New International Student & Scholars Packing Lists

Keep these documents and items in your carry-on luggage: 

• Passport and visa
• I-20 or DS-2019 (for F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars), I-797 Approval Notice for H-1B employees
• Admission, invitation or employee offer letter
• Financial documents
• Paper receipt of SEVIS I-901 fee (for F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars)
• Some cash and/or a credit card (MasterCard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere in the U.S.)
• Driver's license and/or 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 U.S.
• Medication
• Eye glasses and/or contact lenses
• An adapter and converter for U.S. 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

If you will be staying in on-campus housing, your mattress will not have pillow or sheets, and towels are not provided.

• One set of bath towels and washcloth for when you first arrive.
• Bed sheets and pillow case for your first night.
• Small pillow for your first night 
• Blanket. If you will stay in on-campus housing in the summer, some rooms have air conditioning and can be very cold by international standards. In the winter it is sometimes also cold.

We recommend that you put at least one change of clothes in your carry-on luggage, in case your checked baggage is delayed.

• Pack whatever clothes and shoes you typically wear. Williamsburg has a range of temperatures, typically hot and humid in the summer (around 85°F/29°C) and cold in the winter (around 40°F/4.5°C). It is also quite rainy at times.
• Layered clothing (sweaters, jackets, etc.): In summer it is often very hot outside and very cold inside, due to air conditioning. Bring a wide range of clothes to dress in layers.
• Set of traditional clothing: There might be opportunities for you to showcase clothing from your home countries (e.g., performances, international gatherings, etc.)
• There are many places to buy clothing and shoes in Williamsburg.

We recommend that you put any items that you will need immediately (toiletries, medications, etc.) in your carry-on luggage, in case your checked baggage is delayed, though you should check with the Transportation Security Administration for guidelines and restrictions on what you can carry on.

• Travel size: toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, bath soap and deodorant
• Brush and comb
• Shaving items
• Prescription medicine: Check customs regulations to see if any of your medications are prohibited. Also, bring the doctor's prescription with you in case the Customs Officer asks to see it. If this is not in English, bring a translation.
• Traditional medicine that may not be available in the US. Check customs regulations before bringing.
• Spare eye glasses or a supply of contact lens: These items tend to be more expensive in the U.S.

• Cell (mobile) phone: During the first few days to weeks at W&M, you can connect your existing cell phone to the Internet and send texts (SMS) using free WiFi. It is best to do some research before buying a new cell phone in the U.S.
• Electronic voltage converter and plug adapter: These can be difficult to find in Williamsburg, though you can purchase them online.
• Laptop computer: Bring if you want a laptop in your own language. However, see the 'What to Buy' list below for the advantages of buying a laptop in the U.S.

After arriving in the U.S., you may need to buy personal, clothing, and household items. There are several stores in Williamsburg that are accessible by bus. See the list of local stores at the bottom of this page.

It often rains in Williamsburg during the Spring and Fall, so we recommend purchasing rain boots - ask current students about popular styles.

Grocery stores carry a variety of items such as fruits, meats, vegetables, dairy products, and non-perishable food. If you want a larger selection of international ingredients, you may want to visit an International Grocery Store instead.

For electronics, such as TVs, microwaves, or refrigerators, you may want to talk to your roommate(s) to coordinate who purchases which items.

Students living on-campus also have the option of renting electronics and other dorm items from Dorms Direct. Items are set-up in your room prior to check-in, and removed after you move-out at the end of the academic year.

Cell Phones: It is best to do some research before buying a new cell phone in the US.

Laptops: Students will need to supply their own laptops. Check W&M IT for laptop recommendations and for software that are available to students.

Marshalls | Walking; Bus Route 5: Monticello

Target | Bus Route 5: Monticello

Premium Outlets (Outlet mall) | Bus Route 2: Richmond Rd.

Walmart Neighborhood Market | Trolley; Bus Route 5: Monticello

Dollar Tree (Discounted Variety Store) | Bus Route 5: Monticello

Food Lion | Walking; Bus Route 5: Monticello

Food Lion | Jamestown Bus line

Trader Joe's | Bus Route 5: Monticello

Aldi | Bus Route 5: Monticello

Publix | Bus Route 5: Monticello

Harris Teeter | Bus Route 6: Jamestown

Williamsburg Farmer's Market | Fresh Seasonal food and farm products. Available every Saturday on the Duke of Gloucester St. (near the main W&M campus)

Food Lion | Accessible via car

Aldi | Accessible via car

Walmart | Accessible via car

Cost Plus World Market | Variety

Kielbasa Euro Deli | Eastern European

La Tienda Tapas Bar & Market | Spanish

Mi Bendicion Latin Market | Latin American

Sin Fronteras Latin Store 2 | Latin American

International Bazaar | Indian/Halal Foods

37North | Asian

Farm Fresh International Food | Variety

E-Mart | Asian, South Asian, Latin American

Kundan International Grocery | Indian

Ubbego African Supermarket | African

Anand Bazaar | Indian