Pre-depature Fundae
Just check the amount of information out here!. This file has information abou
Visa Stuff, Blocking tickets, Travelling Tips, Things to be taken(Clothes,
Vessels,Food stuff,Medicines...), How to do the packing(where to keep what!!!),
Final checklist,Port of entry procedure and Things to do immediately after
reaching US and lot more. It has the most comprehensive pre-departure
information for all prospective US students.
I got this file from the Internet. We all should thank the anonymous person
who has taken pains to compile such exhaustive information.
Bye,
P. Ramesh
me too!- vaibhav
Source of File:- The Great Internet.......Standard Disclaimers Apply :-).
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Getting the Visa :
--------------------
For students with full financial aid this is no problem at all.
Even then these tips will make it all the more peaceful.
o When you go for the visa dress decently. Avoid any Americanisms.
A touch of Indianism helps a lot (e.g. a streak of "Vibuthi" on the
forehead). Speak slowly and clearly. Don't appear tense and don't look
desperate. Showing self-confidence helps.
o Go along with a friend having a vehicle (just in case you have
to go & get something)
o They should never feel that you will have any sort of difficulty
language, finance, racial, religious, etc.
o You should be able to convince them that you will come back to
India. If they ask you, points in favor are : a) only child,
b) immovable property in India (can take a proof document),
c) orthodox family,
d) brought up in rural atmosphere, e) lots of relatives
in India; none abroad, f) mom, dad won't come to USA, g) field of interest
not available in India, h) change of field not possible in India, i)
interest in teaching - get PhD fast.
Actually all this won't be required - just in case they decide to have an
interview with you these tips will come in handy.
o Suggested ideal timings for getting the visa :
to apply - 9:45 to 10:00 A.M.
to collect - 4:45 to 5:00 P.M.
o Do not go at 5:00 A.M. in the morning & wait
o Avoid Mondays and Fridays, Wednesdays are preferable
o Go sometime before and get the form for this (you can take the
filled form)
o Things to be taken with you when you go for the visa
a) signed I-20 form
b) filled visa application form
c) two passport size photos (take some glue)
d) passport
e) admission & aid letters
f) TOEFL & GRE scores (original + photocopy)
g) Xerox copy of grade cards
Traveling Tips for Students:
------------------------------
Block your tickets well in advance(this implies no financial
commitment). This can be done via travel agents. Make sure the Travel Agent
is good (examples of dependable travel agents are - Travel Corporation of
India (TCI), Parrys Travels).
//92 - All India Travel Agency (AITA)
Block flights with many airlines/agencies. Put pressure on the agencies and
get as much info as possible. Much before the flight call the airlines
themselves and confirm your ticket.
// 92 - Indicate whether you want Asian Vegetarian Meal (AVM),
non-smoking section, etc
o Cross-check everything the travel agent says
o Some airlines offer Frequent Flier programs (e.g. Air France,
TWA) [i.e. after a certain # of miles of flying with that airline you get a
free ticket]. Enroll in such programs.
// 92 - Delta, British Airways ?
o Avoid change of airline. A direct flight is the best. If change
of airline can't be avoided, leave at least 4-6 hrs gap between the
scheduled arrival of one flight and the scheduled departure of the
connecting flight.
o Baggage is usually safe with a single airline - change of
airline sometimes leads to misplaced luggage. Some airlines don't take care
of baggage transfer - you may have to personally carry it (check this while
booking)
Getting permit for $750
-----------------------
This can be got from any bank authorised to do so (need not go to RBI for
this). You can get this within a month of the date of the flight.
The following documents have to be taken along to get the permit :
Passport + copy, air ticket, I-20 stident copy + copy, grade cards + copies,
PC + copy, XII std pass/mark sheet + copy, aid & admission letters + copies,
bank advance/ any other form of payment.
