Essential Checklist for Indian Students Before Moving to Belgium
For Indian students preparing to study in Belgium, planning ahead is key to a smooth transition. From securing a student visa and arranging accommodation to organizing academic documents and health insurance, each step is crucial. This pre-departure checklist outlines everything Indian students need to do before leaving for Belgium—ensuring you’re fully prepared for student life abroad. Packing the right clothing, essential medications, and a few familiar items can also help ease the adjustment to your new environment.
1-Academic & Legal Documents
Before departure, gather all essential academic and legal documents required for your studies and residence in Belgium. Keep both originals and notarized copies, and scan everything for digital backup. Key documents include:
- Valid passport (must be valid at least 6 months beyond your planned stay)
- Admission letter from a recognized Belgian university or institution
- Type D student visa
- Proof of financial means (blocked account, or official sponsorship letter)
- Medical certificate issued by a doctor approved by the Belgian embassy
- Criminal record certificate from Indian authorities
- Vaccination certificate (e.g., COVID-19)
- Birth certificate, translated and apostilled
- Equivalence of diploma (if required, depending on your program or institution)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (originals + notarized copies)
- Several passport-sized photos (following Belgian photo specifications)
Tip from TwinsAbroad: Organize these documents in a folder with both physical and digital versions, and bring multiple photocopies. You may need them for immigration, university registration, and commune procedures.
2-Financial Preparation
Managing your finances wisely is crucial when studying abroad. Before moving to Belgium, make sure you’ve taken the necessary financial steps to support your stay:
- Open a blocked account as proof of financial means
- Carry an international debit or credit card for everyday expenses
- Bring at least 100–200 EUR in cash for immediate needs upon arrival (transport, food, etc.)
- Consider getting a forex card as an extra backup (optional)
- Create a realistic budget plan for your first 3 months—include rent, transport, food, tuition balance, and other essential expenses
3-Health & Insurance
Taking care of your health is essential for a successful study abroad experience. Before you leave for Belgium, ensure the following:
- Purchase international student health insurance or arrange for Belgian public health insurance upon arrival
- Pack any personal medications along with their prescriptions
- Bring your eye prescription, spectacles, or contact lenses if needed
4-Accommodation Arrangements
Securing comfortable housing before your arrival in Belgium is vital. Keep these points in mind:
- Pre-book your accommodation—options include a kot (student room), residence hall, or shared apartment
- Sign and keep a copy of your rental agreement
- Obtain proof of accommodation, which is required for your visa application and commune (local municipality) registration
- Confirm whether your accommodation is furnished or unfurnished, and prepare to bring or buy bedding, kitchenware, and other essentials accordingly
5-Travel Arrangements
Planning your journey carefully can reduce stress and ensure a smooth arrival in Belgium:
- Book your flight tickets early to get the best prices and preferred dates
- Verify your airline’s baggage allowance and rules to avoid surprises at the airport
- Pack essential items in your hand luggage—important documents, wallet, phone charger, and a change of clothes
- Label all your bags clearly and take photos of your luggage contents for easy identification in case of loss
6-Electronics & Adapters
Make sure you have the right electronics and accessories to stay connected and study efficiently in Belgium:
- Laptop and charger for classes, assignments, and communication
- Mobile phone and charger
- Power bank for backup charging on the go
- Universal travel adapter, especially with Type E plug compatibility (used in Belgium)
- USB flash drive or external hard drive for data storage and backups
7-Clothing & Daily Essentials
Belgium’s climate can be cold and rainy, so packing the right clothing is important for comfort and adaptability:
- Warm layers: thermals, hoodies, sweaters, track pants
- Winter gear: waterproof jacket, heavy coat, warm socks, scarf/muffler, gloves
- Casual and formal wear for classes, events, and presentations
- Sleepwear, innerwear, and gym clothes
- Footwear: comfortable everyday shoes, a formal pair, and flip-flops for indoors
8-Toiletries & Personal Care Items
While most products are available in Belgium, carrying your preferred essentials can be helpful for the first few weeks:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap/body wash
- Hairbrush or comb, razors, shaving cream
- Sanitary products (carry enough for the first month if you have specific preferences)
- Nail cutter, small mirror, towel
- Reusable water bottle — eco-friendly and convenient for daily use
9-Arrival Checklist in Belgium
Once you arrive in Belgium, complete these key formalities to settle in smoothly:
- Register at your local commune within 8 days of arrival (mandatory for all international students)
- Apply for your residence permit
- Open a Belgian bank account for daily expenses and to receive funds
- Get a public transport card (STIB for Brussels, TEC for Wallonia, De Lijn for Flanders, or NMBS for national trains)
- Attend your university’s orientation to get familiar with the campus, services, and academic system
10-Integration & Final Tips
To adapt quickly and make the most of your student life in Belgium, consider these additional steps:
- Join student communities on WhatsApp, Facebook, or Erasmus groups to connect with fellow students
- Learn basic French or Dutch phrases to ease daily communication
- Download essential apps: Google Maps, your bank’s app, local transport apps, and translation tools
- Carry basic kitchen items if needed (e.g. pressure cooker, essential utensils – optional but useful)
- Keep digital backups of all key documents in cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox
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Moving to Belgium for your studies is a big step—but with the right preparation, it becomes an exciting and smooth journey. From visa formalities and financial planning to packing essentials and settling in after arrival, this checklist will help Indian students start their academic life in Belgium with clarity and confidence. Keep a digital copy of this guide, and refer to it often as you plan your transition abroad.