What to Bring

Wondering if you should pack along your treasured first edition book collection or leave it at home under your bed? Some things (like your passport) are must-haves, while others (like your pet lizard) are best left at home. Make sure to bring your curiosity and determination. For everything else, take a look through the suggestions below.

Arriving in Canada

When you arrive in Canada, you will be greeted by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) official. You may then be sent to meet with a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) official. These officials will ask to see the documents listed below, so be sure to carry them with you (do not pack them in your checked luggage). You could be refused entry into Canada if any of these documents are missing or if any of the information on them is incorrect:

• valid passport or travel document
• valid temporary resident visa (if required)
• valid study permit or letter of introduction from a Canadian visa office
• admission letter from UVic
• all other documents included in your study permit application
• typed list of items you are bringing into Canada, including all items sent separately

TIP: Make photocopies of all important documents and keep the photocopies in a safe place, separate from the originals.

Additional documentation

Other documents you should bring if they apply to your situation:

• birth certificate or baptismal certificate
• driver’s license
• vehicle registration, license and insurance papers
• immunization, vaccination, dental and health records
• health insurance documents
• marriage certificate or proof of common-law status
• separation or divorce papers
• adoption papers
• language proficiency scores
• official school records or academic transcripts
• letters of reference from former employers
• documents required for entry into other countries you plan to visit

TIP: We recommend that you have your documents translated into English by a qualified translator before coming to Canada.

What should I bring?

You are allowed to bring a reasonable quantity of personal items into Canada, but there are restrictions on things like weapons, narcotics, fireworks, pets, plants, food products and herbal remedies. Current regulations are available on the Canada Border Services Agency website. If you plan to bring many personal items to Canada, consider having them shipped or mailed after you arrive in Victoria.

Clothing

Students at UVic tend to dress casually with an emphasis on comfort and practicality. If you plan to work, you will need business attire for interviews and certain job placements. You may also wish to bring some formal or traditional clothing for special occasions.

Victoria has the mildest climate in all of Canada, but we do have four distinct seasons, and appropriate clothing is required for each. The west coast of Canada is famous for its rain, so you will need a raincoat, waterproof shoes or boots and an umbrella. For winter months, you will also need a warm jacket, gloves or mittens, a scarf and a hat.

TIP: The weather can be difficult to predict at any time of year, so we recommend dressing in removable layers.

Vehicles

Canada has safety and pollution standards for imported vehicles. Visit the Transport Canada website to inform yourself about whether or not your vehicle will be allowed into the country. Your vehicle should be inspected and then registered, licensed and insured in British Columbia. You must also make sure you are legally allowed to drive in BC. Visit the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia website for more information.

Money

Exchange enough currency to cover your immediate expenses in Canada such as airport taxes, food and transportation. Ask for Canadian dollars in denominations of less than $50. Major credit cards are also widely accepted and are a good option for your initial expenses.

Ask your bank at home about the best way to transfer money to Canada. Many international students use a bank draft for large dollar values. You may also wish to purchase some traveller's cheques to cover your expenses for the first month, since most Canadian banks hold bank draft funds for up to four weeks.

TIP: If you arrive in Canada with more than $10,000 Canadian in cash, stocks, bonds, bank drafts, traveller's cheques or money orders, you must disclose this information to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) official at your Canadian port of entry.

Wondering what else to bring? Here are a few suggestions:

• Items that will remind you of home and will help you feel comfortable in your new surroundings, such as photographs of friends and family and your favorite books and music.

• Contact information for your family and friends so you can stay in touch.

• A sleeping bag or blanket, sheets, a pillow and a towel or two.

• A bilingual dictionary or electronic translator if English is not your first language.

• A voltage converter and plug adapter if your appliances and electronic equipment are not compatible with Canadian electricity (110 volts, 60 Hz).

• A one month supply of any medications you require (all medications must be in the original packaging and should be accompanied by a prescription from your physician).