Disclaimer: All views expressed here may not apply to all students and all department. It is meant to give students a general idea
and ANKUR cannot be held responsible in any event.
AFTER VISA WHAT DO I DO??
Eye Check Up:
Get your eyesight checked - get a new prescription. Buy at least one extra pair of glasses or a pair of
contact lens. Get requisite immunization done (especially MMR) Get prescriptions & medicines for
all common ailments (the technical name of the medicine along with Indian/US brand name)
Important: Complete the health documentation that you may have to submit when you arrive in US.
Medicines:
LIST OF MEDICINES RECCOMMENDED BY A DOCTOR
Crocin tablets (paracetamol 500 mg)- 3 strips
For fever, body ache, and headache.
One tablet three times a day as necessary.
Above 60 kg please use 650 mg tablets (thermol/dolo).
For fevers, mild pain relief Actifed tablets – 2 strips (side effect drowsiness)
A costlier but much better alternative is Alerid (cetrizine) or Neoloridin(loridine)less
sedation and next to no side effects
Azithromycin 500 mg tablets (aziwin) - 3 strips. One tablet once a day for atleast 3 days ...use
if you have a bacterial cold or Respiratory infection ... (most common symptom being dark
yellow colored mucus, fever, etc.).NOT NEEDED FOR ordinary cold (white mucus, watery
secretions)
Sporidex 500mg capsules - 2 strips. One tablet twice a day when necessary as advised (please
don’t use on your own. This stuff needs a prescription to be used properly ... meant only for
persistent troublesome infections)
Avomine tablets - 1 strip for air/ motion sickness. One tablet as necessary.(causes drowsiness)
Lomotil/Andial tablets- 15 (for diarrhea) But remember the best treatment for diarrhea is
plenty of fluids, some good rest and bland food.
Omeprazole 20 mg .For gastritis.Can be take once or twice a day
Digene tablets- 20 mg. For stomach discomfort .One each three times a day.
Spasmoproxyvon capsules - 3 strips for abdominal colic pain, backache, menstrual pain etc.
One tablet every 6 hours or as necessary.
Domstal tablets - 10. For vomiting .Has to be taken atleast half an hr before food
Electral powder - 2 packets. One teaspoonful mixed with drinks to make up loss of
electrolytes after vomiting & diarrhoea
Novalgin - 2 strips for headache & bodyache. One tablet as necessary.
Brufen 600mg tablets - 2 strips. For arthirtic joint pain. One tablet three times a
day after food.
Avil Tablets - 1 strip for allergy (use cetrizine/loridin for less sedation), One tablet as
necessary.
Relaxyl ointment - 1 tube to be applied as pain balm.
Band Aid assorted - 12
Soframycin skin ointment - 1 tube
Nimesulide tabs. For the severest of headaches and pains. (But banned in the US).
100mg upto 3 times a day
Ciplox capsules 500 mg. 2 strips.1 capsule twice a day. For Infective diarrheas
Vitamin B-complex capsules .Just in case your starving yourself out there
SHOPPING TIME BUDDY!!
There are so many things one needs to carry, as this is the first time you are going abroad. If you
have a friend who is going to the same university, for the same semester, it is better to share few
things. This saves space as well as money. In this section, we have listed the most common things
that your seniors have carried and suggest you to do. We not only tell you what to carry?, but also
how much to carry vis-à-vis the quantity of each item. Many commodities like clothes, foot ware,
leather items, and other miscellaneous things are expensive in US. Therefore it is a must that you go
through the entire section and make a note of these things in the form of printout before you begin
shopping to ensure that you don’t miss something. Get started with clothes....
Clothes:
Jeans: 4 to 6 pairs
Shorts: 6-8. Get those ones, which are, long and go a 2-3 inches beyond knees.
T-shirts: 6-8
Cotton shirts: 4-5(no multicolored patterns, they are not in vogue in US). Cotton clothes
are good in warmer places.
Night clothes: 2-3 pairs
Formal suit & Ties - 1-2 pairs. You rarely need them...once in a year or so on occasions
like Convocation ceremony and interviews.
Undergarments...a lot of them...10-15 pairs we stress upon this because you may go to
the laundry once in two weeks!!
Socks...4-5 pairs you can bring even more because you would be wearing shoes most of
the time. Do not take nylon socks. Cotton ones are better.
