Going to the US for college soon and my head is spinning😵💫
What are the things that are actually important to pack? Not talking about clothes and shoes, more like useful things most people forget or things that’s expensive there… anyone who’s already gone or is packing, please help 
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Hi @meenu4234 ,
Totally get how you’re feeling ,I was in the same boat before moving to the US for my master’s. It’s super overwhelming trying to figure out what’s actually useful to pack, especially when there’s limited baggage space. You’ll be able to buy most things there, but some stuff is either expensive, hard to find, or just good to have from home.
Here’s a list that most students (including me) found really helpful:
Essentials to Pack -
-
Medicines (with prescriptions)
Bring at least 3–6 months of anything you take regularly. Also pack basic stuff like cold, fever, allergy, and some over the counter meds, they’re not cheap or quick to get in the US. -
Adapter + power strip
A universal adapter and one good surge-protected power strip will make life easier. Way cheaper to buy in India. -
Indian spices (buy small packs 50g)
Just the basics - turmeric, cumin, chili powder, garam masala. Indian grocery stores exist, but they’re not always close, and they’re expensive. -
Utensils
If you plan to cook at all, this is super useful. Indian-style cookers and Tawa, One pan, one kadai, a serving spoon, a small plate, and a spoon/fork set. You don’t need a full kitchen setup. -
Important documents
Keep originals and a few copies of your passport, visa, I-20, transcripts, vaccination proof, and insurance docs. -
Indian SIM with roaming
Helps for OTPs and staying connected until you get a US number. Airtel and Jio both have decent roaming packs. -
Bedsheet, towel, pillow cover (just one set)
Just enough to survive the first few days. You can buy more after settling in. -
Winter jacket (if going to a cold place)
Bring a light one to start with. I’d recommend, Buy proper winter gear like a coat, boots, gloves in the US - they’re better quality and designed for the weather. -
Stationery
Basic stuff like pens, a notebook, calculator if required. It’s surprisingly pricey there.
Other Stuff People Forget -
Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
Laptop charger, USB hub, external hard drive
Nail cutter, trimmer, tiny sewing kit
Upload all your important documents to Google Drive or Dropbox
Label your checked bags with your US address (if known) or college name
Keep a change of clothes and charger in your carry-on in case bags get delayed.
Also, if you’ve already found your roommate, definitely connect with them and figure out who’s bringing what. Things like kitchen utensils, or even basic spices can be shared, and this helps a lot with managing baggage weight. No point both of you carrying the same stuff when you can split it smartly.
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Here are some must pack things for your masters degree abroad!!!
1 Laptop
2 Mobile Phone
3 Power Bank
4 SSD Laptop 1TB
5 SSD External 256GB/ Pendrive
6 Travel Adapter Ceptics
7 Travel Adapter Multi
8 Universal Extension Box Cable
9 Router TENDA/T P LINK
10 Digital Weigh Scale Go TRIPIN
11 Digital Weigh Scale Food 5kg
12 Small Batteries for each (Coin/AA)
13 Beard Trimmer Kit
14 Scientific Calculator
15 Earbuds
16 Bluetooh Speakers
17 Lan Cable RJ45
18 Chargers and Adaptors for All Devices(USB Type)
19 Wired Earphone
20 Passport
21 Visa
22 Biometric/Visa Approval Letter
23 NOC Gmail from French Consulate(BAN)
24 AIR FRANCE Travel Ticket
25 International Driving Permit/ Indian DL Transalated
26 Exchange Currencies EURO150/INR 15000
27 Medical Insurance - UIIC Overseas
Pressure Cooker 3L & 5L
Pressure Cooker extra whistle and belts
Pan (DMART combo 3)
Kadhaai
Tawa
Chapati and Dosa Pan
Chapathi roller and board
Cutting Board
Hand Chopper Vegetables BUTTERFLY
Knife
Scissor’s
Spoon
Spatulas for Chapathi and Dishes
Spice Box Compartment
All Basic Indian Masalas
Maggie Masala
Pickles
Thermal Flask
Lunch Box
Tea Stainer
Lemon Squezer
MULTI PURPOSE KETTLE Pigeon 1.5L
Water Bottle GYM
PORTABLE BLENDER WONDERCHEF
Pakda or Hot Untensils Holder
Glasses Steel
Vegetable Peeler
DOLLO 650
Crocin
Soframycin
Band AID
Vicks
Zandu Balm/Tiger Balm
Electrol Powder
Pain Killer
Dettol
Metacin
Nausea Tablets
Cotton
Diaherra Tablets
Fish Tablet
Hair Oil Small
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Soap and Soap Pouch
Detergent and Comfort
Shampoo
Conditioner and Serum
Body Wash
Comb (round and roller)
Nail Cutter
Earbuds
Hand cream Moisturiser
Vasline Lip Balm
Shaving Razor
Facewash
Perfume (Sport and ELEGANT)
Hair GEL
Dish Wash Soap
Brushes and Scrub dish wash
Cloth Wash Brush
Kitchen Clothes Microfibre
Scissors (Small and Big)
Ropes (Cloth Hanging)
Cloth CLIPS
Hangers Cloth
Screw Driver
PENS (Black, Blue, Green, Red)
Scale
Pencil
Eraser
Sharpner
Highlighter (Green, Neon, Pink)
Pouch & Zipper Pouch
Sticky Notes (Diff. sizes)
Notebooks (L,M,S)
Sketch Pens
Gumtapes
Fevicol
Fevistick
Notepads
Stapler (Large & Small)
Stapler Pins
Punch Hole Papers
Paper Pins
Files (Hard Case)
A4 Lamination Sheets
Parcel Green Envolopes & Small Envolopes
A4 Sheets
Suitcase Trolley Bag -LARGE
Suitcase Trolley Bag -CABIN/DUFFLE
Backpack Laptop & College
Decathlon Small Bag
Fanny Bag (Waist)
Side Bag
Travel Neck Pillow
Travel Bag Cover (LARGE & MEDIUM)
Vaccum Bags Combo
Organiser Pouchs- Clothes
Newspaper
Wipe clothes
Muffler
EarCups
Big Gumtapes Packing
Name & Contact Writeup for Checked in BAGS
Running Shoe
Casual Shoe
Formal Shoe
Crocs
Sandal/Slippers
Gym Gloves
Gym Bag
Badminton Racket
Swimming Glasses & Head Mask
Umbrella
Raincoat SET
Suit/Blazers Formal Set
Sherwani/Kurta
Belt (Brown/Black)
Wallet
Winter White Jacket
Black Leather Jacket
Gloves
Jackets (Black/Blue Denim & Domyos Green)
Sunglasses
Reading Glass Lenskart
Vests
Undergarments
Hankerchief
Shirts Formal (Black, White, Blue)
Shirts Casual (Checkered & Prints)
Formal Pants (Black, Grey, Blue)
T-Shirts Casual
T-Shirts Home
Gym T-Shirts
Trackpants
Full Sleeves T-Shirt
Shorts
Jeans (Black,Blue,Grey,Dark Blue)
Hoodies
Sweatshirt
Socks (Gym & Casual)
Watches (Formal & Sports)
NIYO Global Card
Debit/credit card
Exchange Currencies $150
Adhaar Card PVC
Pancard
Driving License
Cheque Book Sign
10 copies Sign
Subject Books
Quotes on Sticky notes
Textbook
Engineering Google Classroom softcopies
God’s Frame & Prasada
Family Photo
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