- International student baggage allowances from most airlines include an additional 10-23 kg beyond standard limits specifically for education-related travel purposes.
- International student packing preparation should begin two weeks before departure to organise travel documents, verify airline policies, and prevent last-minute oversights.
- Indian students studying abroad need complete academic records from 10th standard through postgraduate degrees plus university acceptance letters.
Congratulations on receiving your admission letter from your dream university! It is very important to consider the essential items you must take when going abroad. At the same time, there are various other items that should be avoided to prevent chaos.
This blog will guide you through a packing list for Indian students for study abroad, highlighting the essential items you should carry while heading abroad.
Study Abroad Packing List for Indian Students
Below, we have discussed what to pack for international students. Remember that you are not required to pack everything that comes before your eyes or belongs to you. Â
Academic Documents
It consists of previously attended school/college/university documents such as:
- Previous academic credential reportsÂ
- 10th marksheet
- 12th marksheet
- UG marksheet of all years
- UG degree certificate
- PG marksheet of all years
- PG degree certificate
- School passing certificate
- College/university passing certificate
- Transfer certificate
- Character certificate
- Migration certificateÂ
- Statement of learning
Application Documents
It consists of currently enrolled college/university documents such as:
- University acceptance letter
- Application fee receipt
- Tuition fee payment receipt
Travel Documents
- Travel Itinerary
- Boarding Pass
- Health insurance card or copy of travel health insurance
- Fee receipt for accommodation allotted
Financial Documents
It consists of the following documents such as:
- Bank loan documents (if any)
- Bank statements (last 6 months)
- Self/parents’ income tax return (last 2-3 years)
- Indian currency
- Currency of host country
- Bank credit/debit card
- Forex Card
Personal Identity
It consists of documents which are essential for establishing the identity of the student in the foreign country:
- Aadhar Card
- PAN Card
- Driving LicenseÂ
- Police verification documents
- National voter ID card
First-Aid & Medical Items
It consists of essential first aid and medical items which are required to carry to address the undesired health-related issues while travelling:
- A first aid kit should contain
- Essential over-the-counter medicines (allergies, fever, colds, pain, etc.),
- Bandages
- Scissors
- Gauze
- Ointment
- Cotton balls
- Tape
- Gloves
- Antiseptic wipes
- Non-adhesive dressings.
- Medical prescription of ongoing medicine/treatment
- Currently taking medicine
- Additional spectacles (if required)
- Some of the essential medicines are listed below
- Paracetamol
- Antacids
- Painkillers
- Anti-allergies
- Antiseptic
- Bandages
- Cough syrup
- Dettol
Essential Toiletries
Your essential toiletries should be stowed in your carry-on bag. If you need to freshen up while travelling to your study abroad destination, you’ll have them within reach.
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap
- Toothbrush
- Hairbrush/comb
- Sanitary items (for females)
- Deodorant
Alternative to Essential Toiletries
You can try the better alternatives for some of the basic toiletries, such as:
- Shampoo bars instead of travel shampoo bottles
- Soap bars instead of travel body gels
- Bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic, disposable toothbrushes
- Toothpaste tablets
- Reusable menstrual cups
- Deodorant bars or refillable deodorant tubes
- Reusable tissue
Miscellaneous Items
- Phone and Charger
- Headphones
- HDMI Cable
- Streaming Devices
- Personal Entertainment
- Clothes
- A small padlock
- CameraÂ
- Laptop
- Journal to take notes or document your trip
- Reusable water bottle for refills on campus
- Something from home to help you deal with homesickness, like a portrait of you and your family or a necklace you can wear while you study abroad
Study Abroad Packing Checklist: What to Avoid?
After a brief discussion on what should be included in the study abroad packing list for Indian students, let’s explore what does not need to be included.
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and homemade foods (most countries restrict these due to biosecurity. Commercially packaged, sealed dry foods like snacks, spices, biscuits, and instant meals are generally allowed in checked baggage.
- Bulky bedding sets (one compact bedsheet or pillowcase for initial comfort is acceptable, but full bedding sets add unnecessary weight as most accommodations provide these)
- Valuable or luxury items like jewellery, watches, wallets, sunglasses, etc.
- Large household appliances like rice cookers, electric kettles, microwaves, or irons (personal electronics like laptops, phones, tablets, and cameras are essential and MUST be carried in your carry-on luggage)
- Chemicals and biological hazardous substances like illegal medicines, drugs, liquor, poison, etc.
- Weapons and sharp utensils
- Pets
Key Takeaways
Preparing for study abroad requires strategic packing of essential documents, personal items, and health supplies. Your packing checklist must include academic credentials, passport, student visa, financial proof, first-aid supplies, and essential electronics. Most airlines offer student baggage allowances ranging from an additional 10-23 kg or one extra piece beyond standard limits—verify your airline’s specific policy before departure. Avoid carrying fresh foods, bulky bedding, and large household appliances, but do pack commercially sealed snacks and medicines in original packaging with prescriptions. Begin packing at least two weeks before departure to ensure nothing essential is forgotten and all critical documents are properly organised.
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- University Selection GuidanceÂ
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And much more!Â
Book your free study abroad counselling session with our experts today!Â
FAQs
What not to bring when moving abroad?
This includes heavy electronic appliances, weapons, luxury or valuable items, bedding, hazardous chemicals, and highly volatile substances.
How much money is needed to study abroad?
It depends on the country, course, and university. However, on average, it would cost around INR 20 Lakh-60 Lakh per year to pursue higher studies abroad.
What things should you carry while travelling abroad from India?
While travelling abroad for studies, you should carry essential items such as academic and personal documents, clothing, toiletries, electronics, and personal comfort items.
What if my passport gets misplaced before travelling?
If your passport gets misplaced, you should report it to your nearby passport office and police station to bring the matter to their attention. After completing some formalities, you will be handed over a new passport within a fixed time period.
Should I carry more than one proof of identity while travelling abroad?
For Indian citizens, a passport can be used both as proof of identity and a travelling document. However, keeping additional proof of identity while travelling abroad, such as an Aadhar card, PAN card, or voter ID card, can be helpful for verification purposes.
Can Indian students carry food items on international flights?
Fresh foods are restricted due to biosecurity, but commercially packaged dry foods like biscuits, spices, and instant meals are generally permitted in checked baggage.
How much extra baggage allowance do airlines provide for international students?
Most airlines offer students an additional 10-23 kg or one extra piece beyond standard allowances upon verification with valid student documents.
How can Indian students exchange currency before travelling abroad?
Students can obtain forex cards from authorised dealers, use international debit cards, or exchange currency at airports and banks before departure.
Are vaccination certificates mandatory for international students?
Many countries require specific vaccinations and updated health records; students should check their destination country’s entry requirements before departure.Â
What should students do if their baggage exceeds the airline's weight limit?
Students should pre-purchase additional baggage allowance online during booking, which is significantly cheaper than paying excess baggage fees at the airport.
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.