Sweaters. a couple - full sleeved advisable
Get a muffler and monkey cap and woolen gloves and windcheater.
Leather jacket...1 they are rather poor protection in the north. But you may consider
getting one woolen Jacket.
Handkerchiefs-1 dozen
2-3 belts one formal leather belt and others as you please. But you might want to know
that one rarely tucks in the casual dresses.
Kurta-payjamas-These would be good during Cultural meets etc. If you have fancy for
one, don't forget extra naadi then.
2 Turkish towels and two napkins.
2 thin single bed sheets.
One air pillow
Summarizing your clothes list:
1) Sunglasses 2 no.
2)Cap 2 no.
3) Umbrella 1 no.
4) Wind sheeter 1 no.
5) Under garments 18 no.
6)Shirts 4 formal + 4 half sleeves
7)T-shirts 12 no.
8)Bermudas 6 no.
9) Trousers 4 no. (formal)
10)Jeans 6 no.
11) Handkerchief 18 no.
12)Socks 15 no.
13)Belts 3 no.(one for jeans and 2 formal)
14) Sweater 2 full + 2 half sleeve
15) Leather jacket 1 no.
16) Wallet with more pockets for credit cards 1 no.
17)Thermal wears 2 no.
18)Ties 2 no.
19) Blazer / Suit - Blazer + matching trouser
20)Kurta Pyjama 1 white
21)Chudidar 1 no.
22) Chudidar jacket 1 no.
23)Night dress 2 no.
24)Gloves 2 pair
FOOTWARE:
Shoes:
SPORTS SHOES: 2 pairs Sports shoes are real cheap in US. Moreover in sales of
Christmas etc. So do not spend too much money for these. Get some moderately priced
and good ones so that you need not buy them immediately after coming to US.
LEATHER SHOES: Get good and strong leather shoes, shoes that have good grip are
preferred. This is for snowy regions. It’s difficult to walk on snow with shoes of flat sole.
Firm grip helps to keep fit, prevents breaking head, bones.
Chappals:
You can buy leather footwear...But we advise Sandals. Get two pairs of them.
Slippers -two pairs, you don't get the India type slippers in US.
Kolhapuris, they serve good purpose in the summer.
Personal accessories:
Hangers for clothes,
Wallet - one that has space for cards - you normally don't carry much cash with you.
Shaving kit & Blades (get a good stock, they are costly In US). Brush & toothpaste (these
are also expensive in US).
Soap (get a couple of bars of bathing soap till you go for the first groceries in US).
Combs & hair oil (if you use hair-oil get a years supply of your favorites).
Small mirror (just in case even if you are not a narcicist!).
Nail cutter.
Small scissors, Safety pin bunch. Mini-sewing kit with some buttons.
Summarizing your Personal accessories list:
1)Soap 6 no.
2) Shampoo 3 bottles
3)Towels 2 no.
4) Napkin 6 no.
5)Body spray 3 no.
6)Perfume 2 no.
7)After shave 1 no.
8) Tooth paste 6 no.
9) Tooth brush 6 no.
10) Shaving tube 2 no.
11) Mach 3 razor 2 no.
12)Blades 20 no. (mach3)
13)Blanket 1 no.
14) Duster 4 no. (for cleaning)
15)Scrub 2 no.
16)Sponge 2 no.
17) Bedsheets 2 thick + 2 thin
18) Pillow 1 no.
19)Comb 2 no.
20)Nail cutter 2 no.
21) Rubber band 1 packet
22)Scissors 1 pair
23) Calculator 1 no.
24) Pass port and stamp size snaps 36 each,
25) Photos of your family
26) CDs of songs
27) Medicines + first aid kit
28) Digital diary
29) Books
30) Back pack
31) Key Chains
32) Torch Alarm clock.
33) Camera & Camera roll 6 nos
34) Mirror
35) Soap box
Utensils:
Depends on whether you guys plan to cook alone or with your housemates, since most people don't
get time to cook daily, stuff is generally prepared for two days at a go - so keep this in mind when
you buy vessels, etc.
