It’s that time of the year where nearly a substantial amount of students will be leaving their home country to start chasing their dreams by beginning their higher studies. Most of them will be enthusiastic with their ‘admit’ and rest of them will be burdened with emotional feelings of leaving their home and parents for the first time and going abroad. But, these are some of the important times for those students, because they need to take care of everything and be organized with their packing and other important things. In this article, I have shared my suggestions on what all things an Indian Student should Carry from India to Germany.

Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

To make things easier, I have also given direct links to many products which I feel are the best and you should buy those products instead of going for Cheap ones. I have also mentioned which things you should buy from India and which things you should buy from Germany.

Take out enough time and read the article carefully. Do check for links given.

Important Documents – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

• Passport: of course you won’t forget that…. HOPE SO
• Insurance information: Keep copies of your travel insurance along.
• Any other Identification of any sort: Some document other than your passport which can be used to identify you.
• Transcripts, certificates: You won’t need it but surely your university will to verify your credentials.
• Medical documents: Documents concerning any special medical condition.

Clothes – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

• Minimum temperature goes up to -8*C, even though inside the buildings it’s all heated, but coming from India or any other temperate zone, you still feel like wearing a hoodie inside your rooms. All your winter jackets and hoodies are useful here. Plus, you buy warm, rain proof coats from Germany itself.
• For summer, whatever you like and wear usually. Germany has an awesome collection of denim here, and I wished like throwing away all my pair of jeans I got from my home country. Really nice fabric, fitting (and price same as in India!)
• Rain proof shoes are a must! Buy boots from Germany itself, there is a hell lot of variety here, hence cheaper too.
• Winter Caps, muffler

Food and Utensils – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

• Spices like haldi, namak, dhaniya powder, jeera etc.
• Fruit Jam, Maggi, ready to cook food like Poha etc, dry fruits and ladoo (for people like me who are not well versed with cooking yet)
• A pressure cooker is an odd thing in Germany unless you find a bunch of Indians to share your space with. But, if you are a vegetarian, must bring it. Rice cooker is very popular here. And no, it doesn’t just cook rice in it, you can make much more stuff in it. Non-stick utensils, black colour ones mostly with lids are found here. Ditch the load of utensils and buy them from the supermarkets in Germany instead.
• Bring spoons, bowls (katori), serving spoons (karchi), plates and a coffee mug.

Other Missed Out Things Always

• Just bring two single bed-sheets. Pillows, pillow covers and blankets are provided.
• Tumbler (if you are used to a jet instead of toilet paper)
• A bathroom mug to keep all your toothpaste, brush and stuff in it.
• 20 passport size photographs
• Registers, notebooks, pencils, pen and all other stationary items. Stationary is expensive here.
• NCERT Maths book for students gonna pursue bachelors.
• Bag, lunch box, water bottle (don’t ignore this)
• Duster cloth
• Hangers to hang your coats.
• Pocket Umbrella

If you keep in mind the points in this list, you will hopefully not come across the over weight luggage problem. Good Luck!

Things to consider (in brief with links)

