Essential Documents to Carry
Before traveling to Germany overseas, you must have all your essential documents physically and digitally organized. These documents are important not only for immigration but also for university registration, accommodation contracts and local procedures, such as city registration or health insurance.
Important Documents
- Valid passport (With at least one year of validity plus blank pages)
- German student visa and entry stamp
- University admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid)
- Blocked account confirmation (Sperrkonto) from the bank
- Travel insurance (To fill the time until public health insurance applies)
- Proof of health insurance (Statutory or Private as accepted in Germany)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Certificate of language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF)
- Apostilled documents, if your university requires them
- Passport-size photographs (Biometric matte finish - at least 8-10)
- COVID-19/[relevant information] vaccination certificate, if applicable
- Printouts of accommodation confirmation, flight tickets, and emergency contacts.
Clothing & Accessories Checklist
Bringing appropriate clothing for Germany's changing weather is important. Students should be aware of seasonal changes from cold winters to warm summers. The main factor to consider is layering and comfort; you will live in your clothes from when you leave your accommodation to when you arrive at university.
Clothes
- T-shirts, shirts and tops (both casual and formal) - 7-10 of each
- Comfort is important for jeans or trousers for day-to-day use.
- Traditional/ethnic clothing - for festivals and cultural events
- Undergarments and socks - at least 10-12 pairs
- Sleepwear and loungewear clothing - 2- 3 sets
- Rain jacket or poncho - compact/non-bulky and waterproof
- Belt, caps, scarf - style and substance
Winter Essentials
- Heavy winter jacket (waterproof and insulated is preferable)
- Thermal innerwear/top - 2- 3 pairs
- Woollen sweaters and hoodies - at least 3-4
- Gloves, mufflers and beanies - insulated fabric or fleece which will protect you from the cold
- Warm socks and legwarmers - thick for sub-zero days
Note: If you are limited by luggage weight space, you can also purchase basic winter gear in Germany at shops like Decathlon, C&A or Primark.
Footwear
- Comfortable shoes for walking/everyday
- Formal shoes for presentations or interviews
- Slippers/flip flops for indoors or shared bathrooms
- Boots that are waterproof and have a non-slip sole for winter
- Sports Shoes - if you plan to attend the university gym or partake in sports.
Electronics and Gadgets
Carrying the right technology and gadgets can make your academic and personal life easier in Germany. Ensure your devices work with European voltage specifications while having everything you need for study, communication, and everyday life.
- Laptop/computer and charger – Essential for your academics
- Mobile phone and power bank – Unlocked and capable of international roaming
- Universal travel adapter AC plug – Preferably with surge protection
- Headphones or earbuds – For your online classes and entertainment
- USB drive/external hard drive – For backing up and sharing files
- Multi-plug extension board – With multiple sockets (for use with EU plugs)
- Scientific calculator – If your course is equipped with one
- E-reader or tablet – For reading and note-taking, usually has apps for
- Bluetooth portable speakers – Optional for leisure purposes
- Smartwatch/Fitness tracker – Optional for health-conscious students
- Camera – Optional for aspiring photographers.
Kitchen Essentials for Indian Students
Taking a few essential kitchen items will allow Indian students to transition into cooking from scratch abroad quickly and at minimal cost. Pack only lightweight and multi-use utensils, and only Indian ingredients that are hard to find in Germany and non-perishable.
Utensils
Take the basic yet durable utensils for quick cooking and Indian cooking.
- Small pressure cooker (with extra gaskets and safety valve)
- Frying pan and saucepan (non-stick and induction compatible)
- Serving spoons and spatulas
- Tongs and a ladle
- Kitchen knife and peeler
- Cutting board
- Steel or microwave lunch boxes
- A reusable water bottle and mug for coffee
- Set of plates, bowls and cutlery
- Measuring spoons or cups (optional but useful)
Food & Spices
Only pack what is sealed and what customs allow. Do not take a large or perishable quantity.
- Spices: Garam masala, turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin seeds, mustard seeds
- Ready meals or instant meals
- Snacks: Namkeen, mixture, instant noodles
- Tea, coffee or sugar (only if you think your indicated brands will be hard to source locally)
- Dals and rice (small quantity to start)
- Pickles and chutneys (vacuum sealed)
- Masala mixes for curries and gravies.
Toiletries and Medications
If you can pack a small, necessary set of toiletries and prescribed medications, you will make an easy transition during your first days in Germany. Some products may not be available at once or in a different formulation. Bring these items with you if you find them suitable for your daily routine.