Typical stuff you may want is:
2-3 plates,
Glasses
Cups and bowls
Forks (2 each)
Serving spoons
Couple of cooking vessels
Pressure cooker - 3 liters
Cooker containers and spares (rings and valves)
Non-stick frying pan with turner
Tongs and knives
Cutting board for vegetables
2-3 patella’s that fit into each other and that preferably have handles
1 pressure pan (Prestige), ask your prospective roommate to get one too
Utensils holder
Plates (2-3 steel plates, beaker size and 2-3 plastic plates of both beaker and normal size)
2-3 plastic bowls (katories)
6 spoons and a couple of steel glasses
Serrated knife.
Summarizing your Utensils list:
1) Cooker 1 no. + spares
2) Cookers Containers 2 no.(with their lids)
3)Kadai 1 no.
4)Non stick tawa 1 no.
5) Spoons 6 no.
6)Grip 1 no.
7) Chapati fork/tong 1 no.
8) Laddle for poori 1 no.
9) Spatula types used while making roti) 1 no.
10)Knife 2 no.
11) Peeler 1 no.
12) Serving spoons (for dal, curry and rice) 3 no.
13)Knife& Fork 6 no.
14) Sauce pan 2 no.
15) Steel containers to heat food 2 no. (with lid)
16) Rolling Pin/ Belan (to make rotis) 1 no.
17)Plate 1 no.
18)Katori 3 no.
19)Glass 2 no.
20) Cutting board 1 no.
21) Eating knives 2 no.
22) Coffee spoon for salt etc 3 no.
23) Small size plastic spoons for masala 1 no
Food Items:
Some of the common food items that students carry are:
Spices, Tealeaves, Masalas, Haldi, Dhania, red chilly, Instant masalas, etc.
Mustard packet.
Tamarind paste
Different dals in small quantity for initial use.
Asafoetida powder.
Indian instant coffee + Indian tea (it takes time to get used to the American stuff)
Elaichi, clove, cinnamon
Masalas and tea/coffee powder, if you are a regular drinker (until somebody shifts to
beer.)
Get a couple of bags each of haldi, red chilly powder, Garam masala, Dhania, Pickle
bottles (if you have enthu, but preferably get sealed ones), rice, Moong Dal. Bring approx.
1-month supply of masalas.
Most Indian foodstuffs are available even in small cities. Don't come loaded with foodstuffs as you
may have problem with customs. Try to get "instant" stuff, as people don't have much time for
cooking in the US.
Summarizing your Masala list:
1) Dhania& jirra kg
2) Chilli powder kg
3) Haldi kg
4)Full jira 200 gm
5)Mustard Seed 200 gm
6) Garam Masala home made 200 gm
7) Pav bhaji masala 2 packets
8)Salt 500 gm
9)Sugar kg.
10) Hing powder one bottle
Papad
Music:
Get all the cassettes recorded which you might like to take with you. Though you get most of them
in US, why spend money for luxurious things. If you are leaving your beloved, don’t forget to take
those kishore Kumar blues.
Stationary list:
1)White sheets 50 no.
2)Pencils 12 no.
3)Erasers 4 no.
4)Blade 2 no.
5)Stapler 1 no.
6) Stapler pins 1 packet
7) Pens 12 blue + 12 black (ball pens)
8) Scribbling Pad 2 no.
9)Glue stick 1 no.
10) Pencil Box 2 no.
11)Ruler - 12" 1 no.
12) Stick on pad 2 no.
13) Cello tape 1 no.
14) Ink pen 1 no.
15) Needle 1 packet
16) Thread Black 1,White 1 reel , Blue 1 reel
17) Safety pins 1 dozen
Luggage:
Luggage is the essential thing one has to buy. This has to be done after proper planning as luggage is
an expensive item and is to be retained for years, now that you will be doing lot of traveling in flight.
Bags:
2 large size suitcases
Packing:
Start your packing well in advance
But 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 on both the inside & outside the boxes) apart from
this, the airlines will also provide you with adhesive labels).
Boxes with independent top & bottom are preferable.
Box specification: As an example of 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 liner dimension (L+B+H) not exceeding 270cms (106").
Moreover the total linear dimension of each piece should not be over 158cms (62"). The
weight of each bag should not be exceeding 32kg (70lb) [note: Sometimes they are not
particular about this] Carry on baggage: In addition you can carry a bag with linear
dimension not exceeding 115cms (45") on board fits beneath the seat.