You may take part of the $750 in currency notes - upto $50 is okay (legally
upto $100 allowed)
Things to be done in advance:
-------------------------------
Certain things have to be done in advance, i.e., as soon as you get your aid
- much before the flight.
o Learn typing
o Learn driving
o Learn to cook
o apply for bank loan (if necessary)
o make your passport valid for 6 months more than your stay
indicated in your I-20
// 92 - make sure your passport is valid for 6 months atleast.
All other changes are best made in the U.S.
o make outstation purchases (sweater, thermal underwear, cassettes,
etc. - available/cheap in Delhi, Bombay ...)
o get medical checkup done
a) dental
b) fresh checkup, especially if you have a major ailment
Get prescriptions & medicines for all common ailments (the technical name of
the medicine along with Indian/US brand name). See Appendix I.
c) get your eye-sight checked - get a new prescription. Buy atleast one
extra pair of glasses.
d) get tested for TB if possible (chest X-ray) -
else they will do it at the
Univ
e) get requisite immunization done (especially MMR)
o get cassettes recorded which you may like to take with you
o write to the India club/OIPS giving your flight #, time & date
of arrival; they may pick you up & give temporary accomodation
if necessary
o if you are very interested in any Indian magazine (Gult, Tamil,
etc.) subscribe to them - you can subscribe to them after going to the US also.
o note your/parent's bank A/c #
Packing
-------
o Start your packing well in advance
o Buy two good boxes - they should be able to withstand a lot of
mishandling. They should be as large as possible within the size limitations
(however most airlines are not very strict about baggage size). Put
identification marks and labels both inside & outside the boxes (apart from
this the airlines will also provide you with adhesive labels). Boxes with
independent top & bottom are preferable.
o Box specifications
As an example the Air India economy class baggage specifications to the USA
are given below. Note the specs. may be different for other countries/airlines.
2 pieces of baggage with total linear dimension (l+b+h) not
exceeding 270cm (106"). Moreover the total linear dimension
of each piece should not be over 158cm (62"). The weight of
each bag should not exceed 32kg (70lb) [note: they are not
particular about this]
Carry on baggage : In addition you can carry a bag with linear dimension not
exceeding 115cm (45") onboard (fits beneath the seat).
For most other airlines the baggage spec.s are similar (confirm)
If you are taking a break outside USA/Canada contact your travel agent or
airlines for details.
Clothes
-------
Usually clothes are machine washed once a week (laundramat) - hence one week
supply of clothes (+ one week backup) is needed. Get all clothes little
loose - clothes may shrink in machine wash & you will probably grow fatter.
o 14-15 sets of undergarments, socks, handkerchiefs
//92 - Not necessary ! Good stuff available here & pretty cheap
o 5 sets of good shirts, pants
o a good swimming trunk + few shorts
o a tie + 1-2 belts
o 3-6 ordinary towels (Turkish ones start stinking)
o a bedsheet
o lungies/dhotis/pajamas
o thermal underwear (2-4)
o extra woollen sweaters
Note:
o sleeveless woollen sweaters are enough for warm places
o woollen socks not recommended if not going to a cold place
o second hand alarm clocks are cheap in US
o don't take Indian files (empty) or punching machines - filing
system is different in the US (3 holes, A4)
o don't take paper
o don't take raincoats
o don't buy purse (wallet for carrying cards can be bought in US)
o wear your shoes to save space in the box. If needed buy only
leather shoes (other types of shoes are cheap in US). For some weather
conditions Indian leather shoes may crack.
// 92 - don't worry yourself if you can't bring any of the
stuff listed above - most of them are available pretty cheap in the US
(made in China). Exceptions are leather goods, formal wear.
In a month or two you will be in a position to get anything you want
(unless you are not on aid).