Carry Items 

Clothing & Apparels – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

1. Jeans – 3 (Jeans for Girls https://amzn.to/2uUnCeN and Jeans for Men https://amzn.to/2LfPzsD)
2. Formal pants – 2 (For Girls https://amzn.to/2LdSzWs and For men https://amzn.to/2zZYhWI)
3. T shirt – 5 (For Girls https://amzn.to/2LdevRI and For men https://amzn.to/2A11aqq)
4. Formal shirts – 3 (For Girls https://amzn.to/2zZnSPpd for men https://amzn.to/2A5P2oa)
5. Thermal wear – 3 sets (General note: It is preferable to buy dark color) (For Girls https://amzn.to/2LGatNB and for men https://amzn.to/2LdSWQQ)
6. Leather Woolen Gloves – 1 (General note: It is recommended to buy in Germany)
7. Track Pants/ Trousers – 3 (For Women https://amzn.to/2uV1Dob and For men https://amzn.to/2uPtTs8)
8. Jacket – It is better to buy good Jacket in Germany. But while landing in Germany u need some jacket. So buy one for cheap rate. (Things to be noted: * Less weight as  more weight gives shoulder problem, * Pockets inside jacket, * Hood) (For Girls https://amzn.to/2LDPcEn and for men https://amzn.to/2uU4XQy)
9. Pullover – 1 (General note: Buy only one in India. It will be better if you buy it in Germany.) (For Girls https://amzn.to/2LDhX41 and for men https://amzn.to/2JIPUOJ)
10. Blanket – 1 (click here to buy https://amzn.to/2LCHtXe)
11. Bed Sheet – 1 and Pillow Cover – 1 set (click here to buy https://amzn.to/2zY5PJL)
12. Scarf – 1 (General note: It is better to buy in Germany)
13. Under Garments – 5 sets (General note: Good quality under garments with same or less price is available Germany) (For girls https://amzn.to/2uPw6Us and for men https://amzn.to/2LDY4tG)
14. Bathroom towel – 1 (General note: Spare towel is not necessary. It is available for 5 euros in Germany) (click here to buy https://amzn.to/2JILdEA)
15. Traditional wear – 1 (General note: For special occasions) (For girls https://amzn.to/2uTpx3n and for men https://amzn.to/2A8V9bl)

NOTE: No need to buy coat and suits. It is not needed for all occasions. It is better to consult with seniors of your university. It is also available for different rates in Germany.

Cosmetics – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

1. Perfume/ Body spray – 1 (General note: Body sprays like Axe, Adidas, Nivea, Playboy etc are available in India. If you look for particular brand then buy it in India.)
2. Hair Oil – As per your requirement
3. Cold cream – 1
4. Soap – As per requirement (General note: Nivea, Palmolive, etc are available here for cheap rate than in India. It would be better if you purchase here.)
5. Shampoo – Keep few sachet (General note: Head & Shoulder, Adidas, etc are available in Germany)
6. Comb – 5 (Different size)
7. Mirror – 1
8. Nail clipper – 1
9. Paste – 1 (General note: Colgate paste is available in Germany)
10. Brush – 10
11. Tongue cleaner – 3
12. Ear cleaning buds – 1 pack
13. Face powder – 1 (Medium size)
14. Lip balm – 100 grams (General note: Himalaya Lip balm is good to use)

Saloon Items – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

1. Shaving gel or foam – 1
2. Shaving razor – 1
3. Shaving blade – 1 Pack
4. Shaving kit – 1
5. Trimmer – 1 (Things to be noted: Multiple adjustment. Buy branded trimmer.)
6. After shave – 1

Footwear – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

1. Casual Shoe – 1 (Nearly same price in Germany for branded shoes)
2. Winter shoe – Guys who are using heavy Woodland shoes for winters have some problems like leg pain, etc. It is better to buy it in Germany.
3. Bathroom Slipper – 2 Pairs
4. Casual Slipper – 1
5. Woolen Socks – 5 sets (General note: Shoes are same price in Germany. So don’t carry more shoes and waste your baggage weight. High quality woolen socks is around 7 euros for 5 sets)

Stationery Items – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

1. Pen (Black & Blue) – 10
2. Color Pens (Without glitter) – 2 numbers each
3. Pencil – 10
4. Eraser – 2
5. Scale – 1
6. Adhesive tape – 1
7. Pouch – 1
8. Scientific Calculator – 1
9. Scissor – 1
10. Note book – 1
11. Stapler – 1 (Small size – Easy to carry)
12. Stapler pin – 1 (General note: No need to bring many set of xerox copies of certificates. Keep only one set of xerox copies of all documents except passport, visa approval, admission letter.)
13. Glue
14. Sharpener

Gadgets & Electronic Items – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

