Let’s say, you have completed your graduation and are looking at continuing your education abroad. One of the most important questions that you will be asked by parents and a relative at this point is, “Where are you planning to study?” Most students would look at the top 3 study destinations namely, USA, UK and Australia. However, there are a few other countries that you could consider in your pursuit for quality education. Canada is one of them. Canada’s universities feature among the top ranking universities in the world. Furthermore, the degrees offered by Canadian universities are rated at par with degrees obtained from universities in USA. These are a couple of benefits of studying in Canada. Now, let us look at 8 must do things for students planning to study in Canada:
- Arrange your accommodation before you fly: Canada is an extremely cold country but the locals are warm and welcoming. This could be helpful in arranging for accommodation before you touch down and it does make sense to arrange for proper housing to ward off the cold. Make sure you arrange for something suitable and cozy, even if it is temporary.
- Familiarize yourself with the spirit of belongingness: Along with the warm and welcoming people in Canada, the students in your university will also do their bit and make you feel at home. Furthermore, all the students exhibit a sense of pride in their university. As proof of this, you will see majority of the students in your university wearing shirts with the university’s logo printed. It would help break the ice with new friends, if you were to take efforts for being a part of social groups and clubs at the university. This will ensure that you flow with the spirit of your fellows!
- Participate in the International Orientation Week: The International Orientation Week is that time of the year when you get to meet your classmates and build meaningful relationships. It is also a helpful way to get rid of homesickness.
- Remember to carry extra cash: It is always a good idea to carry enough local currency with you to meet emergency needs. You might need to purchase extra course material at the nth hour. Another thing that you could do is to contact the International Student Center in your university for complete information on fees and other miscellaneous expenses. This will help you be prepared and manage your finances in a better manner.
- The Canadian education system is different compared to other education systems in the world: Once the program begins, you will be surprised to know that there are fewer classes but a huge amount of assignments and homework to do. You might also be relieved to learn that you have actually received good grades on these assignments. Hence, it would be essential to understand the difference between the Canadian education system and other education systems in the world. This should be the most important thing to do on your agenda.
- Layer yourself with plenty of warm clothes: Canada is a cold country. Hence, be sure to pack as many warm clothes as possible. In fact, you might also want to pack your boots and winter coats to avoid buying the stuff in Canada. Nevertheless, there are weight restrictions and you might not be able to carry all your winter clothes. If you are travelling to Canada in the fall season, you could manage with a few clothes and ask your relatives or friends to get your other stuff for you when they come to Canada. However, if you are travelling to the country in the month of January, you wouldn’t be able to step out of the airport without wearing your boots and coat. In such cases, you could try to wear some stuff while leaving your home country, although you might end up looking a little foolish.
- Explore the country: You could use your holidays or weekends to go on road trips and explore the country. After all, studying abroad doesn’t necessarily mean confining yourself to the university campus, does it? Use this time to explore the culture and witness the picturesque beauty of the country.
- Brush up on your French: Canada has two official languages: English and French. Although you might have chosen a course that would be taught in English, it would be a good idea to brush up on your French by choosing to pair up with a language buddy.
These were some preparation tips for students planning to study in Canada.