Food stuffs
-----------
Below are some South Indian food stuffs that may be taken :
o 1 - 2.5 kg packets of "Sambar Podi"
o 1 packet of "Rasam podi"
o 0.5 box of "Masala podi"
o 1 box of "Paruppu podi", "Upma podi", "Vatha-kozhambu podi",
"tamarind rice podi"
o Appalam/Vadam/pickles
o mustard packet
o tamarind paste
o different dhals in small quantity for initial phase
o asafoetida powder
o Indian instant coffee + Indian tea (takes some time to get
used to American stuff)
o Elaichi, clove, cinnamon
Note: most of these items are available in the Indian stores in
the major cities. However you need to carry them for use in the first few days.
o actually pickles are not allowed - but you can take them in
solder-sealed tins. [students are usually not checked for these]
o take all dry food stuff in sealed plastic packets
// 92 - Most Indian foodstuffs are available even in small
cities. Don't come loaded with foodstuffs as you may have (small) problems
with the customs. Try to get "instant" stuff as people generally don't have
much time for cooking in the US.
Vessels
-------
o big pressure pan (with spare handle, 3 safety valves, 2 weights,
1 base plate, 3 gaskets) [note: big pressure cooker may not be
needed as rice cooker can be bought in the US]
o idli plates
o dosai turner, charani (server with holes), rice server & other
servers
o tongs
o small bowls ("kinnum")
o rolling pin
o knife
o kadaie (optional)
o cook book - e.g. "Cook & See" by Meenakshi Ammal
Note: no other vessels needed. No tumblers needed. Try to share & bring the
vessels with others coming to your Univ. Non-stick kitchenware is cheap in
the US. and you can buy a full set.
List of medicines recommended by a Doc.
---------------------------------------
o Crocin tablets - 3 strips
For fever, bodyaches, headache
One tablet three times a day as necessary
o Erythrocin 500mg tablets - 2 strips
One tablet twice a day when necessary, as advised
o Sporadix 500mg capsules - 2 strips
One capsule twice a day when necessary, as advised
o Actified tablets - 3 strips
Cosovil tablets - 2 strips
For common cold & cough.
One tablet three times a day.
o Avomin tablets - 1 strip
For air sickness.
One tablet as necessary.
o Lomotil tablets - 20
Digene tablets - 30
For diarrhoea & stomach discomfort.
One tablet of each three times a day.
o Baralgam tablets - 2 strips
For abdominal colic pain, backache, etc One tablet every six hours as necessary.
o Dorstal (?) tablets - 10
For nausea & vomiting.
One tablet three times a day.
o Electral powder - 2 packets
One teaspoonful mixed with drinks to make up loss of electrolytes after
vomiting or diarrhoea.
o Novalgin tablets - 2 strips
For headache & bodyaches.
One tablet as necessary.
o Stomatil tablets - 1 strip
For vertigo (giddiness)
One tablet three times a day as necessary till relieved.
o Isogel (Glaxo) - 1 box
For constipation.
One teaspoonful in a little of water at bedtime.
o Brufen 600mg tablets - 2 strips
For arthritic joint pains.
One tablet three times a day after food.
o Avil tablets - 1 strip
For allergy.
One tablet as necessary.
o Sepmax tablets - 1 strip
For sore-throat.
One tablet twice a day after food, till relieved. NOT TO BE TAKEN WHEN ONE
IS ALLERGIC TO SULFA DRUGS.
o Relaxyl ointment - 1 tube
To be applied as a pain balm.
o Band Aids assorted - 12
o Soframycin skin ointment - 1 tube
// 92 - the above list seems to have been made out for a guy who
is a proper hypochondriac !
True that medicines are relatively very expensive in the US, but you will
also tend to fall ill less frequently (clean drinking water, etc).
Get all the medicines prescribed above if you must, but atleast get them in
much smaller quantities.
