Pre-Departure Checklist for Indian Students Going to the USA

| Updated On - Nov 18, 2024

Preparing for your journey to USA as an international student is a huge step. Indian students should start preparing way before their departure date to ensure a smooth transition. From identification documents like passport, visa eligibility proof, to academic transcripts, English proficiency proof and more, you need it all.

Indians will need personal essentials like phone, laptop, adapters, and other electronic gadgets to study in USA. You should also carry your health prescriptions (if any), along with basic medications. You should keep 1000 USD (84,183 INR) cash handy for personal essentials. Furthermore, you can carry some cooking essentials, clothes, stationary like pens, notebooks and personal care items like eyewear, toothbrush, comb, etc.

Table of Contents

Electronic Gadget Requirements for USA
Health and Wellness Checklist for USA
Financial Requirements for USA
Clothing and Accessories Requirements for USA
Things to Avoid While Travelling to USA
FAQs

Documents Required to Study in USA

Before travelling to USA, your first step is keeping the essential documents in order. Remember, certain documents require multiple copies for different purposes (e.g., admission, visa processing, health records). Here is a checklist to keep handy:

Document	Purpose	Additional Notes
Passport with valid Visa	Required to enter the U.S.	Must be valid for at least six months on entry.
Form I-20	Certificate of Eligibility for non-immigrant status	Issued by the U.S. institution; verify details.
SEVIS Fee Receipt	Confirmation of SEVIS Fee payment	Print the online receipt for immigration purposes.
Marksheets & Certificates	Verification of academic credentials and test scores	Includes entrance exams like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL or IELTS scores (As specified by university).
Proof of Funds	Financial support documentation	Includes tax returns, bank statements, etc.
Acceptance Letter	Admission confirmation from university	Issued by the university upon admission.
Proof of Accommodation	Documented proof of initial stay arrangements in USA	E.g., hostel booking receipt or rental agreement.

Check Out: Documents Required to Study in USA

Electronic Gadget Requirements for USA

Indian students should have the right electronics and compatible adapters, as US outlets are different from Indian ones. You should carry the following essential electronic gadgets with you to avoid any hassle:

Laptop, Mobile Phone, and Charger: Take your devices and their respective charging adapters to USA. Check if your devices are unlocked and are compatible with US networks.
Plug Adapters and Converters: The U.S. uses 110V outlets, so carry adapters suited for your electronics or make arrangements in USA of you have a relative there.
Headphones and Accessories: Please carry headphones, pen drives, and any other essentials for online classes and campus navigation.

Electronic Gadgets to Carry While Travelling to USA

Health and Wellness Checklist for USA

Accessing medical services in the USA is very costly as compared to India. So, it is essential to carry your basic health documentation and necessary medications. Here are some of the health and wellness essentials to carry while going to study in USA:

Item	Purpose	Additional Tips
Health Insurance	Coverage for medical needs	Essential as medical treatments can be expensive.
Vaccination Records	University and visa requirements	Required for registration at most universities.
Prescription Medicines	Personal health needs	Keep a copy of your prescription from your doctor.
First-aid Kit	Basic medical supplies	Include bandages, pain relief, cold and cough meds and other common medicines.

Also Check: Health Insurance in USA

Financial Requirements for USA

Managing finances in USA is as essential as demonstrating proof of financial availability. Here is what you should arrange before travelling to USA:

Foreign Currency: Carry about $1,000 (84,183 INR) in cash to meet initial expenses. Convert INR to USD at authorized forex centers.
Forex and Payment Cards: Load a forex card for easy payments in USA as it often offers better exchange rates.
Tuition Fees: Arrange to wire the tuition fee directly to your university account to avoid extra charges.

