Once you have got the I-20 and the Visa in hand, you should try to get a hold of a list of Indian students who have been admitted to the same university as you either through an Indian student association within that university or through the international office. Make a list of all the students who will be moving to the university from your city, contact these students and try to make your travel arrangements together because often you can avail of group discounts from travel agents when you get down to booking tickets – provided the group is large enough. Also you can fix up roommates at this stage so you will not run the risk of getting stuck with the wrong person!
Getting Ready for the US
Necessary Documents
Make sure, when you pack that you keep the essential documents within arms reach just to avoid losing them lest your luggage is misplaced. Also you need to have them ready at any point for inspection during your journey. Always keep a duplicate copy of each and every document especially your passport and I-20 stashed away in a suitcase as well as with your parents. Never run the risk of losing them because you will have no other form of identification when you enter the US. Keep the photocopy in a safe place, but do not carry it with your passport. (If your passport is lost or stolen, immediately notify the Indian embassy and the police immediately.)
Documents that are an evidence of your legal status are: your passport, the visa stamped inside your passport by an officer of a US embassy or consulate, and a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 A-B) for students and scholars.
Other immigration forms, including the I-94 Arrival-Departure Record (also called the Permit to Stay) and the I-20 ID Copy (issued to F-1 visa holders), will be issued to you at your point of entry into the US. (A point of entry is the very first US airport you touch ground on. If you are taking a flight from Bombay to Austin via Frankfurt and Atlanta, then Atlanta will be your point of entry. Not Austin.)
These legal documents define your legal status. They are necessary for your entry and stay in the US and also for any temporary departure and re-entry into the country. It is extremely important that you keep these official documents valid at all times. Failure to do so will cause problems that could interfere with your stay in the US.
Before leaving for the US, make a photocopy of the page containing your photograph and passport number. If your passport is lost or stolen, this will make it easier to replace the passport.
Things to be done in advance
Learn driving: If you have not learned driving, it is a good idea to do that before coming to the US. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to secure a car for practice. It would also be a good idea to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) which is issued to any Indian driving license holder at your nearest Road Transport Office (RTO). This IDP is valid for a period of one year after your arrival in the US. However, once you actually come to the US it will definitely take some time to get used to the traffic moving on the right side of the road and also to get familiar with the rules and regulations to be adhered to while driving on US roads.
Learn cooking: It will be incredibly difficult for you if you come to the US assuming you will have cooked food at your beck and call. Dining out every day for every meal is very expensive. Go through a few quick cooking lessons with your mom, so that you don't end up feeling like the world's most malnutritioned person. Cooking is a very important aspect of your life here, which if neglected can create problems with your health (given the health insurance system here - you would want to be as healthy as you possibly can!).
Get a complete medical check- up done: Get a complete check-up done and if you have any loose teeth, loose bones or malfunctions in the rest of your body (even the smallest ones), you must them taken care of. Medical tests or surgeries are very expensive here. Bring along an extra pair of spectacles or contact lenses and a small medical kit to tide you over the acclimatization period. Also bring your medical history in case of specific ailments. If possible also take your MMR and FLU shots in India and do not forget to bring along those certificates. Often universities require that a requisite number of innoculations be taken before you join them. Some universities are so strict that they will often either send you back (if you have a severe case of TB) or ask you to pay a hefty sum for treatment so be very thorough with the check-ups.
Learn computer basics: It is always a good idea to acquire a few computer skills before coming to the US. The Internet here is used for practically everything. Some universities do not send you grades via post - they put them up on a Web site that has restricted access. So you should be comfortable with using computers. Also all your research papers, class assignments etc. are supposed to be typed -- that is mandatory. So learn how to type fast. For this you should try and learn the basic MS packages like Word, Power Point and Excel. Students are expected to make presentations on a regular basis, so any additional inputs are always a plus. You could land a decent assistantship if you are comfortable with the computer. Learn how to make basic Web pages. That is also a plus. Anything in addition to the above like Windows NT, C, C++, Visual BASIC, etc. will be good too. There are a lot of Web- related jobs on campus so keep yourself abreast of any acquirable skill.
Planning your journey
Timing: Plan to arrive at your university at least 3-4 days before the International Student Orientation (usually mentioned in the 'New Student Arrival Packet' sent to you by the University), which usually occurs before the period of advisement and registration of courses. This will give you an opportunity to settle in and to relax after your journey before participating in required student activities. It will also give you time to become familiar with the campus and the community and to make friends before the pressure of coursework begins. Finally, you should avoid arriving at the University on a Saturday, Sunday or a US national holiday, since the college/university offices are usually closed on these days.
Travel reservations: Before deciding how you will travel to the U.S., consider different carriers, fares, flight schedules and routes, services, conditions of travel etc. It doesn't really matter whether you choose the Atlantic or the Pacific route, though the Atlantic route is the shorter one. Most of the flights from India do not have Austin as their port of entry. Your port of entry, which is the first airport in the US that you arrive at, is where you will go through customs and immigration. Make reservations well in advance of your departure date. This is especially important if you will be traveling during peak or tourist seasons (summer and Christmas/New Year's holiday season).
