1. Carry all your documents whichever applicable this year in 2020 like pre enrollment forms, DOV, scholarship docs, degree certificates and their xerox copies etc, carry even xerox copies of your passport at least 10 copies, xerox is 10 cent per page here, its cheaper in india.
2. *Do your currency Exchange in India at any cost dont get indian currency with you to italy, it’s a blunder mistake to do so and the conversation rate you get here is very very low + 20 percent commision, don’t be under the assumption that you can do it in delhi or other transit airports, seriously you will not have time and you will moved to domestic to international transfers directly, it’s practically not possible to exchange in delhi*
3. Calculate and plan your expenses for 3-4 months keeping in mind the initial fees and advances for accommodation(if any) you will have to pay at least until you get scholarship in december (if any)
4. Make a checklist and carry things that u can exclusively get in india some of them are cheaper here, don’t pack excessively causing you to be overweight.
5. Regarding SIM cards, few Indian sim cards like airtel, vodafone work here, if your network is idea it wont work here, you might need to consider porting to other working networks if it is linked to banks,aadhar,paytm etc to enable transactions and you may have to recharge with basic monthly plans to keep it alive not necessarily international roaming packs.
6. For FOREX cards mostly all are the same, choose the one which has low transaction fee and minimum surcharges, check for any exclusive student benefits.
7. Laptops are expensive here, for the price you pay here you can get a very good one in india with good configuration. Mobile prices are mostly the same and some low end models can be cheaper comparatively, if you are looking for apple products they are expensive due to conversion factor.
8. Toiletries like shampoos are cheaper here and are well ph balanced, you can carry a few soaps if you prefer, vaseline, moisturisers etc also carry dettol liquid if you need one its expensive here (please check for prohibited items in flights it differs from airlines).
9. It will start getting cold here in september, Winter jackets are of good quality here with extra cushion suitable for weather in europe and you can find good deals here, if you really need one during your travel carry the one you already have or just buy one for a safer side.
10. Carry basic medicine for cough,cold, fever and headache, you can choose to carry some cough syrups in case of sore throat etc
*Note* : Carry above medicine with doctors prescription to avoid complications at security checks.
11. Carry excess spices and indian origin masalas if you wish to cook, you may find them expensive here and difficult to get good quality.
12. Carry few kgs of rice and atta for your initial days,at least for you to eat until you find a permanent place to stay before you can cook so that u dont have to be dependent on anyone.Try to avoid some peculiar spices which can be treated as drugs by some nations especially if you are transiting through those nations. Be sure of what you can carry.
students who are traveling in the coming days can make note of the above and plan accordingly.
– By Badarinath Gella