before leaving india
Once you have your Visa in your hand,
Make a detailed list of all the things you may need.
CLOTHES
Check the month of your arrival
If its winter, the temperature drops as low as 5 degree C. It is advisable to buy a jacket in Genoa (as it will be designed/suited for the weather here), but also remember that you will need enough covering from the time you get off the plane till you buy one.
KITCHEN ITEMS
Most graduate students cook in their apartments. So you will need all the basic stuff needed for cooking.
Utensils:
A furnished flat would typically have all the utensils in place. Here is a list that you may not get in the Genova.
Food Items:
The Indian stores in Genova have the basic food items. You will need to translate the items first in English and then in Italian.
The list is of certain items that would be wise to carry from India.
BASICS
Carry everything that will suffice you for at least a month from the day of your arrival. Save as much money as you can (in buying the basic items).
Nail cutter, scissors, safety pins, hair pins, cold creams, moisturizer, get coconut oil from home (as you do not get one in Genova), toothbrush, toothpaste, tongue-cleaners (if using), soap, a complete shaving kit (all in a toiletry bag), shampoo, conditioner, talcum powder etc.
Medicines
Medicines are very expensive in Italy.
Spare spectacles, (Very very important, if you use specs, that is) Spectacle prescription, Disprin/Crocin/Dristan/Avil/Septran/... (choose according to your needs) Medicines with prescriptions for standard minor ailments like fever, cold, cough, stomach-ache etc. Also personal medication (if on any) and medical history papers. Antiseptic cream, relaxyl etc. Spare eyeglasses/ contact lenses. Get a complete medical checkup done before getting here.
Other: Photos of deities (if religious-minded), family photos, 'Indian' ethnic stuff (gifts/ personal use), An up-to-date address book of all your acquaintances/ friends/ relatives in India, travelers alarm clock.
CASH
Most of Genova accepts cash. Carry enough cash on you. Especially as you enter, you will have to pay at the airport cafes, for the taxi/bus once you get off, and the local restaurants as you enter Genova.
STATIONARY
The stationary items are relatively expensive than in India. You may carry the basics.
PACKING
Bags: 1 (Allowed free) +1 carry-on, cabin luggage (shoulder bag)
Travelers are recommended to check with their airline for advice on security requirements (most airline websites have clear luggage guidelines) and look out for all notices at airports.
Things to be kept in the cabin baggage:
FINALLY
Things to be done in the last week before the flight:
Take a complete health test before you leave. Get your teeth and vision checked. Treatment for these is also very expensive. And most important, spend maximum time with people you love.
However, please remember that these are only suggestions to help you make informed decisions on your packing.
And the most important spend as much time with your family and friends as possible.
Bid good byes to the near and dear ones. And shed all the nervousness.
Make a detailed list of all the things you may need.
CLOTHES
Check the month of your arrival
If its winter, the temperature drops as low as 5 degree C. It is advisable to buy a jacket in Genoa (as it will be designed/suited for the weather here), but also remember that you will need enough covering from the time you get off the plane till you buy one.
- Jackets and Sweaters : Carry as many thick winter wears as possible, along with mufflers, scarfs, woolen caps, gloves.
- Socks and Thermals : Get enough, as you will get them cheaper in India
- Clothes: They are cheaper during the sale season 'SALDI' . Winter sale starts in first week of January and ends by mid Feb. While the spring sale starts on the first week of July and ends by mid September. You may be lucky to arrive around these dates. Otherwise carry the regulars. Carry a traditional Indian dresses as well as a formal one. (1+)
- Shoes : Genoa is a hilly region. Even though there is a good network of bus and trains, you will have to walk/climb a lot. Its a must to carry a pair of sneakers. Carry a house/bathroom slippers. Rest as per your choice.
- Carry a small umbrella as it may rain any time/ any day.
- Other essentials : A bed sheet, pillow cover, towels, napkins, toiletries etc.
KITCHEN ITEMS
Most graduate students cook in their apartments. So you will need all the basic stuff needed for cooking.
Utensils:
A furnished flat would typically have all the utensils in place. Here is a list that you may not get in the Genova.
- Tongs
- Rice cooker
- Rolling pin and board (for making chapatis), only if your are super enthusiastic!
Food Items:
The Indian stores in Genova have the basic food items. You will need to translate the items first in English and then in Italian.
The list is of certain items that would be wise to carry from India.
