LIST OF THINGS

TO CARRY

KnoWell Consultancy Pvt. Ltd.

 LIST OF THINGS TO CARRY

All your hard work has been paid off and it’s time to bid adieu to India and leave for your
studies abroad. You’ve successfully managed to cross all the hurdles right from entrance
exams to the Applications, never-ending wait for the Admits and the nerve wrecking VISA
interview(s).

Now before you leave for a new country, there are obviously a lot of things you need to
consider as you’re going there to study and not for a holiday. Moreover, you’re going to
stay alone away from your home.

Here is a list of the things you will need, put them on a checklist and start ticking them
off.

HEALTH RELATED THINGS TO CARRY / TO DO FOR STUDY ABROAD:

− Full body check-up: Treatments are very expensive in the US, in particular Dental and Eye
Care.
− Immunization: Each university has its own list of mandatory vaccinations, so check that

List of things to carry

out and start early.
− Insurance: Student health insurance is a requirement for studying in universities abroad.
A student health insurance can be obtained from an Indian insurance company as well
as from your university.
− Medicines: Get as many basic medicines as possible. Some of them are expensive
aborad. Here is a list of some basic tablets that you should carry:
▪ Cold, Fever - Crocin
▪ Body Pain - Crocin
▪ Indigestion, Gastric Problems - Gelucil, Zinetac
▪ Throat Infection - Erythromycin
▪ Allergies - Avil .25
▪ Vomiting - Avomine
▪ Tooth-Ache - Combiflam
▪ Cold, Headache – Amurtanjan, Crocin, Vicks
▪ Stomach Pain – Cyclopam
▪ Sprain - Esgypyrin

1
 BOOKING FLIGHT TICKETS FOR STUDY ABROAD

− Book your tickets immediately after you receive the I-20/ visa document and book your
Visa interview. Try getting a single direct flight if possible.
− If you’re amongst those who miss your family a lot (certainly you will in the first few
months), then it is recommended to book a return ticket (for December). If not, be
prepared to shell a lot of money if you book at the last minute.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE FOR STUDENTS GOING FOR STUDY ABROAD

− Total linear dimensions of each check-in bag should not exceed 158 cm (62 inches). Total
weight must not exceed 23 kg (50 pound). Again, this varies from flight to flight but
anything around 23 kg should do good for you.
− You are allowed to carry one hand baggage, plus a briefcase, laptop, purse. Maximum
weight of hand baggage should not exceed a certain limit, usually 5 to 10 kg.
− If you are traveling with a group of friends, you can share your luggage with someone
who is under limit.
− The most preferred brands for suitcases are: American Tourister, Samsonite and VIP
List of things to carry

− VIP is the cheapest but quality isn’t the best. American Tourister is mid-range but the
quality is very good. Samsonite is very expensive.
− There is hardly any difference between hard and soft cases. Stick to soft ones as hard
ones get easily scratched too.
− Transportation Security Administration (TSA) locks are a must.
− To protect yourself from loss of luggage and accidents, make sure you have a travel
insurance cover. You can buy insurance from Religare, ICICI Lombard or other similar
insurance companies.

CHECKLIST FOR CLOTHES AND APPAREL TO CARRY FOR STUDY ABROAD

− Take a few extra pairs of clothes with you as finding a laundry or washing them will be
difficult till you settle down in the apartment
− Carry location specific clothes since the same country can offer you a wide variation in
climate. However you will also get cheaper and suitable weather specific clothes in the
country you are going to study
− Blankets (only if you don’t get sleep without it), bed sheets and covers. You may
completely skip this point if your luggage is exceeding the weight limit.
− Don’t forget to carry your toiletries.
2
 ESSENTIALS TO CARRY FOR COOKING AND FOOD

Learn to cook essentials like dal, rice, chapati and vegetables.

THINGS TO INCLUDE:

− Pressure cooker of 3 to 7 litres

− Masala and spices.
− Carry some ready to cook food in case of emergency
− Rest of the items like rice, dal, vegetables, spoons, knives, plates, cups, and bowls are
easily available abroad. Do a price comparison in your area before packing them;
Sometimes it might be cheaper to buy them from there rather than carrying from India
− Pack a lot of homemade food that lasts for the first few weeks (like thepla) as it comes
handy in the early days.

ELECTRONICS AND GADGETS TO CARRY FOR STUDY ABROAD:

− Electronics are usually cheaper in the US and other countries but you may take them

List of things to carry

from India, if you want:
− External Hard Drive Disk and Laptop: If you have your own laptop, pack it. You may sell
it later. Many Universities have specific requirements with respect to laptops. Make
sure to check with them.
− Indian to US or Universal plug/adapter: Carry a couple of these adapters to power the
electronics that you are carrying from India and to save you from a culture shock.

BOOKS TO CARRY FOR STUDY ABROAD:

Talk to the seniors in your university and carry only the important books from India. Get
some fundamental books for revision.

DOCUMENTS TO BE CARRIED FOR STUDY ABROAD

UNIVERSITY DOCUMENTS

*Please make sure you keep these documents with you in your hand carry all the time.
− University specific letters like admits, aid, forms.
− Original transcripts
− I-20 or CAS or IPA or other equivalent document
− Immunisation documents (specific to university) 3
− SEVIS fee receipt (for USA)
− Travel and ID documents
 − Passport photocopy
− VISA photocopy
− Air Ticket
− Original Passport

EDUCATIONAL DOCUMENTS

− Original marksheets
− Attested marksheets
− Degree certificate
− Final year project report
− Recommendation letters
− GRE / GMAT/ SAT/ACT and TOEFL/ IELTS marksheet

FOREIGN CURRENCY TO CARRY FOR STUDY ABROAD:

− Most students carry about $1000-$5000 or equivalent in local currency and the rest can
be taken in loaded forex cards. Carry some loose change for calling and eating/drinking
List of things to carry

during travelling.
− Forex cards are preferentially priced so consider carrying most of your money on the
forex card.
− For tuition fee, it is best to wire the money directly to the university.

PERSONAL CONNECTIONS AND TRAVEL SAFETY:

− Note down physically contact numbers of university reps and a few batchmates in case
of loss/theft of mobile phone during travel
− Buy temporary SIM cards at airport if needed
− Pre-book your cab/transport to university/accommodation as airport taxis tend to
charge exorbitant rates
− Check transit visa rules if you have a long layover and get the relevant documents in
place

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY