Ultra-detailed preparation guidance for studying in Canada

Have many friends who have got the Canadian Offer already started to prepare for studying abroad? It's probably the first time for everyone to leave their parents and go to such a far place alone. How excited and uneasy they are. It doesn't matter. I'm here to ensure everything goes smoothly for everyone! I have specially prepared super-detailed pre-trip guidance for everyone to study abroad, and I am not afraid of it!

Preparing luggage

The first step to Canada is luggage preparation. Students can check two pieces of luggage free of charge, with the sum of three sides of each piece not exceeding 158cm, and each piece weighs 23kg, that is, the maximum free check-in amount is 46kg, the hand luggage is 5kg, and the sum of three sides is not exceeding 15cm, and the weight can be slightly exceeded, but not too much, otherwise a high fine will be paid. It is suggested that heavy books and certificates should be put in suitcases, and sharp ironware such as knives and liquids should be put in checked luggage. However, it is not advisable to have too much luggage abroad. For one thing, what you buy at home may not be shared locally. Secondly, students may move frequently due to school transfer or other factors, and it is very troublesome to have too many things.

Food

It is forbidden for individuals to bring fresh meat, vegetables, fruits and plants in Canada. Never bring these things. The food carried must be vacuum-packed and sealed canned, but not too much, because Canadian customs officials have the right to quarantine these items. Take less cigarettes and alcohol, because you have to pay a lot of taxes if you exceed it. Condiments can be bought in Canada, but they are not suitable for the tastes of people in northern China. Snacks are few in variety and expensive there, so you can choose to carry them according to your hobbies and tastes.

Money

China stipulates that each person can carry at most 2, RMB or 5, US dollars and the equivalent foreign currency, while Canada stipulates that those who carry 1, Canadian dollars or more must declare to the customs, and offenders will be severely punished. It may not be safe for overseas students to carry a large amount of cash with them. For large sums of money, they can be handled by traveler's checks, money orders or international credit cards. These three methods are common in the world and convenient. At present, many banks in China offer this service. Among them, traveler's checks need not be exchanged in foreign countries, while money orders need to be exchanged in foreign countries.

documents

passports, visas, two-inch photos, degree certificates, diplomas and official transcripts, original English transcripts such as TOEFL and IELTS, admission notices and tuition receipts. If you want to contact the school again when you arrive in Canada, you can use the notarization of graduation certificates and transcripts. In addition, applying for immigration may also require information when applying for a visa.

Books

English-Chinese translation of Longman and Chinese-English translation dictionary (subject to American pronunciation), English grammar books, reference books for various subjects, TOEFL and IELTS reference books, and personal favorite Chinese and English books. If you are in French-speaking Canada, it is recommended to bring a French-Chinese dictionary.

Stationery

Multifunctional calculator (required for math class), ballpoint pen, 2B pencil, eraser, stapler, notebook, ruler, gel pen, scissors, pencil case, advanced quick translation (required), shoulder bag, and purse. The backpack can be used as a schoolbag or for short trips. It should be big and strong. The purse is very practical and convenient to carry, and valuable items and certificates can be packed in it and carried with you.

Drugs

Canada implements the policy of separation of medicines. Every time a doctor sees a doctor, the doctor writes a prescription and goes to the pharmacy to fill it himself, and the cost of dispensing medicine is 1-12 Canadian dollars each time. If you prescribe drugs like anti-inflammatory drugs, you must have a doctor's prescription. So be sure to bring enough commonly used drugs, especially commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs, and commonly used Chinese patent medicines can also be used. Foreign students should choose the medicines to bring according to their physical conditions, including cold, anti-inflammatory, fever-reducing, diarrhea-relieving, pain-relieving, vitamins, eye drops, stomach medicines, medicines for traumatic injuries, dermatology, gynecology (female), thermometers and medical cotton swabs. Sunscreen is a must-have. The sky in Canada is blue and transparent. If you are not careful, you will get sunburned. Locals wear sunscreen when they go out.

