Shopping checklist

Disclaimer

The authors are not visa or study abroad agents. They were the students of french institutions and here to share their experiences.

There are certain things which you should get from India and few which could be bought in France. Details are present in corresponding sections. You can start either purchasing in shops or ordering online the required things after you receive the admission letter. It might take time to have everything set.

Multiple ways for carrying the items to France:

• Cabin bag: The type of items you get in this has a lot of restrictions (should check the airline website for guidance). Don't carry sharp items or large quantities of liquids (bottle size should be 100ml or lesser and only 10 bottles - equivalent to one litre in total is allowed) in this.

• Check-in bag: You can get almost everything in this, except that you'll be limited by the total weight. (check airline website for weight limit, it depends on the type of ticket, economy or business as well). Some airlines have one extra baggage for students free of cost. Check with their customer care.

• Parcels: If the additional check-in bag is costly, parceling can be an option to get the things. There'll be restrictions for sharp items and liquids. Hence it is better to get them in the check-in bag. Things can be parceled by two means:India Post & Private courier companies.

Note:

1. Private courier services are quick in sending the parcel, but are a bit costly compared to India post. Some of them ask for custom charges to be paid at the receival end if packed items (not home-made) are found.

2. Occasionally, Indian post delivery of the package takes long time, so do not send quickly perishable items.

3. Get the sharp items with you in the check-in bag (as they are not allowed in cabin bags or to be parceled)

4. Check airline websites for the standard dimensions of each bags.

FAQ

1. What kind of bags should I purchase?

Important part in purchasing the bags is to look into the dimensions of the bags. Ensure that it is within what most of the airlines suggest as they'll be used even after the first flight.

2. How should I bring the medicines?

Medicines should be brought with their corresponding prescription (Get it from your family doctor mentioning that you are going abroad). If you want to carry them in your cabin bag, then it should be present in a plastic zip-lock cover.

3. How to carry the documents?

It is better to carry original documents in a laptop bag as it'll be with you during the journey. If there is a restriction of weight, it is better to put it in a cabin bag. Make sure to carry a copy of docs in the check-in bag. No need to carry a lot of copies as most of the colleges facilitate taking photocopies for free.

Below are some tips about how a cost optimized shopping would look like.

Kitchen items:

Clothes, cosmetics & accessories:

Stationery:

Electronics:

1. Universal plug/ French to Indian converter (Get extra, they are very expensive in France). Example: Universal adaptor

2. Extension spikes: Get 2 of them.

3.WiFi Router: If you’ll be staying in student residence and there is no wifi available and if there is no option to get subscription for external.

Miscellaneous:

Suggested to get from India.