Things to be kept in the boxes
------------------------------
o Copy of all certificates/documents (originals in hand baggage)
o Important apping materials (SOP, reco etc)
o necessary books/notebooks (some suggested books are - Clark's
Tables, a good dictionary/thesaurus, a booklet for units
conversion) [note: there should be no legal hassles taking
Xerox copies of books - but don't flaunt them to Americans/
Profs]
o Copy of address book/telephone book/diary
o Some stationery and related items suggested (not absolutely
necessary - just for the first few weeks) are :
common items + rubber stamp with house address + airmail covers
+ few Indian razor blades for cutting work + screw driver
o Indian postal stamps - for sending letters through someone
coming to India
o Medical history files
o Gifts (suggested: rollable pictures, handicrafts, etc)
o Non-technical books (fiction/religious). [note: second-hand
story books are cheap in the US]
o 1 pair leather chappals, 2 hawai chappals (+ extra straps)
o soap (bath), toothbrushes (slightly costly in the US - 1 or
2 bucks) etc
o Cassettes
Things to be kept in Hand Baggage:
-------------------------------------
o some medicines (including for air-sickness)
o novel/mags/books for inflight reading
o sweater
o original important documents (I-20, visa, tickets ...)
o enough money (little cash, travellers' checks)
o address book/phone book (Indian & US)
o copies of your photo (passport size)
o enlisted steps to be followed in case of emergency (accident,
theft, etc)
o things to survive for a week in case luggage gets misplaced
(two sets of clothes, valuables like calci, addresses etc)
Things to be kept on person
---------------------------
o shorter extract of contact addresses - especially of people
coming to pick you up.
o receipt got along with travellers' checks - in case you lose
the TC's
Things to be left at home
-------------------------
o List of addresses/phone numbers at which info about you can
be obtained
o one copy of all your important documents
o a copy of all relevant parts of Medical History files
o Arrange to collect/redirect mail from your room/hostel
o Arrange to apply/collect/mail your transcripts (about 20 in
number preferable)
o Your tailoring measurements
o a few blank signed papers - so that your parents can be
authorized to look after anything on your behalf
Things to be done in the last week before the flight
----------------------------------------------------
o call up & find if there is any delay or change of schedule of
the plane (inform the people coming to pick you up of any such change)
o rest well - ready to face the long journey/jet lag
o bid bye to all concerned.
FINAL CHECKLIST FOR STUDENTS TRAVELLING TO USA:
----------------------------------------------------
Airline tickets, Passport, I-20 (Travel documents/immigration documents).
Health care documents/Immunization form and immunization completion
certificate.
General and specific medication/Spectacle and Contact Lenses and spares.
Clothing and Accessories: Sweaters, Umbrella/raincoat, even a pair of good water-proof
boots if you can.
Formal attire and traditional attire. Atleast 2 weeks supply of daily-wear garments.
Required pots and pans, a pair of tongs ('pakkad') to lift hot pans, even a masala box if you can.
Edible items/Spices/Masalas
Textbooks, plastic files and folders to start you off in school. Other
stationery you think will be useful.
Your list of contact numbers and useful addresses.
Some loose change in 25 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents
Travelers' checks/cash for foreign exchange.
On the day of the flight & in-flight + later
--------------------------------------------
o since it is going to be a long flight wear something comfortable
(cotton dress + full hand shirt). Wear your shoes - inflight
you can remove them (some airlines give inflight shoes - else relax in socks)
o be at the airport 3-4 hours before flight departure
o collect $20 at the airport (part of it in $1)
o relax during flight, sleep as much as possible
o for vegetarians - watch out before you eat - you may get non-veg
even if you had asked for veg. Veg. food is generally bland - fruits/juice
are good choices. (Before ordering anything on board check if you have to
pay for it separately for it). Don't hesitate to ask questions.
o once out of India be very careful (from sheer experience of
seniors). Don't trust anyone. Don't hire a taxi (unless emergency) till you
reach your destination. If required don't hesitate to spend money.
// 92 - Don't hesitate to talk to people to ask questions -
usually they will answer all your queries properly.
