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