1. Laptop – Buy in India (Things to be noted: More disk space. More RAM. Less weight.) Suggestion: It’s better to buy laptop in India and install all required software’s. In Germany pirated software’s are not available. You have to pay for everything. Servicing laptop costs approximately 150 euros
2. Mobile – Better to buy in Germany (Suggestion: While getting sim card you will get discount. Bargain and get costly mobile for less amount)
3. Sim – No need to buy any international Sim cards
4. Tab – Cheap in India
5. Mobile pouch and screen guard – Cheap in Elektronik, Autos, Mode, Sammlerstücke, Möbel und mehr Online-Shopping
6. Mouse – Buy it in India (General Note: Since battery costs more, wired mouse is best. Buy best quality mouse with multi-speciality options.)
7. Keyboard – Buy in India
8. Converter – 5
9. Extension box – 1
10. Iron box

Medicines – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

1. Fever tablet – 20 numbers
2. Cold tablet – 20 numbers
3. Cough Syrup – 1
4. Diarrhea – 5 numbers
5. Vicks – 2
6. Strepsils – 10
7. Special medicines – As per your health condition
8. Band aid – 5
9. Antiseptic lotion – 1 (Small)
10. Volini (Pain reliver)

Groceries – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

1. Chilli powder (Homemade is best)
2. Coriander powder (Homemade is best)
3. Turmeric powder (Homemade is best)
4. Garam masala
5. Curry powder
6. Biriyani masala
7. Mutton masala
8. Chicken masala (Different varieties like chilli chicken, chilli chicken, chicken manjurian, etc are available)
9. Fish masala (Different varieties are available)
10. Pepper powder (Homemade is best
11. Cumin powder (Homemade is best)
12. Rasam powder
13. Sambar powder
14. Vathal Pulikolambu powder
15. Egg kolambu powder
16. Cumin seed
17. Mustard seed
18. Biriyani (bay) leaf
19. Cinnamon
20. Cloves
21. Cardomom
22. Jeera
23. Staranise
24. Asafoetida powder
25. Ginger garlic paste
26. Tamarind paste

Ready Made Food Items – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

1. Garlic rice powder
2. Dhal rice powder
3. Lemon rice powder
4. Tamarind rice powder
5. Food pastes (Different varieties)

Suggestions:

• For good tasty rice powders, rice mixes and pickles, visit The Grand Sweets and Snacks
• Try to learn cooking before you come to Germany.
• Buy very less amount ready made mixes which is sufficient for one week. If you buy more it lasts only for some weeks or months. So it is better to bring more species.
• It will be very difficult for people who are living alone, but adjust that for a week then you will be practice to this.

Utensils – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

1. Rice cooker
2. Frying pan
3. Kadai
4. Plate
5. Tumbler
6. Spoons
7. Wooden spoon (For cooking)
8. Spatula
9. Knife
10. Tupperware (For masala items, sugar, salt, etc)

Other Items – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

1. Umbrella – 1 (You might need once you landed in Germany)
2. Coolers – 1
3. Key chains – 5
4. Needle & Thread – 1

Comparison of Prices between India and Germany – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

