Essential Packing List for International Students Going to Germany

Are you preparing to fly to Germany for your education? From the bustling streets of Berlin to the charming villages of Bavaria, this country offers an education like no other. Each corner echoes the legacy of thinkers like Einstein. Before you set off for your journey, ensure you have everything you need with this carefully curated packing list for students going to Germany. 

Checklist of Things to Carry While Traveling to Germany From India

Want a peek into the list of items that we have curated for you? Read on to know more. 

Now, some of these may also be available in Germany but are more expensive than in India. So, it is a good idea to take them from the home country so you don’t miss them abroad due to issues with affordability or availability.

Important Documents to Carry

• Valid Passport and Visa: Confirm that your passport is valid for six months post-entry and carry approved German student visa paperwork and receipts. Also, make copies as backup.
• University Acceptance Letter: Bring multiple copies to prove your enrollment status in print and digital formats. Also, carry department/program details.
• Financial Documents: Carry original bank statements to show you can support living and tuition expenses. Carry sponsor letters if funded by parents.
• Medical Reports: Bring prescriptions for any medications, eyeglasses/contact lens details, dental records, medical history, etc. 
• International Driving License: Carry an IDP (international driving permit) to drive in Germany if you plan to legally. It is important to verify license validity for the duration of stay.
• ISIC Student ID: Obtain an International Student Identity Card for discounts. ISIC cards can get you student deals across Germany.
• Photocopies and Scans: Make 2-3 copies, scans, photos, and backups of important documents on external drives and the cloud.
• Embassy Contacts: Have emergency contact details handy for the Indian embassy in Germany. 

Essential Clothing Articles

• Innerwear and Thermals: Pack enough undergarments, warm vests, thermals, socks, etc. It gets very cold in the winter, with heavy snowfall and temperatures falling below -3°C. 
• Heavy Winter Wear: Carry sweaters, jackets, overcoats, mufflers, gloves, etc., to tackle Germany's cold weather.  
• Shoes: Carry formal shoes for college, slippers for indoor wear, winter boots, sports shoes, etc., based on your needs. 
• Traditional Indian Outfits: Consider packing 2-3 traditional dresses or pieces for any Indian festivals, ethnic events, etc. 
• Formal Wear: Include 2-3 blazers, trousers, dress shirts, ties, etc., for attending classes and interviews during placement and other formal events. 
• Daily Casuals: Carry 5–6 jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers, etc. Several upperwear help with layering in the harsh winters.  

Electronics

• Laptop: A laptop is critical for attending online and offline classes, assignments, projects, etc. Check the college hardware guidelines.
• Tablet (optional): Tablets can supplement laptops for conveniently accessing study material, ebooks, papers, etc.
• Chargers and Adapters: Carry chargers, batteries, and plug adapters for phones, laptops, Kindles, headphones, etc.
• External Hard Drive: Carry hard drives to store your important data and backup documents securely. Useful for large files.
• Headphones: Noise-canceling headphones are useful for blocking ambient noise in shared rooms.

Vital Household Items

• Bedding and Linen: Carry bedsheets, pillowcases, blankets, etc., for student dorms or housing. 
• Bath Towels and Toiletries: Don't forget bath towels, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. Check for the quantity you can take. 
• Sewing Kit: Pack a small sewing kit for minor clothing repairs. Include safety pins, needles, neutral threads, and buttons. 
• First-Aid Kit: Have bandages, disinfectants, basic meds, thermometer, etc. Remember to identify pharmacy locations.
• Extension Box: Carry an extension box with surge protection and German plug points.
• Basic Cutlery: Carry dinner dishes, quarter plates, spoons, forks, and bowls to keep in dorms or housing. 

Things to Consider Before Packing

Below are some points to remember before creating a list of things to carry from India to Germany and beginning an educational journey abroad.

Research About the Weather

Thoroughly research the typical weather, seasons, and temperature range of your destination/city in Germany. This will help you pack suitable clothes, jackets, shoes, etc., for the local climate.

Airline Weight Allowance

Check your airline luggage allowance to understand weight restrictions and avoid overpacking, which will lead to excess baggage fees. Stick to the approved baggage dimensions and plan contents accordingly.

Review the Academic Calendar

Check the academic calendar for holidays and long breaks to plan when you can come home to replenish supplies. This will help you pack accordingly and take only necessities the first time you travel to Germany at the start of an academic year. 

Things Not to Pack 

Here’s a list of things to avoid in Germany student packing list. 

• Prohibited Items: No weapons, restricted drugs, and harmful chemicals should be packed. It is essential to check the list of prohibited items before you pack everything. 
• Valuables: Leave any high-value jewelry, gadgets, or items you won't need to avoid losing them. 
• Perishable Goods: Do not pack perishable goods like fruits or dairy products, which will get spoilt or caught in the airport scanner. 

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Tips to Packing Efficiently

Here are some smart packing tips to make your move to Germany smoother as an international student:

• Roll clothes tightly rather than loosely folding them to save luggage space. Roll horizontally for dresses and vertically for shirts, thermals, etc.
• Carry only essentials you can't live without for the initial period. Several items can be conveniently bought economically in Germany.
• Use vacuum seal compression bags to compactly pack clothes, which will remove excess air to create space.
• Clearly label your bags on the outside to identify them easily to avoid losing them during transit.
• Make an inventory list to keep track of everything you packed in each bag. This helps for easy retrieval when you unpack everything together. 
• Weigh your fully packed bags using a scale to avoid excess baggage penalty fees at the airport.
• Invest in durable, hard-shell luggage bags as they can withstand the rigor of international travel and shift between houses.

Bottom Line

Relocating abroad for education is exciting but also requires thorough preparation. Careful planning and smart packing tips will prepare students to transition smoothly into their new home. With this comprehensive Germany student packing list, Indian students can ensure they have everything required. 
Read More About Study in Germany:

• Study in Germany for Free
• Cost of Study in Germany
• Requirements for study in Germany for Indian Students
• Germany: A dream study abroad destination
• How to get free education in Germany for Indian Students
• Scholarships in Germany for Indian students
• Why study in Germany