Pre-Departure Checklist for Indian Students Going Abroad
Don't miss anything before you leave India to study abroad. AbroBot's complete pre-departure checklist covers documents, money, health, accommodation and everything Indian students need before flying.
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Must-Have Documents (Originals + 5 Copies)
Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond programme end date), Student Visa, University Offer Letter, I-20/CAS/CoE/Admission letter (as applicable), Academic transcripts and marksheets (attested), GRE/IELTS/TOEFL score reports, Health insurance documents, Bank statements, Education loan sanction letter, Photographs (10+ passport-size).
Financial Preparation
Inform your Indian bank of travel so debit/credit cards work internationally. Open a Forex card or multi-currency card (Niyo Global, HDFC Forex Card, SBI Forex Card). Carry USD/GBP/EUR 500–1,000 in cash for first days. Your foreign bank account should be set up in advance (many universities provide guidance).
Health and Insurance
Get all recommended vaccinations at least 4–6 weeks before departure (MMR, Hepatitis B, Meningitis are often required by universities). Carry a 3–6 month supply of any prescription medications with copies of prescriptions. Register with the university health centre immediately on arrival. Understand your health insurance coverage — most universities mandate health insurance and include it in fees.
Technology and Communication
Unlock your Indian smartphone before departure. Purchase an international SIM at the destination airport or from a local store on Day 1. Download offline maps (Google Maps offline), currency converter, WhatsApp (keep your Indian number active on WhatsApp). Backup all documents to Google Drive/iCloud before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential Indian spices and condiments (hard to find abroad or expensive), prescription medicines (3–6 months supply), formal clothing for university orientation/interviews, comfortable winter clothing if going to USA/UK/Canada/Germany, power adapters and electronics, traditional Indian wear (for cultural events) and a good quality laptop.
Yes — always confirm your first month accommodation before departure. Many universities offer on-campus housing for 1–2 semesters — apply immediately after receiving your offer letter. If off-campus, book through university verified listings or trusted Indian student community groups in your destination city.
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