Toiletries
Travel-sized kit of items for daily personal hygiene and care.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and tongue cleaner
- Soap or body wash (travel-sized bottles that last 2-3 weeks).
- Shampoo, conditioner, and hair oil.
- Facial cleanser and facial moisturiser (skin type used).
- Deodorant and perfume
- Shaving kit or hair removal items.
- Nail cutter, comb, and hair brush.
- Sanitary products (tampons, sanitary pads, menstrual cups).
- Sunscreen and lip protectant.
- Towels and washcloths.
Medicines
Carry a basic first-aid kit and any commonly used medications after consulting a doctor. Ensure that the medications remain labelled and separately prescribed.
- Paracetamol or fever medications.
- Cold and cough medications and allergy medications.
- Pain-relieving spray or ointment.
- Antacids and indigestion medications.
- Multivitamins and supplements.
- Prescription medications (with copies of prescriptions).
- Band-aids, antiseptic cream, and a digital thermometer.
Tip: Some medications in Germany will not be dispensed from pharmacies (Apotheke) without prescriptions, especially for antibiotics; keep that in mind when consulting your GP back home.
Miscellaneous Items to Pack
Even though essentials will be the first things to pack, there are also some miscellaneous items that you might consider packing to make your arrival and the first days in Germany easier and more comfortable. These miscellaneous items may seem insignificant, but can help you save time and money later.
- Reusable water bottles and lunch boxes
- Umbrella and compact raincoat
- Sewing kit, safety pins, and scissors
- Travel-size laundry detergent and cloth clips
- Reusable shopping bags (plastic bags are chargeable in Germany)
- Small toolkit (screwdriver, pliers)
- Lock and keys for hostel drawers or lockers
- Small torchlight or emergency light
- Religious or cultural items (if applicable)
- A few passport-size photos (German specifications if possible)
- Notebooks, pens, and basic stationery
- Snacks and ready-to-eat Indian food for the first few days
- Eyeglasses/contact lenses (carry extras if needed)
Items You Should Not Carry
Packing smart also means knowing what not to take! Some items are limited in their ability to be brought in, others are unnecessary, and finally, some can be purchased in Germany cheaply. Don't take up extra baggage space with these items:
- Perishable food items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, or dairy
- Large quantities of cash (Germany allows limited cash entry; carry cards instead)
- Sharp objects (knives, scissors) in cabin luggage
- High-voltage electronics that may not support German power standards
- Bulky textbooks that can be accessed online or in university libraries
- Too many clothes — Germany has affordable fashion stores like Primark and H&M
- Non-essential kitchen appliances like rice cookers or mixers
- Duplicate documents or outdated paperwork
- Heavy bedding items — buy compact or season-appropriate ones locally
- Aerosol sprays or highly flammable items
- Over-the-counter medicines that are not permitted without prescription
Packing Tips for Indian Students Going to Germany
Packing wisely helps students save time, space, and money. Here are some useful packing tips tailored for Indian students preparing for a long-term academic stay in Germany.
- Use vacuum storage bags to compress bulky clothes like winter jackets and woollens
- Weigh your luggage in advance to avoid excess baggage charges at the airport
- Label every bag with your name, contact number, and German address
- Carry a change of clothes and essentials in your cabin baggage in case of delays
- Distribute weight evenly across checked-in and cabin bags
- Keep all documents (passport, visa, university admission letter, insurance) in a waterproof folder
- Check the airline’s baggage policy carefully—some may allow two check-in bags
- Carry adapters and chargers in your carry-on for easy access upon arrival
- Use zip pouches or organisers for electronics, toiletries, and medications
- Avoid packing unnecessary items—Germany offers affordable shopping options for students
- Digitally back up documents on cloud storage platforms like Google Drive
Conclusion
When compiling your packing list for international students heading to Germany, start with essential documents, proper clothing for the season, and electronics that are important to you. Only pack what you need to avoid excess baggage, and see if you have enough space in your luggage for useful things you might need or want to buy locally. Packing the right toiletries, kitchen essentials, and study items will help you feel settled sooner.
Mindful packing is not only a useful travel incentive, but mindful packing will help you adapt once you arrive! You might be surprised by the local markets and how you adjust your belongings to your new living situation. With the right packing plan, you will be ready for one of the most exciting opportunities to study abroad!
For more details on preparing to study abroad, consider visiting the upGrad Study Abroad page to connect with experts who can guide you every step of the way.
