List of Things to Pack for U.S.
Suitcase [2 x 23 Kgs + 8 Kgs]

by HSB on June 29, 2008

in Travel

I have created list of items to carry for students who are traveling for first time. I did search for list of items to carry form different Indian Students Association’s website, but its not updated to clearly say what things to buy in U.S. and in India.

If you have specific questions about items not listed here, write a comment to this article, I will update the list. I would appreciate if you can ask you friends who are preparing for the trip to U.S. to look at this list. Also, I would like to hear your feedback on this list( Pen down few lines in comments )

I will be updating this list frequently for next few days. Its not complete yet, but it will give you an idea of what to buy and what not to buy when coming here for First time.

US Travel – List of Items to Pack

Dress/Clothes
Jeans3-4India
T-Shirts10+India
Shirt – Casual3-4India
Shirt – Formal2India
Suit/Coat1IndiaCoat and Suit are expensive in U.S. compared to India
Shorts/ 3/4ths5+India
Pants2-3IndiaI don’t like to wear pantsJ. I will go with Jeans
Belts2IndiaLeather is expensive in U.S.
Formal Shoe1 PairIndia
Winter WearU.S.Don’t buy lots of sweater, wind fleece, wind cheater,. Other winter wear from India. It’s better to get it from here.
Leather JacketI usually don’t recommend anyone to buy leather jacket. Its expensive here, but you can find good winter jacket depending on where you live from $15 to $200.
Sports Shoes1 PairU.S.Nike, Adidas, .. are cheap here
Sandals1 PairIndiaIts cheap here, but you will need it when you reach here.
Wallet1IndiaGet new one before you come
Personal Care
HangersNoU.S. Don’t water your suitcase weight carrying hangers. You will get 13 Hangers for $1 form Walmart
ToothBrush2India
Shaving Kit1IndiaBring what you are using now
After Shave1IndiaBring what you are using now.
Soap1U.S.One soap to use first few days
Wash DetergentU.S.Please don’t carry detergents from India. You are wasting your space/weight.
Combs1 or 2India
Hair Oil50 to 200mlIndiaPack it well, so it doesn’t leak.
Nail cutter1India
Small scissors1India
Safety pin bunch. Mini-sewing kit with some buttonsNoEvery List you see will ask you to get these items, I have never used it nor my friends in last 5 years. So, don’t get it.
ShampooNoGet it here.
Towels2-3IndiaTurkey Towels will be heavy, so get 1 of that and 2 towels light in weight.
Napkin/Hand Kerchiefs6-10India
Perfume1-2IndiaYou can get it here, but try to avoid spending for first 3-6 months. You will get same Axe that you get in India.
Tooth Paste1IndiaGet small one, it will save you weight and you can get it here. Same Colgate, Close-up is available, but it will taste different.
MirrorYesIndiaYou can carry small mirror
Razor BladesFewIndiaIts bit expensive here.
Blanket1-2IndiaGet weightless bed spread. You can get Comforter (think blankets) here in U.S. Its will cost around $15 in Walmart.
PillowU.S.Pillow costs $3 in Walmart
Songs CDNoYou can download it here, don’t waster you weight.
Back PackYesIndiaGet a get back pack that is definitely needed to cry book to college. Don’t forget to get one.
Alarm ClockYes/NoIf you are bringing your cell phone, you will not need one.
Cell PhoneYesYou can bring the handset you have, but make you get the pin converter. Usually, chargers will support 110 to 240v, so no need to buy new charger.
Pen, Pencil, Glue, Cello Tape..FewGet some pen, pencil, highlighter, but you can find them in plenty here.
CalculatorI got one, but never used it. Depending on your course of study, decide. If you coming for Computer Science, Biotechnology , its of no need.
Kitchen/Cooking
Pressure Cooker1( 3 Liters to 7 liters)IndiaDon’t forget to bring pressure cooker, also get extra weight, valve.
Indian Masala/SpicesIndiaTry to get as much as possible. Masala items are expensive for student’s lifestyle.
Rice, Dhal, ..U.S.Don’t carry any rice or other dhal items. It’s available here in Indian store.
Frying Pans..You can get one ore 2 pans that are light in weight.
Serrated Knife2One small and one large.
Spoon, ForkU.S.Spoons, forks are cheap
Vegetable Cutting BoardU.S.Its additional weight.
Cups and BowlsU.S.Get one or 2 small bowls, but not many.
Plates.U.S.Plates will be used in Microwave. You can bring 1 plate, but don’t bring more than one.
Peeler1India
Instant Food PacketsFewIndiaCarry few packets of Instant food items, that will come in handy for first few days, till you get settled in the apartment.
Elachi, Clove, Cinnamon, FewIndia
Garam Masala200gm or moreIndia
Chilli Powder1-2 kgsIndia
Medical Files/Medicines
Paracetamol, Crocin20 to 30 Tablets
Spectacles/ Power Glass/ Contact Lens2 PairsIndiaEye Glasses are very very expensive here. With Eye Insurance I paid $225 for one eye glass here last month. Same would have cost Rs4,000 in India. So, if you wearing glasses make sure you get atleast 2 additional pair.