Port of entry procedures
------------------------
o sometime before landing the flight attendant will distribute
customs declaration forms & immigration forms as mentioned below. Fill these
out on the plane (you will submit them to the appropriate authorities when
you land). Do not hesitate to take the flight attendant's help.
// 92 - You can indicate that you have nothing to declare &
total value of all your things is less than $100 on the
customs form
Form I-94 - fill in the plane. After seeing your documents immigration
officer will indicate length of stay, Univ, etc. This will be attached to
your passport. Important: note the expiry date and D/S (duration of status).
Form I-20 ID copy - all transactions regarding your non-immigrant status
will be recorded in this form. This should be retained at all times (not
surrendered when you temporarily leave the US). Your admission number will
be given - memorize it & note it elsewhere.
o just before you land the correct local time will be announced
set your watch [dual time watch will come in handy here]
o once you are out of the plane go straight to the immigration
counter - rush for them to beat the queue. It might take 0.5-1 hour here.
Keep your I-20, passport, admission & aid letters ready. They might ask a
few questions like - is this your first time in the US ? Student ? F-1 visa
? Which Univ ? They will attach an I-64 card to your visa.
You are now in the USA !
o then go to the baggage are to fetch your luggage. Pick up a
cart (you get this at a machine for $1) to carry the bags. Then pick up
your bags as they come out on the conveyor (suitable eye-catching labels
help here). If you don't get your baggage inform the enquiry section - you
may have to wait 0.5-1 hour here.
o cart your baggage to nearby Customs. If asked tell them that
you are a student, F-1 visa, school, dept., coming to US for
the first time
If asked to open the baggage do so slowly - do not mess up the place.
If asked about the "podi"s tell them that they are "dried Indian spices" to
make traditional Indian food like curry. Rarely they might ask you to go to
the agris. dept. nearby - that is a pain.
If asked about "vibuthi" tell them that it is holy Hindu powder used for prayer.
Note : In most cases you will NOT be asked to open your boxes
at all & will be simply waved through.
o now go & wait at the nearest exit for the guys who are supposed
to pick you up. If nobody turns up after some time (say 0.5 hour) make a
collect call (at the public phone dial a '0', get the operator & ask for a
collect call).
Else call i) your Prof ii) dept. iii)International Students' Office iv)
admissions office v) any Indian guy in the directory Go & ask for an
announcement to be made over the PA system. Get a card, write your name &
hold it up.
o Never leave your baggage unattended. Don't go out of the airport
until somebody comes & picks you up. If you have doubts about
the guy who comes to pick you up, don't hesitate to ask for
his ID. [All this is of course being a little extra cautious]
o Once you reach your friend's house (or other destination) call
home & inform them of reaching safely. Keep a readymade card - add a few
lines - go to the nearest post office, get stamps & mail the card immediately.
A few things of importance after arrival in US
-----------------------------------------------
o Your first work is to meet the Foreign Students' Advisor in
the International Student Office (ISO). They keep a record of you (passport,
visa details etc). When you leave the US (temporarily or permanently) you
have to go there again.
Then do the things which you did when you entered IITM -
get your Univ ID card
get your Driver's Licence
tax forms, etc some paperwork in the dept.
meet the HOD/grad. student advisor/advisor
register for classes
Be happy now that your dream has come true !
