The school year in Canada starts up soon! Students from Canada and around the world will converge on the Sheridan campus — and other colleges and universities across the country — for an exciting start to a new semester.

From orientation days to the first few classes, the new school year can be a bit overwhelming — especially for international students! To help you get settled and make a new home-away-from-home in Ontario, Canada, here's what you should pack:

Your essential documents

Be sure you have access to all the relevant documents you need to study in Canada! We recommend having paper copies with you, and online cloud backups you can easily access on your phone.

• Passport: ensure it's valid for the duration of your stay in Canada
• Study permit, PAL/TAL, school admission letter, tuition receipt
• Vaccination/medical records; prescription details (with generic names)
• Travel & health insurance details; emergency contacts
• Driver's licence, if you have one

Money and banking information

Keep some Canadian currency in your pockets, and make sure you know the details of your bank account back home!

• A small amount of Canadian cash (CAD) for arrival: try the XE.com currency converter to see how CAD compares to your home country's currency
• Debit/credit cards: notify your bank that you'll be studying in Canada
• Proof of finances: you'll need approximately $23,000 CAD per year for living costs

Electronics

Canada's a wealthy country with reliable electricity, internet, and mobile networks, so be sure to bring your devices! The campus bookstore likely stocks anything you can't bring along, though.

• Laptop + charger; phone + charger; headphones
• Plug adapter (Type A/B, 120V, 60Hz) and small power bar. (Canada uses the same electrical outlets as the United States.)
• Portable backup drive/USB
• Unlocked phone for local SIM/eSIM

Clothing for all four seasons

Canada's famous for getting quite cold in the winter, but we get all four seasons here! Winters can be long, wet, and chilly, while summers get quite hot and humid. Most campus buildings and residences will have heating and air conditioning, but dressing in layers is always good advice.

• Everyday: jeans/pants, shorts, t-shirts, sweaters, comfortable shoes for walking
• Rain gear: waterproof jacket, compact umbrella
• Workout/swimwear; a couple of smart outfits for events/interviews
• Winter kit for November through March:
  • insulated parka
  • waterproof boots with good tread
  • thermal base layers
  • warm hat (in Canada this is called a toque)
  • scarf and/or neck protector
  • insulated gloves
  • thermal socks

School supplies

These items will be easy to find at the campus bookstore if you'd rather not bring them from home.

• Notebook(s), pens/highlighters, planner
• Reusable water bottle
• Any program-specific gear (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, art supplies; check with your program requirements before buying!)

Health & toiletries

• Toiletries: toothbrush/floss, deodorant, shampoo/soap, skincare, nail kit
• Personal medications (1–3 months to start) + copies of prescriptions
• Basic first-aid items (bandages, pain/fever meds, cold remedies)

Residence / room items

Sheridan residence buildings include a double bed, a desk and chair, a two-drawer dresser, closet space with storage, and high-speed internet access.

If you're renting a room or apartment of your own, check with the landlord to see if the place comes furnished or not.

• Bedding: sheets, pillow(s), duvet/blanket (Sheridan dorms offer double beds of 54" x 80")
• Quick-dry towels, laundry bag, high-efficiency detergent pods
• Clothes hangers and a small sewing kit for simple repairs
• Reusable shopping bags (many stores charge for bags!)

Kitchenette

Your suite in residence at Sheridan also includes a shared kitchenette, with a refrigerator, table and chairs, microwave, along with counter space, cabinets, and a sink.

• Reusable mug/travel thermos, water bottle
• Basic utensil set, lunch container, leftover food storage containers
• Compact can/bottle opener
• Your favourite non-perishable spices/snacks (sealed; be sure to declare them when entering the country!)

Miscellaneous items

These don't exactly fit into the categories above, but you'll want to have them!

• Glasses/contacts + solution if required; sunglasses
• Refillable transit card holder/wallet lanyard
• Photos or small decor from home
• Backpack/daypack; weekend/duffel bag

What to not pack / double-check

Here are some items to avoid bringing. You may think of others! Remember, in Ontario — and especially the Greater Toronto Area, where the Sheridan campuses are — you'll find all sorts of large and small shops.

• Any appliances larger than a toaster
• Candles/incense (any kind of smoke or open flame is not permitted in residence buildings)
• Fresh meats/produce
• Too many clothes — in Ontario, thrift & budget stores are plentiful

Consider this your ready-for-Canada checklist! You can learn more about residence life at Sheridan in this short YouTube video, and get all your questions answered on the Sheridan Residence webpage.

We look forward to seeing you on campus!