Please don’t not bring the following items. You are wasting your luggage space.

  • Tamarind Paste
  • Glass (Mirror)
  • Dal and Flour’s
  • Pencil Box
  • Ink Pen
  • Heavy Winter Jackets
  • Plain Rice

Travel Related Articles

Related posts:

  1. Students to U.S. : List of Items to Pack
  2. How to Pack Suitcase for U.S. Travel
  3. Suitcase Buying Guide for trip to U.S.A
  4. List of Items to Pack to U.S. Travel [Exclusive for Women]
  5. 32 Kgs in Cathy Pacific, Singapore airlines
  6. How to Pack Cabin Baggage

{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Nabeel August 19, 2010 at 5:53 AM

Nice article.
Well, I know that this blog is dedicated for students goin to the West but I would appreciate if the same article is re posted for students going to UK.
Thank you

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2 Dharmendra July 4, 2010 at 12:35 PM

Please add umbrella as well , its costly here.

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3 Ankit July 16, 2010 at 11:02 PM

Agree :)

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4 Rajiv Dutta July 2, 2010 at 4:17 PM

I hv a laptop to carry. Is it counted in the carry in luggage in Air India? Obviously it will effect the price limit for the items to carry.Is it better to buy one in US? Are there any restrictions on the data in the laptop?

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5 HSB July 2, 2010 at 10:49 PM

Laptop bag will be counted as personal item in addition to 1 allowed carry on bag.

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6 bhavani ravindran June 30, 2010 at 7:50 AM

hi
it is very nice and will help all..thanks..

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7 Krishnendra May 17, 2010 at 11:12 AM

Hi,

Good work man. This post will be of great help for prospective students especially those like me who would want to prepared in every way right from the beginning.

Cheers

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8 Ankit May 16, 2010 at 10:00 PM

Hi,

Thank you for wonderful information. I’m traveling on B1 Visa and want to know lots of thing but don’t know to whom 2 ask i got my all answer here.

But i feel one thing is missing Declaration part, I heard when you are going from india they give you one declaration form which content what are the things you are caring with you and value of goods. If you can share that details then it will be gr8.

Thank you so much for the info.

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9 nishant February 20, 2010 at 12:49 AM

gr8 post dude
it will surely help me

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10 Kaustubha Raut January 7, 2010 at 11:39 PM

Nice Post. All credits to the author.
I’d like to add that phone connections usually come with a free handset (basic models) and if you want a better phone its around $100 extra. So donn’t buy a phone just before coming here. Its a waste.

