What I need to move to Canada: A Canadian Survival Kit

Need to move to Canada for school? It is true that Canada can get pretty cold, but only in the winter. For those four (no, really six) months out of the year you want to be appropriately attired to make it to the next one (yay!)

Here are a few things that you will need to make it through the cold season:

Waterproof gear

It is best to have a pair of waterproof boots that are above ankle length because when several meters of snow falls (inevitably) you will have to walk in it, and if your shoes are only ankle length you will get snow in your shoes which leads to wet socks and wet shoes, which besides the obvious discomfort is a recipe for a flu attack.

Your jacket should also be waterproof but if you get a winter coat that should do fine. You will also need warm waterproof gloves because at some point you will need to expose your hands and when the temperature drops your hands need to be protected.

Thermal wear

People make it through without purchasing long johns and thermal undershirts, but if you will be outdoors for extended amounts (i.e., waiting for buses, walking long distances) they are invaluable to protection against the cold winds.

Scarf

Often overlooked because winter jackets come with hoodies to protect ears, but the wind and snow blown in your face are not kept out by the hoodie. That’s where a scarf comes in handy as it is great for covering your nose and mouth area to provide extra coverage when the wind blows snow and frozen rain in your face (why is the wind always blowing in your face?)

Toque

A toque may not be considered essential and is a bit tricky based on hairstyle variations, but you don’t want to always have your hoodie up. That’s where a toque comes in as your head still needs protection from the cold, so a toque is a great shield from the elements.

Layers

One of the essentials any Canadian will tell you is to “layer-up” meaning there are days (or places) that are so cold it doesn’t matter how warm your jacket is, you will still feel the chill. On those days or in those places, you need to have sweaters, thermals, and other clothing items that will give you that additional barrier from the elements.

Lighter Jacket

Not everyday will feel like an artic experience, and for those days, not checking the weather forecast and dressing down as needed will leave you sweating your weight out. On those days (rare as they may be) you will need a jacket that isn’t as thick so as not to feel so overheated.

This post was written by Abdulhakeem Yusuf. Abdulhakeem is the content writer at Southern Ontario Collegiate. He has over 6 years of professional writing experience.

If you or someone you know is interested in making the move to Canada to attend Southern Ontario Collegiate, go here to learn how to apply.