Pre-Departure Checklist
Have you already bought the following items?
Item | Remarks |
Extra pair of spectacles | They’re really expensive in Germany! |
Winter Jacket | Buy/bring just one winter jacket. More can be bought after arrival in Germany. (Tip: Wait until the post-Christmas sale in Europe, you won’t regret it!) |
Long sleeved shirts and thermal underwear | This can also be bought in Germany, if necessary. |
Rice cooker | Useful for steamboats too! |
Chopsticks | “Asian” items can cost quite a fair bit more than they normally would back home! |
Prima Taste Food Packets | Quick and easy method of preparing your Singaporean meals when you’re homesick, or when you want to organise dinner for your German friends! |
Instant noodles | Bring along your favourite flavours from home – they will be your best friends during the exam season! |
Power adaptor | Nothing can be a bigger bummer than finding out that your appliances cannot be used in Germany – especially if it’s because of the plug! |
Scientific calculator | If required by your course. |
English-German Dictionary/Phrasebook | Would be good to bring one along, if you’ve already own one. |
Panadol, Tiger balm, Po Chai pills, Medicated Oil, personal medication | Even if you don’t use them, tiger balm make amazing presents – Germans are thrilled by them! |
Stationery, ie. Mechanical pencils and refills, pens, writing pads | Paper and good ballpoint pens can be expensive here – so if you have forgotten to bring them, ask your parents to bring it with them on their next visit! |
Mahjong Set / Playing cards | Nothing beats playing these games when you’re 10,000km away from home! |
Before flying off, have you…
- Applied for and received the correct visa?
- Bought your air tickets?
- Bought your International Student Card (ISIC) for discounts on accommodation and transport? Click here for more information!
- Extended your passport with the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority for the period you will be overseas?
- Registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
- Applied for your Exit Permit to defer your NS liabilities?
- Brought enough (biometric compatible) passport photographs to navigate and last you through your brushes with German bureaucracy?
- Changed your Singapore Dollars to Euros?
- Had a haircut? Especially important for guys – good haircuts can be expensive in Germany!
- Packed your acceptance letter, welcome package and transcript of records along (particularly for exchange and transfer students)?
- Found a place to stay for at least the first few nights if you have yet to secure a long-term accommodation?
- Said your final goodbyes?
- Found a contact person in the city you are going to?
If you have said YES to all the questions above… Have a safe flight and we look forward to welcoming you here! Gute Reise!
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