Checklist for Indian Students Going to Germany

Germany is one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students. If you have already got your admission letter, that’s great! But before you leave, it is important to know what to pack and how to prepare for your new life abroad.

Moving to Germany is exciting, but if you don’t plan early, it can get stressful. You will be in a new country with new weather, culture, food, and rules. A good checklist for students going to Germany makes things smoother and helps you settle in faster. To help make the transition smoother, it’s essential to have a comprehensive checklist that covers everything from necessary documents to personal items.

This checklist for students going to Germany from India will guide you through the important steps to take before leaving India, ensuring you are well-prepared for your studies in Germany. Personal Documents, A valid passport, your visa, ID Proof, Flight Ticket, Travel Insurance, University's Admission Letter, and Proof of Language Proficiency are some of the common but important documents that students have to keep an eye on before leaving for Germany.

This article will guide you with a detailed checklist for students going to Germany from India. It covers all the basics, documents, clothes, health items, electronics, and insurance, so you won’t forget anything important.

Check: Student Guide to Germany

Packing List for Indian Students Going to Germany

Here are the most important documents you must pack before flying to Germany:

Check: Study German language in Germany for International Students

Other Miscellaneous Items

Health-Related: Irrespective of how great your health condition is, carrying a first-aid box is mandatory for all those moving to Germany for studies. There may be times when unexpected situations abroad that require you to get medical aid. As such, help may not be immediately available, so you should make sure you’re carrying the basic medical kit required to heal a condition or an injury. This may include a thermometer, sunburn ointments, antiseptic pills, gauze, insect repellent, sanitizer, cotton balls, multi-vitamins (if required), band-aids, medical tape, pain killers, muscle pain sprays, eye drops, tweezers, etc.

Electronic: Gadgets such as cell phones and laptops are an essential part of a student’s life nowadays, especially for those who are living far from their home country. They have to stay in touch with their family back home, stating their well-being. Also, even though almost all educational institutions provide computer facilities, it is not possible for one to sit in the computer lab all the time and complete their assignments and projects. To work conveniently from the comfort of your own room, it is important to carry your own PC. Other useful devices include pen drives, cameras, cell phone and laptop chargers, USB cables, outlet adaptors, speakers, earphones, and the like.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance from private providers in India may be recognised in Germany. You will have to inquire with your health insurance provider and get a confirmation that you are exempt from compulsory German public health insurance coverage. This letter of confirmation will be essential in your application process, as only with it will you be permitted to enroll at a university. 

You will not be able to switch to a German public health insurance provider once your studies begin. If your Indian insurance policy is insufficient, you will have to purchase a policy in Germany itself. Many universities offer service packages for international students that include accommodation, meal plans, and a health insurance policy. You will have to check with the institutes for such packages. 

Luggage To-Do List

• Documents: Make sure you have all the relevant original documents as well as their photocopies. Photocopies are important as anytime a situation arises where you might be required to present or submit them. Make sure the photocopies are clear, in visible font size, and spotless. It is always a good idea to put all your documents in a file folder so that you don’t have to search for them in other places. Stay organized, and you will never lose any document. Also, don’t forget to verify that you’re carrying the right documents and papers. Read more: 
• Clothing: Keep in mind that a specified weight limit has been set for the luggage on the flights. You won’t be able to carry beyond that set number. Therefore, while packing your clothes, keep only the very essential items which you would require for the first semester. For example, if your academic session commences in winter, carry all the woollen and warm clothes. Do not unnecessarily carry your favourite summer t-shirt or dress, which won’t be of any use immediately. Do not pile up, creating a mess inside your suitcase or luggage bag.
• Washroom Items: Carry a toiletry bag when packing your stuff for studying abroad so that you don’t scatter the washroom essential items inside your bags. Smart packing would include carrying 1 or 2 pieces of all the basic items. Once a month or two has passed at the new location, you can always visit a departmental store or supermarket and purchase the finished products. Doing this will maintain a cap on the number of items that are mandatory for your stay. Your bag should contain only those things without which you cannot move ahead with your day.

Read More: Cover Letter for German Student Visa: Writing Tips and Why is it So Important?