Dress/Clothes

Jeans 4 India
T-Shirts 10+ India
Shirt – Casual 4 India I like Tshirts more than shirts. So, less number of shirts.
Shirt – Formal 2 India
Coat and Suit –
1 India Coat and Suit are expensive in U.S. compared to India
Formal
Shorts/ 3/4ths 5 India
Pants 4 India I don’t like to wear pantsJ. I will go with Jeans
Belts 2 India Leather is expensive in U.S.
Formal Shoe 1 Pair India
Don’t buy winter wear in India. Sweater, Jackets, are cheap
Winter Wear U.S.
during sale.
Leather Jacket Prefer winter Jacket over Leather. Jackets – $20 to $75
Sports Shoes + 1 Pair + Nike, Adidas, Rebook.. are cheap. I got Adidas for $18; Socks
U.S.
Socks Few are very cheap.
Sandals 1 Pair India Its cheap here, but you will need it when you reach here.
Wallet 1 India Get new one before you come
Personal Care
Don’t water your suitcase weight carrying hangers. You will get
Hangers No U.S.
13 Hangers for $1 form Walmart
Tooth Brush 2 India
Shaving Kit 1 India Bring what you are using now
After Shave 1 India Bring what you are using now, if not buy in US
Soap 1 U.S. One soap to use first few days.
Please don’t carry detergents from India. You are wasting your
Wash Detergent U.S.
space/weight.
Combs 1 or 2 India
50 to
Hair Oil India Pack it well, so it doesn’t leak.
200ml
Nail cutter 1 India Pack in Check-In Bag
Small scissors 1 India Pack in Check-In Bag
Safety pins.
No I have never used it nor my friends.
Sewing kit
Get it in USA. Avoid any cosmetics product. Cheap and saves
Shampoo No USA
weight.
Towels 2-3 India 1 – Thick cotton towels. 2 towels light in weight.
Napkin/Hand
6-10 India Depending on your need.
Kerchiefs
Perfume –
1 India You can get it here for cheap after you run out.
Deodrant
 Get small one. Same Colgate, Close-up is available, but it will
Tooth Paste 1 India
taste different.
Mirror Yes India You can carry small mirror.
Razor Blades Few USA Shaving kit is cheap.
Blanket 2 India 1 – Bed Spread. Get Comforter or Plush blankets in U.S. ($20)
Pillow U.S. Pillow costs $4 in Walmart
Songs CD No You can download it here, don’t waster you weight.
Back Pack Yes India To carry books and on trips.
Alarm Clock Yes/No If you are bringing your cell phone, you will not need one.
Cell Phone Yes Cell Phone Buying Guide.
Pen, Pencil,
Get some pen, pencil, highlighter, but you can find them in
Glue, Cello Few
plenty here.
Tape..
Calculator No Scientific calculator looks different in US.
Kitchen/Cooking
1 (3 to 7 Don’t forget to bring pressure cooker, also get extra weight,
Pressure Cooker India
liters) valve.
Indian Try to get as much as possible. Masala items are available, but
India
Masala/Spices doesn’t give same taste as moms food.
Don’t carry any rice or other dhal items. It’s available here in
Rice, Dhal, U.S.
Indian store.
You can get one ore 2 pans that are light in weight. Set of pan
Frying Pans
cost $30.
US/Ind
Serrated Knife 1 Knife isn USA. Get one small.
ia
Spoon, Fork U.S. Spoons, forks are cheap
Vegetable
U.S. Its additional weight.
Cutting Board
Cups and Bowls U.S. Get one or 2 small bowls, but not many.
Plates will be used in Microwave. You can bring 1 plate, but
Plates. U.S.
don’t bring more than one.
Peeler U.S.
Instant Food
Carry few packets of Instant food items, that will come in handy
Packets Few India
for first few days, till you get settled in the apartment.
(Noodles)
Elachi, Clove,
Few India Available in Indian Grocery Store in USA
Cinnamon,
Small
Garam Masala India Available in Indian Grocery Store in USA
pack
Chilli Powder 1-2 kgs India Available in Indian Grocery Store in USA
Medical Files/Medicines
Fever/Cold 20 to 30 India Tylenol for Fever cost about $4. You can buy in any pharmacy or
Tablets Tablets walmart.
Eye Glasses are very very expensive here. With Eye Insurance I
Eye Glass/ paid $225 for one eye glass. Same would have cost Rs4,000 in
2 Pairs India
Contact Lens India. So, if you wearing glasses make sure you get atleast 2
additional pair.

How to Pack Cabin Baggage

Students attending university for Spring 2009 are busy preparing for Air Travel. Here’s some tips to
pack your cabin baggage ( carry on bag) – one you take with you in the flight. Students traveling for
the first time didn’t know the difference between Check-in baggage, Carry On baggage.
How to Pack Cabin Bag
Airlines allow 8 yo 10 kgs as carry on cabin baggage for international travel. Care should be taken
while packing cabin bags. There are few reason for that
1. Airline could misplace your checked luggage.

2. Checked baggage will be available for you only after you clear immigration.
Things to be packed in Carry On Baggage
1. Original important immigration documents (I-20, Admission letter, air tickets, passport,
..)
2. Travelers checks, Demand draft, cash, ..
3. Prescription medications in original, labeled containers to avoid Security questions.
4. One or two pairs of clothing
5. Small sizes of toiletry items.
6. Extra eye glasses
7. A change of underclothes
8. A sweater or a jacket in case you encounter inclement weather on landing
9. Light weight towel
10. Your valuables, such as jewelry and electronics are safe in your carry-on.
11. Copies of your photo (passport size)
12. Enlisted steps to be followed in case of emergency
 13. Address and phone numbers of people whom you can contact in the US in case you
need any help on landing
14. Address and phone number of the place where you will stay. If address is not known,
you can give International Office Address.
15. Address and phone numbers of friends, relatives in India
16. Couple of pens to write
If you are travelling in flight for first time, it will be very good experience. Alos, fact that you are
travelling for first time in flight going to U.S. makes the event more special. Stay safe and enjoy your
trip. If you have any thoughts and comments, write a comment below.