Bedding

Hosting families will prepare quilts, mattresses, pillows and other necessary items for international students, and they can bring their own quilts, sheets, pillow towels and blankets. Students from non-boarding families can bring quilts, not thick ones, because heating in Canada is very good. (Note that textiles in Canada are more expensive)

Clothes

are simple with national customs, and daily clothes are mainly practical, not paying attention to brand-name styles, and clothes are more casual, mainly for leisure. It is suitable for foreign students to bring ordinary jeans, T-shirts, coats, windbreakers, etc., and only one suit is needed for formal ceremonies. Clothes should be strong, because they need to be dried, which is easy to damage clothes. It is recommended to wash new clothes before taking them to see if they fade or shrink. Winter in Canada is very cold, so down jackets are essential. If you want to choose a big hat, it is best to have one that is knee-length and two that are short. Snow boots are also essential, but it is best to buy them locally, because the quality of snow boots in China is not too hard. Hats, gloves and scarves are also essential. Sweaters and trousers can be taken, but not too thick, because the average indoor temperature in winter is about 2-25 degrees, and cardigan can be worn, which is convenient for putting on and taking off after going indoors. Underwear, underwear and socks should be brought, including jackets, pajamas, shorts, leather shoes, sandals, slippers, travel shoes, etc. Don't bring leather clothes, because Canadians are mostly animal protectors, and wearing leather clothes will cause their dissatisfaction.

computers and software

if you bring computers from China to Canada, it depends on whether the brand provides international warranty. The price of computers in Canada is generally similar to that in China. At the same time, you can install all the software you need in the computer. Of course, you can also take some favorite software with you before going abroad, or carve the required information into a CD-ROM for storage. Now that the Internet is developed, a lot of software can also be obtained through the Internet. Digital cameras, video cameras, MP3 players, and USB flash drives should be brought, because they are very useful. However, there are many fewer varieties in Canada than in China.

electrical appliances

The voltage of electrical appliances in Canada is 11 volts. Students should pay attention to this. The computer can take it, because its power supply voltage has two grades, 11 volts and 22 volts. Earphones, electronic clocks and other small electrical appliances can be purchased in China, and batteries are very expensive in the local area. It is best to buy rechargeable batteries and chargers. You can bring more than a few sticky hooks. Landlords are generally not allowed to set nails on the wall, but only use sticky hooks. You must buy a wallet that can hold multiple cards. When you get there, you will soon have several cards, such as bank cards, credit cards, health cards and driver's licenses. In addition, you can bring some small gifts to the local people, such as Chinese knots, Chinese paper-cuts, sandalwood fans, cloisonne and silk scarves, which are very popular among foreigners.

Canada Entry Guide

Studying in Canada usually comes through Toronto Pearson International Airport (YVZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The entry procedure is very simple, just the following steps:

Entry registration

When you fly, a flight attendant will give you an entry registration card for Canada. The card has two sides, one in English and the other in French. When you fill it out on the plane, you don't have to fill it out at the Canadian border inspection, which can save time. The certificate number on the card is the passport number, not the ID number. After disembarking, customs officials will check with the actual items according to the contents of the declaration form.

document preparation

prepare passports, visas and customs declaration forms (which have been filled out on the plane). International students who come to Canada for the first time should also bring their own admission notice and landing papers issued by the Canadian Embassy in China.

