Arrival Guide — 2026-27
What to Pack Before Moving to Maharashtra
Summer hits 40°C. Monsoon is heavy and humid. Winter is mild but real. Maharashtra has three distinct seasons — and each one affects what you pack, what you leave behind, and what you buy after you land. This is the complete checklist, sourced from the official student guides at fn.mahacet.org and studyinmaharashtra.org.
Summer: 25–40°C (Mar–May)
Monsoon: 22–32°C (Jun–Sep)
Winter: 15–30°C (Nov–Feb)
FRRO: Register Within 14 Days
Hostel: Take It in Year 1
Students arriving in Maharashtra through fn.mahacet.org come from 68 countries — from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Oman, the Philippines, and beyond. Each country has its own climate norm, and Maharashtra's three seasons can surprise students who pack for only one. This guide covers documents you must carry, clothes to pack for each season, things to leave behind, and what to buy on Day 1 in India — using only verified data from fn.mahacet.org and studyinmaharashtra.org.
Know the Climate Before You Pack
studyinmaharashtra.org confirms three distinct seasons across Maharashtra. Where you study affects how you feel this — Pune and Nashik have the most pleasant climate year-round; Mumbai is hotter and more humid in summer and significantly wetter in monsoon.
Summer ☀️March – May · 25–40°C
Hot and dry to very hot
Maharashtra summers can peak at 40°C in Nagpur and inland cities. Coastal Mumbai is slightly cooler but more humid. Light cotton clothing is essential — synthetic fabrics become unbearable. Carry a reusable water bottle at all times.
Monsoon 🌧️June – September · 22–32°C
Heavy rain, especially in Mumbai
Maharashtra's monsoon is dramatic in Mumbai and coastal areas. Temperatures drop but humidity rises sharply. You need waterproof footwear, a compact umbrella you can carry every day, and quick-dry clothing. Mumbai's local train network continues running through monsoon — but plan for delays.
Winter 🌤️November – February · 15–30°C
Mild — but inland cities get noticeably cooler
Maharashtra winters sit in the 15–30°C range across the state, per studyinmaharashtra.org. Coastal Mumbai stays warm throughout winter. Inland cities like Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Nashik are cooler — particularly at night. A light jacket and a couple of layers are sufficient for most students. Heavy coats are unnecessary.
Source: studyinmaharashtra.org — "Tropical climate with three seasons: Summer (Mar-May, 25-40°C), Monsoon (Jun-Sep, 22-32°C), Winter (Nov-Feb, 15-30°C). Pune and Nashik enjoy the most pleasant climate year-round."
Documents — Carry These in Your Hand Luggage
The document list below is sourced from studyinmaharashtra.org Documents Required section. These are the documents you need for college verification on arrival — originals, not just scans.
Documents Required on Arrival — Originals Only
Source: studyinmaharashtra.org Documents Required section. All original documents verified in person at the college. Carry in hand luggage — not checked baggage.
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Valid Passport (minimum 2 years validity remaining)Primary identity document for college verification, FRRO registration, and bank account opening. Must be original — not a scan or photocopy.
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Student Visa (stamped in passport)Required for all nationalities except Nepal citizens, who travel on passport only under the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty. Nepal citizens: no visa, no waiting period.
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College Admission Confirmation Letter (from fn.mahacet.org)The allotment letter issued after your fn.mahacet.org seat acceptance. Required for FRRO registration, bank account opening, and college check-in. Carry a printed copy and a digital backup.
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10th and 12th Marksheets and Certificates (Originals)Required for in-person verification at the college. If your qualifications are from a non-Indian board, carry your AIU equivalency certificate as well.
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Migration / Transfer Certificate and Character CertificateIssued by your previous institution. Required for college admission completion. Both originals must be presented in person.
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Birth CertificateFor age and identity verification during document processing at the college and FRRO office.
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Passport-size photographs — at least 20 copies (white background)Used repeatedly for FRRO registration, bank account, college ID card, hostel registration, transport passes, and health insurance enrolment. Carry more than you think you will need.
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Bank Statement and Sponsorship LetterProof of financial support for FRRO registration and any administrative queries. Carry the original or a notarised copy.
* "All documents must be in English or officially translated. Original documents will be verified in person at the college." — studyinmaharashtra.org Documents Required section. Carry all originals in hand luggage, not checked baggage.
What to Pack — Season by Season
Based on the three-season climate confirmed by studyinmaharashtra.org, here is what to pack, what to leave behind, and what is cheaper to buy on arrival in Maharashtra.
✅ Pack These — Available Everywhere But Easier to Bring
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Light cotton clothing — 7 to 10 days' worthMaharashtra summers are hot (25–40°C) and monsoon is humid. Cotton breathes and dries faster than synthetic. Bring enough for a week without laundry.
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Compact travel umbrellaMumbai's monsoon (June to September) is heavy. A compact umbrella that fits in a bag is essential — not an optional extra. Larger umbrellas are cheap to buy locally, but a compact one is worth bringing.
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Two pairs of footwear — one waterproofMonsoon will ruin non-waterproof shoes. Bring one pair of waterproof sandals or shoes for monsoon and one comfortable pair for daily campus use. Footwear is cheap and widely available locally if needed.
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Prescription medications — 3 to 6 months' supplyBring a full supply of any prescription medication you take regularly, with a doctor's letter in English. Common medications are widely available in Indian pharmacies, but specific international brands may not be.
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Universal power adapterIndia uses Type C, D, and M plugs at 230V/50Hz. A universal adapter covers you on Day 1 before you buy local adapters. Most modern laptop and phone chargers auto-switch voltage.