How to Pack Suitcase for U.S. Travel

When it used to be 32 kgs per suitcase it was much easier to pack all the needed stuffs. But with
23 kgs in 1 suitcase, we have to be very careful in what we pack and how we pack. Here are few tips
that will be of some help. Students traveling for the first time, will have lots of stuff to carry. But,
staying informed about what to carry and how much to carry will greatly reduce the amount of effort
and stress on you.
Travel Suitcase Packing Tips
1. Remove all the tags from new dress/clothes. It will weight almost 200 Grams
2. Remove all the card-board boxes. If you feel something are fragile, try to wrap around
your dress materials.
3. You will get almost everything in U.S. So, try to get stuffs that are not available in US.
Those stuffs goes into suitcase first ( Indian Spices, your mom’s recipe books, pressure
cooker, ..). So, the idea is to create the list of items and assign priority to that. Pack items
into suitcase accordingly.
4. Tie a colorful ribbon on the suitcase handle. It will be much easier to identify your
suitcase in the baggage claim area.
5. Try to avoid bringing oily stuffs ( hair oil, pickles, home made oily foods…) I had very bad
experience and had to throw away an entire suitcase. At U.S. Customs, they pricked a
hole into couple of thick plastic bags with pickles and when the baggage reached home,
 oil was floating upto 2 inched height in the suitcase. All the new dress, spices, and so
many things worth Rs 20,000 to 25,000 had to be thrown away.
6. Usually, you will make a huge list, buy all the stuffs and when you pack it and weight, it
will come to 30+ kgs. Priority in the list will help you to decide which items to remove.
7. If you have 10 pairs of socks, see where you can stuff the socks or use it to wrap masala
items or try to insert the socks into shoes, so it will save space.
8. Don’t try to arrange things in suitcase, whatever you arrange, it will be in messed up
order when you get it in U.S.
9. Try to get the weigh scale where you can hang the suitcase using a thick rope. Other
weigh techniques will not give you accurate weight. Hang the weigh scale to your roof
using chain/rope and weight the suitcase. I have tried so many ways, but finally ended up
following the above way.
10. If in case you got small suitcase and find it hard to fit the stuffs, use a vacuum cleaner
to suck the air out, it will shrink and will give you more space.

Please don’t not pack the following items while flying to USA. You are wasting your luggage space
and you an get those things here.
•Tamarind Paste
•Glass (Mirror)
•Dal and Flour’s
•Pencil Box
•Ink Pen
•Heavy Winter Jackets
•Plain Rice
•Lots of Books

USA Flight Baggage

Following will be the usual baggage allowance in flights to USA.
•Two Suitcase for check-in. Each 50 lbs (or 23 Kgs)
•1 Carry On Cabin Bag (8 Kgs)
 •1 Personal Item (Laptop Bag or Purse)

Things to Buy After Ariving in USA

You must have seen shopping list with list if items to buy before you come to USA.
There is huge list of items to buy after you come to USA.
You may decide to bring some of the items listed above to save money.
Kitchen
• Kitchen – Knife – Vegetable
• Kitchen Knife – Chicken
• Kitchen Cutting Table
• Can Opener
• Trash Can
• Trash Bag
• Water/Juice Drinking Glasses
• Frying Pan Big
• Frying Pan Small
When buying utensils for kitchen, make sure it is safe to use with microwave.

Its good to bring one plate, but I recommend you buy couple of
plates after you come here.
Restroom
•Shampoo
•Soap
•Trash can
•Trash Bag

•Shower Curtain + Shower Liner

Bedroom
•Mattress (or Bed) to sleep (Link to Amazon – Best Value) .
•Plush Blanket ( Best Value for Cold – I use this)
 •Comforter ( Not required if you buy Plush Blanket)
•Pillow
•Laundry Bag (or Laundry Box)

•Iron Box and Ironing Board

Electronics
•Wireless Router
•Ethernet Cable (Just in case)
•Cell Phones (iPhone and other smart phones)
•Cell Phone Contracts in USA Explained
•How to get free cell phones in USA
•Laptops
•HP Envy 4t-1030us Ultrabook- Review

5 Tips to Pack Suitcase

1.Remove the tags from new dress/clothes.
2.Remove card-board boxes or any other boxes that came with the items you have
purchased.
3.For Fragile items, wrap it with clothes.
4.Make a priority list and pack according to the list.
5.First Things First. Spices take high priority, few books, clothes, personal care, etc.
Check the Fall 2011 – Travel Tips (it will be still useful for others)

How to Weigh Suitcase

Different ways to weigh the suitcase. Make sure you get the weight right.
1.Regular weighing machine – You weigh yourself first, then weigh again with the
suitcase. Subtract and find the suitcase weight.
2.Buy a hanging weigh machine. Hang the suitcase to calculate the weight.
 3.Weight individual items + weight of suitcase (not recommended)
Last time my hanging weighing scale messed up the weight. I had 23 kgs and while at airport during
check-in, scales showed 24.5 kgs. Always, we have a cover filled with least priority items that can be
removed if the weight is more than the limit.

5 More Suitcase Packing Tips

1.Tie a colorful ribbon on the suitcase handle. Makes it easy to identify your suitcase in
the baggage claim area. I tie 2 different color ribbons.
2.Even now, I don’t bring oil or pickles (details below)
3.Insert clothes and dress into empty vessels if you are running out of space.
4.Don’t arrange things inside the suitcase. You are wasting time. It will all get messed
up.
5.I have TSA locks to lock the suitcase. Is it necessary to lock the suitcase?
I had very bad experience and had to trash a brand new suitcase and all the new cloths. At U.S.
Customs, they pricked a hole into a couple of containers with pickles for inspection. When the
baggage reached home, oil was floating in the suitcase. All the new dress, spices, and so many items
had to be thrown away.
•Flight Travel India to USA: Documents, Tips and Caution
Since that experience, I’m not taking any oil in the suitcase. If you decide to take oily items, do the
following
•Wrap the item in plastic cover (2 layers)
•Seal the cap with duct tape
•Put the cover insider any container.
Also, buy a light weight suitcase with wheels.
Having wheels in carry-on suitcase will also help to drag them around in the airports.