Things to be kept in the boxes:
Copy of all the certificates/documents (originals in hand baggage)
Important application materials (SOP, Reco, etc.)(Soft copy)
Necessary book/notebooks (some suggested books are - Clarks 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]
Copy of address book/telephone book/diary
Some stationary and related items suggested (not absolutely necessary) - just for the first
few weeks are: common items + rubber stamp with house address + air mail covers +
few Indian razor blades for cutting work + screw driver
Medical history files
Gifts (suggested: roll able pictures, handicrafts, etc.)
Non-technical books (fiction/religious). [Note: second-hand storybooks are cheap in the
US]
Don't take Indian files (empty) or punching machines - filing system is different in the US
(3holes, A4)
Don't take paper
Don't take raincoats.
Don't buy purse (wallet for carrying cards can be bought in the US) Carry an organizer
Wear your shoes to save space in the box. If needed buy only leather shoes (other types
of shoes are cheap in the US). For some weather conditions, Indian leather shoes may
crack.
Don't worry yourself if you can't bring any of the stuff listed above - most of the items are available
pretty cheap in the US (Made in China). Exceptions are leather goods, formal wear. In a month or
two you will be able to get anything you want.
Things to be kept in hand baggage:
Some medicines (including for air-sickness)
Novel/mags/books for in flight reading
Sweater
Original important documents (I-20, visa, tickets.)
Enough money (little cash, traveller's' checks)
Address book/phone book (Indian & US)
Copies of your photos (passport size)
Enlisted steps to be followed in case of emergency (accident, theft, etc.)
Things to be kept in person:
Shorter extract of contact addresses - especially of people coming to pick you up.
Receipt got along with traveller's' checks - in case you lose the TC's.
1 handbag to carry in flight stuff with you (buy a good quality, spacious one 'cause you
might have to use it for carrying clothes to the laundry later).
1 backpack (get a good one; you will use it almost all the time in US).
Books:
Most books used in US are vague. Heard one professor-using book in electronics by an Indian
author to teach his students! Ha ha ha. These books are easy to follow.
Contact students at your Univ.
A good dictionary
Your calculator
Your entire fundamental course texts and notes (for reference of basics).
Standard mathematical table and formulae handbook. Might also want to buy an alarm
clock.
Good story books if you have a penchant for reading, though you may not find time
during the first semester.
Money to be taken with you:
Other than you fee requirements you may have to take $1000-$2000 depending upon where you are
going (you can get this info from your seniors over there). This you can get from Thomas
Cook/American Express and of course any Foreign Exchange bank like SBI, SBH IOB etc. Do this
after you buy your ticket. And remember! Take major part of the money in DD or TC's. The typical
combination is. DD for the entire fee you have to pay, $1000-$2000 in TCs, and $100 in cash...a
combination of notes and coins....
Getting permit for us$750:
This can be got from any bank authorized 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 taken along to get the
permit: Passport + copy, air ticket, I-20 Student Copy + copy, grade cards + copies, p.c. + copy, xii
standard pass/mark sheet + copy, aid & admission letters + copies, bank advance/any other form
of payment. You may take part of the $750/- in the currency notes up to $50 is okay (legally up to
$100 allowed). Money you may need to pay after going there: Other than your fee, you may have to
pay the security deposit for the house, rent for the first month, groceries for the first month...basic
utilities like toaster, rice cooker etc.which may come around to $500 approx....
Documentation:
Carry all documentation safely, and have photocopies to back you up - letter from Univ., mark
sheets, etc. (the visa stuff basically). Things to get photocopied: Make three sets of the following
copies, keep one set at home and take the remaining two sets with you.
Visa
Xth, Inter (10+2), Degree marks sheets, Convocation Certificate of Under graduation.
I-20 and acceptance letter from the university.
Take all the I-20's with you if you have more than one.
Important things to do before you leave:
Give power of attorney (authorization letters) to your father or brother or to someone on
whom you rely
Put your signature on a 10 plane papers, write you name below it, keep these at home,
they may need it for any purpose like authorization to collect marks sheets, Provisional
certificate, Transfer certificate, Bonafide certificate, Degree certificate, Migration
certificate from the university, applying for the refund from the college etc.
Make all bank accounts joint
ALL THE BEST!!!
