Packing Tips

There are some advices which need to be followed while coming to USA. Following things need to be added by the International Students going to USA for the first time:

• Clothes:

  You need to know the weather, season and climatic changes of the region where your child is going to study. Usually, shorts, lightweight skirts are needed in summers while coats and woolen sweaters are needed in large variety in winter season. Clothes having some layers are best in the winter season.

• Shoes:

  Almost all the students wear casual shoes in the class room. For walking more comfortably inside and outside the campus, walking shoes and sneakers are the best options. Keep in mind to have at-least one pair of closed shoes in your collection. Wearing sandals is almost uncomfortable options for students.

• Formal Dress:

  A formal traditional wear is recommended especially when you move around for shopping or entertainment spot. Americans are fond of Indian clothes so you get a good amount of accomplishments and attention there while wearing it.

• Dictionaries:

  Do not forget to bring a dictionary either English to your language or from your language to English. A good wordbook is an essential element for good communication in foreign countries.

• Medicine, Vitamins and Other Medical Supplies:

  We do have various medical aids in USA but our body is adaptable for specific types of brands or style or company which may or may not available in USA so it is better to carry medical appliances while traveling

• Cosmetics/ Toiletries:

  As the skin of Eastern and Western countries have large amount of variations so the cosmetics which are available in USA might not be suitable for the skin of Asian people moreover it may create a side-effects on the skin. So to avoid such effects, it is advisable to carry your cosmetics/ toiletries with you.

• Bath Towels/ Wash Cloth:

  At-least bring one towel with you till you have purchased your own products in US. The towels of America are large, thick and soft. If it does not suit you, buy it from your native country.

• Bed Linens:

  Every country has its own different standards of bedding. It is recommended to bring 2 flat sheets, one on top and other for bottom. If you need more, than purchase it from the shops. You can also carry small helium balloon pillows.

• Brush, comb, hand mirror, hair accessories, and jewelry:

  There is not shortfall of crumple, barrettes, etc in USA, but there would be variations in the price as compared to your native country. It is advisable to bring your belongings from you own country.

• Sewing Kit:

  Bring some instruments for replacing the buttons, repairing of small holes, tearing etc. Going to professional tailors for such small things will be a costly option.

• Rain Gear:

  Good umbrella or a rain coat is also as important as it is the clothes in winter or summer season. Moreover a pair of waterproof shoes for winter and rainy season is important.

• Desk Supplies:

  You can carry things like pencil, sharpener, calculator, highlighters, markers, index cards, calendar, notebook and paper, scissors, stapler, staples, ruler, etc. These things may be quite reasonable in your native country.

• Electronics:

  If you are using hairdresser, radio, alarm, desk lamp etc. take care from the voltages of other countries. In India, we use 120V, and outlets of 2 flat prongs, or 2 flat and 1 round prong. If needed, you can purchase adapters and converters. However, it will be more convenient to purchase a hair dryer, radio, etc. from USA as the prices of all the electrical appliances are almost similar in all the countries.

• Address, Books, Stationary:

  Bring the address, contact number or e-mail number of any person that you know in USA. By doing this you can come out from the dilemma of home sickness.

• Small Gifts:

  Commemorative stamps or postal cards from your own native land for making gifts for holidays for giving to friends, class mates, room mates etc can be carried with.

• Eating utensils, plastic plates, bowls, and cups:

  All these useful things can be purchased from USA. Usually all these items are included in your tuition cost, but if any of the things is broken then you have to pay for it.

• Snacks:

  If your arrival time is 5:00 pm on the very first day of the orientation, then you will receive some snacks. The dinning hall opens its orientation at 5:45 on Friday to Sunday and at 6:30 from Monday to Thursday. Manage your time accordingly.

• Photography:

  Photography of friends, classmates, roommates etc will increases the bonds and good measures to remove from homesickness.

• Favorites:

  Bring some favorites items like music, books, etc for passing time when you are alone.

• Traveler’s Checks:

  Do not carry large amount of cash while traveling. Travelers check like American Express in US Dollars are the easiest measures to carry in USA. After settling down in US and having a personal bank account, a direct money transfer from your parents’ bank to your bank account can be made.