List of things to Pack to US

Group Item Quantity Comment
0.5 mm is available in India but try getting 0.7
Stationery Mechanical pencil 3-Feb mm as it is extensively available in US although
0.5 mm is also available
 Pencil Eraser 3-Feb I don’t like erasers found here. You might like it
Stapler 1
1-2 boxes Stapler pins here are giant sized. I like the cute
Stapler pins
(whole year) Indian size.
I brought it without the cutter and always wish
Cello tape with
2-Jan to buy the cutter stand. I use cello tape very
cutter stand
often. Also to pack sandwiches.
Not much writing here. Also stationery items are
Pens 1 pack (12)
free. No need to bring many pens.
Notebooks Nil Buy from here
You will still have to buy. Do not bring 2 pin
Files and folders 5-Apr
files. 3-pin files are used here
A4 size paper is not used in US. The US letter
Pages Few size paper will be used for submitting
assignments.
Bring them
Markers and colored
if you use Expensive here
pens
them
Year planner Highly required
Utensils Pressure cooker 1 Mandatory
Do not avoid bringing it. I know a friend who
Extra valves, rings
4 cannot use his pressure cooker as its valve is not
and whistles
working and it is not found in US.
You can avoid bringing it. Its not very expensive
Pans and pots 2
in Walmart
Its good to bring though not very expensive
Spoons 4
here.
For yourself for the initial days. Later you can
Bowls and dishes 1 manage to get it for free from Student
associations
Scissors and knives 1 each Would be fine
Spices and Bring your favorite dals only. No one cooks
Dals 250g each
cereals what they don’t like.
Hot red chilli powder ½ kg MUST
Green chilli sauce 1 bottle MUST
I don’t use it much. Depends on your food habit.
Turmeric pwdr 250g
(100gms is enough)
Nutmeg/Jaifal 2
hing 1 small pkt I have not usedit yet
I love biriyani and butter chicken. You might be
Javitri 25g
using it often.
Dalchini 50g Very expensive here
Elaichi (bari and
50g each
choti)
 Sukhi lal mirch 50g Not very expensive here
Black pepper corn 250g I am a pepper lover
Tej pat 10g Required in cooking almost all Indian meals
Dhania pwder and
100g each I have used it twice since I hanve been here
jeera pwdr
Methi dana 10g Makes my dosa batter ferment faster
Anice (saunf) depends Depends on the way you use it
Sabut jeera 250g For whole year
I don’t eat sambhar regularly. Bring more if you
Sambhar powder 100g
love it
Salt and sugar NIL No need to bring
Tandoori chicken
1 pkt
masala
Meat masala 1 pkt
Garam masala 1 pkt
Eatables Biscuits Needed very much in the initial days
Rice 250g Bring it
Snacks
Bring only if you eat them. I have not consumed
Pickles
pickles since I have been here.
Maggi 4 in one Trust me, will be needed
Knorr soups Get all your favorite flavors
Instant meals Few You will realize its importance in US
Papad Few types You wont get it here.
Laundry is chargeable and will be done once in
Clothes jeans 8
15 days. So bring clothes for atleast 15-20 days
You will end up buying jeans here as trousers
trousers 12
cost the same as jeans in US
Thermocot suit 2
sweater 2
It is the most comfortable when at home or in
shawls 3 University. Also adds style because its very
expensive here. Starts from $25 here.
Caps/scarfs nil Buy from here
muffler 2 Expensive here
Will be required if you are social. Bring one sari
Indian wear 2
and salwar suit.
Skirts 2 I feel much comfortable in skirts
Night dress 4 Very expensive here
Winter jacket 1 Buy it from U.S.
Shoes/ sandals Leather shoe/boot 1 You will still have to buy…coz we are ladies
snickers 1
 sandal 1
walker 1
Accesories Belt 3 1 leather, 1 cotton and 1 fancy (chain)
Nail filer 1
Foot scrubber 1
Pumic stone/ body
1 Very expensive in US
scrubber
Nail cutter 1
Hair pins/clips 2 sets
Hair bands/clutcher Bring as many as you can …you will still buy….
etc hihihi
Safety pins 2 sets Safety pins in US are different in size
Hanky 12-Jun
I don’t like wearing socks but I have to as I feel
Socks 5, 2 woolen
cold
Indian size is difficult to get. Best ones for
Stockings 4
winter
Sanitary napkins For 2-3 months
Washing soap for
3-Feb Wheel/Rin etc
clothes
Washing detergent 2-3 small
For home washing of clothes
sachet pkt
Cosmetics Moisturizer 1 Bring according to your availability of space
Shampoo 1 small Cheaper in US
Conditioner 1 small Cheaper in US
Makeup items 1 each Very-very expensive in US
Lipsticks are very expensive here. Also you
can’t try them before buying. You will not find
Lipstick As many
any moisturizing lipstick like ELLE 18 brand
here.
Nail polish and nail
Indian ones preferable
base
Small pack of acetone. Get it from pharmacy
store in India. Nail polish removers in US are
Nail polish remover
alcohol instead of acetone. Acetone is good for
nails while alcohol is not.
Lip moisturizer 3 Too expensive in US
Bathing soap 3
Large For hairs, very expensive here ( Pack it carefully
Coconut oil
container so it won’t leak)
Small
Mustard oil Glowing hair and split hair treatment
container
Jewelery Bring matching jewelery as much as you can.
 It’s too expensive here. Nothing less than $5 for
artificial ones
Purse/Bags handbag 1 For flight purpose
Backpack with
We ladies hate carrying. Use the same as your
laptop space and 1
carry bag.
trolley
If you like to listen to Hindi/regional language
Electronics CDs/DVDs
music. Bring that.
If you have one and you want to use it, you can.
Cell phone handset NiL I am using my Motoming handset from India. It
has Us pin point
Indian Items with Indian pin point can be used
only when converted to US plug point. I got my
electronic Tanpura which needed that. But it is
Pin converter 1
always good to have one. You never know you
might need it. Most of my Indian friends
borrowed it from me.
If you are interested to buy a printer. It is more
USB printer port 1
expensive here
USB Phone port 1 Cheaper in India
Others Bed sheet 2 Double bed/twin bed (single bed)
Towel 2
Shoe brush 1
Shoe polish 1
Pillow cover 1 Large size
Vitamin tablet with
Allopathy Will help you feel little less pain. Only for
more than 5mg 2 strip
Medicines ladies.
Magnesium
Antiseptic cream 1 sofframycin
Antihistamine cream 1 Antiallergy, can use after any bug bite for relief.
Pain relieving cream 1 Eg volini
Voveran 1 strip fever
Antibiotic tablet 5-6 courses, mainly it should be effective against
1-2 strip
(broad spectrum) cold and throat infection
Pain-killer 1 strip
Bandages 4-Mar
Anti-diarrhoeic 1 strip Eg metrogyl
Seven seas (VitE) 1 bottle For good glowing skin, very expensive in US
Homeopathy
Kali mur 12 X 1 bottle Liver
medicines
Glonoine 200 1 bottle Sun stroke, can be taken before going to sun
After getting drenched, prevents cold, also after
Rhus tox-200 1 bottle
exposed to snow
 Borax-30 1 bottle Acne
Leucorrhoea and anemia. To be taken in the
Sepia-30 1 bottle
morning.
Antitetanus effect after wound. To be taken
Arnica-200 1 bottle
within 24 hours after wound.
Cold treatment (2
weeks or till cold
persists)
1 Belladona- 1 bottle Once in a day, every night before sleeping
2 Bryonia-200 1 bottle 3 times a day
3 Hepar Sulph-200 1 bottle Once in a week
Once in a day, every morning before eating
4 Phytolacca-200 1 bottle
anything
Soak chalk in water till it makes a paste. Add
Black board Chalk,
Cramp or Mild turmeric powder and mustard oil, heat till color
turmeric powder and
fracture treatment changes. Apply warm on affected area. It
mustard oil
relieves pain and heals wounds.
Thanks to Anu for taking time to prepare this list. Many would appreciate your effort (especially
women).
Not every items listed above is must. You pretty much can get everything in U.S. but try to have a
priority list and get those items. Again, remember this, you can get all the items listed above in U.S. but
for a student it will initially look expensive.
Winter clothes, try to buy from here. Winter cloths from India will not be of much help for weather
here. If you have additional student travel tips, share it with us.

