As the Canadian winter can reach freezing temperatures below zero, it can be overwhelming for international students. We understand the challenges to dress up accordingly, especially when you are not familiar with very cold temperatures.
As part of our back-to-school tips, we’ve created an International Student guide on how to dress up for winter in Canada. We have listed the main clothing and accessories that you can’t forget to be ready for this new adventure.
Tip #1: Dress in Layers – The secret of dressing in layers is following the 3 layers rules, the benefit is that you always can take them off in case you get too hot.
- The first layer is the thermal underwear clothing which is a long sleeve t-shirt and leggings. These thermal underwear goes against your skin keeping the heat to your body. Wool is highly recommended for the first layer as it retains the heating and it’s easy to dry.
- The second layer is your regular clothes such as your jeans and a light sweater or a vest. Fleece and down-filled materials are a great option for your second layer, they are very warm and thin.
- The third layer is the winter jacket, make sure it is a waterproof material so you do not get wet on snowy days.
Tip #2: Accessories – The following accessories are crucial in protecting you against the cold. That’s because some parts of our body need to be protected even if you are covered by a good winter jacket:
- Gloves
- Hat/ earmuffs
- Scarf/ neck-warmer
Tip #3: Winter boots – You must have a good pair of winter boots and make sure they are waterproof. If you don’t keep your feet properly warm, your whole strategy of getting warm will fall apart.
Where to buy it?
Walmart is a great low price option where you can find all the clothes and accessories listed above.
Winners store is also a great idea as you can find clothes from various brands names at low prices. There are Winners in downtown as well as in several locations around the city.
Eaton Centre and The Hudson’s Bay are big malls within 5 minutes walking distance from Keystone School, where you can find the main brands and varied options.
Always remember to keep a track of the weather! Check the weather forecast before leaving home as it can change dramatically especially during the winter season, and don’t forget: Winter is a beautiful time to visit Canada, you just need to dress warmly.
