When it comes to studying abroad, most students choose to study in the United States. Because of the diverse and extensive range of courses available to overseas students, the American education system is widely regarded as the most adaptable in the world. For most Indian students, studying in the United States (USA) is a dream come true.

USA University

However, once all of the processes for studying in the United States have been completed, such as obtaining admission to the university, organising finances to support your studies in the United States, obtaining Visa permission, and so on, the next most important action is your trip packing checklist.

Because you want to stay in the United States for an extended period, most students maintain practically everything that has been a part of their routine. Being aware of what you bring to the United States is critical since getting  your possessions is one of the best methods to reduce your daily spending. Having your own luggage will help you save money on living expenses while in the United States but at the same time, it’s equally essential to ensure that you travel light. This article will provide you with the definitive packing checklist for any student planning to study in the United States and tips on how to travel light at the same time.

Research Before You Start Packing for USA

Before you start packing for your studies in the USA, it's essential to research the climate and weather conditions in the region where you will be studying. The USA has a diverse range of climates, and the weather conditions can vary significantly from one region to another. The weather change will be especially different for Indian students in USA.

By researching your destination's climate and weather conditions, you can pack appropriate clothing and footwear that will keep you comfortable throughout the year. 

Understanding the climate and weather patterns in your US city

Different regions in the United States experience various climate and weather patterns. The West Coast, for example, tends to have a more temperate and Mediterranean-like climate, while the Midwest can have distinct seasons with cold winters and hot summers. The East Coast might experience more humid conditions and varying temperatures throughout the year.

It's important to look at factors such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, and wind patterns to understand the climate of a specific city. Websites and apps that provide historical weather data can help you get a sense of the typical conditions in your city.

Seasonal variations and how they influence your clothing choices

1. Spring (March to May): In spring, temperatures start to rise after the cold winter. You'll want to transition from heavy winter clothing to lighter layers. Long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters, and jackets are good choices. As the weather warms up, you can switch to short-sleeve shirts, dresses, and lighter pants.
2. Summer (June to August): Summers can get quite hot in many parts of the US. T-shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses are common choices. Light and breathable fabrics like cotton are ideal to stay cool. Don't forget sun protection, such as hats and sunscreen.
3. Fall (September to November): Fall often brings cooler temperatures. You'll want to reintroduce layers and slightly heavier clothing. Sweaters, cardigans, and light jackets are great options. Jeans or pants paired with long-sleeve shirts are also popular during this season.
4. Winter (December to February): Winter calls for warm and insulated clothing. Coats, scarves, gloves, and thicker sweaters are essential to stay comfortable. Depending on the severity of winter, you might also need heavier boots and accessories to protect against the cold.

Remember that clothing choices can vary based on your personal comfort level, local fashion trends, and specific weather conditions. It's also a good idea to check weather forecasts regularly so you can plan your outfits accordingly.

Check the baggage allowance and restrictions of your airline

Before you start packing, it's important to check your airline's baggage allowance and restrictions. Airlines have specific guidelines regarding the size, weight, and number of bags you can carry; exceeding these limits can result in additional charges.

Make sure to read your airline's baggage policy carefully and pack accordingly. If you need to bring more items, consider shipping them separately or leaving them behind and purchasing them upon arrival.

Make a packing list for USA

Making a packing list is an essential step in packing efficiently for your studies in the USA. It will help you stay organized and ensure you remember all essential items. Your packing list should include all the items you need for your studies, including clothing, electronics, school supplies, and personal care items.

Select Luggage Bag

It is important to select a suitable luggage bag that can accommodate all of the stuff you intend to bring with you to the new nation. Try to choose a travel bag that is large enough to hold all your needs while still being easy to carry. Check that it is adaptable and easy to move about. A four-wheeled stroller bag is ideal since it takes the weight off your hands. If you prefer to carry a backpack, ensure it has wheels for hands-free mobility.

Prepare a Checklist Before packing for the USA

Before developing a packing list for Indian students travelling abroad to the USA, make a note of all the necessary materials. This guarantees that nothing is overlooked and aids in improved planning and organization. Remember that if you travel to another country to study, you will most likely be unable to return home until the conclusion of the semester. 

In most nations, this phase lasts 4 to 5 months. As a result, losing any key document or item might impede an otherwise simple changeover.

