Pre-Departure Packing Checklist for Indian Students Studying Abroad

Pre-departure packing for Indian students who want to study abroad could be a daunting task given that airport security is strict and there are an increased number of rules and regulations. The key is to do your research in advance and know what to expect by reviewing the rules and regulations of the respective airports in India and the destination country.

Tips for Pre-Departure Packing

There are quite a few do’s and don’ts to follow if you want to pass through customs unhassled with everything you need to get a bright start in one of the best countries to study abroad. Research and checking what to expect will be helpful in packing appropriately. We strongly urge you to look at a few guidelines for travelling to your host country.

You can follow our pre-departure packing checklist for starters.

Pre-Departure Packing Checklist for Indian Students

Pre-departure packing can be separated into different groups based on what their priority is and what role they play. Most of your travel requirements are covered in the following seven categories.

1) Essential Travel Documents

Rightfully at the top of this list, travel documents are the most important things to pack! These are items that will grant a student entrance into their desired country and university to study abroad. These items are usually carried on your person to assure safety as they are highly important.

• Valid passport (with 6 months of validity)
• Visa (appropriate student visa)
• University admission/acceptance letter
• Airline tickets 
• Other identity proof 
• Photocopies of the above documents

2) Financial Documents

Financial documents may be requested in rare circumstances by airport authorities. Keeping these documents handy is an advisable move for Indian students studying abroad and travelling alone.

• Foreign exchange with receipts
• International credit or debit card
• Emergency local currency 
• Conversion rates

3) Academic & Personal Documents

All academic and personal document requirements should be packed in soon after essential travel documents. This would include mark sheets, academic certificates, vaccination certificates (if requested), resume/CV, recommendation letters, and any other documents required for study abroad programs. Ideally, these items should be packed together to allow easy access and safety.

• Mark sheets & Certificates 
• References & recommendation letters 
• Other academic documents

4) Clothing

Prior to packing, students should take a look at what the weather conditions currently are in the destination country. Understandably, packing for the weather conditions for the entire year may not be possible due to space and weight limitations. Alternatively, these can be bought when that particular season approaches. This is advisable since India is not particularly adapted to making clothing for snow and extremely cold weather.

Also, some study abroad programs offered by certain universities may have a dress code or certain guidelines for dressing on campus, students must refer to this once before packing.

• Season-based clothing 
• Formal clothing (for events, interviews, presentations)
• Comfortable everyday wear (based on local temperatures)
• Variety of comfortable footwear -formal and casual 
• Protective clothing (rain or snow gear)

5) Personal Care Items

Personal hygiene and toiletries are quite heavy and you should account for this beforehand. Students can pack a few bottles of personal care items but ensure that they are firmly closed and will not open up expectedly. Indian students studying abroad should note that these items will last a month or two. They are merely to get you started & not feel hassled to buy the moment you reach your destination.

• Toiletries – shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, soap, etc. 
• Medications (with a prescription and note if necessary)
• Detergents

6) Electrical Items

Electronic items are quite a big expense to be met with soon after travelling to a new country so bringing any required electronic items from India is a good move seeing as electronics are more affordable in India. However, note that the charging ports will probably vary and if carrying Indian chargers, students will probably need to purchase an adapter.

• Smartphone 
• Laptop/Tablet
• Chargers and accessories
• Powerbank
• Earphones/headphones
• Pendrive or hard drive

7) Miscellaneous Items

This category comprises additional things a student may want to pack. Seeing as the purpose of the trip is to study abroad, students may want to pack study supplies such as books and stationery.

• Books and stationery
• Maps and travel guides
• Small blanket

What Not to Pack for Study Abroad?

Packing any weapons or other prohibited items is not advisable. Also, there are certain restrictions about where certain items can and cannot be placed. Indian students studying abroad should refrain from carrying very heavy items and objects that are very valuable in their first trip abroad.

Hand Luggage

1. Liquid items are only allowed if the quantity is less than 100ml and the packaging is transparent or clear.
2. Battery cells including power banks must be carried in hand luggage.

Check-In Luggage

1. Sharp metal objects including knives must be packed into check-in luggage and cannot be carried in person.

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Conclusion

Well-planned pre-departure packing is essential for Indian students studying abroad to start their educational journey brightly. By following a pre-planned checklist like the one above, Indian students will be able to pack essential items that will help them adapt relatively easily to their host country.

FAQs

Q.1 How much foreign currency should I carry when traveling to my study destination?
A.1 The exact amount to carry should be calculated by researching the initial costs. Also, the amount to be carried can vary depending on country restrictions. Students can carry alternative financing options such as credit or debit cards.

Q.2 What are the most crucial documents for Indian students to carry when traveling for studies?
A.2 The most important documents are a passport, visa, identification, admission letter, and travel insurance. These documents will ensure entry into the country, staying permission, and protection.

Author: Deepak Shukla