Moving to Europe for Two Years or More? Read on.
As much as I hate to start with this, I have to say it: the list of things to pack for Indians flying abroad will look different compared to other nationalities. (If you’re not Indian, feel free to skip the utensils and spices category.) The airlines I flew with allowed two large suitcases (about 23+23 kilos), one cabin bag (7 kilos), and one handbag (5 kilos). A few Indians I know actually managed to carry 75 kilos with Air India! Don’t be that person. Let me help you filter through your luggage to ensure you’re only packing what you will actually use.
Start by dedicating half of your luggage to clothes.
Clothes
If you’re moving to a cold country and arriving in winter, you’ll definitely need a warm jacket to survive until you figure out where to buy your winter clothes. However, if you’re arriving outside of winter, just pack a light jacket and your usual clothes. It’s much easier and cheaper to buy winter clothing once you’re in the country. When packing, make sure you don’t carry anything you haven’t worn in the last 6 months. Filter your wardrobe multiple times until you’re sure you have 23 kilos of clothes you’ll definitely wear. For me, the clothes I packed lasted me about two weeks before I had to do laundry. That should be sufficient for the first couple of weeks.
Update: Many countries, especially in Europe, now offer eco-friendly or second-hand clothing stores which might be more affordable and sustainable for students looking to update their wardrobe. Check out platforms like Vinted or local thrift stores to help reduce your environmental footprint while adjusting to the local climate.
Footwear
Here’s what I packed: 2 pairs of flats, 2 pairs of sneakers, 1 pair of boots, and 1 pair of flip flops. Out of these, I’ve only used my sneakers, boots, and a new pair of boots I bought once I got here. My suggestion is to go as basic as possible: one pair of white sneakers, one pair of black boots for outdoor use, 5-6 pairs of socks, and flip flops for indoor use. Anything else can be bought locally.
Update: European cities promote walking and cycling, so comfortable and durable shoes are crucial. Consider packing a pair of waterproof shoes or boots if you’re going to a region known for rain or snow, as these are common in places like the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Bags & Accessories
I carried a large backpack as cabin baggage and a handbag. The backpack was perfect for short trips, and the handbag became my go-to for grocery shopping. Once I arrived, I bought a smaller backpack for carrying books and lunch to university. I also packed cubes to segregate my clothes and toiletries, which now help me keep things organized in my room.
Update: Travel-friendly smart luggage (with charging ports, for example) is becoming more popular. If you plan to do a lot of traveling, consider investing in a bag with built-in charging options to avoid carrying additional adapters or power banks.
Toiletries
Only carry large amounts of toiletries if you have sensitive skin and need your specific products. I packed shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, serum, body lotion, toothpaste, and brushes, and I was glad I did since it was hard to find familiar brands at the stores in Italy for the first few weeks. For women, I recommend carrying enough pads or liners for the first month. If you use a menstrual cup, no need to pack that at all. Roll-on deodorants are also a better option than sprays since they are compact and last longer.
Utensils (Yes, Really)
My mom made me bring a pressure cooker, and I can’t thank her enough for it. Ensure that all your utensils are compatible with induction stoves as well as traditional ones. I use mine constantly. While you may find some utensils in your apartment abroad, you won’t likely find a pressure cooker. So, pack the essentials: cooker, gasket, whistle, and other items like a frying pan, saucepan, plate, spoon, fork, and tumbler. If you choose not to bring them, keep in mind that most furnished houses come with basic kitchenware. Avoid carrying things like storage boxes or hangers. Zip-lock bags work wonders for organizing your clothes and toiletries.
Update: The rise in airbnb-style accommodations means that some properties will provide more or fewer kitchen essentials. So, you might want to confirm what is included before packing the full kitchen set.
Spices/Masala
It’s worth carrying a small box of spices, enough to last you at least a month. You’ll find Indian stores in most European cities, so stock up later. Avoid bringing perishables, as you won’t miss them anytime soon.
Large Items
I brought a thick bedsheet, pillowcase, and a thin blanket. These were lifesavers in the beginning because I wasn’t used to the cold, and the heaters weren’t on yet. If you’re coming in winter, bring an extra layer or two to help you adjust. Skip items like hangers or excessive storage boxes, those can be found or bought locally.
Update: If you plan on traveling frequently, you might want to bring a travel-sized blanket or compact sleeping bag for short getaways, especially if you’re planning on taking trips to rural areas or colder places.
Electronics
Always pack at least two universal adapters and a power strip. The power strip lets you use multiple Indian electronic items with just one adapter. Other electronics might include shaving kits, a blow dryer, or a straightener. I use mine daily, but always check with your airline to see if they permit such items. Pro tip: I managed to bring a pepper spray (not an electronic item, but I was still surprised it passed through the scanner).
Update: Make sure you’re aware of the new European charging standards. USB-C is now the universal standard for most devices, including phones and laptops. Bring a USB-C adapter to make sure you’re ready for all your devices to be charged without needing multiple converters.
Medicines
If you’re on daily medication, make sure you have a solid stock for a couple of months. I just brought a few painkillers, some for mild issues, pain relief balm, odomos (mosquito repellent), paracetamol, and a few other items like vitamins, band-aids, gauze, and dettol. It’s a good idea to bring your essential medicine with you, as foreign brands may be harder to find or more expensive.
Cosmetics & Accessories (for Women)
I kept this minimal because I knew I didn’t want to carry everything back and forth each time I visited India. I packed 4-5 makeup brushes, nail cutters, tweezers, Q-tips, one eye shadow palette, two lipsticks, kajal, eyeliner, and a couple of nail colors. I also packed some Indian jewelry that I could use as gifts (you know, for Bollywood-loving friends 😉). For accessories, I kept it simple with one set of gold-colored jewelry and one in silver.
Stationery
I definitely went overboard here, but you can simplify it: 1 notebook, 1-2 colored pens, basic pencils, erasers, scissors, tape, and a box cutter are all you need. I carried much more, but trust me, it’s not worth the weight. Keep it simple!
Packing Strategy
I divided my packing into two categories: one for clothes and one for everything else. Items like my laptop, chargers, mouse, and adapter went into the backpack for easy access, especially during layovers. My handbag had two sets of emergency clothes in case my bags got lost, plus snacks and water.
It’s best to pack in a way that allows you to be mobile while handling all your bags at once. My suitcases had four wheels, which made it easier to pull each one with a hand. The backpack rested on my shoulder, and my handbag hung on the trolley handle. Trust me, this method made moving from the airport to my room a lot smoother when I was alone.
Final Tips
Wear a jacket with lots of pockets on your flight day. Use those pockets to store your phone, passport, tickets, and other important documents, so they’re easily accessible.
Update: Consider downloading essential apps ahead of time, such as maps, transportation, or currency converters, especially since many airports and train stations now offer digital check-ins and contactless payments. This can save you valuable time upon arrival.
That’s it! You’ll be good to go.
If you found this helpful, don’t forget to tell me. 💁🏻♀️
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Girl With Four Names 
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