The new and unknown journey you are about to take brings a lot of mixed feelings, such as excitement and joy, fear and cold feet, anticipated home sickness, and a very common condition known as "PPP" - Pre Packing Panic.
But FEAR NO MORE my old old soon-to-be-international-student friends, I am here to help you! I made you two great packing lists: one is with all the things you should pack from your home country to your brand new American life; and the other is what you should leave behind to save space in your suitcase and buy it in the United States instead - for a very affordable price and probably cheaper than paying for overweighted luggage.
Things to Bring From Home
- Documents and extra copy (including passport, I-20, ID with picture, international driver's license, doctor's prescription notes, etc.) - basically all the important documents you will need for the next 1-4 years
- Pictures, letters, or any cute (and small) object/souvenir that will remind you of your family and friends
- Proper clothes for day-to-day activities, such as going to classes, working out, practicing your sport, partying, staying at your dorm, etc. - make sure you research for your region's weather to make sure you have the right type of clothes in your suitcase, and do not forget your:
- Swim suit - for the warmer regions
- Winter jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves - for the colder regions (at least one of each for the start of the semester, it will be cheaper to buy those types of clothes and shoes in the U.S.)
- One shower towel - for your first days in
- OTC medicines - you never know what your body goes through in a long international flight, or timezone changes, and change in type of food and eating habits
- Pocket English dictionary - call me old-school, but you can never be too well prepared
- USB Drive
- Books from home - try using E-readers (IPad, Kindle, etc.), save you a lot of space and they are so much lighter to carry around your trip
- Universal power adaptor - you WILL need it, and you can definitely thank me later ;) Don't forget a wireless charger and your headphones #mostimportantofall
- Travel Card / International Credit Card - so much easier and safer than carry around paper money. Make sure you talk to your parents and their bank to know what would be the best option for you
- Herbs, spices and recipes from your country - it will be very hard to find a market that provides food with the taste of home. Do not bring any other type of food, it is illegal and you will get in trouble!
- Make sure you see all your doctors before leaving - health care and doctors appointments are very expensive in the U.S., so make sure to get yourself checked with all your well-known and trustworthy doctors before you leave
Things to Buy After Your Arrival
- Bedding - including sheets, pillows and pillowcases, comforters, blankets, etc. - and towels
- Big and warm winter jackets and winter shoes - if you will be living in a cold-weather place
- Dorm decoration
- School books and materials
- Large everyday items, such as hyegene products
- Shower shoes and slippers
- Laundry bag
- Extension cords
- All purpose cleaning wipes
- Hangers
- Storage boxes - for your clothes and shoes
- Plastic food containers
- Tableware
- Safe deposit box
- A TV, a small fridge, and a microwave - if you have extra $$$
- Also it is a great idea to get a Social Security Number (especially if you would like to have a work-study position at your school), create an American bank account, and get an American driver license
Here's two great videos from Howdini and Ixigo to bring you some visual hacks on how to save space in your suitcase. Enjoy!
Let me know what are your tips for packing efficiently in the comments below!
xx Isabela
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