Indian Students Association
New Students
Things to bring
A list of things which might be 'relatively' more or very expensive over here than in India and should be in your baggage if you want to save money.
Textbooks - get all those you think you will need, as they are the costliest commodity here.Eye-glasses : bring 1 extra pair. Know your prescription in case you want to order one from India
Shoes/formal wear: Formal leather shoes - 1 pair, instant polish, slippers, 1 pair of good quality casual (sports) shoes, 6 pairs socks, leather belts- 2 casual and 1 formal. Get a good suit, 2 ties, 4 shirts, 3 formal pants.
Summer wear: Temperature in Chico sometimes soars above 40 degrees.Shorts, which are up to the knees and have lots of pockets, are worn during warmer days. Get 8-10 cotton T-Shirts, 3-4 Jeans/gaberdines/cargo trousers, sandals or chappals.
Winter wear: Winters are harsh and sometimes go below freezing point, so get thermal wear (though not a must) Bring a good winter jacket (though many prefer buying them here), 1 good sweater, 1 monkey-cap, 1 muffler and woolen gloves. Note: It also rains sometimes, so throw in an umbrella or a rainy jacket as well.
Miscellaneous : 12 pairs undergarments and hankies. A traditional dress for festive occassions. Also (optional) get a track suit, night suit, swimming trunk, a cap.
Toiletries: 2-3 toothbrushes, shaving creams (here you get cheap foams and gels), sewing kit and medicines. Don't forget to bring your prescription!
Kitchenware: A 6 liter capacity pressure cooker, and some large vessels. Note that the vessels should have a flat bottom as almost all apartments have heater coils for cooking. A 'suggested' list is unbreakable plates, eating and serving spoons, 1 non-stick kadhai, 1 non-stick tava, 1 belen and Chakala / polpat, 4 tapeli (cooking vessels).
Spices: Bring in all the spices/masalas (pav bahji/ channa/ garam/ chicken/ chhole masala) you can; rice, oil, sugar, salt are easily available here. Bring some sweets to please your seniors, especially those 'maa ke ladoo' :-)
Stationery - Ball pens and refills, Sketch pens / marker, phone diary, celotape and calculator. (DON'T BRING PUNCHING MACHINE).
DON'T bring electrical appliances like iron etc. The utility supply in US is 110 V, 60 Hz
Finally here is a list of Documents that you shouldn't overlook
- Passport Photocopies (Leave a copy in each bag you bring).
- Admission Letter (Leave a copy in each bag you bring).
- I-20 & visa Photocopies (Leave a copy in each bag you bring).
- Credentials (Keep them in the bag you carry)
- Transcripts
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- Vaccination Certificate
- Foreign Clearance From Income Tax
- International Drivers License (Optional).
- Recent Passport Photographs/negatives 4
- Indian Calander (Optional).
- Receipts of travelers cheques (Keep it in the bag you carry).