Documents to Carry
I had posted answers to same question few years back
•What Documents to Carry for F1 Visa Students

•25 Air travel Tips India to USA

Things to Take with You
•Carry all the documents in your carry on bag.
•Don’t check-in your important documents.
•BE ( transcripts, degree certificate, course completion certificate) – Originals
•I-20′s from different schools, in case you are planing to get transfer
 •Extra copies of recommendation letter, university transcripts.
•Couple of bank statements (or the ones you used for visa)
•Certifications, paper presentation reports, ..
•If possible buy a $5 calling card with you
•$5 and $10 bills (to rent baggage carts in airports)
•One set of dress/clothes with you in cabin bag

•I took International Driving permit, but never used it (and don’t recommend that)
Things to Leave Back
•Leave photocopies of your documents at home
•Passport pages
•US visa from passport
•I-20
•Transcripts
•Passport size photo.
•Signatures in check books
•Signed whites paper (if in case its required for any bank purpose)
•Copy of your travel details

•contact number of person who will pick you form airport

Caution Tips
•Don’t laminate I-20 (inviting trouble)
•Don’t lose your cabin baggage with documents in it (It happened to me once in Paris)
•Don’t leave your bags with someone even when you go to the restroom
•Lock your bags (checkin) with TSA Locks
•I usually don’t lock the bags from India to USA .
•Things gets lost/stolen from USA to India (if bags gets delayed).
•Don’t accept to take care of others bags (strangers)
•Don’t drink alcohol in the flight
•Remember where you stow you bag over the cabin. At times, there won’t enough space to
right above your head.
•Tie bright colored ribbon to identify your bags easily. I got with 2 different ribbons for
each suitcase and cabin bags.
•Learn More About Port of Entry Procedures (video)
 •Don’t panic if airport pickup person don’t arrive on time

•What to expect after arrival in USA

Hard Disks and Laptop
•I have drafted which laptop to buy and how to buy post. Should be posted this week.
•99% of the time you will not have problems whit hard disk. (so you decide)
•See you already started making tough decisions (this is what US education is all about)
I could have said, don’t take, but I will leave the decision to you. There is important life lesson here.
If you make a decision, live with that irrespective of its consequences.
You will be forced to make many such decisions. People here will show you the way, you have to walk
the path.
You will notice here is that everyone have their own set of issues and things to deals with. They will
give suggestions, but you must be the decision maker.
Enjoy your trip. I’m writing this post, just because you have contributed a lot for this blog, helped
others with your comments and your are traveling in 2 days.
Have a safe trip. Share your travel experience when you get a chance after settling down.
Very good example of someone who built his network, so that can be used when in need.