Read More: US Visa Application Fees

Food and Kitchen Essentials for USA

Adapting to a new food culture in USA can be initially challenging for Indians. Here is what to carry to ensure you have a familiar taste of home:

Food Item	Purpose	Notes
Ready-to-eat foods	Quick meal options	E.g., instant noodles, ready to eat vegetables
Masalas and Spices	Cooking Indian dishes	Allowed in US customs in small amounts
Snacks	Personal comfort	Bring biscuits, chips, etc. for snacking

Also Check: Cost of Living in USA

Clothing and Accessories Requirements for USA

Packing the right clothes is crucial while moving to USA as the climate is quite different from Indian conditions. Remember to check the weather in the state you will be moving to in order to carry the ideal garments. Here are some clothes and accessories you can carry while moving to USA:

Formal and Casual Wear: Include formal shirts and trousers for presentations or meetings, and casual wear like T-shirts and jeans for daily use.
Winter Clothes: Carry at least one winter jacket, as these can be quite costly in USA.
Footwear: Include a good pair of walking shoes, formal shoes, and comfortable flip-flops.
Accessories: Pack items like belts, ties, watches, and a wallet for personal essentials.

Additional Travel Essentials for USA

Check out the miscellaneous essentials that you will need for daily convenience besides documents and clothing:

Category	Items to Include
Personal Care	Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, toiletries
Stationery	Pens, notebooks, and basic supplies
Household	Small towels, bedsheets, and pillow covers
Extra Eyewear	Additional glasses or contact lenses, if required

Know More: Travel Expenses for Students in USA

Things to Avoid While Travelling to USA

Certain items are either restricted or may add unnecessary weight to your luggage. A list of some things to avoid while travelling to USA is provided below:

Heavy Liquids: Large bottles of shampoo, oils, or other heavy liquids take up space.
Too Many Winter Clothes: The USA has a wide range of quality and affordable winter wear. You can carry only the necessary clothes.
Groceries: Basic groceries like rice, lentils, and cooking oils are readily available in the US. Carrying these items would add extra weight to your luggage.
Expensive Jewellery: Avoid carrying valuables as they add risk and are not needed on campus.

Points to Remember to Study in USA

Here are a few advices on luggages and travel accessories for Indian students travelling to USA:

Weight Limit: The total dimensions of each check-in bag should not exceed 158 cm (62 inches) with a maximum weight of 23 kg (50 pounds).
Hand Luggage: Usually limited to one bag weighing around 5-10 kg. Keep important documents and valuables here.
TSA-approved Locks: These are special locks that prevent unauthorized access to your belongings. These locks are extremely essential to minimize the risk of theft or tampering of your belongings.
Travel Insurance: Get coverage for unexpected events such as lost luggage or trip cancellations. It is best to purchase insurance from an Indian provider before departure.

Also Read: Public Transportation in USA

You should securely pack essential documents like a passport, visa, Form I-20, and academic certificates way before the day of departure. Avoid carrying heavy liquids, too many winter clothes, and groceries that can easily be purchased in the USA. With this comprehensive checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to start your U.S. education journey on the right note. Safe travels and all the best for your studies abroad!

FAQs

Ques. What are the essential documents for Indian student travelling to USA?

Ans. Key documents include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a student visa, Form I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, acceptance letter from your university, proof of funds, and original academic certificates. Make multiple copies of these documents for ease during immigration and university registration.

Ques. How much foreign currency should I carry with me?

Ans. It is recommended to carry about $1,000 (84,183 INR) in cash for immediate expenses and load the remaining funds on a forex card for ease of use. Forex cards are cost-effective, widely accepted, and a safe alternative for everyday expenses.

Ques. Which medicines and health-related items should I pack?

Ans. Bring any prescribed medicines with their prescriptions, basic first-aid items, and common medications for cold, fever, and allergies. Health insurance is also essential since medical treatments in the U.S. can be expensive.

Ques. What clothing should I pack for studying in the U.S.?

Ans. Pack a mix of casual wear, formal wear, and essential winter clothing such as a jacket or sweater, depending on the climate of your destination. Comfortable shoes, a few formal outfits, and enough daily essentials like T-shirts and undergarments are also necessary.