The Ultimate University Packing List for Students Moving to Germany
Contents
Did you remember to take all the essential documents? What about that favorite sauce you use in everything, which might be difficult to find once it runs out in Germany? Are your clothes warm and waterproof enough for the chilly, rainy winters? These are concerns you shouldn’t have to worry about.
That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive packing list for students moving to Germany, ensuring you’re prepared for your new chapter. By the end of this guide, the only thing left for you to focus on will be enjoying your student journey ahead.
Essential Documents
Collecting and organizing your essential documents should be your top priority when preparing to study in Germany. These documents will be required during travel and visa checks and when you arrive in Germany to enroll at your university.
While some German universities may accept copies of your original documents during admission, they often request that you verify the originals once you're in Germany and ready to complete your enrollment.
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It's a good idea to keep your essential documents in your backpack or carry-on luggage while traveling. This makes them easily accessible during your journey and reduces the risk of losing them, as you'll always have them with you. Another smart practice is to keep digital scans of your essential documents stored on a drive or online, allowing you to access them easily if the physical copies are lost.
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Clothing and Weather Preparation
It's a good idea to get a feel for the weather in the city you're heading to in Germany, as it can vary greatly from place to place. Up north, in cities like Hamburg or Bremen, it’s generally milder during the winter, but expect plenty of rain throughout the year—especially in summer. Meanwhile, in the south, places like Munich can get pretty cold and snowy in winter, but you’ll also get more sunshine when summer rolls around. Knowing what to expect means you can pack smarter, whether it's for the rainy north or the chillier, brighter south.
Other than these essential pieces of clothing, there are a few more tips you should consider that could make your journey easier:
Durable Clothing
Some useful websites you can check out for clothing are:
1. Zalando
2. C&A
3. ASOS
4. Primark
5. H&M
Every Day Clothing
If there's one thing students are always short on, it's luggage space. That’s why it’s important to prioritize and pack items you absolutely can’t find in Germany. Everyday essentials like towels, t-shirts, socks, undergarments, slippers, and pajamas are easy to find at affordable shops once you're here. Bring only what you need, and if you run low, you can easily pick up more after you arrive. This way, you can save space for the things that really matter.
Some useful budget-friendly stores to shop from are:
1. Kik
2. Tedi
3. Primark
4. Kaufland
5. Woolworth
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Technology and Electronics
Germany has specific power outlet types, and you'll want to ensure you have the correct electronics for your academic and personal needs.
Personal Care and Health Products
Maintaining personal hygiene and well-being is crucial, especially when adjusting to a new environment. Some items may be more expensive or difficult to find in Germany, so pack wisely.
In Germany, pharmacies, known as Apotheke, are easy to find. The pharmacists there can offer advice on medications for common illnesses, and this is also where you'll get your over-the-counter medications. They are knowledgeable and can guide you on the right treatment for minor health issues.
Some stores in Germany where you can buy toiletries are:
1. DM
2. Rossman
3. Douglas
4. Rewe
Things Not to Bring With You
Is it possible to pack too much for your study abroad trip? Definitely! If this is your first time prepping for life in a new country, it's easy to bring stuff you won’t even be able to use in Germany.
Cooking Utensils
Depending on where you’re staying, the situation with cooking utensils can vary. If you’re in student housing, especially a shared space, a lot of the basics like pots, pans, plates, and utensils are usually provided. Even if you’re renting a fully furnished apartment, there’s a good chance many of these things are already available.
One thing to keep in mind is that German kitchens are set up differently. For example, if you bring pots and pans that aren’t compatible with an induction stove, you might end up with useless kitchen gear. Some places may have electric stoves instead of gas, and those take a bit of getting used to as well. So, it’s probably smarter to buy these items once you’re in Germany, after you’ve figured out what your kitchen setup actually looks like. That way, you won’t waste precious luggage space on things you won’t need!
Food Items
Bringing perishable items into the European Union (EU) comes with its own set of rules, and if you’re not aware of them, you might end up tossing out a bunch of stuff at the airport. Since it might be your first time traveling abroad, you could be tempted to pack cooked meals or perishable snacks to get you through the first few weeks in Germany. But here’s the thing: if the food isn’t sealed by the manufacturer or is in non-sealed containers, there’s a good chance immigration won’t let you bring it in.
To avoid any surprises, it’s best to do a little research ahead of time on what you’re allowed to bring. That way, you can pack smart and avoid wasting space (or food) when you arrive.
Bulky Bedding
You might be tempted to bring your own bedding to save money and have something to sleep on when you first arrive in Germany. However, it’s best to only pack what you need for the first few days and plan to buy larger items like pillows, blankets, and mattresses after you arrive. Bedding can take up a lot of valuable luggage space, which you could use for other essentials. A great tip is to vacuum seal any bedding you do bring—since it holds a lot of air, vacuum sealing can reduce the size by half, making it easier to pack.
Large Appliances
It’s understandable to want to bring your favorite appliances, like a toaster, kettle, or pressure cooker, especially if you use them often. However, you might save both space and money by purchasing them after you arrive in Germany. Many students sell their used appliances online, so you could find them for a bargain. Plus, buying locally means you won’t have to worry about voltage differences or adapters.
Some great places to find second-hand appliances include:
- eBay Kleinanzeigen
- Facebook Marketplace
- University-specific student groups on Facebook
By waiting until you're in Germany, you'll have more space in your luggage for essentials and could save money by purchasing second-hand items.
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