List of Documents for Students

Lets dive the documents into 2 categories
•Required Documents

•Other Documents
Mandatory Documents
•I-20
•Passport
•Admission Letter

•Flight ticket printout

Other Documents
•Academic Documents
 •Degree certificate
•Course completion certificate
•Provisional
•Original Mark sheets
•I-20′s from other universities.
•Extra copies
•Recommendation letter
•university transcripts

•Any other documents, like certifications, paper presentation reports, ..

How to Take care of your documents
•Carry all the documents in with you in the carry on baggage (one you take with you)
•Leave copies of your documents at home ( passport, USA Visa, I-20, transcripts, passport
size photos,..)
•Don’t laminate your I-20
•Don’t pack the documents in the bigger suit case that you will check-in. If the checked-in
bags is lost, you will lose the documents.
•Leave couple of signed papers (empty) with your parents, if in case they want your
signature for Bank or other needs.
At some universities, you will be asked to show the original Mark Sheets after completing orientation.
Extra copies of Recommendation letters and transcripts (signed and sealed) will be required of you
want to apply for new set of schools.

It will be huge hassle for you to get recommendation letters from India while you are in
USA. So, get few extra copies before you leave India.
 Group Item Quantity Comment
0.5 mm is available in India but try getting 0.7
Stationery Mechanical pencil 3-Feb mm as it is extensively available in US although
0.5 mm is also available
Pencil Eraser 3-Feb I don’t like erasers found here. You might like it
Stapler 1
1-2 boxes Stapler pins here are giant sized. I like the cute
Stapler pins
(whole year) Indian size.
I brought it without the cutter and always wish
Cello tape with
2-Jan to buy the cutter stand. I use cello tape very
cutter stand
often. Also to pack sandwiches.
Not much writing here. Also stationery items are
Pens 1 pack (12)
free. No need to bring many pens.
Notebooks Nil Buy from here
You will still have to buy. Do not bring 2 pin
Files and folders 5-Apr
files. 3-pin files are used here
A4 size paper is not used in US. The US letter
Pages Few size paper will be used for submitting
assignments.
Bring them
Markers and colored
if you use Expensive here
pens
them
Year planner Highly required
Utensils Pressure cooker 1 Mandatory
Do not avoid bringing it. I know a friend who
Extra valves, rings
4 cannot use his pressure cooker as its valve is not
and whistles
working and it is not found in US.
You can avoid bringing it. Its not very expensive
Pans and pots 2
in Walmart
Its good to bring though not very expensive
Spoons 4
here.
For yourself for the initial days. Later you can
Bowls and dishes 1 manage to get it for free from Student
associations
Scissors and knives 1 each Would be fine
Spices and Bring your favorite dals only. No one cooks
Dals 250g each
cereals what they don’t like.
Hot red chilli powder ½ kg MUST
Green chilli sauce 1 bottle MUST
I don’t use it much. Depends on your food habit.
Turmeric pwdr 250g
(100gms is enough)
Nutmeg/Jaifal 2
hing 1 small pkt I have not usedit yet
Javitri 25g I love biriyani and butter chicken. You might be
 using it often.
Dalchini 50g Very expensive here
Elaichi (bari and
50g each
choti)
Sukhi lal mirch 50g Not very expensive here
Black pepper corn 250g I am a pepper lover
Tej pat 10g Required in cooking almost all Indian meals
Dhania pwder and
100g each I have used it twice since I hanve been here
jeera pwdr
Methi dana 10g Makes my dosa batter ferment faster
Anice (saunf) depends Depends on the way you use it
Sabut jeera 250g For whole year
I don’t eat sambhar regularly. Bring more if you
Sambhar powder 100g
love it
Salt and sugar NIL No need to bring
Tandoori chicken
1 pkt
masala
Meat masala 1 pkt
Garam masala 1 pkt
Eatables Biscuits Needed very much in the initial days
Rice 250g Bring it
Snacks
Bring only if you eat them. I have not consumed
Pickles
pickles since I have been here.
Maggi 4 in one Trust me, will be needed
Knorr soups Get all your favorite flavors
Instant meals Few You will realize its importance in US
Papad Few types You wont get it here.
Laundry is chargeable and will be done once in
Clothes jeans 8
15 days. So bring clothes for atleast 15-20 days
You will end up buying jeans here as trousers
trousers 12
cost the same as jeans in US
Thermocot suit 2
sweater 2
It is the most comfortable when at home or in
shawls 3 University. Also adds style because its very
expensive here. Starts from $25 here.
Caps/scarfs nil Buy from here
muffler 2 Expensive here
Will be required if you are social. Bring one sari
Indian wear 2
and salwar suit.
Skirts 2 I feel much comfortable in skirts
 Night dress 4 Very expensive here
Winter jacket 1 Buy it from U.S.
Shoes/ sandals Leather shoe/boot 1 You will still have to buy…coz we are ladies
snickers 1
sandal 1
walker 1
Accesories Belt 3 1 leather, 1 cotton and 1 fancy (chain)
Nail filer 1
Foot scrubber 1
Pumic stone/ body
1 Very expensive in US
scrubber
Nail cutter 1
Hair pins/clips 2 sets
Hair bands/clutcher Bring as many as you can …you will still buy….
etc hihihi
Safety pins 2 sets Safety pins in US are different in size
Hanky 12-Jun
I don’t like wearing socks but I have to as I feel
Socks 5, 2 woolen
cold
Indian size is difficult to get. Best ones for
Stockings 4
winter
Sanitary napkins For 2-3 months
Washing soap for
3-Feb Wheel/Rin etc
clothes
Washing detergent 2-3 small
For home washing of clothes
sachet pkt
Cosmetics Moisturizer 1 Bring according to your availability of space
Shampoo 1 small Cheaper in US
Conditioner 1 small Cheaper in US
Makeup items 1 each Very-very expensive in US
Lipsticks are very expensive here. Also you
can’t try them before buying. You will not find
Lipstick As many
any moisturizing lipstick like ELLE 18 brand
here.
Nail polish and nail
Indian ones preferable
base
Small pack of acetone. Get it from pharmacy
store in India. Nail polish removers in US are
Nail polish remover
alcohol instead of acetone. Acetone is good for
nails while alcohol is not.
Lip moisturizer 3 Too expensive in US
Bathing soap 3
Coconut oil Large For hairs, very expensive here ( Pack it carefully
 container so it won’t leak)
Small
Mustard oil Glowing hair and split hair treatment
container
Bring matching jewelery as much as you can.
Jewelery It’s too expensive here. Nothing less than $5 for
artificial ones
Purse/Bags handbag 1 For flight purpose
Backpack with
We ladies hate carrying. Use the same as your
laptop space and 1
carry bag.
trolley
If you like to listen to Hindi/regional language
Electronics CDs/DVDs
music. Bring that.
If you have one and you want to use it, you can.
Cell phone handset NiL I am using my Motoming handset from India. It
has Us pin point
Indian Items with Indian pin point can be used
only when converted to US plug point. I got my
electronic Tanpura which needed that. But it is
Pin converter 1
always good to have one. You never know you
might need it. Most of my Indian friends
borrowed it from me.
If you are interested to buy a printer. It is more
USB printer port 1
expensive here
USB Phone port 1 Cheaper in India
Others Bed sheet 2 Double bed/twin bed (single bed)
Towel 2
Shoe brush 1
Shoe polish 1
Pillow cover 1 Large size
Vitamin tablet with
Allopathy Will help you feel little less pain. Only for
more than 5mg 2 strip
Medicines ladies.
Magnesium
Antiseptic cream 1 sofframycin
Antihistamine cream 1 Antiallergy, can use after any bug bite for relief.
Pain relieving cream 1 Eg volini
Voveran 1 strip fever
Antibiotic tablet 5-6 courses, mainly it should be effective against
1-2 strip
(broad spectrum) cold and throat infection
Pain-killer 1 strip
Bandages 4-Mar
Anti-diarrhoeic 1 strip Eg metrogyl
Seven seas (VitE) 1 bottle For good glowing skin, very expensive in US
Homeopathy Kali mur 12 X 1 bottle Liver
medicines
Glonoine 200 1 bottle Sun stroke, can be taken before going to sun
After getting drenched, prevents cold, also after
Rhus tox-200 1 bottle
exposed to snow
Borax-30 1 bottle Acne
Leucorrhoea and anemia. To be taken in the
Sepia-30 1 bottle
morning.
Antitetanus effect after wound. To be taken
Arnica-200 1 bottle
within 24 hours after wound.
Cold treatment (2
weeks or till cold
persists)
1 Belladona- 1 bottle Once in a day, every night before sleeping
2 Bryonia-200 1 bottle 3 times a day
3 Hepar Sulph-200 1 bottle Once in a week
Once in a day, every morning before eating
4 Phytolacca-200 1 bottle
anything
Soak chalk in water till it makes a paste. Add
Black board Chalk,
Cramp or Mild turmeric powder and mustard oil, heat till color
turmeric powder and
fracture treatment changes. Apply warm on affected area. It
mustard oil
relieves pain and heals wounds.