Contact a travel agent, or make your own reservations directly with the airline. Better still, block your tickets (this implies no financial commitments). This can be done via travel agents. Please note that a Visa is not required to block or purchase tickets. It would be a good idea to block tickets in advance even if you get delayed in applying for your VISA for some reason. It is very difficult to confirm tickets at a later date. Put pressure on the agencies to get as much info as possible and arrive at the best deals. Some airlines (British Airways and Air India for example) offer concessional fares for students especially in the fall semester when the number of students coming to the US is comparatively higher. There are domestic air fare plans, such as YVUSA (Economy Visit USA) which offers 40 percent reduction in fare, and 'night coach' which offers considerable fare reductions for flights after 8:00 p.m. These should be checked with airlines and/or travel agents. If you plan to travel by air from a port of entry to Austin, purchase this ticket at the same time you purchase the ticket for the international flight; there is a five percent tax on airline tickets purchased in the US. If you have special needs (such as special meal because of dietary restrictions) you should discuss them at this time.
Avoid a change of airline. A direct flight is the best. If change of airline can’t be avoided, leave at least 4-6 hours gap between the scheduled arrival of one flight and the scheduled departure of the connecting flight.
Always crosscheck everything the travel agent says. Call the airlines to confirm your tickets at least 48 hours prior to departure. Do not hesitate to ask any official for any kind of help at the airports where you will be transiting. An overseas journey is an opportunity to gain experience, get information, have fun, so engage in conversation with your fellow passengers and you will learn a lot even before you actually set foot in the US.
Buying U.S. Dollars: We suggest that you purchase $25 to $50 before you leave home in case you need the money before you arrive at the currency exchange counter at the US port of entry.
Notify the Indian student organization in your university about your plans: After your plans are made and your reservations are confirmed, you should notify the Indian student organization in your university about your arrival plans if you wished to be personally picked up at the airport and/or arrange for temporary accommodation. You must make sure to send them the following details: Your first name, last name, flight number, name of airline, departure city of your connecting flight to Austin, date and time of arrival, if you wished to be picked up from the airport, if you want temporary accommodation, a description of yourself or a photograph (send it as an attachment via email).
Check the weather information: It would be a good idea to check out comparative weather forecasts from sites like www.weather.com before you transport yourself to your destination city in the US. Pack accordingly.
Baggage information
Baggage dimensions are usually specific to the airline, however in general, 2 pieces of check-in baggage, not exceeding 32 kgs. each, with maximum external linear dimensions of 107" (l+b+h) plus 1 hand bag not exceeding 5 kgs is allowed.
Always include identification on all checked baggage – you can differentiate your baggage by uniquely labeling it, always write your name, your address in India and in the US and your telephone number. We also recommend inside identification as a precaution against the loss of outside identification. Always carry medicine, money, valuable documents, keys, jewelry, cameras and other small fragile items in your hand luggage. Always lock your luggage. Should your bag be lost or not arrive, pull your list and fill in the details on the items -- date of purchase, depreciated cost.
Insist the baggage attendant fill out a missing baggage report even if the bags are coming on the next flight. Before leaving the airport, have a copy of the baggage report as well as the name of the baggage handler and a phone number for further information.
Get the airline's baggage policies in writing, such as free delivery, reimbursement of necessary items while your bags are lost, acceptable length of delay, etc.
If your bags are damaged and you are carrying a camera, take photographs of the bags at the airport just in case you need proof later.
Should the locks have been torn or cut off, remember to keep the broken locks as evidence.
Because your suitcases look fine, while unpacking later you could find damage or missing items. Never throw away the baggage tags until after you are home from your trip and everything is fine.
If you discover damaged or missing items while unpacking at your destination, call the airline immediately. Note the date and time of the call and the name and telephone number of the person you spoke to.
If you receive unsatisfactory actions from the carrier, follow up with a certified letter. If you are a frequent traveler on the airline, mention that fact.
Remember you as a passenger can sue a carrier in small claims court -- but only up to the new $2,500 liability limit established January 2001.
Packing
As you pack, make a very brief list of items you are packing. Bring the list with you. Never pack cash, jewelry, medicine, keys, passport and/or visa, tour vouchers or business papers. Never pack immigration papers or irreplaceable items such as passports. Never pack fragile items such as cameras, eyeglasses, glass containers and perishables. Putting your name, address and phone numbers on the outside (and inside) of all of your bags is the single most important thing you can do!
Clothing:
The dress code on any campus is pretty informal and a T-shirt worn with jeans is a universal dress code for both sexes here. So, bring plenty of them. Formal wear will be useful occasionally - especially when you are preparing to go for interviews or formal seminars and presentations. You may, of course, want to bring along some Indian clothes (salwaar kameez, kurtas, etc.) with you because often the Indian students organizations have a lot of events that require you to wear traditional Indian clothing.
Formals For Men: One suit, ties (1/2), shirts (stripes are out while plain are in) and trousers (2/3 pairs), traditional Indian clothes (I pair).
