March 2024 Shopping List for Indian Students Planning to Study in Germany

If you’re planning to pursue your higher education in Germany, it’s essential to prepare yourself for living in a new country with a unique culture and atmosphere. This article aims to guide you on what items you should consider purchasing before your departure to Germany. I will continue to update the shopping list and add additional items as needed to ensure you have a smooth transition into your new academic and personal environment.

Electronic Items

Travel Adapter (Must Buy)

In India, the common electrical outlets are of Type D type, which consist of three round pins arranged in a triangular shape. These outlets can accommodate both Type C and Type D plugs. On the other hand, Germany’s standard electrical outlets are of Type F, which feature two round pins and a grounding pin at the bottom. While the voltage range is identical in both countries, ranging from 220-240 Volts, individuals traveling from India to Germany will require an adapter capable of converting a Type D plug to a Type F plug. (Amazon link)

Extension Board

If you have purchased a travel adapter for your trip, it’s also recommended to invest in an extension board. By connecting your extension board to the travel adapter, you can easily expand the number of available plugs and eliminate the need to purchase multiple travel adapters for different devices. Overall, having an extension board can provide added convenience and flexibility during your travels. (Amazon link)

Ensure you pack all your chargers to avoid inconvenience. With so many devices to keep powered, it’s easy to overlook one and regret it later.

Clothing

It’s important to consider the local weather and cultural norms when selecting your wardrobe. Germany experiences four distinct seasons, with very cold winters and mild summers. Therefore, it’s essential to pack appropriately for the climate. To help you prepare, I’ve put together some general guidelines on what type of clothing you should consider purchasing for your stay. By following these suggestions, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy your stay in Germany, regardless of the season.

• Winter clothing: With cold winters in Germany, it’s important to have warm clothing like heavy jackets, sweaters, long pants, boots, scarves, socks.
  
  However, it’s advisable not to bring heavy jackets from India, as winter clothing in Germany is designed for the local weather conditions and can be purchased at similar prices. One exception to this rule is thermal inner-wear, which is always a good idea to pack. In fact, it’s recommended to bring at least two sets of thermal inner-wear for added warmth and comfort during your stay in Germany. (Thermal inner-wear link)

• Summer clothing: Germany experiences mild summers, making light and breathable clothing such as t-shirts, shorts, and sandals ideal. You can bring summer clothes from India, including comfortable payjamas for a good night’s sleep.

• Rainwear: Germany is known for its rainy climate, and raincoats and waterproof shoes are must-haves. It’s recommended to purchase these items in Germany to ensure they are appropriate for the local weather conditions.

• Formal clothing: If you have plans to attend formal events during your trip, it’s advisable to pack some formal clothing. However, it’s not mandatory, and you can get by without it. It’s worth noting that German formal wear leans towards a more conservative style compared to other countries. Therefore, it would be wise to research the local dress codes before buying any formal attire. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you are appropriately dressed for any formal occasion.

Food Items

Spices

While Indian stores can be found in Germany, the prices of Indian spices there can be quite high. To avoid missing out on the authentic taste of Indian cuisine, it’s recommended to bring along some Indian spices if you have enough luggage allowance. It’s best to bring enough spices for at least six months to a year so that you won’t run out quickly.

If you have spare space in your bag, fill it with food items because if you are like me you are going to miss Indian food and snacks a lot. Although there are Indian stores in Germany, they may not offer the same variety of Indian snacks you are accustomed to, and they tend to be more expensive. If you have extra luggage space available, it would be more convenient and cost-effective to bring your favorite snacks with you from India.

Here’s a list of essential spices to consider bringing with you:

• Coriander Powder
• Turmeric Powder
• Raw Jeera
• Red Chili Powder
• Garam Masala (combo link)
• Black Pepper Powder
• Paneer Masala
• Kitchen King
• Chicken Masala, if you love chicken
• Maggie Masala

You can also bring other powdered spices such as Pav Bhaji Masala, Sambhar Masala, and Chola Masala, depending on your personal taste.

Ready made foods

While traveling, it’s always a good idea to have some ready-to-eat food with you in case you can’t find suitable food options. For example, Saffola Soya Bhurji Magic Masala is a great option that you can consider. It’s a delicious and nutritious ready-to-eat food that you can easily carry with you.

Snacks

Now comes the most important food section, snacks. Fill every inch of your free space with them. Here are some of them which I like:

• Tang
• Chocolates
• Chips
• Namkeen
• Biscuits

Toiletterries

Here are some toiletries you may want to consider packing for your trip:

• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash
• Face wash
• Deodorant
• Feminine hygiene products (if needed)
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• Comb
• Razor or trimmer: This one is important for us boys. If you don’t want to spend 20-25 Euro for everytime you go to the barber, take a good trimmer with you.
• Towel

While it’s worth noting that all of these items are available in Germany, it may be more convenient to bring a supply for at least the first week of your arrival. This will give you time to settle in without the worry of having to go shopping right away. Think of it as a contingency plan in case you’re unable to locate the products you need immediately.

Ultimately, it’s up to your personal preference whether you want to bring these items or purchase them locally. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust to different brands or formulations compared to what you’re used to.

Utensils

Planning to save money by cooking your own food during your stay? Then you should consider packing some essential utensils to make your life easier in the kitchen. Here are some items you should bring along:

• A pressure cooker to cook rice, lentils, and other Indian dishes quickly and efficiently. (link)
• A spice box to keep all your essential spices organized and easily accessible. (link)
• Containers to store different food items such as rice and lentils. (link)
• Kitchen knives for chopping and cutting ingredients (be sure to pack them carefully and check airline guidelines before traveling). (link)
• A cutting board to protect your counters and make food preparation easier. Optional (link)
• Mixing bowls for preparing batter or mixing ingredients. (link)
• Tawa for making Indian breads like roti or paratha, frying pans for cooking different types of dishes and Kadhai (link)
• A soup bowl to enjoy your delicious hot soups. (link)

Don’t forget to check the airline guidelines before heading to the airport, as some items may not be allowed in your carry-on or checked luggage. By packing these essential items, you can cook delicious Indian food and make your stay in Germany more comfortable and enjoyable.

Miscellaneous

• Trolley Bag: Having a reliable trolley bag is essential to pack and organize all your belongings. Depending on the baggage and weight allowance of your airline, you can choose between 2 medium bags or 1 large and 1 medium trolley bag. However, avoid carrying more than two bags, as it can be challenging to manage them, especially if you don’t have someone to help you upon arrival. (Amazon link)

• TSA-approved lock: It’s recommended to have a trolley bag with a TSA-approved lock. These locks are designed to be opened by security officers using a universal key, without damaging the lock or the luggage. You can either purchase a trolley bag that comes with an inbuilt TSA-approved lock, or you can buy a trolley bag that has a non-TSA approved lock and purchase a TSA-approved lock separately. If you choose the latter, it’s important not to use the default lock that comes with the bag, and instead use the new TSA-approved lock to secure your luggage. (link)

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