AMERICAN IDIOMS AND SOUTHERN EXPRESSIONS
----------------------------------------
(Provided by Auburn University / April, 1990)
Beat up : worn out, shabby (said of a thing)
Beat around the bush : avoid an issue
Been had : to have been taken advantage of
Big shot : a supposedly important person or someone who thinks
he/she is
Big deal : anything important, exciting
Break the ice : make a beginning
Buck : dollar bill
Bombed : see "high"
Booze : alcoholic beverage
Bummer : a term to designate that something undesirable has
happened
Cash : paying someone with currency rather than a check
Check out : look over a situation
Cool or neat : slang term denoting approval for something or
someone
Cool it : calm down
Cop : slang for policeman
Cut it out : stop it
Crack up : to lose emotional control in laughter
Date : to go out with someone; also the person with whom you go
Down : to feel depressed, sad
Down to earth : practical, straightforward, (person)
Drop : to withdraw from a course on or before the set date
Drive one up the wall : drive one nuts; to make one very nervous,
or upset
Fall for : take a strong liking for
Fed up : disgusted with, or tired of
Frak out : to lose control of oneself, go crazy
Give a ring : to call on the telephone
Go to pot : to deteriorate
Grass : slang term for marijuana
Gripe : to complain
Hang on : in reference to the telephone it means do not hang up the
receiver
Hang in there : keep trying; do not be discouraged
Hassled : troubled by
Have a lot on the ball : to be capable, talented, or efficient
High : intoxicated ("loaded") from liquor or drugs
Hit the sack : go to bed
Hung up : to be in conflict over a problem
I.D. : identification
In a nutshell : very briefly and concisely
Jock : an athlete
Keep your shirt on : be clam, be patient
Know the ropes : be familiar with the details of an undertaking
Lemon : bad buy or purchase
Loaded : to get intoxicated
Make ends meet : budget within one's income
Make up : (1) to apologize after a fight or disagreement
(2) to do an assignment after it was due
(3) cosmetics a woman uses
Mid term : test given during the middle of the quarter
On the house : free, no cost
Old man : slang term for father
Once in a blue moon : seldom, infrequently
Out of it : (1) somebody whose mind is Far away or preoccupied, or
(2) somebody not fitting into a certain group
Out of the question : unthinkable, impossible
Over my dead body : not if I can stop it !
Out of sight : term of approval denoting something exciting or very
good
Play it by ear : to respond to circumstances as they arise
Phony : someone who is insincere, also fake
Play second fiddle : be second in importance
Pop-Quiz : a test given with no prior warning
Pot : a term used for marijuana
Psyched up : to mentally prepare yourself for something; excited
about something
Pull one's leg : to tease someone
Pull strings : use influence
Pull the wool over someone's eyes : deceive or mislead someone
Put someone on : to tease or try to fool. "Are you putting me on ?"
Put your foot in your mouth : say something you regret having said
Rip off : to steal; charge an exorbitant price for some item
Redneck : hillbilly
Run around with : be friends with
Screwed up : confused
Shook up : upset
Show : movie or film, cinema
Skip or cut : not go to class
Stoned : to get high on grass
Straight : one who goes along with the norms of society,
conservative
Take a raincheck : to postpone an invitation, accepting it for a
later date
Take for granted : to assume
Through the grapevine : through gossip
To the max : to the maximum or greatest degree
Uptight : worried, tense
Under the weather : sick, not feeling well
With flying colors : with victory or success
Wasted : an extreme lack of energy. Also can mean "high"
Ya'll : You all
Zero in on : focus or concentrate on
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ANOTHER SET OF INFORMATION:
Clothings:
----------
Formals: One suit, ties ( 1 or 2), shirts, trousers, shirts for boys
Casuals: jeans (at least 4), T-shirts/sweats (6 or more), shorts, (for
outdoor, indoor and sports use)
Misc: socks, undergarments, hankies. (atleast 14 sets of these as you are likely to wash them once a fortnight) swimming trunk (if required), towels, napkins, leather belts
Winter clothings: sweaters(pure wool atleast 2), windcheaters, mufflers, winter gloves, caps, thermal underwear (if required), gloves, woolen socks, woolen cap, heavy jacket (you can buy it once you get here too....)
Others: ethnic ware: kurta pajama for guys.