Formals For Women: One suit (optional), formal blouses with trousers/skirts(1/2 pairs), traditional Indian clothes.
Casuals: Jeans (3/4), khakis, T-shirts and sweatshirts (at least 6), cotton shirts (at least 2), shorts (for outdoor, indoor, sports use) (2/3).
Warm Clothes: A good thick leather jacket, sweaters (2/3), gloves, a warm cap, thermals.
Footwear: Casual shoes (Woodlands) (1), sneakers (1), formal shoes (1), bathroom slippers (1).
Undergarments: About 12 sets of undergarments and socks preferably cotton.
Linen: Bed sheets (double bed size)(2), pillow covers (big)(2), a light blanket/ sleeping bag.
Miscellaneous: Bath towels (2), napkins (1/2), leather belts (2) and handkerchiefs (5).
Things you better buy in the US: A winter jacket, winter gloves, caps, wind cheaters, tracksuits, good sweaters (they're cheap), and a comforter (which is essentially a light quilt).
For the Flight
Keep in mind that it gets cold up there. Keep your passport and other documents safe with you, never ever leave them lying around. Keep a book or two for in-flight reading, a sweater -- it will get cold on the flight, all original documents, some medicines for fever, headache, cough, allergies or vomiting, one or two changes of clothes, a face towel, misc. toiletries, enough money (traveler’s checks, a little cash etc.), address book, any valuables.
Food
Food is not a problem for either vegetarians or non-vegetarians, although if you are a non-vegetarian, you tend to have more choices. There are plenty of eating joints in the vicinity, providing Indian/American/Mexican/Oriental cuisines but it would certainly be cheaper and healthier to develop some culinary skills!
If you plan to stay in an apartment, come well armed with your pots and pans, your favorite masalas and some recipes.
Cooking Utensils: Non-stick pan (1medium size and 1 large size), pressure cooker (for 3 people and do get spare gaskets and safety valves) plates (microwavable) (2), teaspoons (2), tablespoons(2), forks(2), good knife (1) and tea strainer.
All the cooking ranges have flat surfaces (they are essentially electric rods), please get only flat-bottomed vessels. Avoid the karchi/ kadai.
Things you can buy in the US: Small dinner set (microwavable) consisting of small and large plates, soup bowls and cups.
Though you can get all kinds of Indian spices here, we suggest you get a reasonable quantity of the following just so that you can cook a couple of meals before you are relatively well set up. Spices can be expensive, so you can save a little when you get here.
Condiments and Spices: Garam masala, pav bhaji masala, chicken masala, fish curry masala, chole masala, sambhar and rasam masala, chaat masala, haldi, chilli powder, jeera, dhania powder, amchur, cashews, elaichi, cloves and any other masala that tickles your tongue.
Accompaniments: Pickles, papad, homemade snacks (dry), namkeen (Haldiram's), Gits (ready mix) gulab jamuns, etc.
Note: The US Customs' officials usually do not make a fuss about spices if they are properly sealed, so please pack everything well. DO NOT get any fresh fruits or meat as the US Customs Laws prohibit them.
Medical supplies:
You will have to buy medical insurance here, as medical bills are extremely high. So get some medicines that you have used for minor ailments like fever, cold, cough, diarrhea, loose motions, acidity, digestives, throat lozenges, an antiseptic cream, band aid strips etc., and any special ones that you need.
If you have dental or eye problems, definitely have them checked in India. If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, do get a spare pair and don't forget to get the eye prescription too! We also suggest that you get a complete medical check-up done before coming here, including a chest X-ray. Also not to be forgotten - carry your chest X-ray and other medical records with you unless you feel comfortable about paying through your teeth for getting them done here, in case the university wants access to them.
Pain in the lower back and strain between the shoulder blades and a stiff neck are very common due to the kind of spring mattresses and soft foam pillows available in the U.S. and one just needs to get used to it so get the appropriate medication for them.
Books and Misc.:
Textbooks are extremely expensive here (unlike back home) and a single book might cost you more than a month's grocery bill! Due to the diverse fields that you all are in and since the professors here choose their own textbooks, it is impossible for us to compile the list of textbooks that you might need. However, we suggest that if there are some books that are considered standard references for your field, or you find some books especially useful, get them along for example a dictionary and a thesaurus. The following items may seem inconsequential, but you will find them very useful: 2 pens and a pad of paper, safety pins, paper clips, sewing kit, extra buttons, nylon cord, sports equipment (if you play tennis, squash, soccer etc.) first aid kit, alarm clock, a good backpack, an Indian calendar, a calculator, flashlight, spare batteries, plastic bags, Indian ethnic stuff (as gifts/personal use), photos of deities (if religious-minded) and duct tape.
Please do not get the Indian hole-punch, as they do not use the two-hole puncher here.
Also get your favorite Indian/ western music cassettes/CDs, walkman (optional), your favorite books. If you bring videotapes with you remember that most VCP/VCR's here don't play the PAL format (tapes recorded in India).
© 2000 Ruchika Joshi.
