Packing List for Indian Students: Complete Checklist
Studying abroad has become the dream of many Indian students. In recent years, countries like the UK, USA, France, Germany, Ireland, etc, have become the dream destinations for Indian students. Before moving abroad, students worry about visas, documents, finance & other essentials. However, carefully packing the essentials and making the list can take them a long way. In this blog, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the essential items students should carry.
These include documents, medicines, electronics, home essentials, clothes, miscellaneous items, etc. The tips highlighted will help the students in efficient packing & organisation.
Checklist Before Moving Abroad
- Passport Validity: Students should renew their passports before moving abroad to avoid hassles. Checking the validity of a passport becomes an essential step before travelling.
- Savings: Savings become essential if students are planning to move abroad. The cost of living abroad is relatively higher than the cost of living in India. Adequate savings for the future can help students to avoid financial strains. Students need to save for accommodations, public transport, etc.
- Essential Documents: The packing list remains incomplete without important documents like mark sheets, passports, government IDs, and a driver’s licence. Students should keep the documents handy before making their journey.
International Travel: Essential Things to Carry
- Luggage Bag: The luggage bag should be spacious enough to carry the essentials. The restrictions imposed for carrying extra luggage can be exhaustive for the students. Hence, selecting an appropriate bag will provide enough space for carrying essential items.
- Effective Organisation: Students should keep all their essential documents in Google Drive, One Drive, etc. Online storage allows for space and ensures efficient record management.
- Carry-on Luggage: Carry-on luggage should have the following items on the packing list: currency of the host country, documents, chargers, essential electronics, valuables (if any), a USB cable, etc.
- Medicines & Electronics: Students’ packing lists should include medicines and electronics like portable chargers, laptops, cameras, headphones, etc. Essential medications, such as those for treating a common cold or allergies, should be kept handy before moving abroad. A first aid kit is also necessary for the packing list and should be kept before moving abroad. If a student is undergoing any treatment, then keeping the necessary medicine can benefit them.
- Toiletries: Toiletries are an essential part of a packing list, which includes items like combing brushes, toothbrushes, deodorants, towels, contact lenses, and face wash.
- Clothes: Indian students should have all their essential clothes, such as pyjamas, trousers, t-shirts, woollen garments, belts, etc. Including the woollen items and essential clothes in the packing list is important before the journey. It allows the students to save more in the host country.
- Local Currency: Keeping the local currency of the host country helps the students avoid last-moment hassle. It becomes a significant item in the packing list that should be included in the carry-on luggage. The currency can be collected from foreign exchange centres and currency exchange offices. Collecting the local currency ensures an effortless journey & avoids the problems related to fake currencies.
- Other Essentials: Pillows, books, watches, purses, makeup, and essential minimalist jewellery are other essential items to include in the packing lists.
Important Checklist Before Moving Abroad
Clothes
- Pyjamas
- Shirts
- T-shirts
- Jackets
- Scarves
- Gloves
- Socks
- Hats
- Shoes
- Swimwear
- Leggings
- Cargo Pants
- Tracksuits
- Skirts
- Ethnic Clothing
- Formals (Coat, Blazer, tie for officewear)
- Trousers
- Cardigan
- Jumper
- Workout clothes (optional)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Brushing Comb
- Contact lenses
- Tissue
- Mask
- Hand sanitiser
- Shower Gel
- Shampoo & Hair Conditioner
- Shaving kit
- Mouthwash
- Body Lotion
- Dental Floss
- Lip Balm
- Wet Wipes
Electronics
- Laptop
- Headphones
- Chargers
- Phone
- Old Spare Phone
- Portable Power Banks
- USB Cables
- Razon
- Dryer
- Straighter/Curler
- Camera & Charger
- Tablet
- Flashlight
Important Documents
a. Academic Documents
- Application Form
- Grade X & XII Marksheets and Certificates
- Previous Marksheets, Transcripts and Degrees
- SOP
- LORs
- Scores in Standardised Tests (GMAT/GRE/IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo/PTE etc.)
b. Financial Documents
- Proof of Funds (Documents accepted under Proof of Funds)
- Bank Account Statements
- Loan Sanction Letter
- Loan Disbursement Letter
- Scholarship Letter
- Sponsorship/Affidavit of Support
- Loan Capability Certificate
c. Health Insurance Card or Policy
d. Identification Documents
- Passport size photo
- Voter ID/PAN Card
- Passport/Visa
e. Work-related Documents
- LOR (from employer)
- Resume/CV
Kitchen/ Cooking Essential
- Indian Spices
- Rolling Pin & Pad
- Ready-to-eat food
- Dosa Pan/ Frying Pan
- Pressure Cooker
Home Essentials (Items that can be purchased in the host country)
- Containers
- Spoons
- Bowls & Plates
- Rice Cooker
- Tea Strainer
- Mixer
Other Items
- Watch
- Journals
- Shoes
- Pillow
- Purse
- Makeup items
Medicines helpful in treating:
- Common Cold
- Allergies
- Body ache
- Headache
- Stomach Pain/Acidity
- Prescribed drugs (if any)
Things that Students Should Not Carry
The packing list should always include the items that are essential for students. Carrying unnecessary luggage can be exhaustive for students. Therefore, you should always have the necessary items.
- Books: Books always increase luggage weight and create the problem of overpacking. Therefore, students should avoid carrying books, journals, etc. This can be prevented by carrying a Kindle or e-book that is available online.
- Heavy Jars, Bottles: The restrictions imposed at airports become a determining factor while creating your packing list. Students should avoid carrying pickle jars and heavy bottles as these items are prohibited on the flight.
- Expensive Jewellery: Students should avoid carrying expensive jewellery and accessories to the airport. The packing list should be made accordingly, considering all the essential items that should be taken to prevent hassle.
Also read – Ways to Fund your Overseas Education
Tips for Effective Packings
- Make a list: The thought of moving abroad can be daunting. As a student, you must take care of all the essential things required to make your jouney seamless. Therefore, to make it effortless, you should always make a list before the trip. This will help you to avoid exhaustion & future problems.
- Packing the Essentials: Start packing the items that are essential for you, such as medicines, documents, clothes, toiletries, etc. Once you have arranged these items, you can proceed with the other items on your packing list.
- Avoid Irrelevant Items: The students always need help with the problem of overweight & extra luggage. So, to avoid such issues, you should always look for adequate packing. For example, instead of taking books, you can refer to e-books & journals for reading. Similarly, some documents that could be more important can be kept in online folders like Google Drive, One Drive, etc, to avoid the burden of extra luggage.
Conclusion
Taking care of the essentials will help them avoid exhaustive travel. A packing list allows students to identify the essential items to include in their travel kit. The experience of moving abroad can be enjoyable and tireless if students focus on these important things before their journey.
FAQs
How much luggage is allowed on international flights?
Students can carry 2-3 pieces of luggage that weigh 23 kg each. However, after paying allowances, students might carry extra luggage. Some airlines also allow students to carry additional luggage if they present their student visa or ID.
What are the essential items to consider before moving abroad?
Before making their journey, students should focus on essential items that can be included in their carry-on luggage, such as documents, medicines, chargers, phones, and laptops.
What items should be brought before moving to the USA?
Before moving to the USA, essential items like prescribed medicines, electronics (chargers, phones, USB cables, laptops, etc.), documents, local currency, woollen clothes, and other accessories should be included.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
