Eighteen years of my life, packed into two 23-kilogram checked bags.
That's what moving to Canada for university looked like for me.
When my parents helped me pack, it wasn't just about essentials. It was also about the memories I had to decide to take with me and the ones I had to leave behind. Every time we thought we were finally done, after countless rounds of weighing, unpacking and repacking, we'd remember one more thing I absolutely needed to bring.
Looking back, I realize packing was not just about what I would need in Canada. For my parents, it was their way of making sure I would be okay, even when they couldn't be there with me.
And I think that's something many parents and supporters of international students can relate to. How do you help your child pack for a new country, a new school and a completely new chapter of their life?
If your future student is getting ready to start at York, here's the packing advice I wish someone had shared with my family and me.
Must bring: The non-negotiables
Start with the essentials. Keep these important documents together in your student’s carry-on bag:
- Passport
- Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction
- York University offer of admission
- Proof of financial support
- Any additional documents listed in the approval letter
Bring from home: The everyday essentials
Next, think about what your student may need right away or may have difficulty finding in Canada, especially in an emergency.
Consider packing:
- prescription medication in its original packaging;
- a copy of medical prescriptions or doctor’s notes;
- basic medicine your student is familiar with;
- glasses, contact lenses or extra lens solution;
- a portable power bank;
- a travel adapter, if needed; and
- a light jacket or sweater for layering.
Pro tip: Price matters, but don’t pack something just because it’s cheaper at home. If it’s easy to find in Canada, it may not be worth the precious suitcase space.
Buy after arriving: Save the suitcase space
Some things simply aren't worth carrying across the world.
Bedding, pillows, towels, toiletries, laundry baskets, hangers, school supplies and basic household items are easy to find after arriving. A proper winter coat and snow boots can also be purchased locally, where your student can choose something suited to Toronto's weather.
Before packing, check what is already included in your child's accommodation, especially if they are going to be living in residence. You might save more suitcase space than you expect!
Pro tip: Clothing was honestly one of the hardest parts for me. I wanted to bring everything, thinking, “What if I need this later?” But with only two 23-kilogram suitcases, I learned to save space by buying winter clothing, especially a good puffer jacket, after arriving in Canada.
Bring a little piece of home
Finally, once the essentials are packed, leave room for something personal.
For me, the things that made my new place feel like home weren't necessarily practical, but they were meaningful. I brought handwritten letters from my friends and family to read on the plane and kept them with me in Canada as little reminders of encouragement whenever I needed them.
And that's how I would pack my two suitcases all over again: a few kilograms for the essentials, a few for everyday comforts and always a little room for memories from home.
I hope this checklist makes packing a little less overwhelming for you and your student. There will always be one more thing you think you should pack, but trust me, not everything needed for this new chapter has to fit inside a suitcase!