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Checklist of Items to bring to the US

When you come to the US from your home country it can be difficult to choose what to bring and what to wait to buy once you are in the US. We are here to help!

Packing Suggestions

What to Bring from your Home Country: Recommendations from current international students

What to Buy in the US: Ideas from current students on what to buy once you have arrived

Important Documents & Items to Bring (Keep these in your carry-on luggage)
  • Passport and Visa
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • Admission or invitation letter
  • Financial documents
  • SEVIS Fee payment receipt
  • Some cash and/or a credit card (MasterCard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere in the US)
  • Driver's license and international driver's license
  • Phone number/contact information of person who will meet you at the airport (if that has been arranged for you)
  • Phone number/contact address of any friends and relatives in the US
  • Medication
  • Eye glasses and/or contact lenses
  • An adapter and converter for US electrical outlets (the US operates on 120 V, 60 Hz)
  • Medical and immunization records with English translations (if you have school aged children, they are required to have certain immunizations before beginning school)
  • Children’s birth certificates

What to Leave at Home