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11 Mohan September 11, 2009 at 7:58 AM

Hi,
it gives me fine idea to gather things and for the preparation. Thank you so much buddy. what about the inner wears. is that costlier there. pls suggest

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12 HSB September 11, 2009 at 8:35 AM

Buy underclothing that will last for 15 to 20 days, before you can do laundry. Your must not try to spend money within first 3 months on clothes (other than winter wear) when you reach US.

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13 TEJAS September 7, 2009 at 1:49 PM

thanx..!!
its really good info. for students…
can u help me in getting the same list for UK…?

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14 swati August 7, 2009 at 8:33 AM

Hey.., wonderful forum for clearing d minute details dat many ppl usually leave out. Thnx a lot..!!

and btw, i’am flying by jet airways nd they hav an option for an extra baggage, ie, 23*3. I’am not sure if this includes the carry on baggage weight too! if u have any info bout dis, pls let me know.
once again, wonderful job!!!

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15 KUNAL July 5, 2009 at 5:35 AM

WONDERFUL JOB MAN. AMAZING… DONT HAVE WORDS TO EXPLAIN IT. JUST WOW.

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16 HSB July 6, 2009 at 12:13 AM

Glad you liked the article.

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17 Sumida May 20, 2009 at 1:12 PM

Toothbrushes large pack is a good idea. I use a specific type which I wasn’t able to get here.

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18 harish January 1, 2009 at 10:13 AM

really awesome dude…. very useful 4 1st timers….

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19 viswanath December 25, 2008 at 6:12 AM

it was really helpful….u really gave a good n clear info regardin about the baggage…..thnx a lot….

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20 satish December 6, 2008 at 11:50 PM

i think the info u have given is very useful to the us aspirants . and i’m appreciating you for your important &useful info.

thanking you for helping the students like me……

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21 Prashant Sarna September 9, 2008 at 2:04 PM

Lots of important and useful information…..a very good checklist….must for every student coming to U.S.

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22 Maitrik August 12, 2008 at 1:08 AM

Hi,
Very nice information and check list given..Thanks.
Regards,
Maitrik Gandhi.
http://www.maitrikgandhi.co.cc

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23 Darpan Garg July 24, 2008 at 11:29 PM

Hi,

is there any limit to how much liquid I can carry in check-in luggage.actually I need to carry 1 liquid medicine for complete 1 year.

also I have to carry tablets for complete 1 year . Shall the security object if I am carrying with me so much medicines . Is a doctor prescription needed and if yes , then will it suffice ?

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24 Darpan Garg July 24, 2008 at 11:29 PM

Hi,

is there any limit to how much liquid I can carry in check-in luggage.actually I need to carry 1 liquid medicine for complete 1 year .

also I have to carry tablets for complete 1 year . Shall the security object if I am carrying with me so much medicines . Is a doctor prescription needed and if yes , then will it suffice ?

Reply

25 shanky July 14, 2008 at 3:55 AM

Only 1 word dude u really rockkkkkk…..this info is really very much usefull for each and every 1 who is plannin for masters in any foreign Country…thanks a lotttt ( 1 small compliment kaka nuvvu kekaaaa kevvvvvv)

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26 Roopa July 13, 2008 at 7:01 AM

its a gr8 work……..it is so useful for ppl who r going to US for the first time……plss tell me abt money transfer and u didnt specify abt creams for skin protection…

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27 Aditya July 11, 2008 at 5:34 AM

gr8 wrk has been posted out here……….thnx a lot…..kp up dis gd wrk ….!!!!!!!!

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28 priya July 9, 2008 at 8:55 AM

Hi,
Very useful list yar.do update more.
will forward to my friends also.
can u also post abt the way of transfering money to US account from India,n which bank charges less n things.

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29 Raghuram July 8, 2008 at 8:13 AM

@ Vijay General rule for Carry On bag is that it must fit within the top airline shelf. I have seen so many types of Carry on Baggage. Get the suitcase type with stroller. It will be easy to move around with tat. Carrying 8 Kgs within airport will be very tough. As far check in bag size is concerned, I haven’t seen any airline measuring the exact size. I have traveled 3 times in Lufthansa, Couple of times in Delta and also in Cathy Pacific. My brother have traveled in Emirates and Jet Airways. He came back from India in June 1week and Lufthansa allowed to carry 32 Kgs with no additional charge. It all depends on the person at the counter helping you check-in. If you happen to know any one whoring in airport, it might help too.

