Hello fellow It-ians..... Things to do after a schol.... Verrry veryyyyyyyyyyyy useful .. Things to do after getting an aid: > ----------------------------------- > *) Send acceptance by four modes: FAX, phone(optional), letter and email. > Dump the job if you have one.. > 1) Collect "No Dues" from: > a) Hostel > b) Department > c) Central Library > 2) Apply for complete transcript > 3) Inform all concerned of your permanent address > 4) Close your bank account > 5) return all borrowed material and take back all things that you lent out. > 6) Get your International diver's permit (if possible) > > Following materials must be presented to the consular office by you at > the time you apply for VISA: > 1) Form I-20 or IAP-66(Obtained directly from the university you will attend) > 2)VISA application from(available at the consulates) > 3) Two passport size photographs (preferably take them at the My eye's > photo studio near the consulte) > 3) A valid passport > 4) Evidence of financial support. If you have aid from the university, just > keep a proof of amount which you will need to fly and initial settlements. > 5) GRE and TOEFL score originals, degree certificates, all gradecards and > other academic records from your undergraduate education as well as state > board examination certificates. DO NOT CARRY ANY BAG OTHER THAN THE FILE > OR FOLDER OF DOCUMENTS. UNLESS SOMEONE TAKES CARE OF THE BAG, YOU WILL > NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE CONSULATE. > 6)If the token system is going on, make sure that you have a token of a > sufficiently advance date. You will have to go many days in advance to > get the token if it is a peak season. > 7) Make sure you carry the VISA fee amount. > > *Book the ticket first with some reliable travel agent (like Thomas > Cook). This is not a financial commitment. > *Much before the flight, call the airlines themselves and confirm the ticket. > *Indicate whether you wnat ASIAN VEGETARIAN MEAL (AVM), nonsmoking > section etc. > *Crosscheck everything what the travel agent says > *Some airlines have frequent flier programs (Delta has one. Lufthansa > also I know to have one). After a certain # of miles of flying with that > airline you get a free ticket). Enroll in such programs. > *Avoid change of airlines. Direct line is the best. > *If you are flying by an Indian airline, at least keep a day extra. > > Some "valid" reasons why you will come back to India (for VISA interview): > 1)Only child > 2)immovable property in India (can take a proof) > 3)orthodox family > 4)brought up in rural atmosphere > 5)lots of relatives in India, none in US > 6)Mom-daad wont come to US > 7)Field of interest not available in India > 8)Change of field not possible in India > 9)Intersted in teaching-get Ph.D. fast > > Learn typing > Learn driving > Learn cooking > > Apply for bank loan (if necessary). There are some trusts giving loan > scholarships. That information will be passed out later. > Get medical check-up once. > Make outstation purchases (sweater, thermal underwear, cassettes etc. > available cheap in Bomaby) > Get medical check-up done > Dental checkup and any repair if necessary has to be done there. In US it > is very costly. > Common medicines are listed later. > Get your eyesight checked. buy extra pair of glasses. > Get TB test done. > Get requisite immunization (especially MMR) > Arrange for being picked up at the airport. > You can contact the travel agent for luggage size and weight specifications. > > Things to be kept in boxes: > --------------------------- > o Copy of all certificates/documents (originals in the handbag and NOT in > the luggage which is taken care of by the airline) > o Important apping materials (SOP, reco etc.) > o Necessary books/notebooks > o Address book, telephone diary etc. > o Some stationery and related items (for first few weeks) > o Indian postal stamps for sending letters through someone coming to India > o Medical history files > o Gifts if any > o Nontechnical books (Religious, fiction, Nostrademous if you want(!)) > o Hawai chappals, shoes. (You get very good chappals here) > o Soap, toothbrushes for first few weeks > o cassettes > > Clothes > ------- > > Clothes are machine washed once a week. Hence one weeek's supply of > clothes (+one week backup). Get all clothes little loose. They might > shrink during wash and you might grow fatter > > o About a dozen undergarments, handkerchiefs > o 5-6 good shirts, pants > o A good swimming trunk > o 3-4 ties, 1-2 belts > o 3-4 ordinary towels > o 2-3 bedsheets > o lungies, dhotis, pijama > o Extra woolen sweaters, coat > o Alarm clock > o Don't take Indian files. Filing system is different in US (3 holes) > o Many of the above listed goods are reasonably cheap in US. So, if you > can't get some of these, don't worry. > > Food-stuff > ---------- > > South Indian: > > o 1-2.5 kg packets of "sambar podi" > o 1 packet of "Rasam podi" > o 0.5 box of "Masala podi" > o 1 box of "Paruppu podi","upama podi","Vatha-kozambu podi","tamarind > rice podi" > o Appalam/Vadam/pickles > o mustard packet > o tamarind paste > o different dals in small quantity for initial phase > o asafoetida powder > o Elaichi, clove, cinnamon > Many of these items are available in Indian stores or Indian > sections of big stores. You need to carry them for first few days. > o take all dry foodstuff in plastic packets > Don't become loaded with foodstuff > > Vessels > ------- > > o Big pressure pan with spare handle, 3 safety valves, 2 weights, 1 > base plate, 3 gaskets etc. > o idli plates > o dosai turner,server with holes (chrani), rice server and other > servers > o tongs > o small bowls ("kinnum") > o rolling pin > o knife > o Kadhai > o Cook-books > (You can get recipes on the web) > o Nonstick cookware is cheap in US > > Things to be kept in hand-luggage > --------------------------------- > > o some medicines (including for air sickness) > o novel/mags/books for inflight reading > o sweater > o Original important documents (I-20, VISA, tickets...) > o Enough money (little cash, travellers' checks) > o Address book/phone book (Indian and US) > o Copies of your photo (passport size) > o Things to survive for a week in case luggage gets misplaced (two sets > of clothes, valuables like calci, addresses etc.) > > Things to be kept on person > --------------------------- > > o Shorter