All Credits to the creator:
ABHISHEK PADIYAR
and ANKUR cannot be held responsible in any event.
AFTER VISA WHAT DO I DO??
Eye Check Up:
Get your eyesight checked - get a new prescription. Buy at least one extra pair of glasses or a pair of
contact lens. Get requisite immunization done (especially MMR) Get prescriptions & medicines for
all common ailments (the technical name of the medicine along with Indian/US brand name)
Important: Complete the health documentation that you may have to submit when you arrive in US.
Medicines:
LIST OF MEDICINES RECCOMMENDED BY A DOCTOR
Crocin tablets (paracetamol 500 mg)- 3 strips
For fever, body ache, and headache.
One tablet three times a day as necessary.
Above 60 kg please use 650 mg tablets (thermol/dolo).
For fevers, mild pain relief Actifed tablets – 2 strips (side effect drowsiness)
A costlier but much better alternative is Alerid (cetrizine) or Neoloridin(loridine)less
sedation and next to no side effects
Azithromycin 500 mg tablets (aziwin) - 3 strips. One tablet once a day for atleast 3 days ...use
if you have a bacterial cold or Respiratory infection ... (most common symptom being dark
yellow colored mucus, fever, etc.).NOT NEEDED FOR ordinary cold (white mucus, watery
secretions)
Sporidex 500mg capsules - 2 strips. One tablet twice a day when necessary as advised (please
don’t use on your own. This stuff needs a prescription to be used properly ... meant only for
persistent troublesome infections)
Avomine tablets - 1 strip for air/ motion sickness. One tablet as necessary.(causes drowsiness)
Lomotil/Andial tablets- 15 (for diarrhea) But remember the best treatment for diarrhea is
plenty of fluids, some good rest and bland food.
Omeprazole 20 mg .For gastritis.Can be take once or twice a day
Digene tablets- 20 mg. For stomach discomfort .One each three times a day.
Spasmoproxyvon capsules - 3 strips for abdominal colic pain, backache, menstrual pain etc.
One tablet every 6 hours or as necessary.
Domstal tablets - 10. For vomiting .Has to be taken atleast half an hr before food
Electral powder - 2 packets. One teaspoonful mixed with drinks to make up loss of
electrolytes after vomiting & diarrhoea
Novalgin - 2 strips for headache & bodyache. One tablet as necessary.
Brufen 600mg tablets - 2 strips. For arthirtic joint pain. One tablet three times a
day after food.
Avil Tablets - 1 strip for allergy (use cetrizine/loridin for less sedation), One tablet as
necessary.
Relaxyl ointment - 1 tube to be applied as pain balm.
Band Aid assorted - 12
Soframycin skin ointment - 1 tube
Nimesulide tabs. For the severest of headaches and pains. (But banned in the US).
100mg upto 3 times a day
Ciplox capsules 500 mg. 2 strips.1 capsule twice a day. For Infective diarrheas
Vitamin B-complex capsules .Just in case your starving yourself out there
SHOPPING TIME BUDDY!!
There are so many things one needs to carry, as this is the first time you are going abroad. If you
have a friend who is going to the same university, for the same semester, it is better to share few
things. This saves space as well as money. In this section, we have listed the most common things
that your seniors have carried and suggest you to do. We not only tell you what to carry?, but also
how much to carry vis-à-vis the quantity of each item. Many commodities like clothes, foot ware,
leather items, and other miscellaneous things are expensive in US. Therefore it is a must that you go
through the entire section and make a note of these things in the form of printout before you begin
shopping to ensure that you don’t miss something. Get started with clothes....
Clothes:
Jeans: 4 to 6 pairs
Shorts: 6-8. Get those ones, which are, long and go a 2-3 inches beyond knees.
T-shirts: 6-8
Cotton shirts: 4-5(no multicolored patterns, they are not in vogue in US). Cotton clothes
are good in warmer places.
Night clothes: 2-3 pairs
Formal suit & Ties - 1-2 pairs. You rarely need them...once in a year or so on occasions
like Convocation ceremony and interviews.
Undergarments...a lot of them...10-15 pairs we stress upon this because you may go to
the laundry once in two weeks!!
Socks...4-5 pairs you can bring even more because you would be wearing shoes most of
the time. Do not take nylon socks. Cotton ones are better.