Refer to the following checklist for tips on packing light for study abroad:

• Upload all critical papers and photographs to the cloud.
• Save vital information and contact information to Google Drive.
• Make arrangements for airport pickups and drop-offs ahead of time.
• Examine the luggage weight limits of the airline service you intend to use.
• Add a name tag or a mark/symbol to your baggage to make it more recognisable.

Carry-on and checked-in baggage items

To prevent a snarl at the airport, it is critical to understand what goods should be retained in carry-on luggage and what should be placed in checked-in luggage. Indian students travelling to the USA should bring the following goods in their carry-on luggage:

• Documents of importance
• The currency of the host country
• Prescription drugs
• Phone, charger, and other accessories
• The remaining goods should be packed in checked luggage.

Clothes and Accessories for the USA

Many students who migrate to the United States for higher education know that one can never have too much clothing. However, cutting back on purchasing additional garments will benefit you greatly if you have a restricted budget. As a result, below is a simple list of key necessary wardrobe items that every student must bring to the United States. 

Research the temperature and culture of the nation you travel to, and prepare your clothes accordingly. Pack warm thermal clothes if you are moving to nations such as the United States, Canada, and others since they have chilly weather. Still, East Asian and African countries have milder temperatures. Don’t overpack, and bring only the essentials. For Indian students travelling to the USA, refer to this guide to better understand what clothes to bring for study abroad destinations in 2023

List of some essential items:

• Thermal T-shirts  – 8
• Sweatshirts – 3-4
• Jeans (stick to blue/black) – 6-7
• Formal shirts – 3
• Formal trousers – 2
• Thermal Undergarments – at least 15 pairs (very important)
• Formal suit – 1 complete set
• Ties – 2-3
• Shorts/three-fourths – 5-6
• Track pants – 2-3
• Swimming trunks – 1 (if you plan to swim after coming here)
• One traditional dress for festivals
• A trench coat/ winter jacket - 2 
• Gloves, caps, socks - 5-7 pairs

Double check your Documents

With the new wave of changed immigration regulations going into effect, it is always prudent to have the necessary documentation for travel to the United States. Here is a list of important papers that all students planning to study in the United States should bring with them to prevent issues throughout their stay. One of the most crucial things to learn before visiting America is how to read the paperwork.

Also, save replica reproductions of these documents in case the original is lost or stolen. This simplifies the procedure of obtaining replacements from the immigration office if the original is lost or stolen. 

This includes the following:

• Xerox Passport (5 copies)
• Xerox VISA (5 copies)
• The I-20 (5 copies)
• Airline Ticket (2 copies)
• Original mark sheets including a diploma (previous degree)
• Degree Certificate + Attested Mark Sheets (3 copies)
• Original transcripts including a diploma (3 copies)
• Form of immunization (specific to university)
• University-specific letters, such as admit, assistance, and forms.
• Receipt of SEVIS fees (3 copies)
• GRE Xerox copies + originals (5 copies)
• Original TOEFL + Xerox copies (5 copies)
• Copies of the Final Year Project Report Syllabus
• Letters of recommendation

Prescription Drugs: Carrying medicines to the USA from India

If you are taking prescription medication, bring enough to last the duration of your stay if feasible. This is because it is unknown whether the drug you require is accessible in the nation. Keep the doctor’s prescription on hand in case you run out of doses.

You should also take some basic medications, such as those for headaches, colds, and coughs. Just be sure the brand you’re using is legal in the country you’re relocating to. Some of the medications that should be packed by Indian students travelling to the USA include:

• Crocin for Cold 
• Fever, Body Pain – Combiflam 
• Indigestion, Gastric Problems – Gelucil, Zantac
• Throat Infection – Erythromycin 
• Allergies – Avil.25 
• Vomiting – Avomine 
• Tooth Pain – Combiflam 
• Cold, Headache – Amurtanjan 
• Stomach Pain – Cyclopam 
• Diarrhoea – Lopomide 
• Dizziness – Diziron
• Common Cold – Coldact, Vicks Vaporub 
• Sprain – Esgypyrin

Necessary medicines for traveling

Local currency

Visa and MasterCard are now accepted all around the world. Still, it’s a good idea to keep some local cash on hand, just in case. This might be done through airport kiosks, foreign currency counters, and private money exchange companies. Foreign currency cards and traveller’s checks are also available for foreign currency transactions.

Electronic gadgets

Electronic items such as cell phones and laptop computers are also considered necessities these days. However, there is a good chance that your dormitory, residence hall, or apartment outlets will differ from those in your country. As a result, it is recommended that you bring a universal converter from your own country in case you cannot locate one in the other nation. 