15 Last Minute Flight Travel Tips to USA

Here are few last minute flight travel tips for students ( and others) flying to US for first time. Read 25
Travel Tips to USA before reading this blog post.
1. Don’t forget to register for Frequent Flyer Miles.
2. Did you make arrangements for accommodation and pickup from airport?
3. Do you have dollar bills ($1, $5 or $10) to make phone calls and rent trolley at airport?
4. Phone numbers of person going to pick you from the airport.
5. Give those US contact numbers to your parents (or relatives). [ 10 Things to Do After
Landing in USA]
6. If possible buy a calling card that can be used to while on transit and in USA.
7. If your flight gets delayed, do inform pickup person about the delay.
8. If you are not sure about anything, ASK for HELP.
 9. While in airports, keep an eye on your carry on bags.
10. Take the bags with you when you go to restroom.
11. Get mentally prepared to use Tissue Paper in Restroom.
12. Soiled Tissue paper goes into Toilet Pot, not into trash can.
13. Know what to expect during the travel.
14. Call the airline 3 to 4 days before the flight to check your meal preferences.
15. If you arrive at US during mid-day, don’t go to bed right away. Force yourself to stay
awake till 8 to 9 PM.
About Frequent Flyer Miles – For example If you are flying in Jet Airways, register for their Jet
Privilege Account before you travel. Provide the Frequent Flyer number to agent who issues your
boarding pass. You will fly about $8000 miles on your way to US (one way). Thats 8000 miles added to
your Frequent Flyer Account. After accumulating 25,000 in miles the account, you can get one round
trip ticket free within US with partner Airways in Jet (which is American Airlines).

How Much U.S. Dollars to Take?

How much money (in US Dollars) should I take with me to the USA?
How Much Money Do I Need?
It is best to be a conservative.
You’ll need two separate demand drafts (also called certified checks or bank checks).
The first should be made out to the University, written for the first semester fees + $500.
The second should be made out to you, and should cover living expenses for six months.
Figuring out your living expenses for six months may require a bit of research on your part. Consider
food costs, the price for laundering clothes, replenishing toiletries, the occasional fun outing with
friends, and other expenses.
• Texas, Florida – About $400 per month
• New York, California – About $600 per month
Some bank managers will not issue bank draft (demand drafts) in your name. If this is the case, get
your second draft made out to the University as well. You will be able to get a personal check from the
university.
Do Not: Carry tuition fees for the full year.
Do: Take just the right amount for the first semester (especially if you are taking money out of an
education loan).
Travelers’ Checks or Demand Draft?
The choice between these two options is entirely up to you, but it may be best to make that selection
depending on commission fees. If you have travelers’ checks, you will be able to use them along the
way, but it is doubtful that you’ll actually use them during travel.
If you need to use money during travel, $400 – $1000 is sufficient.
Do not: Carry more than $1000 during travel.
Do not: Carry USD in large denominations
Do: Carry USD in small denominations (5, 10, and 20 dollar bills)
What if my demand draft amount is greater than my tuition fees?
For example: you’ve written your demand draft for $8000, and the fees only total to $7500. No worries
– this is not an uncommon occurrence.
Do not: Panic. Once your bank draft is cleared and credited to the university account, they will refund
the money to you as a personal check.
Do: Contact the Bursar’s Office of your university to resolve any questions you have about finances.