1. German Passport photo – 50 nos. (Useful throughout you stay in Germany) costly in Germany
2. Mobile – Gutschein in Saturn (Around 150 euro/mobile with connection)
3. Scratch guard & Panel – Costly comparing to India. So if you planned to buy a specificmodel of mobile phone then buy Scratch guard & Panel from India
4. Laptop – Around 650 Euros
5. Pendrive – Costly
6. External Hard disk – Bit costlier than India
7. Laptop service – Around 150 Euros so do a service before coming to Germany (Buy cooling pad for laptops)
8. Pen, Pencil, Eraser, Scale, Marker, Text Marker, glue, A4 sheets, etc – Buy in India
9. Scissors – Buy 2 to 3 nos. in India
10. Umbrella – Buy in India
11. College Bag – Buy in India (Starts from 5 or 7 Euros in Flow market, Germany)
12. Jerkin – Buy from India (Similar price (ca.60 Euros) in Germany but quality differs & Branded Jerkins costs around 150 Euros)
13. Thermal wear – Primark (Cheap in Germany than in India)
14. Skull cap – Primark (3 Euro- Cheap in Germany than in India)
15. Woolen Socks – Primark (7 nos. 1 to 3 Euro – Very cheap in Germany than in India)
16. Gloves (Woolen & Leather) – Best to buy in Germany (Buy for less amount in India – Useful for winter (During landing in Airport))
17. Turkey towel (Bath towel) – Primark (ca. 5 Euro)
18. Kult (For winter) – Primark
19. Bedsheet & Blanket – Buy with high quality in India
20. T-Shirt – Similar to India (Varies according to weather in Germany)
21. Belt – Buy in India
22. Paste – Atleast 2 pack (High cost in Germany)
23. Brush – Min 10 nos. (2 brushes costs ca 1.20 Euros in Germany)
24. Tongue Cleaner – As required
25. Lip balm – Bring atleast 5 nos. from India
26. Vaseline – 2 nos.
27. Coconut Oil (Parachute) – Buy in India (200gm ca.2 Euros in Germany)
28. Comb – 3 nos.
29. Watch
30. DVD/CD
31. Trimmer – Similar price as in India
32. Shaving razor – 10 numbers 1 euro in Woolworth
33. Shaving blade – Around 2.5 euro per pack (Better buy it in India)
34. Sandals – Costly also not much models (Useful only for summer)
35. Bathroom Sandals (1 Euro in primark 3 Euro in Tedi) Note: Try to buy atleast two numbers from India
36. Shoes – Starts from around 50 – 60 Euros (Winter shoes)
37. Casual Shoes – Starts from around 20 (Advisable to by in India)
38. Shoes for daily use – Starts from around 5 Euro in Primark (Advisable to by in India)
39. Grocery items – Very costly than in India
40. Buy more amount of chili powder 1 KG
    • Coriander powder – 500 gm
    • Pepper – As required
    • Turmeric powder – 250 gm
    • Dhal – 3 Kg
    • Garam Masala – 1 Kg
41. Cooking Utensils – Can buy in Germany (Affordable prices except few)
42. Rice cooker – Cheap in India
43. India European converter – Very costly ca. 6 Euros minimum (Buy atleast 5 nos.)
44. Spike buster
45. Food pastes – Kaarkolombu, Pepper rasam paste, Vathakolambu paste, Biriyani paste, etc are not available in Germany. So bring more amount from India (Buy the items which are packed in plastic bottle. Don’t buy items glass bottles)
46. Parota – Available in Srilankan shop (1.5 Euro – 12 pieces)
47. Maggi (Noodles) – Bring few pockets (Useful for first few days)

Shops in Germany – Things that an Indian student should carry while moving to Germany for studies

1. Cheapest shop – Aldi & Lidil
2. Different varieties – Kaufland
3. Thai longkorn rice (Similar to India rice) – Netto (98 cents)
4. Cleaning equipments, files, notes, other stationery items – Tedi (1 Euro shop) & Wollworth
5. Grocery Items – It is available in all Srilankan shops. But it is very costly.
6. Burger – Cheap in McDonalds

*** Bring atleast 1500 Euro in hand to meet first month expenses. Try to bring of 1 Euro, 2 Euros change if you have more luggage. It will be useful to take trolley in airport to carry luggage (Refundable)

Note: The above mentioned prices are not accurate for all places (cities). In flow market some of the items mentioned above are very cheap.

VERY IMPORTANT – all your documents and 2 copies of each! with BIOMETRIC photos – at least 20 photos!!!

So I know keeping all this in one suitcase is quite difficult. But there’s a solution!

Keep your minimum pair of clothes/ bed sheet/ blanket/ jacket/ warm wear/ laptop and few important things like personal things with you while coming. Rest all will cost u Rs 5500 to send 20 kgs in around 15 days by Indian post! I think I’ve covered everything for you.

All the best!

P.S. Don’t forget to put a label/tag on your bags with your details (not all) on it, the first time you are travelling.

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