Checklist of Things to Carry to Germany for International Students
Heading to Germany for your studies? Don't miss our essential checklist of items to carry, covering documents, electronics, clothing, and more to ensure a smooth transition.
Table of contents
Last updated: May 2026
TL;DR: Pack documents first (passport, visa, admission letter, insurance proof, academic transcripts), then essentials you cannot easily buy in Germany (prescription medications, country-specific spices, power adapters). Skip heavy winter clothing and bedding; buy those in Germany at stores like Primark, TK Maxx, or IKEA for less than the airline baggage surcharge would cost.
What Should You Pack for Germany as an International Student?
Focus on what is hard or impossible to buy in Germany. Everything else can be purchased locally, often cheaper than paying for extra baggage. Most airlines allow 23-30 kg checked luggage for international flights, plus 7-10 kg carry-on. Pack strategically.
Priority 1:
Documents (Carry-On Only)
Keep all documents in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. Bring both originals and photocopies stored separately.
| Document | Why You Need It | Copies Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (valid 6+ months) | Entry, bank account, registration, everything | 5 photocopies |
| Student visa | Entry into Germany | 3 photocopies |
| University admission letter | Enrollment, residence permit | 3 photocopies |
| Health insurance certificate | Enrollment, residence permit | 2 photocopies |
| Blocked account confirmation | Visa, residence permit, proof of funds | 2 photocopies |
| Academic transcripts and degree certificates | Enrollment, credit transfer, job applications | 3 photocopies (originals + notarized copies) |
| Language certificates (IELTS, TestDaF, Goethe) | University enrollment | 2 photocopies |
| APS certificate (if applicable) | Required for Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese applicants | 2 photocopies |
| Passport-size biometric photos | Residence permit, student ID, transport card | 10-15 photos (specific German format: 35x45mm) |
| Rental contract (if available) | Address registration | 1 copy |
| Birth certificate (translated) | Some administrative processes | 1 notarized translation |
Digital backup: Store scans of all documents in cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud) and email copies to yourself. If your physical documents are lost or stolen, digital copies help with replacement.
Priority 2:
Medications and Health Items
| Item | Why Pack It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription medications (3-6 month supply) | Prescriptions from your home country are not valid in Germany | Carry in original packaging with doctor's letter in English |
| Prescription glasses/contacts (spare pair) | Optician visits in Germany are expensive without insurance covering it | Bring your prescription details too |
| Basic first-aid kit | Convenience during first weeks | Bandages, antiseptic, paracetamol, allergy medication |
| Personal hygiene items (travel size) | For first 1-2 days before shopping | Buy full-size items at dm, Rossmann, or Mueller in Germany |
Medication rules: You can bring prescription medications for personal use (up to 3 months supply). Carry a doctor's letter (in English) listing medications, dosages, and generic names. Some medications available over-the-counter in your country may require a prescription in Germany, and vice versa.
Priority 3:
Electronics
| Item | Pack or Buy in Germany? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop | Pack | Essential for coursework. If buying new, Germany is competitive on prices |
| Smartphone (unlocked) | Pack | Ensure it is factory unlocked for German SIM cards |
| Power adapter (Type C/F) | Pack 2-3 | Germany uses Type C (round two-pin) and Type F (same with grounding). Indian/US/UK plugs do not fit |
| Universal power strip | Pack 1 | Plug one adapter into the wall, connect multiple devices via your home-country power strip |
| USB charging cables | Pack | Same cables work worldwide |
| External hard drive / USB stick | Pack | For document backups and coursework |
| Noise-cancelling headphones | Pack if you own them | Useful for studying in shared spaces and long train rides |
Do not bring: Hair dryers or straighteners (voltage may differ; buy a EUR 15-20 one in Germany). Desktop computers (unless you specifically need one; laptops are more practical for student life).
Priority 4: Clothing
Pack for the season you are arriving in, plus one layer up. Buy the rest in Germany.
If Arriving in September-October (Winter Semester)
| Pack | Buy in Germany |
|---|---|
| 5-7 t-shirts and casual tops | Heavy winter jacket (EUR 30-80 at Primark, H&M, or TK Maxx) |
| 2-3 jeans/trousers | Winter boots (EUR 30-60 at Deichmann or Zalando) |
| 1 light jacket or hoodie | Thermal underwear (EUR 10-20 at Lidl or Aldi in October) |
| 1 set of formal/semi-formal clothes | Scarves, gloves, hats (EUR 5-15 each) |
| Comfortable walking shoes | Rain jacket (EUR 20-40) |
| Underwear and socks (1-2 weeks supply) |
If Arriving in March-April (Summer Semester)
| Pack | Buy in Germany |
|---|---|
| Light clothing for spring | Summer clothes for later months |
| 1 rain jacket or waterproof layer | Sandals or summer shoes |
| 1 warm sweater (spring evenings are cool) | Swimwear (for lakes and pools) |
| Comfortable shoes |
Key tip: Germany's weather is colder and wetter than most of South and Southeast Asia. Even summer evenings can drop to 10-15 degrees Celsius. Always have a light layer available.