- Masalas (typical mom-made house masalas, or special masalas of your favorite brands).
- Tea (Its hard to find the regular Tea brands from India. But you may soon shift to the amazing Italian cafe)
- Sambar powder -- 1 kg
- Rasam podi -- 0.5 kg
- Paruppu podi --1 packet and tamarind paste
- Most important some pickles (they will save you in more than one occasion), some sweets for your friends (Us). Please pack everything to be leak-proof.
BASICS
Carry everything that will suffice you for at least a month from the day of your arrival. Save as much money as you can (in buying the basic items).
Nail cutter, scissors, safety pins, hair pins, cold creams, moisturizer, get coconut oil from home (as you do not get one in Genova), toothbrush, toothpaste, tongue-cleaners (if using), soap, a complete shaving kit (all in a toiletry bag), shampoo, conditioner, talcum powder etc.
Medicines
Medicines are very expensive in Italy.
Spare spectacles, (Very very important, if you use specs, that is) Spectacle prescription, Disprin/Crocin/Dristan/Avil/Septran/... (choose according to your needs) Medicines with prescriptions for standard minor ailments like fever, cold, cough, stomach-ache etc. Also personal medication (if on any) and medical history papers. Antiseptic cream, relaxyl etc. Spare eyeglasses/ contact lenses. Get a complete medical checkup done before getting here.
Other: Photos of deities (if religious-minded), family photos, 'Indian' ethnic stuff (gifts/ personal use), An up-to-date address book of all your acquaintances/ friends/ relatives in India, travelers alarm clock.
CASH
Most of Genova accepts cash. Carry enough cash on you. Especially as you enter, you will have to pay at the airport cafes, for the taxi/bus once you get off, and the local restaurants as you enter Genova.
STATIONARY
The stationary items are relatively expensive than in India. You may carry the basics.
- Calculator
- Indian calendar
PACKING
Bags: 1 (Allowed free) +1 carry-on, cabin luggage (shoulder bag)
Travelers are recommended to check with their airline for advice on security requirements (most airline websites have clear luggage guidelines) and look out for all notices at airports.
- Start your packing well in advance.Buy two good boxes - they should be able to withstand a lot of mishandling. They should be as large as possible within the size limitations.
- Put identification marks and labels both inside & outside the boxes (apart from this the airlines will also provide you with adhesive labels). Boxes with independent top & bottom are preferable.
Things to be kept in the cabin baggage:
- Some medicines [including those for air-sickness].
- Sweater.
- Original important documents , tickets.
- Novels/books/mags for inflight reading.
- Enough money
- Address and phone book [Indian and Italy] In case your phone battery dies down.
- Copies of your photo [passport size].
- Keep some clean clothes, and the most essential basic items required for sustaining yourself for a couple of days, in case your luggage gets misplaced in transit.
- Shorter extract of contact address/telephone nos. -- especially of people coming to pick you up.
- Remaining amount of cash
- List of addresses /phone nos. at which info about you can be obtained.
- One copy of all your important documents.
- A copy of all relevant parts of medical history files.
- A few signed blank papers so that your parents can be authorized to look after anything on your behalf.
- Your tailoring measurements.
FINALLY
Things to be done in the last week before the flight:
- Call up & find if there is any delay or change of schedule of the plane (inform the people coming to pick you up of any such change).
- Rest well - ready to face the long journey/jet lag
- Bid bye to all concerned.
- Since it is going to be a long flight wear something comfortable, avoid tight fitting clothes (cotton dress + full hand shirt). Wear your shoes - inflight you can remove them (some airlines give inflight shoes - else relax in socks).
- Be at the airport 3-4 hours before flight departure
- Relax during flight, sleep as much as possible
- Vegetarians - watch out before you eat - you may get non-veg even if you had asked for veg. Veg. food is generally bland - fruits/juice are good choices. (Before ordering anything on board check if you have to pay for it separately for it). Don't hesitate to ask questions.
- Once out of India be very careful . If required don't hesitate to spend money.
- Don't hesitate to talk to people to ask questions - usually they will answer all your queries properly
Take a complete health test before you leave. Get your teeth and vision checked. Treatment for these is also very expensive. And most important, spend maximum time with people you love.
However, please remember that these are only suggestions to help you make informed decisions on your packing.
And the most important spend as much time with your family and friends as possible.
Bid good byes to the near and dear ones. And shed all the nervousness.
*Information courtesy Indian Association of Georgia State University.