LUGGAGE

First things first, you will need some suitcases to carry all your stuff. You will most likely have a student offer by which you will be able to carry 3 * 23 kgs plus cabin luggage (confirm with the airline). The most preferred brands by students are :

1. American Tourister

2. VIP

3. Samsonite

You will find that there are two types – hard and soft cases. There is no inherent advantage of a hard case over a soft one. However, while choosing a suitcase consider its empty weight.

Now for the cabin luggage. Most airlines allow 1 standard cabin bag plus a laptop bag (1+1). You can stuff as much as possible into the cabin bag, as airlines rarely weigh the cabin luggage. However, if the laptop bag contains more than your laptop, a tablet, other electronics or some books or documents, airlines might object.

When buying suitcases, or external locks, ensure that it has the logo below, on it. This allows TSA agents in the U.S. to open the bag if needed. Otherwise, they will forcibly break the lock (In the case of a suitcase, with a built-in lock, you may not be able to reuse the suitcase)

Before packing food, refer to the U.S. Customs and border protection website. https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/82/~/travelers-bringing-food-into-the-u.s.-for-personal-use

CLOTHING, APPAREL, BEDDING

From my personal experience, don’t get too many t-shirts from India. Again, don’t get too few either. You won’t be washing your clothes for the first two weeks at least, so you need your clothes to last for at least two weeks. The numbers are up to the individual. A general guideline for buying clothes:

1.     T-shirts (round neck)

2.     T-shirts (collared)

3.     Jeans (stick to blue/black)

4.     Formal shirts

5.     Formal trousers

6.     Undergarments

7.     Formal suit

8.     Ties

9.     Shorts/three-fourths

10.  Track pants (for colder states)

11.  Swimming trunks (optional)

12.  One traditional dress for festivals (optional)

You will get a lot of t-shirts as freebies in many places in the university. Also you will be tempted to buy university tees (they are quite cheap at Walmart) so you won’t need that many tees.

1.     Towel

2.     Hand towels (optional)

3.     Belts (Formal) (casual use-optional)

4.     Formal leather shoes (also, polish for short term use)

5.     All-weather shoes (optional – depending on state)

6.     Sneakers (optional)

7.     Sports shoes (optional)

8.     Socks (regular and casual use)

9.     Sunglasses (The U.S. might not be hot in some places, but the UV levels are high)

10.  A light jacket (you can get a thicker one once you land in the US)

11.  Handkerchiefs

12.  Slippers (for wearing inside the apartment – optional)

13.  Flip-flops – 1 pair (for summer and spring)

14.  Bedsheets (student accommodations usually provide “twin single” or “single XL”; external accommodation beds could vary)

15.  Blanket (optional – depending on location)

16.  Pillow covers

These are the clothes and accessories you might need from India. DO NOT buy winter/rain wear in India, they tend to be heavy, bulky and ineffective in the U.S.

The temperature in some states can be very low or the winds could be severe and will require higher standards of winter wear.

In cold states, a duvet (type of blanket) might be required. And in some states, you would require snow shoes.

 

Once you have taken the time to settle down, explore the area around you. Walmart, Target and Costco will cover your common requirements, including clothing and bedding and in some cases, even some food. If there, is a COSTCO nearby, you will HAVE TO apply for membership before you can start purchasing. Costco works on wholesale, so items will be cheaper.  

The U.S. DOES NOT have an MRP system and prices can vary even from street to street (in some locations). “Convenient Stores” tend to be more expensive than the above mentioned stores, because they sell individual pieces. Use them only if there is no other option. 

ELECTRONICS

Though most electronics are cheaper in the US, there are some stuff you may buy from India and come.

1.     External HDD and USB flash drives.

2.     USB keyboard and mouse (optional) – gamers might need this. Even otherwise, it is a good thing to have. Get Logitech/Microsoft/Samsung/Zebronics.

3.     This is strictly optional. Most probably you will already have a quad-band phone. Get a lifetime prepaid sim card from Airtel, register that number in one of the free SMS websites (like way2sms). Once you land in the US, there is no charge for incoming SMS to that number. So in case any of your friends/family want to message you/give missed call to you, they can do that for free in that number. You can reply for free using the free sms service on the website you registered with previously.

OR

Carry a pre-paid international SIM, like Matrix. And take up a contract in the US.

4.     If you already have a laptop, you may bring that. Even if it is quite old, preserve it till black friday. You will get super deals, both online and in-store.

5.     IPod/mp3 player (optional) – You might need this if you have to wait for long times at airports. Else, get it in the US.

6.     Digital Camera (optional)

7.     Indian pin to US pin converters – 2-3. (very important)

8.     A small table clock with alarm functionality(optional)

9.     A scientific calculator (very important) (Can be very expensive in the US) – Maybe buy 2.

10.  Wrist watch (depending on your usage)

This may be all the electronic stuff you might need from India.

PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

Most of the brands available in India are available in the US too. However, you might need to bring the following items for your first few days of use. DO NOT bring hygiene projects for more than a month’s use. CARRY THESE IN YOUR CHECK-IN BAG.

1.     Tooth paste – one large tube.

2.     Tooth brushes (maybe a spare)

3.     Soap – 1-2 bars.

4.     Shampoo – 1 bottle.

5.     Shaving razor and foam

6.     Moisturizing cream – 1

7.     Combs – 2-3 (optional)

8.     Soap cases – (personal preference)

9.     Hair oil – (personal preference)

10.  Deodorant – 1 can

11.  Nail cutter – 2

12.  Earbuds – (personal preference)

13.  Sunscreen – 1 bottle

14.  Lip balm – 2 tubes

If you are uncomfortable with using toilet tissue, carry a plastic mug.