Sweaters. a couple - full sleeved advisable
Get a muffler and monkey cap and woolen gloves and windcheater.
Leather jacket...1 they are rather poor protection in the north. But you may consider
getting one woolen Jacket.
Handkerchiefs-1 dozen
2-3 belts one formal leather belt and others as you please. But you might want to know
that one rarely tucks in the casual dresses.
Kurta-payjamas-These would be good during Cultural meets etc. If you have fancy for
one, don't forget extra naadi then.
2 Turkish towels and two napkins.
2 thin single bed sheets.
One air pillow
Summarizing your clothes list:
1) Sunglasses 2 no.
2)Cap 2 no.
3) Umbrella 1 no.
4) Wind sheeter 1 no.
5) Under garments 18 no.
6)Shirts 4 formal + 4 half sleeves
7)T-shirts 12 no.
8)Bermudas 6 no.
9) Trousers 4 no. (formal)
10)Jeans 6 no.
11) Handkerchief 18 no.
12)Socks 15 no.
13)Belts 3 no.(one for jeans and 2 formal)
14) Sweater 2 full + 2 half sleeve
15) Leather jacket 1 no.
16) Wallet with more pockets for credit cards 1 no.
17)Thermal wears 2 no.
18)Ties 2 no.
19) Blazer / Suit - Blazer + matching trouser
20)Kurta Pyjama 1 white
21)Chudidar 1 no.
22) Chudidar jacket 1 no.
23)Night dress 2 no.
24)Gloves 2 pair
FOOTWARE:
Shoes:
SPORTS SHOES: 2 pairs Sports shoes are real cheap in US. Moreover in sales of
Christmas etc. So do not spend too much money for these. Get some moderately priced
and good ones so that you need not buy them immediately after coming to US.
LEATHER SHOES: Get good and strong leather shoes, shoes that have good grip are
preferred. This is for snowy regions. It’s difficult to walk on snow with shoes of flat sole.
Firm grip helps to keep fit, prevents breaking head, bones.
Chappals:
You can buy leather footwear...But we advise Sandals. Get two pairs of them.
Slippers -two pairs, you don't get the India type slippers in US.
Kolhapuris, they serve good purpose in the summer.
Personal accessories:
Hangers for clothes,
Wallet - one that has space for cards - you normally don't carry much cash with you.
Shaving kit & Blades (get a good stock, they are costly In US). Brush & toothpaste (these
are also expensive in US).
Soap (get a couple of bars of bathing soap till you go for the first groceries in US).
Combs & hair oil (if you use hair-oil get a years supply of your favorites).
Small mirror (just in case even if you are not a narcicist!).
Nail cutter.
Small scissors, Safety pin bunch. Mini-sewing kit with some buttons.
Summarizing your Personal accessories list:
1)Soap 6 no.
2) Shampoo 3 bottles
3)Towels 2 no.
4) Napkin 6 no.
5)Body spray 3 no.
6)Perfume 2 no.
7)After shave 1 no.
8) Tooth paste 6 no.
9) Tooth brush 6 no.
10) Shaving tube 2 no.
11) Mach 3 razor 2 no.
12)Blades 20 no. (mach3)
13)Blanket 1 no.
14) Duster 4 no. (for cleaning)
15)Scrub 2 no.
16)Sponge 2 no.
17) Bedsheets 2 thick + 2 thin
18) Pillow 1 no.
19)Comb 2 no.
20)Nail cutter 2 no.
21) Rubber band 1 packet
22)Scissors 1 pair
23) Calculator 1 no.
24) Pass port and stamp size snaps 36 each,
25) Photos of your family
26) CDs of songs
27) Medicines + first aid kit
28) Digital diary
29) Books
30) Back pack
31) Key Chains
32) Torch Alarm clock.
33) Camera & Camera roll 6 nos
34) Mirror
35) Soap box
Utensils:
Depends on whether you guys plan to cook alone or with your housemates, since most people don't
get time to cook daily, stuff is generally prepared for two days at a go - so keep this in mind when
you buy vessels, etc.