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Digital copies of all documents — on cloud and USBBack up every document (passport, visa, admission letter, marksheets, certificates) to a secure cloud folder and a USB drive. Your phone backup alone is not sufficient.
🟢 Buy on Arrival — Cheaper and Better Locally
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Local SIM card with data planPer fn.mahacet.org's Mumbai cost guide: "A local SIM with UPI payments set up makes daily life dramatically cheaper." Jio, Airtel, or Vi SIMs are available at the airport and near any campus. Monthly plan with unlimited calls and data: INR 300–600. Buy on Day 1 — UPI access via your Indian SIM enables everything from food delivery to transport payments.
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Basic kitchen supplies and beddingIf your hostel does not supply bedding (confirm before arrival), bed linen and a pillow are inexpensive at local markets. Most college hostels provide basic furniture but not linen. "Most colleges offer on-campus hostels for international students at subsidised rates" — studyinmaharashtra.org.
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Over-the-counter medicines and first aid kitIndian pharmacies stock everything from paracetamol to antacids to oral rehydration salts at very low prices. Buy a basic first aid kit locally — it is bulky to bring from home and cheaper here.
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Transport passPer fn.mahacet.org's Mumbai cost guide: "Student concessions apply on many transport passes — carry your college ID." Apply for your local transport concession pass in the first week of college — it reduces monthly transport costs significantly. Pune's Metro (opened 2022) and Mumbai's local train network both offer student rates.
❌ Leave These Behind
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Heavy winter coats or thick woolensMaharashtra winters are mild — 15–30°C. A light jacket and two or three warm layers are sufficient for even the coldest Nagpur or Nashik nights. Heavy coats take up luggage space and will not be used.
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Heavy textbooks from homeIndian college libraries are well-stocked, and textbooks for all courses are available locally at a fraction of home-country prices. Shipping books internationally is expensive and slow.
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Large amounts of foreign cashIndia has an extensive ATM network and UPI-based digital payments are near-universal. Bring a small amount of USD or Euros for initial expenses and get a local SIM with UPI set up immediately.
Your First 14 Days — What to Do on Arrival
Two tasks are time-critical on arrival. Both are confirmed by studyinmaharashtra.org and fn.mahacet.org.
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Register with FRRO within 14 days of arrival — mandatorystudyinmaharashtra.org: "register with the nearest FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) within 14 days of arriving in India." This is a legal requirement for all international students (except Nepal citizens). Your college International Student Cell will assist with this — ask on your first day. Failing to register within 14 days can cause complications with your visa status.
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Get a local SIM and set up UPI on Day 1fn.mahacet.org Mumbai cost guide: "A local SIM with UPI payments set up makes daily life dramatically cheaper." Available at the airport arrivals hall or at any mobile shop near campus. Bring your passport and admission letter for the SIM activation — both are typically required.
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Take the college hostel in Year 1fn.mahacet.org Mumbai cost guide: "Take the college hostel in year one — it is the easiest way to settle in." studyinmaharashtra.org confirms most colleges offer on-campus hostels for international students at subsidised rates. Hostel accommodation in Year 1 removes the stress of finding off-campus housing before you know the city.
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Apply for your transport concession passfn.mahacet.org Mumbai cost guide: "Student concessions apply on many transport passes — carry your college ID." Apply within the first week. In Mumbai, this applies to local train passes. In Pune, the Metro (opened 2022) and city bus network both offer student rates. Monthly transport costs: INR 500–1,500 with the right pass.
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Enrol in the college group health insurance schemePer the fn.mahacet.org health guide: most universities make enrolment in their group health insurance scheme a condition of registration — typically INR 3,000–8,000 per year. Enrol on Day 1 of college registration. Ask the International Student Cell which hospital the college is affiliated with for emergency care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring Indian Rupees from my home country?
Not in large amounts. India has a well-developed ATM network and UPI-based digital payments are near-universal in Maharashtra's cities. Bring a small amount in USD or Euros for initial airport expenses before your ATM card is activated locally. Per fn.mahacet.org's Mumbai cost guide, setting up UPI via a local SIM on Day 1 makes daily payments significantly easier and cheaper than cash.
What is the FRRO and why do I need to register?
The FRRO is the Foreigners Regional Registration Office — the Indian government authority responsible for registering foreign nationals resident in India. Per studyinmaharashtra.org, all international students (except Nepal citizens) must register with the nearest FRRO within 14 days of arriving in India. Your college International Student Cell assists with this process. Failure to register within 14 days can affect your visa status.
Does my college provide hostel accommodation?
studyinmaharashtra.org confirms: "Most colleges offer on-campus hostels for international students at subsidised rates. Where hostel space is limited, colleges assist with finding approved off-campus accommodation." fn.mahacet.org's arrival guide advises: "Take the college hostel in year one — it is the easiest way to settle in." Confirm your hostel availability directly with the college after receiving your seat allotment from fn.mahacet.org.
Can I work part-time to supplement my budget?
Per fn.mahacet.org's Mumbai cost guide: "Indian student visas do not generally permit off-campus employment. Plan your budget on family or scholarship funding." Student visa holders can undertake internships related to their course, per studyinmaharashtra.org. Nepal citizens have unrestricted working rights in India under the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
I haven't applied yet — where do I start?
Start at fn.mahacet.org. The free category check confirms your admission category and takes two minutes — no payment required. For support: student@mahacet.org · +91-9076000348 / +91-8879082178 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm IST).
Pack Smart. Arrive Ready. Apply First.
68 countries represented. International Student Cells at every college. One official government portal for admissions. The eligibility check is free and takes two minutes.
Check Your Eligibility at fn.mahacet.org
Questions? student@mahacet.org · +91-9076000348 / +91-8879082178 · Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm IST
