Thanks to Anu for sending this list of items to pack for travel to USA as student with women in mind.
She used List of Items to Pack for USA for Students and made her version of the list. Hope, you would find it useful.
List of Items to Pack for USA
I always wondered why the lists that are provided on the internet only satisfy the needs of men and never women for their journey to USA. I discovered that it’s because no women has taken initiative to write about it. So here I am with an article that would cover most of the inquiries about items to be packed in the luggage by women.
Also I have tried to cover the differences in individual eating habits, because despite having a good hold on cooking, I brought lots of Spices which I rarely use. I should bring it to everyone’s notice; due to enormous work pressure in US, least time is devoted to cooking.
Indian food which takes little longer to cook than soups, pasta, noodles, burgers and sandwiches will soon be out-listed from the weekday’s menu. However, in the weekends Indian food remains to be the favorite choice of Indians as well as Americans.
- Note : This list is pasted “as-is” and in coming week, this list will be updated. Gals reading this list, if you’d like to improve on it, send an email or add a comment.
List of things to Pack to US
| Group | Item | Quantity | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stationery | Mechanical pencil | 3-Feb | 0.5 mm is available in India but try getting 0.7 mm as it is extensively available in US although 0.5 mm is also available |
| Pencil Eraser | 3-Feb | I don’t like erasers found here. You might like it | |
| Stapler | 1 | ||
| Stapler pins | 1-2 boxes (whole year) | Stapler pins here are giant sized. I like the cute Indian size. | |
| Cello tape with cutter stand | 2-Jan | I brought it without the cutter and always wish to buy the cutter stand. I use cello tape very often. Also to pack sandwiches. | |
| Pens | 1 pack (12) | Not much writing here. Also stationery items are free. No need to bring many pens. | |
| Notebooks | Nil | Buy from here | |
| Files and folders | 5-Apr | You will still have to buy. Do not bring 2 pin files. 3-pin files are used here | |
| Pages | Few | A4 size paper is not used in US. The US letter size paper will be used for submitting assignments. | |
| Markers and colored pens | Bring them if you use them | Expensive here | |
| Year planner | Highly required | ||
| Utensils | Pressure cooker | 1 | Mandatory |
| Extra valves, rings and whistles | 4 | Do not avoid bringing it. I know a friend who cannot use his pressure cooker as its valve is not working and it is not found in US. | |
| Pans and pots | 2 | You can avoid bringing it. Its not very expensive in Walmart | |
| Spoons | 4 | Its good to bring though not very expensive here. | |
| Bowls and dishes | 1 | For yourself for the initial days. Later you can manage to get it for free from Student associations | |
| Scissors and knives | 1 each | Would be fine | |
| Spices and cereals | Dals | 250g each | Bring your favorite dals only. No one cooks what they don’t like. |
| Hot red chilli powder | ½ kg | MUST | |
| Green chilli sauce | 1 bottle | MUST | |
| Turmeric pwdr | 250g | I don’t use it much. Depends on your food habit. (100gms is enough) | |
| Nutmeg/Jaifal | 2 | ||
| hing | 1 small pkt | I have not usedit yet | |
| Javitri | 25g | I love biriyani and butter chicken. You might be using it often. | |
| Dalchini | 50g | Very expensive here | |
| Elaichi (bari and choti) | 50g each | ||
| Sukhi lal mirch | 50g | Not very expensive here | |
| Black pepper corn | 250g | I am a pepper lover | |
| Tej pat | 10g | Required in cooking almost all Indian meals | |
| Dhania pwder and jeera pwdr | 100g each | I have used it twice since I hanve been here | |
| Methi dana | 10g | Makes my dosa batter ferment faster | |
| Anice (saunf) | depends | Depends on the way you use it | |
| Sabut jeera | 250g | For whole year | |
| Sambhar powder | 100g | I don’t eat sambhar regularly. Bring more if you love it | |
| Salt and sugar | NIL | No need to bring | |
| Tandoori chicken masala | 1 pkt | ||
| Meat masala | 1 pkt | ||
| Garam masala | 1 pkt | ||
| Eatables | Biscuits | Needed very much in the initial days | |
| Rice | 250g | Bring it | |
| Snacks | |||
| Pickles | Bring only if you eat them. I have not consumed pickles since I have been here. | ||
| Maggi | 4 in one | Trust me, will be needed | |
| Knorr soups | Get all your favorite flavors | ||
