Studying in Style: The Essential Student Packing List for France

Are you gearing up for your incredible student adventure in France? Congratulations! But with excitement comes the daunting task of packing. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This comprehensive guide is your one-stop shop for creating the essential packing list for France for your time studying abroad. From wardrobe must-haves to tech essentials and handy toiletries, we’ll ensure you arrive prepared and ready to embrace French life confidently. Let’s dive in and make sure you pack light but smart!

Study Abroad Packing List for France: Important Items

Studying abroad in France is an exciting adventure! But with all the pre-departure hustle, packing can feel overwhelming. Here are some general tips to set up your packing list for France, helping you decide what to bring and what to leave behind:

Pack Light!

Since student dorms/apartments have limited space, it’s a default that you need to pack light to relocate to France. Laundry facilities might also be scarce or expensive, so you can buy some essentials (like winter clothes) in the country.

Focus on Versatility and Layering

Moving to the world’s fashion capital means you need to pack clothes that mix and match for different looks. Bring layers for unpredictable weather (think raincoats, light jackets, and scarves).

Prioritize Comfort and Functionality

As you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are key. Pack clothes for both casual wear and studying.

Let’s look at all the essentials you need to add to your packing list for France

Also Read: Europe Travel Checklist: What to Pack Before for Your Trip?

Essential Documents

Given below is a list of essential documents (academic and non-academic) you need while moving to France as an international student:

• Passport
• Credit cards
• Student card
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of Acceptance (offer letter from your university)
• Travel insurance and documents
• Travel itinerary
• Emergency contact information
• Forex
• Immunization records
• Student visa
• Travel Wallet

Clothing

France has a diverse climate, so what you pack will depend on the time of year you’ll be there. In general, summers in France are warm and sunny, while winters can be mild in the south and colder in the north. Since you are travelling light, here’s a list of essential clothing items to add to your packing list for France:

• Comfortable flats
• Light sweater or blazer
• Socks 
• Underwear
• Jeans 
• Pants 
• Skirts or dresses
• T-shirts
• Long-sleeve sweaters
• Rain jacket 
• Umbrella
• Scarf
• Extra layers
• Warm jacket with a hood
• Swimming suit

Electronics

Here’s a list of electronic gadgets to carry with you as an international student while relocating to France:

• Laptop
• Camera
• Converter (for power supply) and power strip
• Memory Cards
• Chargers and adapters
• Headphones
• Cellphone
• Local SIM card

Personal Care

As a student, you need to pack the following personal care items for daily use:

• Deodorant
• Makeup
• Contact lenses and solution
• Hairbrush
• Toothbrush
• Shaving supplies (Razors, shaving cream)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Soap
• Tissue
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Portable Kleenex
• Sunscreen

Also Read: Don’t Want to Be a Siesta Slacker? Then Here’s the Only Packing List for Spain You Need!

Miscellaneous

Given below are some other items you should include in your packing list for France:

• Cash
• Travelex card
• ATM card
• Vitamins
• Pens, pencils, notebooks 
• Dictionary
• Pillowcase
• Bedsheets
• Water bottle 
• Journal

For a more specific list of essentials, download the free checklist for international students given below:

Study Abroad Packing List for France: Finance

As an international student, you should have around EUR 100-150 cash in hand for initial expenses like airport transportation or a quick meal. There’s no strict limit on how much cash you can bring to France as a student, but there are customs regulations to be aware of. If you carry EUR 10,000 or more, you must declare the amount at customs upon arrival in France. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation, fines, or even prosecution.

What NOT to Add to Your Packing List for France

France, like most countries, has restrictions on what you can bring in. Here’s a rundown of some commonly banned items for students to avoid adding to your packing list for France:

1. Weapons and weaponry (firearms, ammunition, explosives, knives with blades exceeding a certain length, pepper spray, and tasers)
2. Drugs and narcotics (without prescription)
3. Endangered species and their products (items made of ivory, certain animal skins, or protected plants)
4. Counterfeit goods (fake designer clothing, electronics, or other products)
5. Certain foods (food products, especially those containing meat or dairy)

Baggage Limit for International Students Going to France

The baggage allowance for international students going to France will depend on the airline you are flying with and the class of service you have booked. However, here are some general guidelines:

Type of Luggage	Dimensions	Weight
Hand baggage	55 x 35 x 25 cm (including pockets, wheels, and handles)	12 kg (for Economy Class) 18 kg (for First Class)
Checked baggage	158 cm (including pockets, wheels, and handles)	23 kg (for Economy/Premium Economy cabins) 32 kg (for Business/La Première cabins)

Also Read: Ready, Set, Deutschland! Your Essential Packing List For Germany

Study Abroad Packing List for France: Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips for your study abroad packing list for France:

1. Be sure to pack for the season you’ll be arriving in, with layers for unpredictable weather.
2. Research the local culture and dress code for your specific region in France. 
3. You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, so pack comfortable shoes.
4. Pack clothes made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics.
5. Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space.
6. Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane.
7. Take advantage of travel-sized toiletries. This will help you save space in your luggage. You can also buy toiletries once you arrive in France.
8. Bring a reusable water bottle. This will help you save money and reduce plastic waste. Also, tap water is safe to drink in most parts of France.
9. Invest in a universal adapter to use your electronics in France. The country uses a two-pronged plug with round pins, unlike the three-pronged plugs commonly used in the United States.
10. Bring a small first-aid kit. Pack basic medications like pain relievers, allergy medication, and bandaids. 
11. Pack a healthy travel snack. This will help you stay energized during your long journey to France.
12. Bring a good book or two. You’ll have plenty of time to relax and read during your travels.

Relevant Reads:

Pack Smart, Study Hard: The Essential Packing List for Studying Abroad in Italy	Konnichiwa! The Essential Packing List to Japan for International Students
Study Abroad Packing List for Malaysia: Essential Items You Must Carry	USA Travel Checklist: Must-Haves for International Students to Study Abroad
Pack Light, Explore More: Your Cheat Sheet to Packing for New Zealand	Study Abroad Packing List Korea: What to Pack?

FAQs

We hope this blog gave you a complete overview of the packing list for France for international students. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more such content on student life abroad.