How to Transfer Money from India to USA

I have a balance of 15 lakhs in my Indian account. I am still in India and I need to transfer
it to USA. I can open US bank account only after going there. In this case, how can I
transfer money? Can I take a DD on my name, go to US, open an account and deposit the
DD in that account?

Money Transfer – India to USA

You have several different options for transferring money to the USA from your account in India:
• Demand Draft (or Bank Check or Certified Bank Check)
• Traveler’s Check
• Wire Transfer
• Carry Cash in Hand
The option you choose depends heavily upon how much you plan to take with to the US.
If you plan to take just the first semester fees and living expenses, then I would take 2 DD’s with you.
1. First Semester Fees in the name of the university
2. Living Expense for 6 months to 1 year in your name.
If you plan to transfer all the 15 Lakhs (about $30,000 USD), I suggest that you use a combination of
the above options:
1. Take a DD for a smaller amount (approximately $5000)
2. Use this DD to open a bank account once you’ve reached your campus.
3. Have your parents wire transfer the remaining money to your new account.
4. You should also have USD in cash on hand (less than $1000) to utilize until your bank
account has been opened.
Taking the entire $30,000 in DD is a possibility, but I do not advise that you do that. It is a large hassle
and a great source of tensions, especially if you happen to lose the DD.
Travelers’ Checks are not recommended for carry large amounts either.
For large amount, I would opt for DD, Cash and Wire Transfer.
Do you have additional questions about money transfer?
Also, if you have already decided how to carry the money, share your tips below. It will help other
students deciding about money transfer.

What Happens Right After Flight Lands in USA (Port of Entry)

Here is a quick overview of what happens right after you land in US Airport at Port of Entry.
Port of Entry Procedures (Video)
• You will be given I-94 and Customs form to fill while in flight to USA
• Your Flight will land in International Terminal
• Take your cabin items and belongings
• Step 1 – Clear Immigration Check
• Have the Forms (I-94, Customs filled)
• Passport and I-20
• Wait in Queue for your turn.
• CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officer at Port of Entry will ask you few questions
• He will stamp, I-20, Staple I-94 to Passport and stamp your customs form.
• Collect your Checked-In Bags (you may have to get a baggage cart)
• Clear Customs (they might ask if you have any food items)
• Give the customs form and they will let you go to next destination.
• If Port of Entry is your final destination, then walk out and wait for pickup help
• If you have connecting flight, check in you bags again to the next flight
• Go to domestic terminal to board your next flight
• You may have to go through security check again.

Now, you are all set to reach final destinations. for example, you are in New York (JFK). I think
International Terminal is #3. After you walk out of customs, to your left side, you will see the
counter to check-in your bags to final destination.
Next, you will have to go to other terminal to catch the next flight (via AirTrain). So, when you check
the bags, ask the airline agent, which terminal you have to go to catch the connecting flight.
In my case, I had to go to Terminal 8. Took about 20 minutes to go from Terminal 3 to 8.
At Terminal 8, you will have to clear the security. Essentially when you walked out of Terminal 3, you
are outside secured area. So, you will have to go through the security to get into Terminal 8 (or other
terminal).
Show your passport and boarding pass at security area, then go through the security check, then you are
inside the terminal area. Then find the gate number, and walk to your gate.
Gate number will be on the boarding pass. Also, check the Departure Monitor on the airport for right
time and gate number. Gate number could change.

Long Security Queue

If you are getting late to the connecting flight and there can be long queue in security area. In such
case, request the TSA security agent to get you in front of the queue.
Clear the security check. Walk to your gate and board the flight to final destination.

Air Travel – How to Avoid Jet Lag?

When you are traveling for more than 20 hours to U.S. you stand a good chanceof begin caught by jet
lag.
Following tips will reduce your jet lagged time.
• Drink lots of water. Stretch your legs, arms, go for a walk in-flight.
• Avoid alcohol on the plane.
• Avoid caffeinated beverages as much as possible.
• Drink Orange juice and keep hydrated.
Based on your flight arrival time in U.S. adjust your sleeping time in the flight.

Suppose you are arriving between 6 am to Noon, make sure you don’t sleep during your first
flight out of India (say India to Europe ). Since, you will be boarding your flight at mid-night
(mostly), it will be difficult, but worth the try.
Sleep well during your next flight from Europe to port of entry in U.S. After you reach your final
destination, don’t go to bed. Try to stay awake till 8 pm. If you go to bed say around 3 PM or 4PM, for
sure, you will have jet lagged for few days.

ell Phone Buyinbg Guide – Your First

Cell Phone in USA
Buying cell phones and cell phone plans in USA for first time visitor to USA is a challenging task.
There are several Cell Phone service providers with several plans and devices.
This cell phone buying guide will provide a brief overview about various cell phone plans, price and
phone for first time visitor to USA on F1, F2, B1, B2, L1 or any other USA visa.
• Part 1 – This Guide
• Part 2 - Explain it To Me – Free Cell Phones and Contracts

Before buying cell phone, you have to know about

• Cell Phone Plans
• Cell Phone Handsets (device)
• Cell Phone – Eligibility
• Contract Terms
Cell Phone Service Providers
• Major – ATT, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint
• Minor – US Cellular, Cricket, Virgin Mobile, etc
When I was shopping for cell phone for the first time, it was quite overwhelming. There are so many
plans, cell phone options and contract terms to navigate through.
Cell Phone Buying Guide
You need to understand 2 things before buying a cell phone.
• Cell Phone Plans

• Mobile Handsets (Devices)

Cell Phone Plans
Let’s look at different types of cell phone plans. There are 2 types of Cell Phone Plans
• Prepaid Plans
• Post Paid Plans

• Share Everything plan (Verizon)

Prepaid Cell Phone Plans
With Prepaid cell phone plans, there are
• No contract,
• No credit check
• No SSN
• Pay by the month, day, or minute.
Let’s look at a Prepaid plan (GoPhone from ATT). You can buy prepaid plan by 3 simple steps
1. Select a Plan
2. Select a cell phone device
3. Make Payment.
4. Shop Online on In-Store.

