Documents to carry to a hostel or PG

A missing photocopy can hold up a hostel check-in or a PG agreement. Keep every document in one folder in your hand luggage, carry photocopies as well as originals, and keep a digital copy somewhere you can reach from your phone.

For everyone

Photo ID, with several photocopies.
Passport-size photographs.
Emergency contacts on paper: family, a local contact and your doctor.
A short health note: known allergies, regular medicines and prescriptions.
A way to pay: a bank card or UPI set up on your phone, plus a little cash.

For college students

Admission or allotment letter, and fee receipts.
Marksheets, certificates and any transfer or migration certificate your college asked for.
A medical or fitness certificate, if the college asks for one.
Your anti-ragging undertaking reference number. See the anti-ragging guide.

For PG residents

A signed rental agreement, with a copy you keep. Before signing, check the rent, the deposit, what the rent covers, the notice period, when and how the deposit is refunded, and the house rules.
A receipt for the security deposit, and a receipt for each month’s rent.
Copies of anything you give the owner for tenant or police verification. Ask which documents they need before you arrive.

For working professionals

Offer or appointment letter, and the joining documents your employer listed.
Copies of degree certificates and marksheets, if your employer asked for them.
Rent receipts and the agreement, if you plan to claim house rent allowance. Ask your employer which proof they accept.

Originals, copies and digital backups

Show originals for verification, but hand over photocopies unless an original is specifically required. If you must leave an original, ask for a written receipt.
On an ID photocopy you hand over, you can write the purpose and date across it, for example “For hostel admission only”. This makes misuse of the copy harder.
DigiLocker, an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and IT, lets you store, share and verify documents online. Source: DigiLocker home page (opens in a new tab), checked 26 October 2026.
UIDAI’s website offers a “Download Aadhaar” (e-Aadhaar) service, and its Aadhaar app lists selective sharing of Aadhaar credentials among its services. Source: UIDAI home page (opens in a new tab), checked 26 October 2026.
Keep scans of everything in one folder on your phone and one with family at home. Never share an OTP with anyone who calls or messages you about your documents.

Sources

DigiLocker home page (opens in a new tab). DigiLocker, Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY). Checked 26 October 2026.
UIDAI home page (opens in a new tab). Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Checked 26 October 2026.