Education in the United States: Useful Information->Student Visa, SEVIS and Predeparture Information #0

Packing for Travel to the US

Before you pack, check with your airlines to see how much baggage you will be allowed to take with you. Usually, passengers on international flights are allowed to check in 2 bags, 20 kilos each (dimensions vary depending on the airline) and 2 carry-ons that you can bring with you on to the plane. Contact your airline to find the exact weight you are allowed. Many domestic airlines are charging for each bag so if you are going from an international to a domestic flight within the U.S. make sure you check your bags from your departure airport all the way through to your destination airport so you will not have to pay the extra bag fees.

Official Documents: Original passport and visa, and a copy of your IAP-66 or I-20 form.

Medical documents: Proof (in English!) of your immunization records

Certified copies of official diplomas and transcripts as well as recommendation letters in your native language and in English. You may want to apply for jobs, scholarships, or programs while you are in the US and it will be very difficult to get these documents once you have left your home country.

Make copies of all official documents to have with you in case the originals are lost or stolen, take one with you, leave one copy home with your family and email one to yourself.

Clothes: Bring a basic selection of clothes for each season. Check for weather conditions of the town you will live in before you leave, and bring clothes appropriate for other regions if you intend to travel. American students dress casually on a daily basis but you will need at least one formal outfit for special occasions.

Names and addresses/E-mail/phone/fax numbers of family and friends: Collect this information before you leave your home country! And don't forget to give out your address to your contacts before you leave home. If you don't have a permanent address yet in the U.S., the international student office may be able to provide you with a temporary address at the university that you can use in the meantime.

Gifts: Bring a few inexpensive gifts that are representative of your culture to share with new friends. Music, picture books, postcards, pins, and cookbooks are some suggestions.

Books: Books are heavy, so only bring the ones you will absolutely need. Past students have suggested bi-lingual dictionaries (especially technical dictionaries pertaining to your field of study), basic texts and manuals that will be useful in your studies.

Medicine: A small supply of familiar medication, such as pain relievers, that you are used to. If you have prescription medicines, you should bring a larger supply of those as well. Doctors in the US will not prescribe medications, even if you bring prescriptions with you, without a diagnosis. So, if you know you will need certain medications immediately, bring them.

Lastly bring photos of friends, loved ones and places you love as well as Music CD's

Useful Information: Student Visa, SEVIS and Predeparture Information