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30 Kannan July 8, 2008 at 6:25 AM

Kudos dude .. I find this website extremely useful ..

@ Vijay: Dimensions are extremely important for hand luggage ( But i m not sure abt the measurements . A rough calculation is, it must go under your flight seat also). For check-in luggage, most airlines adhere to weight ( 23*23*8) whereas certain airlines like lufthansa check dimensions of your suitcase rather than weight . Anyhow chk with your travel agent for more specific details. If that travel agent has influence and if you inform him a week prior your travel, then he can also get special permission for you to carry above 23 kgs/luggage

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31 Raghuram July 7, 2008 at 5:05 AM

@ Kilaru: Pressure Cooke – Must; electric Cooker is not a substitute for pressure cooker. If you have space carry Jeans overcoat.

@Avinash: Yes, you can carry sharp items, but not in Carry On Bag. It should be in checked luggage. Make sure you leave your suitcase unlocked or use TSA Locks.

@Vijay: Dimension dosen’t really matter. Don’t for the largest suitcase. Get the medium sized suitcase.

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32 Harish C S February 20, 2010 at 11:12 AM

Why do u say pressure cooker is a must? Then we should have cooking stove also isint it?

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33 HSB February 20, 2010 at 11:26 AM

Why do you need a cooking stove? Apartments comes with cooktop ( electric or gas). You will be going to developed country :)

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34 akshay August 9, 2010 at 7:51 AM

hey dude.. its not “You will be going to developed country”. Its “You will be going to a developed country such as america”. Need to improve on ur eng first. loser!1

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35 kilaru July 6, 2008 at 10:49 AM

what about the jeans overcoat….is it necessary???

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36 kilaru July 6, 2008 at 10:38 AM

hey its good seeing all the items that r required for a US gng student…….as im one of them…..so, is the cooker necessary???can we have a electric rice cooker in US….as the electronic items r cheap…..is it true??and can we get it there??plz suggest me…..

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37 ankit July 5, 2008 at 4:07 AM

xtremely useful 4 first-timers.. gud job mate :)

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38 Avinash July 3, 2008 at 10:23 PM

Sir, Will the airport authorities allow to carry sharp items like Knifes, scissors, nail cutters, shaving blades etc.

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39 Anup July 3, 2008 at 2:13 AM

Its very nice to know that people like you do such things and show great altruism.

Thanks,
Anup

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40 ashwini jain July 2, 2008 at 4:00 AM

Dear Sir,
my daughter who wishes to attend BBA course in some good USA university has unfortunately scored only 1670 in both the attempts she made. What do you suggest . She informs me that she is allowed only one attempt more and is afraid to take one more attempt without being sure. is she correct. We are in Delhi.And she is now studing in 12th standard and shall be applying for BBA course starting August 2009.
Regards
AK JAIN

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41 Bivek July 6, 2010 at 12:58 AM

Are you talking about SAT I? she’s allowed to take SAT as many times as she want. and 1670 is not that bad untill she gets 500+in CR and 600+ in Maths. so better know about her score and let she be proactive. explain her about this Blog and let she gather information for herself. To inform you I have also received the same score around 1670 in SAT but yet received FULL Scholarship. But its true that I struggled pretty hard to search the university. So explain her that hard work at any stage and any thing pays off in great manner.

so let her to take the initiation and support her at back,.

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42 vijay July 2, 2008 at 2:43 AM

Hey,
u didn’t mention about the dimensions of the baggage.
Does it matter alot?

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43 Deepan June 30, 2008 at 9:39 PM

its really much needed info for students going to US for first time. thanks a lot !!! keep posting your further experiences !!

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