Did you know that most airlines have an exception for the baggage weight limit? If you are a student and the excess weight is due to study-related books, they let you pass.
It works every time.
But of course you really need to take non-fiction books with you. Or come up with a good story about writing a thesis on crime fiction.
The Happy Hermit 
I brought some very old books from Turkey by saying I am a historian.
I think it works because there are so many social science graduates who are frustrated with their airport jobs.
Wait, what? Is this something informal or there is some kind of “rule” on that?
Well, it’s not exactly in the Montreal Convention.
But if you show up on time, are friendly, look like a student, are a few kilograms above the weight limit and have a good explanation (“I have to take so many books because I have to study for an exam in sociology in one month”), then it usually works.
Don’t they ask for a student ID?
I have one, of course.
But so far, I never had to show it. It seems to be enough to be reading a heavy book and taking notes or highlighting passages.
I guess a backpack or a bag with a university logo would also help.
Just don’t wear a sweatshirt with a university logo – they will get suspicious if they think you’re trying a little too hard.
:D
Luckily, German universities don’t even sell stuff like that. From my university, I only got a flimsy bag and, I think, a pen. Oh yes, and they had some gummi bears during the introduction week.
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