Your dream of studying abroad is about to take flight! You’ve got your university offer letter, visa, and flight tickets—but one big question remains: What should I pack before leaving India?
Every student feels the packing panic. Take too much, and you’ll pay heavy baggage fees. Take too little, and you’ll end up missing essentials that are costly or rare abroad.
This guide gives you the ultimate Pre-Departure Shopping List for Indian Students, specially designed for those heading to the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France, or Dubai.
1. Important Documents & Essentials
These should always be in your hand luggage in a waterproof folder:
- Passport (with student visa)
- University acceptance letter (CAS/I-20/Offer letter)
- Air tickets & travel insurance
- Academic certificates & transcripts (original + photocopies)
- Passport-size photos (10–15, matte finish)
- Scanned copies of all documents saved in Google Drive/email
Pro Tip: Never pack documents in check-in luggage. Keep them easily accessible during immigration checks.
2. Clothing & Weather Gear
Weather differs greatly across countries:
- Study in the UK, Ireland, France, New Zealand → Cold, unpredictable climates. Pack thermals, sweaters, gloves, scarves, and light jackets. Buy heavy winter jackets abroad for better quality.
- Study in the USA or Australia → Varies by state/region. Carry layers (T-shirts, hoodies, 1–2 formals for interviews, sneakers, and sandals).
- Study in Dubai → Hot most of the year. Pack light cotton clothes but keep at least one formal suit and one warm jacket for indoor AC-heavy spaces.
Don’t forget: Umbrella/raincoat (essential in UK, Ireland, and New Zealand) + 1–2 sets of traditional Indian wear for festivals.
3. Food & Kitchen Supplies
Indian food cravings abroad are real! Packing smart saves money:
- Pressure cooker (2–3 liters + spare gasket)
- Indian spices: Chilly powder, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cardamom
- Ready-to-eat packs: Maggi, MTR, Poha, Upma, Parathas
- Dry snacks: Khakhra, Thepla, Bhujia, energy bars
- Utensils: Non-stick pan, kadai, belan, rolling board (optional)
- Cutlery: Knife, spoon set, peeler, can opener
- Reusable water bottle & lunchbox
Cost of Living in Australia, New Zealand, and Dubai is higher for Indian groceries—so stock up on masalas and ready-to-cook packs from India.
4. Toiletries & Personal Care
Pack enough for your first month abroad—everything else is available locally:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shaving kit, deodorant
- Soap, shampoo, conditioner (travel-size packs)
- Skincare: Moisturizer & sunscreen (must-have in Australia & Dubai)
- Feminine hygiene products (preferred Indian brands)
- Hair oil (hard to find abroad, especially in France & Ireland)
5. Medicines & Health Kit
Healthcare is expensive abroad, so carry essentials:
- Prescription medicines (with doctor’s note—mandatory for Dubai)
- Fever, cough, cold, headache tablets
- Antacids, digestion pills, pain relievers
- Band-aids, antiseptic, thermometer
- Multivitamins
For students in Dubai, check approved medicine lists since rules are stricter than in UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or France.
6. Electronics & Gadgets
Tech = survival tools for students abroad:
- Laptop + charger (preferably with international warranty)
- Smartphone + charger
- Universal adapter (plug types differ in UK, Ireland, France, New Zealand & Dubai)
- External hard drive/USB
- Power bank (check airline rules)
- Noise-cancelling headphones/earphones
- Portable study lamp
7. Banking & Money Matters
Managing money abroad is easier when you plan ahead:
- Forex/International debit card
- Some cash in local currency (GBP/USD/AUD/NZD/EUR/AED)
- Indian bank account with net banking enabled
- Forex card with at least ₹40,000–50,000 for initial expenses
If you’re flying to Dubai, carry AED 1,000–2,000 in cash for your first week’s living costs.
8. Miscellaneous Must-Haves
- Strong backpack & trolley bag (with TSA lock)
- Bedsheets & pillow covers (2–3 sets, especially useful in New Zealand & Ireland)
- Small sewing kit, safety pins, torchlight
- Travel pillow, eye mask, earplugs (for long-haul flights to USA, Australia, France)
- Reusable shopping bags (essential in Australia & New Zealand, where plastic bags are banned)
Quick Pre-Departure Packing Tips
✔ ️ Check airline baggage limits (usually 23–30 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin).
✔ ️ Don’t pack bulky jackets or blankets—buy them abroad.
✔ ️ Carry only first-month essentials—rest you’ll shop locally.
✔ ️ Keep a small cabin bag with clothes, toiletries, and snacks in case luggage is delayed.
Final Word
Whether you’re flying to the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, France, Ireland, or Dubai, this Pre-Departure Shopping List for Indian Students ensures you’re well-prepared.
Remember: Pack smart, not heavy. Take what you can’t easily find abroad (like masalas, medicines, and academic documents), and leave the rest for local shopping.
Need Expert Pre-Departure Advice?
At Eleevate Overseas, we help Indian students from Mumbai and across India not only secure admissions and visas but also prepare for the pre-departure stage—so you travel stress-free. Connect with us today for a FREE pre-departure counselling session and get your personalized packing guide.