Typical stuff you may want is:
2-3 plates,
Glasses
Cups and bowls
Forks (2 each)
Serving spoons
Couple of cooking vessels
Pressure cooker - 3 liters
Cooker containers and spares (rings and valves)
Non-stick frying pan with turner
Tongs and knives
Cutting board for vegetables
2-3 patella’s that fit into each other and that preferably have handles
1 pressure pan (Prestige), ask your prospective roommate to get one too
Utensils holder
Plates (2-3 steel plates, beaker size and 2-3 plastic plates of both beaker and normal size)
2-3 plastic bowls (katories)
6 spoons and a couple of steel glasses
Serrated knife.
Summarizing your Utensils list:
1) Cooker 1 no. + spares
2) Cookers Containers 2 no.(with their lids)
3)Kadai 1 no.
4)Non stick tawa 1 no.
5) Spoons 6 no.
6)Grip 1 no.
7) Chapati fork/tong 1 no.
8) Laddle for poori 1 no.
9) Spatula types used while making roti) 1 no.
10)Knife 2 no.
11) Peeler 1 no.
12) Serving spoons (for dal, curry and rice) 3 no.
13)Knife& Fork 6 no.
14) Sauce pan 2 no.
15) Steel containers to heat food 2 no. (with lid)
16) Rolling Pin/ Belan (to make rotis) 1 no.
17)Plate 1 no.
18)Katori 3 no.
19)Glass 2 no.
20) Cutting board 1 no.
21) Eating knives 2 no.
22) Coffee spoon for salt etc 3 no.
23) Small size plastic spoons for masala 1 no
Food Items:
Some of the common food items that students carry are:
Spices, Tealeaves, Masalas, Haldi, Dhania, red chilly, Instant masalas, etc.
Mustard packet.
Tamarind paste
Different dals in small quantity for initial use.
Asafoetida powder.
Indian instant coffee + Indian tea (it takes time to get used to the American stuff)
Elaichi, clove, cinnamon
Masalas and tea/coffee powder, if you are a regular drinker (until somebody shifts to
beer.)
Get a couple of bags each of haldi, red chilly powder, Garam masala, Dhania, Pickle
bottles (if you have enthu, but preferably get sealed ones), rice, Moong Dal. Bring approx.
1-month supply of masalas.
Most Indian foodstuffs are available even in small cities. Don't come loaded with foodstuffs as you
may have problem with customs. Try to get "instant" stuff, as people don't have much time for
cooking in the US.
Summarizing your Masala list:
1) Dhania& jirra kg
2) Chilli powder kg
3) Haldi kg
4)Full jira 200 gm
5)Mustard Seed 200 gm
6) Garam Masala home made 200 gm
7) Pav bhaji masala 2 packets
8)Salt 500 gm
9)Sugar kg.
10) Hing powder one bottle
Papad
Music:
Get all the cassettes recorded which you might like to take with you. Though you get most of them
in US, why spend money for luxurious things. If you are leaving your beloved, don’t forget to take
those kishore Kumar blues.
Stationary list:
1)White sheets 50 no.
2)Pencils 12 no.
3)Erasers 4 no.
4)Blade 2 no.
5)Stapler 1 no.
6) Stapler pins 1 packet
7) Pens 12 blue + 12 black (ball pens)
8) Scribbling Pad 2 no.
9)Glue stick 1 no.
10) Pencil Box 2 no.
11)Ruler - 12" 1 no.
12) Stick on pad 2 no.
13) Cello tape 1 no.
14) Ink pen 1 no.
15) Needle 1 packet
16) Thread Black 1,White 1 reel , Blue 1 reel
17) Safety pins 1 dozen
Luggage:
Luggage is the essential thing one has to buy. This has to be done after proper planning as luggage is
an expensive item and is to be retained for years, now that you will be doing lot of traveling in flight.
Bags:
2 large size suitcases
Packing:
Start your packing well in advance
But 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 on both the inside & outside the boxes) apart from
this, the airlines will also provide you with adhesive labels).
Boxes with independent top & bottom are preferable.
Box specification: As an example of 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 liner dimension (L+B+H) not exceeding 270cms (106").
Moreover the total linear dimension of each piece should not be over 158cms (62"). The
weight of each bag should not be exceeding 32kg (70lb) [note: Sometimes they are not
particular about this] Carry on baggage: In addition you can carry a bag with linear
dimension not exceeding 115cms (45") on board fits beneath the seat.
