Complete access that does not depend on a new number before departure
Check that the phone is unlocked and that essential email, banking, school and social accounts can use an authenticator or backup route. Download the accommodation address, school phone, insurance information and offline maps. Do not wait until the old SIM fails to discover that every verification code goes only to it.
Confirm the network boundary at campus and home
Ask the school and accommodation whether Wi-Fi covers rooms, requires a portal login, limits devices and how the password is obtained on arrival. Attendance, online coursework and family contact have different needs; ‘Wi-Fi available’ does not establish that every setting will work.
Compare plans against the real city and activity radius
Canadian coverage can change between city, suburb and intercity travel. Use the official cellular-tower map to understand the infrastructure at a high level, then ask a carrier about its specific coverage statement, roaming, hotspot, throttling, activation fee and cancellation terms. One carrier’s marketing is not a speed guarantee everywhere.
Use the first week before deciding on a longer renewal
Keep a first-week record of data, calls, commute and class needs, then decide whether a short prepaid, monthly plan or eSIM works. Update school contacts and two-factor authentication after a number change, and confirm outstanding charges and number-retention terms before cancellation or transfer.