| Instant meals | Few | You will realize its importance in US | |
| Papad | Few types | You wont get it here. | |
| Clothes | jeans | 8 | Laundry is chargeable and will be done once in 15 days. So bring clothes for atleast 15-20 days |
| trousers | 12 | You will end up buying jeans here as trousers cost the same as jeans in US | |
| Thermocot suit | 2 | ||
| sweater | 2 | ||
| shawls | 3 | It is the most comfortable when at home or in University. Also adds style because its very expensive here. Starts from $25 here. | |
| Caps/scarfs | nil | Buy from here | |
| muffler | 2 | Expensive here | |
| Indian wear | 2 | Will be required if you are social. Bring one sari and salwar suit. | |
| Skirts | 2 | I feel much comfortable in skirts | |
| Night dress | 4 | Very expensive here | |
| Winter jacket | 1 | Buy it from U.S. | |
| Shoes/ sandals | Leather shoe/boot | 1 | You will still have to buy…coz we are ladies |
| snickers | 1 | ||
| sandal | 1 | ||
| walker | 1 | ||
| Accesories | Belt | 3 | 1 leather, 1 cotton and 1 fancy (chain) |
| Nail filer | 1 | ||
| Foot scrubber | 1 | ||
| Pumic stone/ body scrubber | 1 | Very expensive in US | |
| Nail cutter | 1 | ||
| Hair pins/clips | 2 sets | ||
| Hair bands/clutcher etc | Bring as many as you can …you will still buy…. hihihi | ||
| Safety pins | 2 sets | Safety pins in US are different in size | |
| Hanky | 12-Jun | ||
| Socks | 5, 2 woolen | I don’t like wearing socks but I have to as I feel cold | |
| Stockings | 4 | Indian size is difficult to get. Best ones for winter | |
| Sanitary napkins | For 2-3 months | ||
| Washing soap for clothes | 3-Feb | Wheel/Rin etc | |
| Washing detergent sachet | 2-3 small pkt | For home washing of clothes | |
| Cosmetics | Moisturizer | 1 | Bring according to your availability of space |
| Shampoo | 1 small | Cheaper in US | |
| Conditioner | 1 small | Cheaper in US | |
| Makeup items | 1 each | Very-very expensive in US | |
| Lipstick | As many | Lipsticks are very expensive here. Also you can’t try them before buying. You will not find any moisturizing lipstick like ELLE 18 brand here. | |
| Nail polish and nail base | Indian ones preferable | ||
| Nail polish remover | Small pack of acetone. Get it from pharmacy store in India. Nail polish removers in US are alcohol instead of acetone. Acetone is good for nails while alcohol is not. | ||
| Lip moisturizer | 3 | Too expensive in US | |
| Bathing soap | 3 | ||
| Coconut oil | Large container | For hairs, very expensive here ( Pack it carefully so it won’t leak) | |
| Mustard oil | Small container | Glowing hair and split hair treatment | |
| Jewelery | Bring matching jewelery as much as you can. It’s too expensive here. Nothing less than $5 for artificial ones | ||
| Purse/Bags | handbag | 1 | For flight purpose |
| Backpack with laptop space and trolley | 1 | We ladies hate carrying. Use the same as your carry bag. | |
| Electronics | CDs/DVDs | If you like to listen to Hindi/regional language music. Bring that. | |
| Cell phone handset | NiL | If you have one and you want to use it, you can. I am using my Motoming handset from India. It has Us pin point | |
| Pin converter | 1 | Indian Items with Indian pin point can be used only when converted to US plug point. I got my electronic Tanpura which needed that. But it is always good to have one. You never know you might need it. Most of my Indian friends borrowed it from me. | |
| USB printer port | 1 | If you are interested to buy a printer. It is more expensive here | |
| USB Phone port | 1 | Cheaper in India | |
| Others | Bed sheet | 2 | Double bed/twin bed (single bed) |
| Towel | 2 | ||
| Shoe brush | 1 | ||
| Shoe polish | 1 | ||
| Pillow cover | 1 | Large size | |
| Allopathy Medicines | Vitamin tablet with more than 5mg Magnesium | 2 strip | Will help you feel little less pain. Only for ladies. |
| Antiseptic cream | 1 | sofframycin | |
| Antihistamine cream | 1 | Antiallergy, can use after any bug bite for relief. | |
| Pain relieving cream | 1 | Eg volini | |
| Voveran | 1 strip | fever | |
| Antibiotic tablet (broad spectrum) | 1-2 strip | 5-6 courses, mainly it should be effective against cold and throat infection | |
| Pain-killer | 1 strip | ||
| Bandages | 4-Mar | ||
| Anti-diarrhoeic | 1 strip | Eg metrogyl | |
| Seven seas (VitE) | 1 bottle | For good glowing skin, very expensive in US | |
| Homeopathy medicines | Kali mur 12 X | 1 bottle | Liver |
| Glonoine 200 | 1 bottle | Sun stroke, can be taken before going to sun | |