Footwear: shoes, sneakers, leather chappals/sandals/ bathroom slippers
Kithcen Equipment:
------------------
Kitchen napkin x 2 scrubber
frying pan
pressure cooker with spare gasket and spare valve
"sandshi" ( a marathi word for a pair of tongs used to lift an utensil)
saucepans (nonstick, atleast 2)
lids
rolling pin
zaara(marathi word)
plates, "katoris", bowls, glasses/mugs (one or two each, just to start. You can get good crockery set cheap)
forks, spoons, knives, teaspoons
serving spoons
potato peeler
spatula
"Pali" ( a marathi word)(dessert spoon)
"kadhai" (again a marathi word)
cutting knife
melamine bowls suitable for use with microwave oven
a dabba (marathi word) with seven containers for phodni material
a small stainless steel oil container
a small container for serving ghee (if required)
Can opener, bottle opener (if required).
Spices and food:
----------------
papad, pickles (make sure they are packed in leakproof packing)
dhania powder, chilli powder, haldi, hing, garam masala, mustard seeds,
jeera seeds, sambar powder, other home made spices of your own choices
Toileteries
-----------
chapstick, blades, tooth paste, tooth brush, tongue cleaner (if you use),
soap, shampoo, talcum powder, nailcutter, shaving kit, comb, hair brush.
Body lotions, make-up, face pack, face wash, rubber bands,, pins, deodorant, cold cream, deoderant, perfume.
Pack these things in a toilet bag
NOTE:
Carry all breakables, stuff in pressurized cans in your cabin luggage. Also, keep one/ two set of clothes and everyday use articles like toileteries in the cabin luggage coz in case you luggage gets misplaced you need survival stuff!!!
Keep all the money/travellers cheques in the cabin luggage to prevent loss. Also keep photocopies of you passport, visa, I-20, tickets, travellers cheques nos in each of your bag. But keep all the originals in the purse/ wallet that you carry on you.
Miscellaeous:
-------------
Jewellery (be careful if you are getting any...)
Medicines:
----------
crocin tablets
erythrocin tablets,
vicks,
burnol/soframycin ointment
band-aids/bandage gauze
cotton wool,
neosporine
losenges
kofol pills for cough
vicks inhaler
Spare contact lenses/ spects
GET A COMPLETE MEDICAL CHECK-UP DONE BEFORE LEAVING.
Other small tools etc.
-----------------------
screwdriver, a pair of scissors
safety pins, sewing threads(white, black, grey), needles,
buttons for shirts and pants,
pencil cells (for camera, alarm clock)
camera, rolls,
alarm clock
coat hangers (optional), shoe brush, shoe polish
Bed Linens:
-----------
Blanket, bedspreads, bed sheets(double bed size- 2 nos)
pillow covers (big (largest size available) - 2 nos)
Study Materials:
----------------
Books which you feel you should have ( try to carry indian editions as US
editions are expensive
Calculator Microtip pensils, refiils for the same, good pens, eraser, stapler and staples, drawing accessories if required or other equipment required for your profession cellotape.
Money:
------
You will need money for immediate spending as given below even if you are
on scholarship/teaching assistantship etc. for first month's spending as it
will be some time before you get your pay cheque.
Money for deposit for apartment (about equal to one month's rent)
Money for first month's rent (which is paid in advance),
Money for food, travel etc for the first month,
Any other commitments if not covered by your grant such as part of fee,
registration fee, medical insurance etc.
An estimate should be always obtained from the Graduate Office.
Things to do before coming to USA:
----------------------------------
Learn cooking,
Learn driving and get an international driving permit,
Get a good haircut before leaving (haircut costs about $10-$15 in USA),
Establish a contact at the university who will tend to your arrival and
initial accomodation and help you settle down. Most universities have an
Indian Students Association who help in this matter.
Others:
-------
Family photos, good ethnic gift articles, an uptodate address book
DO NOT TAKE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AS THE VOLTAGE IS NOT CORRECT FOR INDIAN
APPLIANCES.
BHA'S INFO
1.Undies, Shoes, Socks, Clothes
2.Masala, Mirchi, Hing, Ker, Sangrya, Pappad, Vicco, Medimix
Vaibhav