Getting ready to be an international student in the USA can be exciting, but typically requires some amount of meticulous planning, especially where packing is involved. Here is a detailed checklist for you to pack everything from primary documents to personal keepsakes.
Documents Checklist
Ensure you have the following documents securely packed, as they are critical for your entry into the USA and for various administrative purposes once you arrive:
It is recommended that you pack original documents, keep at least 2-3 photocopies and scan copies Google Drive/ hard drive.
- Original Passport
- Visa Photocopy
- Acceptance Letter from the university
- Entrance Exam and English Proficiency Test Scorecards including TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, etc
- I-20 Form issued by your university
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Immunization Report, if asked by your university
- Medical Prescriptions for any medication that you take regularly
- Academic Transcripts from previous school & colleges
- School/College Degrees and Certificates
- LOR and SOP
- Driver’s License/ID: International driving permit
Health Checklist
As an international student, you will also be adjusting to different weather and healthcare system. Hence it is important to have basic healthcare essentials on hand and given time.
The following is what you should have in your health checklist:
- Usual Medicines
- Fever and Pain Relief: Paracetamol, ibuprofen.
- Cold and Flu Remedies: Decongestants, cough suppressants.
- Stomach Ailments: Antacids, anti-diarrheal medications, probiotics.
- Specific Health Aids
- Heating Pad: For cramps or muscle pain.
- Vicks: For congestion relief.
- Pain Relief Ointment: Like Tiger Balm for muscle aches and headaches.
- First Aid Supplies
- Band-Aids: For minor cuts and scrapes.
- Antiseptic Wipes: To clean wounds.
- Gauze and Medical Tape: For larger injuries.
Personal Care Items
Thermometer: To monitor fever.
Hand Sanitizer: To maintain hand hygiene.
Clothing Checklist
As an international student, you must pack clothing that is both comfortable and appropriate for many occasions. Here’s a list of what you should pack in your wardrobe to be prepared for various weather situations and events during your time in the United States.
Select clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks, allowing you to make the most of your collection. Bring garments that can be layered to accommodate to changing temperatures, both indoors and outside—Prioritize comfort and usefulness, especially for products that will be worn regularly.
- Winter Clothes:
- 1-2 warm, waterproof jackets or coats that cover your hands to the wrist
- 2 pairs of thermal innerwear. Brands like Uniqlo offer excellent options for lightweight, thermal wear.
- 1-2 beanies
- A warm scarf
- Gloves
- Warm socks
- Sleepwear: Cozy outfits or pajamas for home
- Professional Outfits: 1-2 outfits suitable for job interviews, internships, or networking events
- Casual Wear: 6-7 t-shirts and bottoms for daily college wear
- Social Event Clothing: Fun outfits for social events
- Athleisure: Comfortable clothes for workouts
- Shoes: Waterproof and insulated boots, sandals, formal shoes for professional settings, party wear sandals, sports shoes.
Personal Care Checklist
It is critical to have an adequate supply of personal care items, as they are perishable and may not be easily accessible in the brands or varieties you prefer. Make sure you have enough supply for at least two months.
Here’s a full list of the important personal hygiene products you should bring:
- Toothpaste & Toothbrush
- Face Wash
- Body Wash
- Loofa
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Body lotion (a must for winter weather)
- Deodorant & Perfumes
- Sanitary Pads
- Razors
- Hairbrush
Food Checklist
As an international student bringing some food with you from home can make a big difference in how you cope with life in a foreign country. If you bring your favorite snacks and ingredients, you will also be connected back home no matter what happens. Here is a detailed directive on the food items to have during the fall semester:
Quick and easy meals for the first few days or busy days –
- your favorite Instant ramen/noodles/soup
- Nuts/seeds/dried fruits
- Biscuits/crackers
- Snacks
Spices & other ingredients that will last at least a month
- Spices from your home country
- Salt & paper
- Grains
- Tea/coffee
- Cooking oil
- Chutneys & Pickles
Ensure the food items you pack are allowed through U.S. customs. Check for any restrictions on bringing food into the country.
Electronic Checklist
A foreign student needs to have the correct electronic gadgets and devices to stay connected and be equipped to handle numerous school duties in time.
Here’s a brief view on the fundamental electronics one ought to carry:
- Laptop, Tablets, Mobile and their chargers
- Hard Disk for extra storage
- Calculator (if required for your course)
- Universal Travel Adapter
- Headphones
Sentimental Items
Include sentimental items like favorite photos for decorating your room and keeping memories close, small mementos like jewelry or a stuffed animal for comfort, familiar books or music to create a sense of home, and cultural items such as traditional clothing to share your heritage with new friends.
Miscellaneous items checklist
These items aren’t must-haves, but if you have the space and think you’ll need them, they can make your stay in the USA more comfortable and convenient. Safe travels and enjoy your study abroad experience!
- Travel-sized Sewing Kit: Great for quick fixes on the go, whether it’s a loose button or a small tear in your clothes.
- Extra Pair of Glasses/Contact Lenses: Always good to have a backup in case your primary pair gets lost or damaged.
- Portable Speaker: Perfect for enjoying music in your room or having small gatherings with friends.
- Compact Kitchenware: A small set of utensils, a mug, or a reusable lunchbox for snacks and meals can be really convenient.
- Travel Pillow and Blanket: These can make long flights or bus rides much more comfortable.
- Language Guide or Dictionary: If English isn’t your first language, a pocket-sized guide can be incredibly helpful.
- Mini Toolkit: A small set of tools for basic repairs in your dorm room can be a lifesaver.
- Reusable Shopping Bags: Useful for grocery runs and great for reducing plastic waste.
- Sports Equipment: If you have a fitness routine, bringing a yoga mat or tennis racket can help you stay active.
- Compact Iron or Steamer: To keep your clothes looking sharp and wrinkle-free for classes and events.
Conclusion
When going to the US for a semester in the fall, your first consideration should be a strategic arrangement of the backpacks and other carry-on luggage to make your studies enjoyable. Use the checklist provided to pack your luggage and you will end up being fully equipped for your new journey. Nice trip and all the success to you in your academic studies!