Things to be kept in the boxes:
Copy of all the certificates/documents (originals in hand baggage)
Important application materials (SOP, Reco, etc.)(Soft copy)
Necessary book/notebooks (some suggested books are - Clarks 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]
Copy of address book/telephone book/diary
Some stationary and related items suggested (not absolutely necessary) - just for the first
few weeks are: common items + rubber stamp with house address + air mail covers +
few Indian razor blades for cutting work + screw driver
Medical history files
Gifts (suggested: roll able pictures, handicrafts, etc.)
Non-technical books (fiction/religious). [Note: second-hand storybooks are cheap in the
US]
Don't take Indian files (empty) or punching machines - filing system is different in the US
(3holes, A4)
Don't take paper
Don't take raincoats.
Don't buy purse (wallet for carrying cards can be bought in the US) Carry an organizer
Wear your shoes to save space in the box. If needed buy only leather shoes (other types
of shoes are cheap in the US). For some weather conditions, Indian leather shoes may
crack.
Don't worry yourself if you can't bring any of the stuff listed above - most of the items are available
pretty cheap in the US (Made in China). Exceptions are leather goods, formal wear. In a month or
two you will be able to get anything you want.
Things to be kept in hand baggage:
Some medicines (including for air-sickness)
Novel/mags/books for in flight reading
Sweater
Original important documents (I-20, visa, tickets.)
Enough money (little cash, traveller's' checks)
Address book/phone book (Indian & US)
Copies of your photos (passport size)
Enlisted steps to be followed in case of emergency (accident, theft, etc.)
Things to be kept in person:
Shorter extract of contact addresses - especially of people coming to pick you up.
Receipt got along with traveller's' checks - in case you lose the TC's.
1 handbag to carry in flight stuff with you (buy a good quality, spacious one 'cause you
might have to use it for carrying clothes to the laundry later).
1 backpack (get a good one; you will use it almost all the time in US).
Books:
Most books used in US are vague. Heard one professor-using book in electronics by an Indian
author to teach his students! Ha ha ha. These books are easy to follow.
Contact students at your Univ.
A good dictionary
Your calculator
Your entire fundamental course texts and notes (for reference of basics).
Standard mathematical table and formulae handbook. Might also want to buy an alarm
clock.
Good story books if you have a penchant for reading, though you may not find time
during the first semester.
Money to be taken with you:
Other than you fee requirements you may have to take $1000-$2000 depending upon where you are
going (you can get this info from your seniors over there). This you can get from Thomas
Cook/American Express and of course any Foreign Exchange bank like SBI, SBH IOB etc. Do this
after you buy your ticket. And remember! Take major part of the money in DD or TC's. The typical
combination is. DD for the entire fee you have to pay, $1000-$2000 in TCs, and $100 in cash...a
combination of notes and coins....
Getting permit for us$750:
This can be got from any bank authorized 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 taken along to get the
permit: Passport + copy, air ticket, I-20 Student Copy + copy, grade cards + copies, p.c. + copy, xii
standard pass/mark sheet + copy, aid & admission letters + copies, bank advance/any other form
of payment. You may take part of the $750/- in the currency notes up to $50 is okay (legally up to
$100 allowed). Money you may need to pay after going there: Other than your fee, you may have to
pay the security deposit for the house, rent for the first month, groceries for the first month...basic
utilities like toaster, rice cooker etc.which may come around to $500 approx....
Documentation:
Carry all documentation safely, and have photocopies to back you up - letter from Univ., mark
sheets, etc. (the visa stuff basically). Things to get photocopied: Make three sets of the following
copies, keep one set at home and take the remaining two sets with you.
Visa
Xth, Inter (10+2), Degree marks sheets, Convocation Certificate of Under graduation.
I-20 and acceptance letter from the university.
Take all the I-20's with you if you have more than one.
Important things to do before you leave:
Give power of attorney (authorization letters) to your father or brother or to someone on
whom you rely
Put your signature on a 10 plane papers, write you name below it, keep these at home,
they may need it for any purpose like authorization to collect marks sheets, Provisional
certificate, Transfer certificate, Bonafide certificate, Degree certificate, Migration
certificate from the university, applying for the refund from the college etc.
Make all bank accounts joint
ALL THE BEST!!!
All Credits to the creator:
ABHISHEK PADIYAR