The following is a list of necessary electrical gadgets that Indian students travelling overseas to the USA should include in their packing list:

• Cell Phone 
• Laptop 
• Outlet Adaptors 
• USB Cables 
• Phone
• Laptop 
• Other Chargers

Electronic devices for traveling

Applications for Mobile Devices

It is a well-known truth that mobile applications make life easier in the modern day. Although you won’t really “pack” them, they will help you adapt from one nation to another. Maps, translators, cab services, food applications, lodging services, dictionaries for translators to comprehend the local language, and so forth are among the most vital.

Research to find out which applications are popular in the nation you intend to visit. Installing messaging programmes such as Whatsapp, Skype, and others is critical so that you may communicate with your relatives in your home country for free.

Personal Care Products That Are Required

Recognising the significance of personal cleanliness, especially while studying abroad is critical. Many first-time students who have never travelled outside of the nation may be taken aback by western ideals of cleanliness. Furthermore, many brands accessible in India may not be available in the United States, and vice versa. As a result, bringing personal care items that have become a part of your routine when travelling to the United States is usually preferable.

Here is a list of personal care items that all students should bring while travelling to the United States.
Toothpaste comes in a huge tube. Colgate, Close-Up, etc.

• Toothbrushes- 3-4
• Bars of soap- 1-2/3 bottles of shower gel

Again, they are available in the United States. Dove, Palmolive, and Pears are also available in the United States. If you are unfamiliar with any of these brands, you should become acquainted with them. It’s pointless to bring a large number of soap bars from India.

• 1 bottle of shampoo
  Shaving razors (for men) – a pair of disposables
• 1 tiny can of shaving foam (do not purchase cream)
• 1 bottle of cold cream
• 1 bottle Vaseline
• Clean combs – 2-3 comb cleaners/old toothbrushes for cleaning.
• 2 soap cases – 2 bottles of hair oil
• 1 can deodorant
• 2 Earbuds – 1 small box Nail cutter
• 1 bottle of sunscreen
• 2 tubes of lip balm

Study Accessories for Students

Smaller details that we sometimes overlook are significant in any larger process. The same may be true for stationery products purchased while studying in the United States. Do you recall how losing a little marker was never a cause for concern for you in India? That will not work after you arrive in the United States for further education.

Any expenditures incurred from the education loan amount are charged with interest to students who want to study in the United States with the assistance of an education loan.
As a result, bringing the stationery items listed below will benefit you in the long run throughout your studies in the United States.

• Pens – 3-4
• Notebooks – 2-3
• Pencils – 3-4
• Erasers – 3
• Sharpeners – 3
• Key chains – 2
• Staple machine – 1
• Pins – 2 boxes
• Glue sticks – 2
• Markers – 2
• Highlighters – 1
• Small ruler – 1

Lightweight Puffer jacket

Maximizing Space with Smart Packing Techniques

Maximizing space while packing is essential, whether you're going to study abroad. Here are some smart packing techniques using folding, rolling, and packing cubes to help you make the most of your luggage space:

Tips for efficient packing using folding, rolling, and packing cubes

• Minimize Wrinkles: Fold your clothes neatly to reduce wrinkles. Lay them flat and smooth out any wrinkles before folding.
• Space Efficiency: Rolling clothes creates cylindrical shapes that can be packed more tightly than flat-folded items.
• Roll Heavy Items: Roll bulkier items like jeans, sweaters, and jackets to save space and reduce wrinkles.
• Compress Clothes: Packing cubes often come with compression zippers that help squeeze out excess air, reducing the volume of your clothes.
• Layering: Place heavier items at the bottom of your luggage and lighter items on top to distribute weight evenly and prevent delicate items from getting crushed.
• Utilize Shoes: Fill your shoes with socks, underwear, or small accessories to use every available space.

What Food Items Should Indian Students carry to the USA from India?

The following list contains information on the food items to carry to the USA from India. When it comes to Indian cuisine, there is no such thing as a single dish. You may have noticed many students bringing wonderful treats from home when visiting the United States.

The list of ingredients and meals below may be useful for Indian students and working professionals who prefer eating homemade Indian recipes over eating out.
However, remember that US immigration restrictions only allow specific foods on flights. The food products included in the list below that are permitted to be brought into the United States from India must be packaged in the amounts specified.