| Rhus tox-200 | 1 bottle | After getting drenched, prevents cold, also after exposed to snow | |
| Borax-30 | 1 bottle | Acne | |
| Sepia-30 | 1 bottle | Leucorrhoea and anemia. To be taken in the morning. | |
| Arnica-200 | 1 bottle | Antitetanus effect after wound. To be taken within 24 hours after wound. | |
| Cold treatment (2 weeks or till cold persists) | |||
| 1 | Belladona- | 1 bottle | Once in a day, every night before sleeping |
| 2 | Bryonia-200 | 1 bottle | 3 times a day |
| 3 | Hepar Sulph-200 | 1 bottle | Once in a week |
| 4 | Phytolacca-200 | 1 bottle | Once in a day, every morning before eating anything |
| Cramp or Mild fracture treatment | Black board Chalk, turmeric powder and mustard oil | Soak chalk in water till it makes a paste. Add turmeric powder and mustard oil, heat till color changes. Apply warm on affected area. It relieves pain and heals wounds. |
Thanks to Anu for taking time to prepare this list. Many would appreciate your effort (especially women).
Not every items listed above is must. You pretty much can get everything in U.S. but try to have a priority list and get those items. Again, remember this, you can get all the items listed above in U.S. but for a student it will initially look expensive.
Winter clothes, try to buy from here. Winter cloths from India will not be of much help for weather here. If you have additional student travel tips, share it with us.
See Also : My Flight to USA and Two Big Time Problems in the Airport
Comments
Check with your airline if travelling with acetone..its flammable!
Keep all sharp implements in your large carry cases – not smaller cabin bag!
Do remember to declare your spices at airport customs, as your bags will be redirected for re-scanning of all your bags!!!
Comprehensive list otherwise!
LOL,it is like shifting the whole house!
Well it is very useful indeed!! wats jan nd feb written in d quantity column?
Great job Anu and Naiya!
Niharika – Jan & Feb is Excelsheet problem I guess.
If 4-2 is entered in the excelcell, it would take it as 4-Feb. Just that…
thanks Rajmathi for clearing jan, feb confusion in quantity column.
@rajmathi- Thanx for clearing it up 🙂
Hey! cheers guys for posting a useful list …
How much bags allowed? & also it's weight ?
Hi Vivek!
Most airlines allow a total of three pieces of luggage free of charge for each ticketed passenger – One is carryon bag and two are checked in items. One can check the two big bags at check in. At the time of check in, they will take these bags for transport and return them at your final destination. Generally, the total linear dimensions (i.e., length+height+width)o f each checked in baggage must not exceed 158 cm(i.e., 62 inches) and weight of each bag should not exceed 23kg(i.e., 50 pounds).
Apart from the two checked in bags, one can carry their hand bag where you can keep all your important visa documents which might need at immigration at the port of entry.
i am applying for H1 for apr 2010. is it lottery method? how can i know?
Thanx Anu!! Great Post!!
awesome work. thanx a lot for this.
Few more things…
Sunglasses
Spectacles – 2 pair
Hairband or rubberband ..hair accesories
10 toothbrush – so u dont need to buy it frm here…
toothpaste, soap, shampoo – 1 for initial days
innerdelicates – it is tough to find my style here
small table clock
wrist watch
international driving licensce – it is good if u can
All degree certificates and transcripts
Get cents/quarters – u might need at airport
small size napkins -3
scotch brite to clean utensils
stiching material – thread white and black, buttons, needle etc
business formals – u need at the time of interview
Avoid gold jewelleries
Its very nice list.very useful.but arent the items too many to carry???whats jan and feb?do i have to buy the laptop in india or us?
Electronic items are relatively cheaper in USA when compared to India. Don’t take the burden of carrying your laptop to USA. Most of the Indian students will buy laptop in USA.
whats the weight limit for total and hand luggage?
Hand baggage must not exceed the following dimensions(i.e., 55*35*25 cm or 21*13*9 in) which includes pockets, wheels and handles.
Note: A suitcase also considered as one standard baggage item.
Besides hand baggage, you may also transport one accessory that may include:
Handbag
Notebook computer
Camera
Hand baggage must not exceed the following dimensions(i.e., 55*35*25 cm or 21*13*9 in) which includes pockets, wheels and handles.
