

Some of the jobs which are available you can do while studying in Canada are given below.

• Teaching Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA)
• IT-related positions
• Invigilator roles
• Jobs at campus cafes like Tim Hortons or Starbucks as a barista, cashier, chef, cleaner, etc
• Translator for bilingual students who are proficient in English, French, or other languages.

How to Get Part-Time Jobs in Canada

To get jobs on campus, you can seek assistance from your student communities, and clubs, and check university job boards for postings. You can also conduct thorough research to get more job opportunities and maximise your earning potential. A few of the options are:

Networking

Networking is a powerful and convenient way to find a job. You can attend some meetings, seminars, and exhibitions which help you to connect with potential employers. You can also consider joining an industry or organisation, as they often hold regular meetups and catch-ups where you can network effectively. Online platforms like LinkedIn are also useful for building connections and exploring job opportunities.

Apply Online

A company's career page can be found on its website and most often, job openings are posted there for direct application. You must keep an eye on such websites to secure a job.

Job Portals

Job portals are an effective medium to search for jobs. Employers will post job ads on these websites, and all you have to do is apply. Popular job portals in Canada include Kijiji, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Craigslist.

Drop Off Resumes

The best way is to print out copies of your resume and visit various businesses, offices, and shops, inquiring if they have any job openings. During these visits, take the opportunity to make a good impression and increase your chances of getting hired.

Referrals/References

Referrals and references are highly valued in job search, and they can be a great help to secure a job. If you have friends, family, or acquaintances who are already employed, they can refer you for job opportunities. Additionally, your professors, tutors, or even a stranger you meet on the bus can be potential sources of references.

Studying in Canada is an exciting and rewarding experience for students. However, it is important to prepare and plan before to study in Canada for Indian students. By choosing the right strategy you can complete your studies in Canada without any issues. If you want to stay updated and need some assistance to study in Canada, connect with our education consultants in Mumbai now.

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