Priority 5:
Food and Kitchen Items
| Item | Pack or Buy? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spices from home | Pack (small quantities) | Indian spices, masalas, and specialty seasonings are available in Germany (Asian/Indian stores) but more expensive. Bring favorites in sealed packets |
| Small rice cooker | Buy in Germany | Available at MediaMarkt or Amazon.de for EUR 20-30 |
| Basic utensils | Buy in Germany | IKEA, Action, or one-euro shops have complete sets for EUR 5-15 |
| Reusable water bottle | Pack | German tap water is safe to drink. Save money by not buying bottled water |
| Lunchbox | Pack | Useful for taking food to campus |
| Instant noodles / comfort food | Pack a few packets | For the first days before you can shop properly |
Do not bring: Pots, pans, plates, or full kitchen sets. These are heavy and cheap to buy in Germany at IKEA (EUR 20-40 for a complete starter set) or secondhand on eBay Kleinanzeigen.
Priority 6:
Bedding and Linens
Student halls: Some provide bedding; confirm with your Studentenwerk before packing.
Private apartments: Usually unfurnished, including no bedding.
Recommendation: Do not pack bedding (it is heavy and takes up luggage space). Buy a complete set at IKEA or Primark in Germany for EUR 20-40. Alternatively, order online from Amazon.de and have it delivered to your accommodation before or on arrival day.
Bring one lightweight travel towel for the first night if you are unsure about bedding availability.
What NOT to Pack
| Skip This | Why |
|---|---|
| Heavy winter coats | Cheaper in Germany, not worth the luggage weight |
| Full bedding sets | Buy at IKEA for EUR 20-40 |
| Excess toiletries | dm and Rossmann are everywhere with affordable products |
| Kitchen equipment | IKEA starter kits are EUR 20-40 |
| Books and textbooks | University libraries and digital resources are extensive |
| Too many formal clothes | German workplaces and universities are generally casual |
| Voltage-incompatible appliances | Buy local or check voltage compatibility (Germany: 230V, 50Hz) |
Luggage Packing Checklist
- Passport, visa, all documents in carry-on
- Digital copies of all documents in cloud storage
- 10-15 biometric photos (35x45mm)
- Prescription medications with doctor's letter
- Laptop and charger
- Phone (unlocked) and charger
- 2-3 Type C/F power adapters
- 7 days of clothing appropriate for arrival season
- 1 formal outfit
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Favorite spices and snacks from home
- Reusable water bottle
- EUR 200-500 cash for first days
- Debit/credit card (inform bank of travel)
- Small first-aid kit
For what to do after arriving, see our arrival checklist guide and the pre-departure checklist tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much luggage can I bring on an international flight to Germany?
Most airlines allow 23 kg checked luggage (some allow 30 kg for international economy) plus 7-10 kg carry-on. Extra baggage costs EUR 50-150 per additional bag. Weigh everything before departure. If you are over the limit, ship items separately via DHL or leave them behind. In most cases, buying items in Germany is cheaper than paying excess baggage fees.
Should I bring Indian/Asian groceries to Germany?
Bring small quantities of specialty spices and snacks you cannot live without. Major German cities have Indian and Asian grocery stores (Go Asia, Asia Markt) where you can find rice, lentils, spices, and packaged foods. Prices are 20-50% higher than in India but still affordable. Cities with large Indian communities (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt) have the best selection.
Do I need a specific type of power adapter for Germany?
Yes. Germany uses Type C (Europlug, two round pins) and Type F (Schuko, same with grounding clips). If you are coming from India (Type C/D/M), your Type C plugs may work directly. From the US, UK, or Australia, you need an adapter. Buy 2-3 universal adapters before departure. Do not bring high-wattage appliances meant for 110V without a voltage converter.
Can I buy a winter jacket in Germany when I arrive?
Yes, and you should. German stores (Primark: EUR 20-40, H&M: EUR 30-60, TK Maxx: EUR 30-80, Jack Wolfskin: EUR 80-150) sell quality winter jackets that are designed for German winters. Buying locally saves luggage space and ensures the jacket is appropriate for actual German weather conditions.
What should I keep in my carry-on during the flight?
All documents (passport, visa, admission letter, insurance), laptop, phone, chargers, medications, one change of clothes, valuables, and EUR 200-500 cash. If your checked luggage is delayed or lost, your carry-on should contain everything you need for the first 48 hours.
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