Before you go

• Please keep a copy of the all the documents like passport, I-20, airline tickets etc in addition to the original documents. Also leave 1 copy of all the documents at home with the parents
• Carry your credit card with you
• Take the clothes with you warm or cotton depending upon area which you are going
• You can check apartment surrounding with your university on rent
• First sem. fess should be carried with you
• Leave a copy of the contact phone numbers & address of the university at home
• Avoid carrying expensive jewellery & other unnecessary valuables
• Please carry the necessary different amounts of Travelers Cheques in the currency of the country that you are traveling. Also carry a small amount of foreign currency
• Learn cooking from India, as Indian food is not available at most of the places out there
• Buy all your necessary books from India as it is will be available at a cheaper rates here than in US. Check up with your college departments for the list of books / authors required for your course. You can purchase them from the Sterling Book Depot
• Make your International Driving License if needed from here, as it is much easier to get that license from India compared to US. Check it up with your local Motor School or RTO office. They will issue it on the basis of the international passport / visa. Even if you are not planning to drive, bring your driver’s license with photo for identification
• A card which includes your blood group, allergies, special medical conditions if any along with the names & numbers of doctor & person to contact in case of emergency. Also carry your medical insurance card
• Carry an extra supply of prescription medicines, extra eyeglasses and a list of any other prescription medicines you may require.
• Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside each piece of your luggage in the appropriate place where it will be seen & at the same time not get torn in transit

At the Airport

• Never leave your luggage, briefcase or other items unattended. When you set them down, place them between your feet or against your leg, even at airline hospitality lounges
• Always remember & count the total number of baggage each time they are handled. Watch your carry on items closely when they go through security. Thieves are known to take items off the end of the unit while you are held up in the screening process first and then send the carry on items through the x-ray
• While exchanging currency, don’t let others see how much currency you are carrying
• Be careful of imposters who will try a pose as someone & try to cheat you. Make sure that porters are properly uniformed or identified.
• Use only authorized taxis & buses. Avoid taxis that pick up additional passengers on the way. Make sure that all your baggage is placed inside the taxi trunk and the lid is closed before entering the taxi. Do not accept an offer to share a taxi to your hotel unless you know the individual.

Once you reach there

• Pay attention to your surroundings and the people around you. Try and get familiar to it.
• Keep your passport, visas, airline tickets, cash & Travelers Cheques & other valuables safely.
• Avoid wearing too flashy, distractive or attention catching clothes or jewellery. Dress casually.
• Carry only the amount of cash or Travelers Cheques you will need during the trip away from your home.
• Men should carry their wallets in their front pockets. Women should carry their purses close to their body with the latch facing inside. If possible carry money in a separate small wallet in your in your pocket.
• Carry a small amount of cash separate from the rest of your money in case of small purchases so you don’t have remove your purse every now & then carrying all your money.
• If you must use an ATM, don’t withdraw a large amount of money at one time. Never leave your receipt behind.
• Avoid being a partner in any unknown fight or disputes.
• Walk in the middle of the sidewalk; too close to the building leaves you vulnerable to a thief lurking in a doorway; too close to the street leaves you open to thieves on motorbikes known to grab purses as they ride past.
• Travel with a detailed map & prominently mark the embassy& police station & other important places.
• Familiarize yourself with the directions & rules & regulations before you leave your place of study.
• Carry your address with you. It comes handy when communicating with the local taxi drivers.
• Avoid very late evenings or night walks or traveling alone.
• Go through the following information, you make require at a later stage