Note: A suitcase also considered as one standard baggage item.
Besides hand baggage, you may also transport one accessory that may include:
Handbag
Notebook computer
Camera
good work !!!
But make sure airlines doesnt allow more than 50kgs( some airlines).
According to me buying all the above stuff is useless. You will end up herousily. U can get everything over here( If you live around indian community)
My advise: Try to bring as much as you can… you will find evrything here but payment is in dollars..and it hurts on f1 visa.
50 kg + cabin luggage – 8kg + small handbag for women
Choose light weight items..
Wear shoes, jacket so it doesn't take space in bag
Don't bring electronic items.. they are cheaper here…
most of the student buy laptop in usa..
looks like a big list !
WOW THATS A GREAT HELP DUDES THANKS ANU AND NAIYA FOR THE GUD LIST U'VE PROVIDED HOPE ITS OF GREAT USE
Hey!
Thanks..! The list is of great help..!!
Good work!
I'll keep vistin the site…!! 🙂
I would like to know…Why a few things have been striked out?? Are those things not required?? Please clear..
List was sent by Anu. Things thats striked-out are not required (my view).
good job anu..its very useful
formal wear is cheaper/nicer in india or US ?
about sanitary napkins … should i buy it here or there ??
it depends buddy just dont worry too much on napkins they dont weigh much just bring initially and for the formal wear its affordable in US like $6-$25 and even above …u can bring 1-2 pairs for inital days (for going to formal parties or interviews in the beginning) if not just get them here
Lol! to see someone brought homeopathic "medicines" along. This person will meet lots of like minded fools in the US.
Thankyou for all your appreciations!!
Wow…it s helpful 🙂 …. thanks
Thank you 🙂
DO I NEED TO CARRY RICE COOKER?
Yes! One can carry rice cooker or pressure cooker while travelling to USA. Otherwise, you can buy an electric rice cooker in USA which is not so expensive. Try to buy a pressure cooker which can accommodate an Idliy stand and it might be an ideal choice for students who might want to make idlis. Do not forget to get 2-3 spare gaskets or safety valves or other wearable /replaceable parts that suit the pressure cooker you may bring.
hi all i m travelling this august , which type of suitcase should i buy ??? n which company/brand
kindly let me know ??
There are different types of suitcases are available, but you need to findo ne which suits your needs:
“Spinner luggage” with wheels that can help you to twist 360 degrees and allows you to have a greater control and ease of movement. Even you can try for duffel bags which are no longer just serve as a device but have accessories like wheels or retractable handles and these bags are often called as travel bags.
Choose a carry on bag with no larger than 45 inches(length plus width plus height) and a checked bag with no larger than 62 inches(length plus width plus height). These are standard measurements in the majority of airlines in USA.
Note: Don’t buy travel bags, try to shop for travel bags offline. You will find branded travel bags in departmental stores like D-Mart, Wall mart etc.
Anu, thank you for this list. Really helps to have a list form a women’s perspective .
very useful for first time travellers
hey thnx for d info ….
Thanks for the info. Just one point. It seems pressure cookers are not allowed anymore after Boston event. Just check-up and please let us know. It is an excellent list.
Hi!
This post is amazing. Thanks to Anu for writing a big post on what to carry and what not to carry while travelling to USA. This blog is really helpful for women as it clearly sorted in categories wise and as well it is clearly explains the expensive items not to buy in USA. Thanks to Anu once again.
Hi!
This post is amazing. Thanks to Anu for writing a big post on what to carry and what not to carry while travelling to USA. This blog is really helpful for women as it is clearly sorted in category wise and as well it clearly explains about the expensive items not to buy in USA. Thanks to Anu once again.
If I live on campus will I have to bring utensils,spices & food grains??
Oncampus apartments are usually not furnished. dorm will not have space for you to cook. If you are renting an apartment, then you have to bring utensils.
Do rice , sugar and salt allowed to carry ..
Don’t take them.
Great job Anu and Naiya! That’s a very useful list .
M relocating to Charlotte North Carolina on work Visa .Should I get a lot of formal wear and shoes from India or is it better to buy it there
People tend to wear comfortable casual work shoes in IT. We wear sandals and shorts to work 🙂
Hey! This was an awesome list of products — very holistic and realistic. Thanks, girls! I always wanted someone to give me a list like this for us, women, but no one did. And all the other people reading this, I have been staying in the US for the past one year now, and I absolutely feel that this list contains everything you’d need to get from India! Cheers!