Packing for study abroad is the last thing most Indian students think about and the first thing they regret. Not because they forget clothes — but because they bring the wrong things, run out of bag space for the things that actually matter, and spend the first two weeks abroad buying items they left behind. This is the guide written by people who have made those mistakes.
Pack what you cannot get easily abroad. Leave what you can buy there — often cheaper and better suited to the local climate. The items you should carry from India are documents, medicines, electronics, and Indian pantry staples. Everything else — clothes, household items, stationery — can and should be purchased at your destination.
Non-Negotiables: These Must Be in Your Carry-On
Your carry-on bag should survive the worst-case scenario: checked luggage lost or delayed. These items cannot be delayed.
- Passport (original) + 4 photocopies in separate bags
- Visa / residence permit (original)
- University offer letter and enrollment confirmation
- All financial documents (bank statements, loan sanction letter, forex card)
- Degree and marksheet originals (apostilled if required)
- Health insurance documents (policy number, emergency contact)
- All prescription medications — minimum 3 months supply, ideally 6
- Doctor's letter for any prescription medications (required by customs in most countries)
- Emergency cash — ₹5,000 equivalent in destination currency
Many medications sold over-the-counter in India (codeine-based cough syrups, some sleep aids, anxiety medications) are controlled substances in Germany, UK, France and Australia. Research each medication before packing. For controlled substances, you need a doctor's letter and may need an import permit. Some Indian medications have generic equivalents abroad — confirm with a pharmacist at your destination before assuming you need to carry a year's supply.
Documents to Carry (and How to Organise Them)
Create a document folder system before departure:
- Folder 1 (carry-on): Passport original, visa, University letter, health insurance, financial proof for immigration officer
- Folder 2 (checked bag): Degree originals, all marksheets, apostilled documents, 10th and 12th certificates
- Digital backup: Scan every document and email yourself a PDF folder. Also upload to Google Drive. If everything physical is lost, you can still operate from digital copies
- Emergency contact card: Physical card in your wallet with: Indian emergency contact, university emergency contact, health insurance emergency line, your passport number
Electronics: What to Bring vs Buy There
| Item | Bring from India? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop | Yes | Already configured. Same price or more expensive abroad. |
| Phone | Yes | Keep your Indian SIM active for 2FA, banking. Buy local SIM there. |
| Power adapters | Yes — 2–3 | UK (Type G), Europe (Type C/F), Australia (Type I) — all different from India |
| Power bank | Yes | Airlines allow up to 100Wh in carry-on. Useful first weeks. |
| Headphones | Yes | Quality vs price ratio better in India |
| Hair dryer / straightener | No | Voltage difference (240V abroad vs 230V India — compatible, but check wattage). Buy a compact one abroad for £10–15. |
| Rice cooker / pressure cooker | No | Too heavy. Buy a basic one abroad for €20–40. |
Clothes: The Honest Guide by Country
Germany / France / Netherlands (continental Europe)
European winters (November–March) are cold and grey, not dramatically cold like Canada. Temperatures in Berlin/Paris range from −5°C to +8°C in winter. You need: 1 warm waterproof jacket (do NOT buy Indian brands — they are not designed for sustained damp cold; buy a Uniqlo or H&M puffer abroad for €60–100), thermal base layers (bring 2 from India — cheap and practical), and waterproof shoes or boots (buy abroad).
UK
UK weather is wet and mild — rarely below 0°C in cities, but perpetually damp and grey. A good waterproof jacket matters more than a heavy winter coat. Bring: waterproof layer (or buy Primark's £25 waterproof jacket immediately upon arrival), layers (fleece + thermal), umbrella (buy in UK, very cheap).
USA / Canada
Canada and northern USA cities (Boston, New York, Chicago) have genuine winters — below −10°C in January. If you are going to Toronto, Chicago or Minneapolis, you need a proper winter coat (rated to −20°C), thermal underlayers, and waterproof winter boots. Do not buy Indian winter clothing for this — it is not rated for North American winters. Buy a Canada Goose or comparable coat after arrival (students can find them secondhand on Facebook Marketplace for 50% off).
Indian Food: What to Bring and What to Leave
The temptation is to pack a suitcase full of Indian food. The reality: most Indian staples are available in every university city globally, and Indian grocery stores exist within 5km of most UK, German, French, Canadian and Australian universities. What is NOT always available:
- Bring: Your specific brand of instant coffee or chai masala if you are particular about it; a small selection of South Indian spice blends if your style is very regional; comfort foods specific to your home state that are genuinely hard to find abroad
- Do NOT bring: Atta (flour), rice, dals, common spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric) — all widely available in Indian grocery stores abroad at similar prices
- Find on arrival: In Germany, try Asian supermarkets (Vinh-Loi, Asia Markt). In UK, Tesco and Sainsbury's stock basic Indian ingredients; Indian Grocery stores near university campuses carry everything. In France, Épicerie asiatique stores in any major city.
The Bag Strategy: Weight Distribution
Most airlines allow 2 × 23kg checked bags on India-Europe/USA routes. Students consistently make the same mistake: 1 bag of clothes, 1 bag of food and kitchen items. Better strategy: 1 bag of clothes + important documents (padded), 1 bag of less-critical items + kitchen basics. Both bags should survive loss independently.
Check Your Complete Pre-Departure Checklist
From visa to accommodation to forex card — the step-by-step checklist for everything that needs to be done before departure.
Pre-Departure Checklist →