Carry only as much as you can manage. Some essential items that you will need to consider getting are.

Clothing:-

Jeans/shorts and T-shirts are standard wear here. Shirts and trousers (and ties) are not so common. Get what you feel comfortable in. A disadvantage of shirts and trousers is that that they have to be ironed after the heavy wash/dry cycles of the wash machines. Do not get too much clothing. jeans and T-shirts are at affordable price if not cheap here. Suits would not be worn unless you have a major presentation, often around a year or more later. Most people buy this when they visit home the first time, which usually occurs earlier than their first need for a suit. Even otherwise, suits are not a must for interviews and unless you have one we suggest that you don't buy one. Traditional wear is a matter of choice, though it is hardly required for guys. Ladies probably might want to get a few salwar-suits, a couple of saris and/or any other traditional apparel. Get enough underclothes, socks, shirts/Tees, jeans etc. to last you 2-3 weeks. The more undergarments and socks you get, the better. Winters here are pretty cold with little snow. Although winter wear is cheaper and better there,it is advisable to bring a sweater or a medium jacket(Avoid heavy leather jackets. Groningen climate is mostly rainy and leather jackets cannot withstand rain). The interiors are weather-controlled anyway. A couple of towels, napkins, a leather belt, and hankies should round out most of what you need. Leather items are terribly expensive here, hence get your supply of leather goods(For women get one leather handbag and for men one wallet is enough).

Footwear:-

Try to get one Casual(adidas, nike, reebok..a few brands) and one leather (like woodland)! Chappals/sandals, hawai slippers(just one pair is enough) will be useful. These are also available for about 10-20€. Again depends on what you feel comfortable in.

Bed Linen:-

1 single bed sheet, a couple of pillow covers. The blanket can be left if space/weight is a consideration. The beds here are usually larger than the beds back home, and the bed sheets and bedspreads that you get from home fit very poorly. Its better to buy these items here.

Utensils:-

Almost all graduate students cook in their apartments at least in the evening. So you will need all the basic stuff needed for cooking. Try 2 get a large (for 3-4 people) 3 lt pressure cooker with spare gaskets and safety valves. Get at least one steel vessel to cook vegetables in. Non-stick pan(nice if you can get a deeper one). There are a lot of non-stick cookware available here but those are not very cheap . Steel utensils are costly here. Ceramic items are not so costly and hence you can buy them here. Some basic stuff you might need

Small plates(2-3)

Spoons, tumblers, knife, forks, (all these either 1 or 2) Plastic spoons, knives and forks are very cheap at the local grocery stores, and need not be packed.

Get a couple of larger spoons for serving/cooking.

Basically, ask your mom as to what all is essential and/or useful for the type of cooking that you are going to do. But don't mess your baggage with these utensils

Foodstuffs:-

Condiments and spices, small quantities of standard spices, sambar and curry powders, pickles, and some sweets are recommended. Pack everything REALLY well, especially the oily and/or pungent stuff. Almost everything is available at the International grocery stores but you might consider some of thestuff for starters. Do not bother getting pulses, rice, flour etc. no need to increase the weight. Get the following in small quantities so that you don't have to ask for a ride to the Indian store on the very first day: tea leaves, instant coffee powder(a 100g pack is enough), dhania powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, mustard seeds, jeera (cumin), heeng (asafoetida) etc. (whatever you think you'll use in your cooking).

Cosmetics:-

Toothbrush and paste, comb/brush, twin-blade based shaving kit, nail-cutter, cold cream, lip guards etc. Shampoos and deodorants can be purchased there later on as well.  Hair oil if you use it. However try to get a soapbox,1 or 2 bath soaps (like pears,dove, nivea..), Shampoo and deodorants for one-two weeks.

Medicines:-

Your favorite medicines for minor ailments like fever, cold, cough, stomach-ache,acidity etc. and any other personal medication, antiseptic cream. If you need corrective vision, two spare pairs of glasses or contact lenses as the case might be, is strongly recommended. Buying Spectacles is a costly affair and it can't be made for you in one day. it takes as much as one week to deliver your spectacles. You basic health insurance does not cover for your spectacles. So get your eyes checked before leaving.

Dentists are quite costly to visit. Your basic health insurance does not cover dental problems. So, visit your dentist before coming here and get every dental problem cured.

Money:-

For housing you'll be required to pay an initial deposit (one month's rent at least) in advance. Plus you'll have initial expenses in settling down. This all can add up to around €600. An initial safe amount to bring is about €1000. All the bursaries will be given their first month stipend immediately after registration.

Others:-

Two pin plugs, multiple socket extension board, Needles, sewing thread, spare buttons, scissors, photos of deities (if religious-minded), family photos, an up-to-date address book of all your acquaintances, friends and relatives in this region. Don't bother much about getting electronics like radios and cameras, though you have the advantage that the voltage and frequency of electricity used here is same as in India but You'll get far better goods here, though you will have to save a little for them. In summary, we would recommend that you concentrate on your choice of books, and get a good pressure cooker. Linen, most clothing and some cutlery (spoons, etc.) is best bought here after your arrival. However, please remember that these are only suggestions to help you make informed decisions on your packing. In the end, trust your mom's (and your own) judgment and common sense.


Last Minute Stuff:-

In no particular order: Get your medical exam done(although its not necessary for enrollment or residence permit!! Just a safety measure.). Check your eyesight and visit your dentist (ouch!). Get spare spectacles/contacts. Learn cooking. Ask Mom for all her secret recipes. Get a good haircut. Haircuts here cost around 10-20 Euro a pop. Teach your parents to use e-mail!!

Please do not forget:-

Your academic certificates. Get all the documents including Transfer Certificate(if you have), Provisional Certificate, Original degree certificate, Original TOEFL or GRE score report forms, your admission letter and other documents received from the university. PASSPORT is a must to board the flight - :).