Keep only day-one essentials in hand luggage
Keep passport, school admission or course confirmation, accommodation address, insurance, arrival route, payment method and emergency contacts in a place available offline. Decide which entry documents to carry from official guidance; do not put the only original, every bank card and all electronics in one checked bag.
Choose clothes by city and laundry rhythm
Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal and Calgary differ in weather, indoor heating, rain or snow and commute. Check temperatures and precipitation around departure, then build the first bag around layers, comfortable walking shoes and a week of reusable basics; buy more after you know the actual need.
Back up electronics separately from class tasks
Confirm phone-unlock status, charger, computer power, offline maps, school-login method and cloud backup. Save coursework, school phone details and accommodation instructions where they work offline, and carry a paper emergency-contact card. Do not assume the airport or home will have usable internet on day one.
Handle medicines and health information through individual and official requirements
Keep routine medicine in original packaging with prescriptions or a doctor’s note, and check current Canadian travel-health information and airline restrictions before departure. A school does not replace a doctor or pharmacist. Seek applicable professional and official confirmation for controlled medicine, allergies, chronic conditions or a minor’s medication.