Indian grocery list checklist:

• Ready-to-eat paste: 5-6 bottles.
• 3-4 kg rice for initial usage
• Maggi: Maggi is a brand solely available in Indian markets. If you are picky about this brand, you should carry at least 10-12 packets. Maggi is only available at Indian grocery stores in the United States. So bring whatever you can.
• Some handmade confections for oneself
• 3-4 bottles of pickles
• Curry powders in general: Chili, Garam Masala, Rasam, Sambar, Asafoetida, and other spices you may need when studying abroad – 0.5–1 kilogramme a piece
• Legumes (whichever you prefer, mainly for lentil-based curries) – each weighing 2 kilogrammes
• 0.5 kilograms each of salt and sugar
• 2-3 packets of papads
• 1 kg tamarind
• 2 bottles of ginger-garlic paste

Plan, Plan and Plan!
Most American airline companies have a standard baggage weight limit of two pieces of luggage weighing no more than 23 kg each. As a result, you must also ensure that you are not carrying excess baggage while completing this baggage requirement. Making a packing list might be a daunting undertaking. Concentrate on why you want to study abroad and plan accordingly. All you have to do is make a detailed list and ensure nothing important is omitted.

Statue of Liberty

Top 5 Things Indian Students should not to carry while travelling to the USA from India

It’s also important to know what to avoid while making a packing list for Indian students travelling abroad to the USA. Here is a list of some of these items:

• Bottled Heavy Liquids- Do not bring large bottles of hand sanitiser, shampoo, or other liquids with you. A small amount will last you a week.
• Culturally Inappropriate Clothing- It is essential to carry clothing appropriate for the country you are migrating to. Remember that you will spend most of your time at university or college. Pack in accordance with your university’s or department’s culture. Some establishments, for example, have strict dress codes but others allow students to dress casually.
• Books- Books add weight and space to your baggage, and you’re unlikely to read them more than once. You may also purchase them in the host country or borrow them from the library. As a result, packing books in your luggage is not advised.
• Food or Snacks- While carrying some snacks for the journey is a good idea, packing for a month or more will only add weight and take up space that might be utilized for something more important. Instead of bringing snacks, consider learning about the host country’s cuisine and immersing yourself in their culture.
• Expensive items- Laptop computers and mobile phones should be included in the packing list for Indian students travelling to the USA. Jewellery and other expensive items should be avoided. During the cruise, these may be broken or stolen.

FAQs

Traveling abroad can be stressful and hectic, especially as a student because you are going to leave your country for at least a year. That's not a short time. For that you will have to pack a lot of things. Here are some frequently asked questions that may be of help.

What things should you not carry while travelling to USA from India?

Because you only have a set weight limit, packing only the necessities and packing light is key. When travelling overseas, be smart and eliminate unneeded devices, bedding goods, inappropriate apparel and footwear, books (choose e-books), and so on.

How many luggage bags can Indian students carry to the USA on overseas flights from India?

Students are permitted to bring 2 to 3 pieces of luggage weighing 23 kgs apiece on overseas flights. Some airlines may provide additional luggage allowance to students flying overseas.

What clothes to pack for university in the USA?

Jeans, trousers, t-shirts, jackets, shirts, and sweatshirts are casual clothing. Even sports gear is acceptable in some situations. Even in informal situations, one is expected to wear nice, clean, and pressed clothes. While attending lectures, it is recommended that you dress comfortably.

Is 23 kg Baggage enough for International students?

Since there are severe restrictions on how much weight a student may carry, choosing the correct luggage is crucial. The typical weight allowance for a student is between 40 and 46 kg, which should be split into two bags weighing 23 kg each.

What is not allowed in airplane luggage?

All knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives) are forbidden, as are firearms, ammo, and pyrotechnics. Straight razors and their replacement blades are also prohibited. The majority of tools also cannot be stowed in carry-on luggage due to their potential for injury.

Conclusion

As a student preparing to travel overseas for further education, knowing what to carry in your suitcase is critical. It is critical for Indian students moving to the USA to plan ahead of time and create a packing list.

If your study duration is very brief, you may need to pack less carefully. Suppose you are preparing for a longer trip. In that case, you must be careful and diligent in packing.

For any queries related to wearing thermals, base layers, or winter wear in general, visit Kosha’s store and get a free consultation! While you’re at it, check out Kosha’s website for the wide range of thermals and jackets available at Kosha.