Moving to Delhi Checklist: Everything Students Need

Moving to a new city for college is exciting but overwhelming. If you're relocating to Delhi for studies at Maharaja Agrasen College, Shaheed Rajguru College, or any other institution, this comprehensive checklist will ensure you don't miss a thing.

📋 Documents to Carry

• College admission letter and ID card
• Aadhaar Card (original + 5 photocopies)
• Passport-size photographs (at least 10)
• Previous mark sheets and transfer certificate
• Medical records and prescriptions
• Bank passbook and debit card
• PG/hostel booking confirmation

🏠 Finding Accommodation

Start your accommodation search early. Visit PGs in person before committing. Look for these essentials:

• Proximity to your college (walking distance is ideal)
• Included meals — saves money and time
• Safety features: CCTV, biometric entry, wardens
• WiFi speed and study spaces
• Clean rooms and regular housekeeping
• Reviews from current/past residents

🎒 What to Pack

• Seasonal clothing (Delhi has extreme summers and winters)
• Comfortable bedding (if not provided by PG)
• Laptop, charger, and extension cord
• Basic medicines: paracetamol, band-aids, digestive pills
• Toiletries and personal hygiene items
• Lock and key for personal storage
• Umbrella and water bottle

💰 Budgeting Tips

• PG rent: ₹6,500–₹12,000/month (depending on room type)
• Keep ₹2,000–₹3,000 for transport and miscellaneous
• Open a savings account in a bank near your college
• Download UPI apps — cash is rarely used in Delhi
• Track expenses with a simple budgeting app

🚇 Getting Around Delhi

• Get a Delhi Metro card immediately — most convenient transport
• Download apps: Google Maps, Uber/Ola, Delhi Metro Rail
• Avoid auto-rickshaws without metered fares
• College buses are cheapest if available on your route

📱 Essential Apps for Students in Delhi

• Google Pay / PhonePe for UPI payments
• Zomato / Swiggy for food delivery
• Delhi Metro Rail app for route planning
• Amazon / Flipkart for essentials
• WhatsApp — essential for college groups and PG communication

Packing List by Category

Rather than overpacking, structure your list by daily use. Here's the tested minimum:

• Documents folder: Aadhaar, PAN, marksheets, offer letter, passport photos, stamp-paper agreement slot.
• Electronics: Laptop, charger, phone + 2 chargers, power bank, extension cord, universal adapter, noise-cancelling headphones.
• Clothing: 10 daily sets + 2 formal. Delhi winter needs a jacket Oct-Feb; summer light cottons Apr-Sep.
• Personal care: 1-month supply of toiletries, prescription meds, basic first-aid kit, sunscreen, mosquito repellent.
• Room essentials: Bed sheet, pillow cover, bath towel, combination lock for wardrobe, hangers (5-6), umbrella.
• Kitchen (for PGs with self-cook): Small water bottle, dining plate, steel tumbler, teaspoon — most PGs provide but spares help.
• Safety: Pepper spray, fake-call app, emergency contact card, ICE (In-Case-of-Emergency) sticker on phone.

Move-In Day Timeline

What an ideal move-in looks like, hour by hour:

• 8-10 a.m. Arrive, unload, video-document the room from 4 angles.
• 10-11 a.m. Sign agreement, get rent receipt, exchange IDs with warden.
• 11-12 p.m. Unpack essentials, set up charging station, connect to WiFi.
• 12-1 p.m. PG lunch — meet 1-2 current residents.
• 1-3 p.m. Walk the locality: chemist, ATM, grocery, café.
• 3-5 p.m. SIM card + bank formalities if possible.
• 5-7 p.m. Rest, call family, take reference photos of the neighbourhood.
• 7-9 p.m. PG dinner, introduce yourself in the resident WhatsApp group.

Mistakes That Cost the Most Time and Money

• Not carrying documents in cabin: lost luggage delays everything, sometimes a week of registrations.
• Paying deposit before visit: photo-swap scams are common on listing sites; always visit first.
• Ignoring summer AC surcharge: some PGs quietly add ₹1,500-₹2,000 Apr-Sep; always ask the all-inclusive number.
• Buying furniture prematurely: PGs provide bed, desk, wardrobe. Don't ship a mattress from home.
• Ignoring AQI: Oct-Feb Delhi AQI regularly hits 300+. N95 mask + air purifier are non-negotiable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I absolutely need to move to Delhi?

Original Aadhaar + 2 photocopies, PAN card, 10th/12th marksheets, college/offer letter, 6 passport photos, parents' Aadhaar copy, permanent address proof. Keep digital scans in Google Drive as backup.

How much should I budget for the first month in Delhi?

First month is typically 1.5-2x regular monthly spend due to setup costs. Budget ₹20,000-₹30,000 including deposit, first-month rent, essentials, transport pass and contingency.

Do I need a Delhi-specific SIM card?

Your home-state SIM works on roaming but data plans may be restricted. A Delhi-circle SIM is cheaper for long-term use. Most PGs require a working phone for warden communication.

Is it safe to travel with valuables while moving?

Carry essentials in carry-on luggage: laptop, phone, documents, 1-2 days of clothes, medicines. Check-in bags can be delayed; originals and high-value items should always stay with you.