So, you successfully entered American university, bought a plane ticket and found a place to live during your studies. It seems that the most difficult thing is over and you need to complete the final task: pack the bags. Of course, you will want to take as many favorite things with you as possible.
But you need to think practically and remember about the limitations of baggage allowance, and choose the handiest items only. Also, consider how you will get from the airport – maybe you’ll need a car? For example, if your destination is Miami, then MIA airport car rental under 21 is the best solution, as you can easily load your belongings. In order to avoid problems at weighing at the airport and getting to your place of residence, check the following tips about what to bring and not to bring to the United States.
What to Bring?
Basic clothing
You must be prepared for basic weather types. Clothing in America is quite cheap and affordable, so you will always find what you need. The USA is a huge country with very different climatic conditions in different states. That’s why students should explore the climate of the area where they will study in advance, even before arriving in the country. Depending on the climatic conditions you need to pack a suitcase.
In college and university, students are always told where to buy comfortable, practical, fashionable, but at the same time quite cheap clothing. There’s an affordable store in every American city, and even on campuses you’ll often find clothing shops with discounts for students.
Power adapter
Power sockets in the United States of America require special plugs. You must buy an adapter to turn on your electronics. You can do this as soon as you land at the airport, but probably, the first days of stay in the country will be restless and busy: you will need a charged phone and Internet access at hand. Make sure your phone will be always ready.
This is especially necessary in the extreme case when you get to the apartment owner or the university office.
Laptop
Your laptop will be needed to study, to contact your new leaders outside of school hours, to communicate with family and friends from your homeland. Make sure the laptop is in your carry-on bag and nothing happens to it. In addition, before you leave, issue all the necessary documents for technical support abroad.
For a student, the biggest nightmare is if something happens to his laptop a week before the exam. Be sure to duplicate information. In general, it’s a good idea to save all the information that is associated with the curriculum.
Cash
Probably, you won’t always be able to pay with electronic card. You must have some cash in case something goes wrong immediately after arrival. For example, foreign cards are not accepted everywhere, or there are places where the use of bank cards is not available at all. In addition, in public transport and taxi you need to pay in cash. Arriving in a foreign country without cash is not a good adventure to start studying abroad.
Documents
This seems obvious, but you should check that you have taken valid travel and immigration documents. Put them in a safe place to get it only when needed. Also, don’t forget your passport, immigration forms and an invitation from the university in a plastic folder and don’t leave your bag with documents unattended during the entire trip.
After arriving in the US, try to find a place for documents where they will be safe. Be sure to take photocopies and electronic copies of all documents. You will need them not only at the border, but also to open a bank account, as well as when registering a student ID card.
Headphones
You may not know when it will take you a minute to gather your thoughts. Headphones don’t take up much space. Of course, you can buy them in America. But undoubtedly, they will make your trip and stay in the USA more tolerable. It would be nice to have your favorite music in order to relax from time to time and feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar country.
What Not to Bring?
Trifles
When trying to pack your life in a suitcase, don’t take everything that causes you sentimental feelings. Yes, it’s not bad to take something from home, but photo albums, soft toys or many other trifles will clutter up your new room and take precious place in your luggage. Try to choose things wisely and remember that in the new room you will have space to create a place for new memories.
Bed linen, towels, cosmetics
Most students studying in American colleges came from somewhere. Someone came from another state and someone – from another country. Colleges and student placement agencies are accustomed to satisfy similar needs of students and are able to provide you with linen and towels, or to say where all this can be purchased.
American universities have shops right on their territories where student discounts are available. Remember, life in America is relatively cheap, so it’s much better to buy shampoo, hair conditioner and sheets in the USA than bring it all from home.