Things to bring to study abroad US
Posted by annisleung on Mar 2, 2009 in Preparation |
- Legal documents
- valid passport, I-20
- Cash
- US$500-2000 emergency funds, with some $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills suggested
- Clothing
- Top – tee, shirt, sweater, sweatshirt, tank top, bras, scarf, jacket, coat
- Bottom - jeans, pants, skirts, underwear
- Formal – suit, dress
- Foot – socks, shoes for causal, formal and exercise
- Personal/First Aid Medicines
- a basic first-aid kit – pain killer, alcohol wipe, antibiotic ointment, band-aid, etc.
- personal medicine for asthma, allergy, diabetics, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.
- Toiletries
- Mouth – toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash
- Face – facial wash, facial cream, shaving cream, razor blades, cotton swap tips
- Hair – hair gel, shampoo, conditioner
- Body – shower gel, body lotion, perfume/cologne, deordorant
- Personal items
- hair dryer, hair brush, nail clipper, towels, tissues, sanitary pads
- Bedding
- blanket, sheets, pillow and pillow case
- Electronics
- cell phone, laptop computer, digital camera, iPod / MP3 player
- Stationery
- Backpack / school bag
- Food
- snacks – chocolate, crackers, bottled water
- Kitchen stuff
- a set of silverware, knife, chopsticks, bowl, plate, rice cooker (my personal preference)
- Travel adapter plug sets – with different legs and 120V~240V compatible
source: http://www.sxc.hu/
source: http://www.sxc.hu/
I think you thought of everything! Just a note that some of the items you listed– particularly the toiletries, personal items, food and some of the kitchen stuff — can be purchased easily (and cheaply) at stores near college campuses. There was a huge Target store near my college where it was easy for college students to buy this type of stuff. That will free up at least a little bit of room in your suitcase!
@Diane, thanks for your suggestion. You are right. Students can get all those stuff from Target or Walmart stores. However, I think it is still a good idea to have some travel sized in case nobody can take them to buy the toiletries the first couple days, or no stores close by. Also, food and water are for emergency purpose.
I have been to few colleges before. Most of them were not very close to Target, Walmart or any grocery stores, at least not in walking distance. I remember that I went to a summer school in Washington State U in Pullman, WA. The residence assistant told me that there was a grocery store in 15 min distance, so I walked there with my friend according to the direction the RA gave us. After 1hr30min, we finally got there. We both were like dog-tired. Now, I think back… that 15 min was probably driving distance, not walking.
Also, when I first arrived the US 10+ years ago, I wasn’t so used to American food at all. With some snacks from my home country, it often soothed my soul, and treated the homesickness.
Was your college in a big city?
Since most of international students haven’t been away from home forever, it won’t hurt to prepare some personal stuff and favorite snacks.
No doubt– I completely agree with you. All students should have enough toiletries & snacks to last at least a week. I attended Ohio State University– it’s not in the biggest city (Columbus), but it’s one of the largest campuses in the country, so there were a lot of nearby stores that catered to students. Even though there was a Target that was about a 20 minute walk away, I’m not sure there were any convenient places to get non-American food, so your point is well taken!
I graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa a long time ago. The town was in rural area. Back then, there were only 25,000 populations including students and residents totally. CyRide, a public bus with 5 routes 10 years ago, was provided mainly for students going to school and stores around town. I still remember the old days when I was riding bus for 30 minutes to get detergent and school supplies from Walmart, or shop at North Grand Mall. To a city girl like me was really challenging, but I had no regret to live and experience a lot in a small town.