Clothing Tips and MBA Dress Code

In Ontario, we experience four true seasons: summer, fall, winter and spring. When you arrive in August, it will still be summer and the weather will be hot. Items like winter coats, boots and sweaters can take up a lot of room in your luggage, so keep in mind that warmer clothing can be purchased once you arrive in Canada.

The DeGroote MBA program has a business casual dress code. When you come to class, you are expected to dress in business casual attire. It is also suggested you have a business formal suit to wear for job interviews, presentations, and networking events. More information will be provided about the dress code in the weekly MBA Onboarding Newsletter (July/August).

Electronic Devices and Electrical Appliances

Before bringing electronic devices like laptop computers and printers, or electrical appliances like hair dryers and curling irons, please keep in mind that Canada operates on 110 Volts AC. Depending on your country’s voltage, you may need to buy multiple transformers or converters (to adjust the voltage of your electronic devices or electric appliances from 220 Volts to 110 Volts).

Laptop Computers

The DeGroote School of Business highly recommends all students entering the MBA program have a laptop. Use of a PC is highly recommended. If you are using a Mac, please install the required MS Office (including Excel) software. McMaster University has also put together this checklist of device recommendations to run key online learning tools.

Household Items

Do not worry about packing many household items such as dishes, pots and pans, cooking utensils, small appliances, etc. These items take up a lot of room in your luggage and add extra weight. There are plenty of stores in Canada where you can purchase these items at a low cost.

If your housing accommodation comes furnished, ask your landlord if dishes and cooking utensils are included in your rental. Some rentals might use the words “fully-equipped” to describe the kitchen. This typically means that all your basic cooking needs (dishes, cutlery, pots and pans, cooking utensils, etc.) are included. Items like towels and bed linens are not usually included in a furnished apartment or house, but can be affordably purchased nearby.