Moving to Germany from India: What to Pack, Prepare, and Know as a Student
Before moving to Germany, I watched countless YouTube videos and read dozens of packing lists. Most of them either suggested carrying everything you own or packing so lightly that you would end up buying essentials immediately after landing.
After spending some time in Germany, I realized that there are a few things I am genuinely glad I brought from India, a few things I wish I had brought, and several things that people unnecessarily fill their luggage with.
This guide is based entirely on my experience as an Indian student moving to Germany.
Must Have Items
1. A Pressure Cooker
If you cook Indian food regularly, a pressure cooker is probably the single most useful thing you can bring.
Many Indian dishes become much easier to prepare with one. While pressure cookers are available in Germany, finding the right size and model can be difficult and often more expensive.
2. Compression Packing Bags
These save an incredible amount of space.
You will be surprised how much clothing you can fit into your luggage when using compression bags. They also help keep things organized during the move.
3. Good Quality Luggage
This is one area where you should not try to save money.
Buy a sturdy suitcase, preferably a polycarbonate one with strong wheels. Airport baggage handling can be rough, and damaged wheels are more common than you might think. Once you arrive in Germany, you may have to drag your luggage through train stations, long platforms, cobblestone streets, and staircases.
A good suitcase can make your first few days significantly easier.
4. Winter Gloves with Touchscreen Support
If you are arriving during winter, these are extremely useful.
The ability to use your phone without removing your gloves sounds like a small thing until you're standing at a train platform in near freezing temperatures trying to check directions.
5. A Puffer Jacket and Scarf
If you are arriving during winter, bring at least one good winter jacket and a scarf.
Winter clothing is available in Germany, but buying everything immediately after arrival can be expensive.
6. Stationery
Pens, notebooks, pencils, folders, and other stationery items are noticeably more expensive than in India.
Bring enough to last your first semester.
7. Dried Curry Leaves
If you cook South Indian food regularly, dried curry leaves can be worth carrying.
Fresh curry leaves can be difficult to find depending on where you live.
8. Basic Utensils
Carry a few essentials:
- Spoon
- Fork
- Small knife
You'll appreciate having these on your first day before you find time to shop.
9. Chapati Rolling Pin
If you plan on making chapatis regularly, bring one from India.
Finding the right rolling pin isn't impossible, but it can save you the hassle of searching later.
10. A Good Trimmer
For men especially, carrying your preferred trimmer can save money and avoid compatibility issues with different models.
Travel Essentials
11. International Roaming
Activate an international roaming plan before leaving India.
You may need mobile connectivity to:
- Contact your university
- Navigate train stations
- Receive OTPs
- Access maps and bookings
12. Download the DB Navigator App
This app is essential for train travel in Germany.
You can:
- Buy tickets
- Check delays
- Find platform information
- Track connections in real time
13. Pre Book Your ICE Ticket
If you need to travel to another city after landing, book your ICE train ticket in advance.
Try to schedule the train at least two hours after your flight's landing time. Immigration, baggage collection, and airport navigation often take longer than expected.
14. Carry Printed Copies of Important Documents
Keep printed copies of:
- Flight tickets
- Train tickets
- Admission letter
- Accommodation details
- Passport and visa copies
Phones run out of battery. Internet connections fail. Printed copies provide a useful backup when you're alone in a new country.
15. Arrive Early at the Airport
Reach the airport at least three hours before departure.
International travel from India can involve long queues for check in, baggage drop, immigration, and security checks.
Long Flight Survival Kit
16. Noise Cancelling Headphones
A long flight becomes significantly more comfortable with a good pair of headphones.
17. Neck Pillow and Eye Mask
These can make the difference between arriving exhausted and arriving reasonably rested.
18. Download Movies and Shows Offline
Don't rely entirely on in flight entertainment.
Download a few movies, podcasts, or TV episodes onto your phone beforehand.
19. Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothes
Comfort matters more than appearance during a long international journey.
20. Keep a Toothbrush and Toothpaste in Your Carry On
You'll appreciate freshening up during a long layover or after landing.
21. Carry Tissues and Hand Sanitizer
These become surprisingly useful during travel.
22. Carry Some Ready to Eat Food
Flights get delayed. Trains get delayed. Stores may be closed.
Having a few snacks, cup noodles, or instant noodle packets can be a lifesaver during your first day.
23. Bring Some Candies
Candies help during long flights and can make takeoff and landing slightly more comfortable.
Medicines
24. Carry Any Important Medicines
Bring sufficient quantities of medications you regularly use.
Most importantly:
- Carry prescriptions
- Keep medicines in original packaging
- Carry doctor's documentation if necessary
The Tissue Paper Problem
25. Portable Bidet
This one depends entirely on personal preference.
If you think adjusting to Germany's tissue paper only bathroom culture might be difficult, a portable bidet can be very useful during travel and for your initial weeks.
Important Packing Tips
Power Banks
Carry power banks in your hand luggage only. Do not place them in checked baggage.
Perfume and Liquids
Airlines have restrictions on liquids in cabin baggage.
Check your airline's specific rules before packing perfumes, lotions, and cosmetics.
Wrap Liquid Bottles Properly
Place perfumes, lotions, oils, and similar items inside plastic bags before packing them.
A leaking bottle can ruin an entire suitcase.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Avoid carrying one extremely heavy suitcase and one very light suitcase.
Balancing the weight makes travelling through train stations and airports much easier.
Don't Overwrap Everything
Some protection is useful.
Wrapping every single item in multiple layers of tape and plastic will only make unpacking frustrating after a long journey.
Something Most Students Ignore
Buddy Programs
Many German universities offer buddy or mentor programs.
A local or senior student may help you:
- Navigate the city
- Complete paperwork
- Answer questions
- Sometimes even meet you at the Hauptbahnhof
This can remove a huge amount of stress during your first week.
One Important Thing to Remember
If you arrive on a Sunday, almost all shops will be closed.
This surprises many international students.
Make sure you have:
- Snacks
- Basic groceries
- Essential toiletries
for at least your first day.
What You Don't Need to Bring
Most Masalas
Indian grocery stores are available in most German cities.
Unless you have homemade spice mixes that you particularly love, don't waste valuable luggage space carrying large quantities of masalas.
Pickles and Ginger Garlic Paste
These are generally available in Indian stores as well.
Most Cosmetics
Unless you strongly prefer a specific Indian brand, you can easily buy cosmetics in Germany.
Large Cooking Vessels
Big pots and vessels take up too much luggage space and are relatively easy to buy after arrival.
Final Thoughts
Everyone's packing list is different, but if I were moving from India to Germany again, I would focus less on carrying excessive food and more on carrying items that improve convenience and comfort.
A good suitcase, a pressure cooker, proper winter wear, essential medicines, and a few travel comforts will help far more than an extra five kilograms of masalas.
Pack smart, not heavy. Your future self will thank you when you're dragging those suitcases through a German train station on your first day.