Universal Packing List — All Destinations
Documents (Hand Luggage — Never Check-In)
- Passport + visa / BRP letter
- University offer letter / Confirmation of Enrolment
- Attested degree, 10th, 12th certificates (originals + 3 attested copies)
- IELTS/TOEFL/GRE score originals
- Health insurance documents
- Forex card + CAD/GBP/AUD/EUR cash (2–3 days worth)
- Accommodation booking confirmation
- Emergency contacts printed list
- Passport-size photos (8–10 copies)
Health and Medications
- 3-month supply of all prescription medications in original labelled bottles
- Doctor's letter in English for controlled medications
- Basic OTC kit: Crocin/paracetamol, ORS sachets, antacid (Digene), anti-diarrheal (Imodium), antiseptic cream (Betadine), Band-Aids
- Digestive enzymes / Hajmola if prone to stomach issues from food change
Electronics
- Laptop (15" or smaller — fits most overhead bins)
- Phone + charger
- Power bank (carry-on only — airlines prohibit in checked baggage)
- Universal power adapter (country-specific — see below)
- Earphones/headphones
- Portable hard drive (backup academic files)
- Extension cord (2-3 metre — invaluable in small student rooms)
Indian Food Essentials (Space-Efficient)
- Spice box (jeera, haldi, coriander, garam masala, chilli) — Indian spices are widely available abroad but more expensive and varied quality; bringing a 2-month stock is worth it
- Instant Indian meal mixes (MDH, MTR, Haldiram's) for first 2–3 weeks before you discover local stores
- Compressed papad, mathri, namkeen (home comfort snacks, long shelf life)
- Pickle (in sealed plastic container — customs-friendly)
- Hing (asafoetida), methi seeds, mustard seeds — harder to find in smaller cities abroad
Country-Specific Packing Guide
Packing for the UK
- Power adapter: Type G (3-pin rectangular); buy in India (Portronics, Syska) — GBP 15+ in UK
- Clothing: UK is cold and rainy — pack 2-3 warm jumpers/sweaters, 1 waterproof jacket, 1 set of thermals. Do NOT bring heavy winter coats — buy in UK at Primark (cheap) or ASOS. Bring UK-appropriate formal wear for interviews.
- Shoes: 1 good waterproof walking shoe (essential — UK streets are wet). Trainers. 1 pair formal. No more than 3 pairs total.
- What NOT to pack: Converter transformers (Indian appliances on UK voltage often damaged), pressure cooker (buy in Southall for GBP 20), hair dryer (buy Boots/Argos for GBP 10)
Packing for Canada
- Power adapter: Type B (2-3 flat pin); same as USA — buy in India; cheap adapters work fine for low-wattage devices
- Clothing: Canada winters are serious (-15°C to -30°C possible in Toronto/Montreal). Pack thermals, base layers, and a light jacket for the first days. BUY your heavy winter jacket, snow boots, and gloves on arrival — Canada Goose sale, or H&M/Walmart for budget options (CAD 80–150). Pack layers.
- Toronto specifically: Indigo Books, Dollarama, Value Village are excellent for budget student essentials on arrival day
- What NOT to pack: Heavy winter coat from India (wrong cut for Canadian cold; buy in Canada), Indian electric shaver (might need converter), Indian hair straighteners (voltage difference)
Packing for Australia
- Power adapter: Type I (2–3 angled flat pins); similar to India Type D but not identical — buy Australian Type I adapter in India
- Clothing: Melbourne and Sydney have mild-to-warm weather. Pack cotton summer clothing, 2–3 light jackets/sweaters for Melbourne winters (cool, not cold). Perth and Brisbane are hot — minimal heavy clothing needed.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+: Australian UV index is extremely high — pack 2–3 bottles; much cheaper in India
- Insect repellent: Australian insects are no joke — pack Deet-based repellent
- What NOT to pack: Fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, dairy — Australia has strict biosecurity; confiscated at customs with a fine. Declare everything if unsure.
Packing for Germany
- Power adapter: Type F (2 round pins / Schuko); most Indian chargers work without adapter (dual voltage) but physical plug shape differs — buy a Type F adapter in India
- Clothing: German winters can be very cold (0°C to -10°C in Munich/Berlin). Pack thermals, 2 warm jumpers, 1 medium jacket. Buy heavy winter coat in Germany (Primark/Zara/H&M DE are cheaper than India for winter wear).
- German paperwork: Bring all university paperwork, Apostille-attested documents, and health insurance proof (Krankenversicherung) — registration at Bürgeramt requires them
- Blocked amount proof: If you used a blocked account (Deutsche Bank, Fintiba, Expatrio) for the visa, bring proof of account and access details
- What NOT to pack: Indian hair products containing restricted chemicals (check EU cosmetics regulations), more than the permitted amounts of Ayurvedic preparations
Airline Luggage Allowances for Indian Students 2026
| Airline | Route | Economy Checked Bags | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | India–UK/Canada/USA | 2 x 23kg | Best value for heavy packers to North America |
| Emirates | India–UK/Australia | 1 x 25kg (Economy) | Buy additional 20kg bag during booking for best price |
| British Airways | India–UK | 1 x 23kg (Economy) | Extra bag adds £65–85 during booking vs £100+ at airport |
| Lufthansa | India–Germany | 1 x 23kg (Economy) | Student fares with extra baggage occasionally available |
| Qantas / Jet Star | India–Australia | 2 x 23kg (Economy) | via Singapore or Dubai; good value for Melbourne/Sydney |
Tip: Add luggage during initial booking — airport excess baggage charges are 3–5x more expensive.