Entry

Get off the international flight, follow the crowd, and after going up and down some steps, you will arrive at the customs entry hall. After entering the lobby, go to Canada Immigration to apply for Study Permit. First, queue up. Then, when it's your turn, you will go to the immigration officer's counter where the light is on. The immigration officer will review your passport and visa, check your admission notice and tuition receipt, and ask you some questions in English, such as which university to stay in Canada and when to go home. You must answer in English, and then he will take back your landing paper, send you a Study permit, and put it directly on your passport. The immigration staff will also stamp your passport and customs application form. It is important to pay special attention to the fact that international students queue up to get the Study Permit for the first time, and don't rush to get their luggage. Remember this is a very important link, because the Canadian immigration law stipulates that the immigration officer at the landing site has the right to refuse anyone entry. Don't think that everything will be fine if you have arrived. The immigration officer has the right to refuse you entry if he is not satisfied with your answer. The entry formalities must be at the first landing place (that is, the first city where the plane arrives in Canada). Study Permit must not be lost, because it is very important, and it has the school and course you attended and the expiration date of your visa.

claim your baggage

after you have gone through the immigration formalities, you can claim your checked baggage in front of the baggage conveyor belt, and trolleys are available at the baggage claim area. Baggage carts are used free of charge at Vancouver Airport, and can only be pushed out by coin carts at Toronto Airport (Canadian dollars or US dollars coins can be prepared in advance, and the airport also has exchange places), and some fees will be refunded when returned. The checked baggage is placed on the baggage carousel, and a display shows the flight number next to or in the middle of each baggage carousel. Find the carousel of your corresponding flight and take away the checked baggage. You'd better make certain marks on your luggage, such as sticking stickers or tying ropes, so that you can find your suitcase at a glance and save a lot of time.

Customs inspection

After retrieving the luggage, push the car and follow the "Exit" sign, take the customs declaration form in your hand and give it to the customs officer at the door. Sometimes the customs officers will ask for a spot check of your hand-held or random luggage. If necessary, they will scan your luggage and even ask you to open it. If there are electrical appliances in it, it must be fully charged and equipped with batteries, otherwise it will be subject to customs duties. The checked luggage is stamped with an inspection stamp or affixed with a note to indicate that the inspection is completed. It takes one hour from the landing of the plane to the completion of customs clearance.

tips for daily life in Canada

1. how does the voltage in Canada match the domestic appliances?

the electricity supply in Canada is 11V/6Hz, while that in China is 22V/5Hz. The power supply systems connected to residential buildings in Canada are 24V and 11V, of which 24V is provided for electric furnaces and dryers. If you want to bring electrical appliances from China to Canada, you need to use a transformer to convert them. In addition, in Canada, basically all plugs are vertical and round, while many electrical appliances in China are three-pin plugs, so it is necessary to bring several conversion plugs!

2. Can a foreign driver's license be directly changed into a Canadian driver's license?

Canadian driver's licenses are divided into three levels: G \ \ \ G1 \ \ \ G2. G1 driver's license can be obtained by passing the written test. With it, you can drive on the road accompanied by qualified drivers, but you can't drive independently. You can only go on the road independently after taking the G2 card, and you can take the permanent license G card after one year.

Because there is no traffic driving agreement between China and Canada, the domestic driver's license cannot be used directly in Canada. The domestic driver's license has been notarized (it must be certified by the Foreign Affairs Office where the household registration is located, and then by the Canadian Embassy in China). After arriving in Canada, it must be translated by a qualified professional organization before the transportation department can recognize it. However, the notarized driver's license is only used to take the G2 test immediately after obtaining the G1 photo, and is not limited by one year's driving experience. American and international driver's licenses can be used in Canada, but the insurance premium is more expensive. American driver's license for two years can be directly exchanged for Canadian G driver's license without examination. China driver's license with two years or more can be exempted from the eight-month waiting period after the written test, and take the G2 test immediately.

3. About public sports facilities in Canada

In Canada, people who use free public sports facilities (universities and community centers) will voluntarily quit after a period of time, and enjoy the resources. After all, they are built with public taxpayers' money. For example, public free tables and venues, you can always use them when no one is there, and when someone is waiting, you should take the initiative to quit and give them to others in an hour or so; If there are many people waiting, the time will be shorter to avoid others waiting. In addition, there is also a reserve time slot, which will not be used all the time just because you come first. If someone else reserve a certain period of time, you can only give it to others.