Packing List for Indian Students Going to France

Heading to study abroad is an exciting adventure, but preparing for it can be daunting, especially when deciding what to pack. As an Indian student, you'll want to balance the essentials with items that help you feel connected to home. 

This packing list for Indian students going to France will provide you with all the essentials - tailored to the unique needs of Indian students moving to France. 

Considering the living expenses in the country that range from €650 to €1,400 (varying on your lifestyle), missing out on an item that you could have bought from India – can leave you disappointed. 

So, save yourself from shelling out extra bucks! From the essentials that tackle the climate to those small comforts of home, we’ve covered everything to ensure you are well-prepared for your new life in France. 

Research Before You Start Packing for France

Understanding the Climate & Weather Patterns Unique to Your Chosen France City

Though France might be quite smaller than India, the climatic variations in the country differ from one city to the other. From Mediterranean beaches to the Alps, you can experience rain, snow, and the sun's scorching heat all within the same country. While Paris has extremely cold weather conditions, Nice has pleasant weather. 

Therefore, before going for your education abroad, research about – the city you will be staying in and also the route you would take to reach there and pack accordingly. 

Consider How Seasonal Changes Influence Your Clothing Choices

Reflecting on the practical needs and the stylistic preferences, your clothing choices would change in France. While summer might require you to carry light and airy fabrics, the fall season calls for layering, earthy tones, and rich textures. 

On the other hand, winter is all about cozy knits and layered looks, and you can opt for sneakers, floral prints, and light layers during spring. Therefore, pack at least a pair of clothing to adapt to every season, and you can buy the rest once you are in the country. 

Check Baggage Allowances & Other Restrictions of Your Flight

Choose Your Luggage Bag

While traveling to France, it is important to keep in mind that your cabin baggage allowance is determined by the travel cabin for your flight. 

Generally, one hand baggage and one personal item are allowed per passenger, besides 0 to 2 checked-in baggage items. It is necessary to choose your luggage wisely as you are not allowed to carry cabin baggage exceeding 55cm x 35cm x 25cm in dimension. 

Organize Before Packing

The total combined weight of your hand baggage must be at most 12kg for economy class or 18kg for business class, whereas check-in baggage can weigh up to 23 kg for economy class and 32kg for business class. 

This weight restriction must be kept in mind while packing your luggage, as you should organize everything accordingly to accommodate within this limit. 

Separate Items for Checked-in and Carry-on Luggage

Make sure to pack items that you won’t need immediately in the check-in luggage. Whereas important documents, phone chargers, jackets, coats, umbrella, duty-free items purchased at the airport can be carried in hand luggage.

Checklist of Things to Carry While Traveling to France From India

Important Documents to Carry

Some essential documents to carry are an identity card, passport, completed visa application form, birth certificate, copy of previous degrees, medical insurance, income proof, proof of enrollment at the institute, proof of your accommodation, and language proficiency certificates. 

Essential Clothing Articles (as per Weather & Seasonal Conditions)

Carry a raincoat with a warm lining, lightweight jackets, jeans, trousers, two to three pairs of comfortable shoes, cotton t-shirts, one sweatshirt, and a sweatpant, and a couple of bathing suits. These clothes will help you adapt to different weather and seasonal conditions. 

Electronics Devices

The electronic devices to be included in the packing list for Indian students from France differ as per your needs. However, you can carry a laptop or tablet, wireless mouse, ear plugs, portable hard drive, additional micro SD cards, universal power adapter, portable power pack, and a power strip. 

Vital Household & Hygiene Items

Pack a small quick-dry towel, a spare eyeglass if you wear spectacles, band-aids, disinfectant wipes, antacids, Lactaid, moleskin for blisters, and Pepto Bismol caplets. When moving to your new home, take along a light blanket or sleep sheet because that might not be provided to you by the house owner. 

Food Items

You can carry fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, cakes, chocolates or candies, and non-perishable packaged food items like pasta and cereals. However, make sure that neither of them contain meat or dairy products.

Medicines & Prescriptions

If you have an existing medical condition, carry your medicines along with their prescriptions. You can also check with the Embassy for provisions regarding carrying prescribed medications. 

Know beforehand about the network of hospitals and pharmacies close to your accommodation. 

Local Currencies

The officially accepted currency in France is the Euro. Before moving to France, you should get some of the Indian currency exchanged into Euros as per the live mid-market rate so that you do not face any difficulties after landing there. 

Toiletries

Some important items you can carry in this segment are face wash, makeup, contact lenses, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, tissues, shampoo, soap, hair comb, and razors (to be carried in the check-in luggage).

Stationary

Carrying paper or diary, pen, pencil, eraser, and ruler is always recommended for international students moving to France. Besides, a bilingual dictionary and key textbooks are also important. 

Other Required Essentials

Some other miscellaneous items to carry are sunglasses, a water bottle, a backpack, a pillow, bedsheets, a watch, a sleeping bag, and a purse.

Pre-Departure Checklist 

• Obtain a French visa
• Exchange some currency that can be used for emergency purposes in France
• Make arrangements for a bank card that will allow you to withdraw cash once you are in France or carry an international debit/credit card
• Inform your landlord of your arrival
• Secure health insurance
• Opt for good travel insurance 

Things Not to Carry While Traveling to France

Here’s a list of the things you cannot carry while traveling to France from India:

• Aerosol products, toiletries containing alcohol, and non-radioactive medication
• Matches, lighters, electronic cigarettes, and their replacement batteries
• Weapons and ammunition
• Explosives, fireworks and firecrackers
• Protected animals and plants, dairy products

How to Resist Urge to Overpack

• Start paying attention to the things you use in your daily life and pack accordingly
• Do your research and create a packing list as per the destination’s climate
• Start packing early so that you do not stress pack extra things at the last moment
• Decide which bag you want to carry and limit your space. Do not upgrade to carry extra things
• Carry your toiletries in tiny refillable bottles
• Reconsider carrying bulky electronic items that you might not need in France
• Try to identify why you overpack
• Once the packing is done, reconsider every item and eliminate the ones that are not very important 

Tips to Packing Efficiently

An important thing to consider in the packing list for Indian students for France is that you pack light. Some techniques can be:

• Wear the heaviest and bulkiest item, as that can help you to save some space in your luggage.
• Instead of folding your clothes, try to roll them to save space.
• Use packing cubes to organize your stuff.

Once you tick everything from your packing list for Indian students from France, don’t forget to weigh your luggage to avoid any last-minute hindrance at the airport toward your dream to study in France.