What to Bring
PACKING / SHOPPING SUGGESTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
NOTE: I wrote this in 1997 when I was a Residence Hall Advisor at the Illinois Institute of Technology. If you think anything should be updated/edited, please leave a comment. Thank you.
I would advise you to bring all your baggage with you on the plane rather than shipping it separately. You will usually be allowed two bags so make them count. Even if you go over the allowed limit, the cost for excess weight is lesser than shipping charges, and you will have all your baggage with you. You can also ship large trunks through a shipping agency. If you choose to ship trunks with a shipping agency, check all the details with the shipping agent and be sure that you can arrange with someone to pick up the trunks.
The following is a list of items you will either want to bring with you or purchase shortly after you arrive in the U.S.
Remember that these are my personal recommendations and what worked for me may not work for you. Use your judgment and discretion keeping your own financial situation in mind when you purchase all this stuff.
Essentials
Do NOT leave home without the following:
- ALL your academic transcripts & diplomas. This will help you receive college credit for advanced coursework.
- Passport.
- I-20 Form or IAP-66.
- Any award or scholarship letters from your university.
- Documentation of all financial support (bank statements, affidavit from sponsor, etc.)
- ALL your medical records and documents.
- $50-$60 cash in U.S. currency for any incidental expenses.
- $300 – $600 in traveler’s checks.
- Cashiers Check/Money Order payable your university.
- Receipts of bills already paid to your university.
- Health insurance information. Most international students do not have health insurance in their home countries, so this one is optional.
- A spare set of prescription eye-glasses. These are generally very expensive in the US.
- Medication (at least one-month supply of prescription medication, some aspirin and some very basic first aid stuff).
Academic
The following items will be important for your first semester:
- A Graphing Calculator. Do not buy a Casio or a TI-85 in advance. Wait till you get to school. Buy what the class will be using.
- Text Books. Try and look up some course books on your university’s website. Try and bring some of them from home because you will probably be able to buy them MUCH cheaper.
- Bring some of your old high school/college text books. You will be familiar with these books and will be able to look up math/science/whatever concepts easily.
Living
The following items will be important in those first few days before you may be able to get to the market, grocery store, or department store:
- Blanket. Definitely worth the extra space this will take up in your luggage.
- Pillow.
- Sheets for a twin-sized (single) bed, extra long (200 cm).
- Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, etc.). Don’t overdo this one.
- Alarm Clock.
- Clothes, coats, and shoes (more on this below).
- Towels and washcloths.
- Pens and pencils.
- Umbrella (a small foldable one).
- School supplies ( a few notebooks, stapler, etc.).
- Cups/mugs.
The Comforts of Home to Make You At Ease
To make the transition of being away from home and to being in a new, unfamiliar country, there are several things you may want to bring from home to make your room feel more comfortable.
- Photos of family and friends.
- A Camera.
- Padded or quilted mattress cover.
- Decorations for your room.
- Calendar.
- Traditional clothing representing your culture.
- A few clothes hangers.
- Can opener. Yes trust me this is important.
- Small items from home to share as gifts.
- Hairdryer.
- Raincoat.
- Bookbag or backpack.
- Snack foods.
- Sewing kit.
Your “Wish List” With All the Extras for Comfortable Living
After you have settled into your room and learned where to shop ( I recommend IKEA and Target) for the inexpensive items, you may be looking to make your room even more comfortable. The following items may add to your comfort:
- Floor rug.
- Desk lamp and lightbulbs.
- Flashlight.
- Bed spread/comforter.
- Mirror.
- Laundry bag/basket.
- Telephone/answering machine.
- Electrical Extension cords.
- Potted plants.
- Lapboard (cushioned desk for your lap).
- Shower mat and pail.
- Bed rest (pillow to sit in bed).
- Bedside table.
- Ironing board and iron.
- Spoons and other eating utensils.
- Shelf paper.
- Electrical surge protector.
- Drying rack for clothes.
- Cleaning supplies.
- Small refrigerator (I recommend buying these rather than renting).
- Radio/television and/or stereo.
Clothing
A few suggestions for clothing
- Do NOT bring more than 2 pairs of Jeans. Jeans that are not made in the US are very noticeably different and fall apart in a few days. Trust me, buy a couple Levi’s in the US. It will cost you about $100 but it will be one of the best investments you will ever make.
- Do NOT bring more than a couple pairs of shoes. Make sure that when you buy your shoes, you put comfort first and looks second. You will be doing a LOT of walking. Unless you live in Europe or something, If possible, try and buy your shoes in the US. The shoes from India or Pakistan will fall apart in a few weeks and hurt like hell all the way.
- Do NOT buy a lot of warm underwear (often called Long Johns) in advance. Buy it at the local Wal-Mart or Sears when you get to your college.
- Same goes for socks. Cotton socks in the US are infinitely better than that Nylon/Polyester crap you get in other places. Trust me. I have experienced US cotton socks and once you do, you will never go back to the old ones.
What do I leave at home?
- For those students who will be living on campus, there are several items that you are NOT ALLOWED to have in your rooms, including: guns, fireworks, candles, incense, halogen lamps, hot plates, space heaters, and pets.
Important Traveling TIps
- Check with the airlines regarding their luggage policy.
- Make sure you can carry your luggage for at least a half kilometer. You may want to purchase a folding luggage trolley or wheeled luggage.
- Confirm your flight reservations 72 hours before departure.
- Pack a travel bag with personal articles for use in case your luggage is temporarily lost during your journey. Pack valuables and items that could leak, such as shampoo, in this bag.
- Give your family a contact number, such as that of the International Student and Scholar Office, in case of emergency.
REMINDER: When buying or bringing electrical items, remember that U.S. voltage is 110, 50 cycles.
Comments»
I must say I’m impressed!
Never expected this from a guy!
If you include ipod and phone with international sim that will help too!
And make sure you have copies of all your travel/academic documents on paper or USB or saved on your notebook(laptop)!