ATT Prepaid Plans

Following image has a sample list of phone listed on AT&T site. (check the site for full list of phones)

In the above picture, you can buy AT&T Z331 GoPhone for $18.99 + $25 monthly Prepaid plan.
Similar to AT&T, Verizon and other cell phone service providers have Prepaid plans.
If you plan to stay in USA for short-term, then Prepaid plans would be the best option.
Post Paid Plan – Share Everything
If you plan to stay in USA for longer period of time (F1 Visa, H1B Visa, L1 Visa, etc) you can buy Post
Paid Cell Phone plans.
There are 2 types of Post Paid plans
• Verizon – Share everything
• ATT – Traditional Post Paid plan
Verizon and AT&T are the 2 leading cell phone providers in USA (based on number of subscribers).
Verizon recently introduced Share Everything Plan ( new type of Post Paid cell phone plan). This plan
is not available at ATT (at this time of writing).
Verizon – Share everything Plan
• Step 1 – Pick Cell Phone Device ($199 for iPhone 4s 16Gb)
• Step 2 – Pick the Shared plan

Verizon’s Share Everything Post paid plan (above image) for iPhone 4s (16 GB) will cost you $100 per
month + Taxes when you select 2GB Data plan. You get unlimited talk time and unlimited text.
If you and your friend want to share the data, your monthly bill will look like
• $40 (phone 1) + $40 (phone 2) + $40 (data) = $120
• Your share after the split will be $60.
Initial investment to buy an iPhone 4S 16GB will be $199 + taxes per phone.

AT&T – Post Paid plan

AT&T offers Individual and Family plan options for Post Paid Plans.
Following image shows Family plan (most likely F1 Visa students will be getting a family plan to save
money).

How much does it cost to get 2 lines with iPhone 4S with ATt&T?
• Monthly – $60 + $20 (300 MB Data, Phone 1) + $20 (300 MB Data, Phone 2) = $100
• Share after split = $50
Comparing with Verizon, you will pay $10 less per month. But, with Verizon, you get unlimited Talk
time and Text.
You would have to decide if you want to pay $10 more for unlimited talk time and text or save $10 and
get AT&T.
Also, I saw AT&T is offering refurbished iPhone 4S for $149.

Above calculation should give you a brief overview about the cell phone plans, devices and cost per
month.
In addition to that, you have to learn about eligibility, credit check, coverage and usage requirements.

Cell Phone Service Eligibility

Cell phone service providers will require SSN and decent Credit History buy a cell phone and service.
If you are coming to USA for the first time (F1 student visa) you may not qualify for cell phone
service without security deposit.
iPhone 45 16 GB costs $700 (or so). When you buy the phone with 2 year contract, you have to only
pay $199.
If you have SSN, without credit history, you might have to pay $500 in security deposit + $199 for the
phone.
After you have established good payment history, your security deposit will be refunded (usually after
12 months).
You can buy a cell phone through seniors or relatives who already have a plan. Typically this is what
happens with most F1 students who want to buy a new cell phone service.

Coverage
Make sure you get good coverage in the area where you live and within your apartment. Your college
seniors or ask your friends to learn about cell coverage.
In some instances, ATT might not work inside a building.
Also, you would have 14 days to return the phone, if you don;’t have good coverage in your apartment,
lab or other places where you spent most of your time.

How To Get Cell Phones for Free in

USA?
Question - Can you please explain how can we get cell phone in USA for free?
For folks who are coming to USA for the first time, refer to Cell Phone Buying Guide in USA.
You must have heard from your friends about free cell phone in USA and wondering how is it possible
to get cell phones for free in USA.
Free Cell Phones in USA
In the US, cell phones are sold by the cell phone service providing networks.
Cell Phone Service Providers
• Major – ATT, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint
• Minor – Boost Mobile, US Cellular, Cricket, Virgin Mobile, etc
The network will set the base price for the cell phone and this base price is generally cheaper than the
original retail price set by the manufacturer.
In addition to base price, you will have to sign a contract for a fixed period (generally 2 years) during
which you will make monthly payments – Post paid plan.
You can choose the monthly payment amount by selecting a plan that suits you. (as discussed in the
above post)
Monthly bills can be anywhere between $30 and $ 100 depending on your cell phone plan.

Free iPhone Example – AT&T

Looking at the following screenshot taken from AT&T iPhone cost (I have selected to show only free
iPhone)

As you can see iPhone 3GS is available for $0.01 or $0.99 with 2 years contract.
Cost of iPhone 4S 16GB(today)
• Refurbished – $149
• New – $199
Likewise you can find other cell phone for 1 cent or totally free.
What happens after 2 years contract?
After 2 years contract, you can get another cell phone with new 2 year contract or continue to use the
same phone.
For instance, if you iPhone 4, purchased in September 2010. 2 Years contract will expire in September
2012.
If iPhone 5 comes out in October, you have following options
• Continue to use iPhone 4
• Buy iPhone 5 with new 2 year contract (sell iPhone 4)
You should be able to sell iPhone 4 for $150 to $250 when next iPhone comes out.
Now, you know how to get free cell phones in USA.