Are you prepping for your big move to America?

I know that you have a long list of things that need to happen between now and your departure date. Most students tend to overpack and waste a lot of suitcase space with things that they don’t really need or can easily get in America.

Here are 8 things you should pack before leaving home! (And a few things that you should leave behind)

👔 Clothes for All 4 Seasons: The weather in the US can be unpredictable and varies depending on where you are. Summers can get pretty hot and winters can be quite chilly. Having the right clothing will keep you comfy and ready to face whatever mother nature throws your way. Be sure to pack some formal attire for interviews, presentations, and networking events. And don’t forget those special outfits to celebrate festivals!

💊 Medicine and Prescriptions: Not only should you bring the necessary meds, but having a complete medical record that includes any allergies or chronic conditions will be helpful for healthcare providers in the US. Having these on hand will ensure you stay healthy and happy during your stay. Plus, it makes it a breeze to get refills if you need them. Having your medical history with you means you’ll have the right support if you face any health issues while you’re far away from home.

🎁 Momentos to Remember Home: Consider packing a few of your favorite things like a book, a memento, or anything that reminds you of the good times back in India. It’ll be a real comfort when you’re feeling a bit homesick. Photos of your family and friends or those little keepsakes will remind you of the incredible support system you have cheering you on.

📂 Documents for College and Immigration: Vital documents related to your college admission and immigration status are crucial for your studies and stay in the US. Having both original and copies of these documents can help in various situations, such as applying for part-time jobs, opening a bank account, or dealing with any official requirements. Make copies of the most important documents and place them in different bags so that you always have them on hand.

🍿 Snacks for the First Few Days: Once you arrive, it may take a few days to get settled and figure out where the location of the nearest store. It would be a good idea to pack a handful of your favorite snacks for convenience. These will help to provide a taste of home until you become familiar with local food options.

🌶️ Spices for Cooking: Most American foods lack the level of masala that you are used to. While you can find Indian spices at an American grocery store, many of them can be expensive and hard to find. Throw in a handful of your favorite spices to cook meals with flavors that you love. This will save you from the initial challenge of finding a specific store that carries the spices you’re looking for.

🍳 Kitchen Supplies for Cooking: In addition to spices, consider bringing any specific kitchen utensils or tools that are commonly used in your cooking. These familiar items will make it easier to prepare your favorite dishes.

🔌 Chargers and Power Adapters: The electrical systems in India and the US are different, so you’ll need to adapt your electronic devices accordingly. Carrying chargers and power adapters ensures that your electronic devices remain operational in the US. The difference in electrical systems between India and the US means you’ll need the appropriate adapters to charge your devices and use them without any hassle.

If you’re looking for even more guidance with packing for America, check out this packing guide from my friend Simi. Simi shares all the basic essentials you need to pack in your luggage for studying abroad. You won’t want to forget to bring these things in your suitcase!

Along with the list of things that you need to bring, many students waste a lot of space with things they don’t need. Leave these things at home…

❌ Wet food, seeds, fruits & veggies: These don’t travel well and you can easily get these once you arrive. All food needs to be packaged, dry foods.

❌ Pressure cooker: Coordinate with your roommates so you don’t end up having 4 pressure cookers in one apartment.

❌ Wait to buy new electronics: Laptops, phones, and household appliances are much cheaper in America and available everywhere in America.

You are about to step out of your comfort zone and embark on a new journey. We’ve put together a list of videos that you’ll find helpful for packing, finding roommates, and setting up your apartment once you arrive.

👉 Packing & Luggage Advice For International Students​

👉 Expert Packing Tips For Study Abroad​

👉 How To Find, Select & Book Your Housing In America​

👉 How to Find International Student Roommates In America​

I can't wait to see you here in America. If you ever need any help in your journey, the Chai and Coaching network is here for you!

Cheers ☕