extract of contact addresses-especially of people coming to > pick you up > o Receipt of travellers' cheques in case you lose them > > Things to be left at home > ------------------------- > > o List of addresses/phone numbers at which info. about you can be obtained > o One copy of all your important documents > o A copy of all relevant parts of medical history files > o Arrange to redirect your mails from hostel > o Arrange to get extra copies of your grade transcripts > o Your tailoring measurements > o A few blank signed papers-so that your parents can be authorized to > look after anything on your behalf > > Things to be done in the last week before flight > ------------------------------------------------ > > o Call up the airline to confirm the ticket and date (inform people > coming to pick you up if there is any change) > o Rest well- ready to face long journey > o Bid bye to all concerned > > On the day of the flight and later > ---------------------------------- > > o Wear something comfortable. Wear your shoes in flight > o Be at the airport 3-4 hours before the flight > o Collect some foreign exchange at the airport > o Relax during flight. Sleep as much as possible > o Vegetarians have to be careful. Don't hesitate to ask questions. You > get very good fruit juices > > > > > -- \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ ___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___ FROM THE CONSOLE OF A CONFUSED SOUL ... ---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___--- \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ > Hello my fellow ITians... I think you are alll set to slog it out in the Land of MIlk and Honey.. Heres a list of a things to take to the USA.... > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > ---- > Here is a list of suggested belongings a student travelling to the United > States should carry. We could have left out some things or included some > things that are not absolutely necessary. However, we feel that it is quite > comprehensive and would be of help. > > Full sleeve shirts Not too much in vogue except in formal occasions > T-shirts and shorts Very common during spring and summer > 1/2 sleeved shirts Get 4-5 cotton shirts for casual wear > 2 sweaters One full and one half, do not buy a winter jacket or > overcoat > Track-suit If you are the sports--enthusiast kind > Suit and ties Good to have one, esp for formal occasions and > interviews > 2-3 jeans Most common wear > 2-3 formal trousers You might need them once in a while > 2-3 belts One formal leather belt and the others as you please > Blanket Not necessary, could buy it here > Kurta--Pajamas If you have fancy for one, don't forget extra then! > 10-15 pairs of If you happen to wash your laundry once in a couple > undergarments of weeks > 1-2 turkish towels and two napkins > 2 thin single bed-sheets > 6 pairs of socks > > Chappals The Bata kind > Slippers Two pairs, you may not get the India type slippers > here. > Shoes Get good leather shoes. The variety of sneakers here > is incredible and their prices are affordable too. > > Get your toothbrush and toothpastes, soap, combs and hair--oil,shaving blades, > a small mirror, a nailcutter, a pair small of scissors, a safety pin bunch > and a couple of needles, thread and a few buttons. > > You could get vicks, iodex,vitamin tablets, Crocin, Disprin, Nebasulf powder, > Crepe bandage (1" and 2" size), band-aid assorted box. > > 2-3 vessels that fit into each other and that preferrably have handles. > 1 pressure pan or pressure cooker. Buy one which could be used to cook for > 3-4 people, because you might live with 3-4 roommates. > One small frying pan -- say for making an omelet. > Utensil holders (tongs) > Plates (2-3 plates, preferably melamine, since they can be used in a > microwave oven) > 2-3 plastic bowls (katories) > 6 spoons and a couple of steel glasses > Ladles and rice--spoons > Cutting board (wooden or hard plastic) > 1-2 Knives > > Get tea/coffee if you are a regular drinker. > Get a couple of packets each of turmeric, red chilly powder, garam masala, > dhania powder, and any other masalas you need. > You could also get your favourite pickle bottles (preferrably get sealed > ones). > Everything is available at reasonable rates so just get enough for a couple of > weeks. > > Get whatever textbooks you can (even for future courses you plan to take). > Get in touch with people in your department and ask what books you will be > using. Apart from those you could get along your calculator,all you > fundamental course texts and notes, standard mathematical table and > formulae handbook > > You could get : > Two large size suitcases (do not go for the very costly ones,Rs. 1200-1400 > OK) (in fact you can replace one of thesewith a soft one which will be > lighter and more convenient ), one handbag to carry in-flight stuff with > you (buy a good quality, spacious one because you might have to use it for > carrying clothes in your travel here) and one back-pack (get a good one, > you'll use it almost all the time here) > > Get a driving license AND an IDP (International Driving Permit) Get around > \$1000 if you get paid within one month of arriving and at least \$1500 if > you get paid after a month and a half of arrival. It is a good idea to > carry around \$50 in dollar bills (one, five and ten). You will have > several deposits to pay in the first month of stay for like apartment, > telephone. Also, the University charges a mandatory fee of around \$200 > per semester for usage of various facilities. > > Get your application material if you wish to reactivate your applications > at a better place for the following quarter/year Get a set of transcripts > in case you apply all over again for a PhD. > Degree Certificate (laminate it in thin plastic if possible ) > Get 2-3 passport-size snaps > Get an address/phone diary. > Have a set of copies of visa, passport and I-20 in each piece of luggage. > Carry Rs. 300-500 for airport tax. > If you are getting a camera you could have it endorsed on your passport. > Get all your cassettes / CDs / walkman, etc. > Get a good leather wallet. > Carry medical prescription for all medicines you bring. > If you have glasses, get a thorough eye-check-up and get 2 extra pairs of > glasses > > KEEP PASSPORT, VISA AND I-20 AND OTHER ADMISSION DOCUMENTS IN THE HANDBAG > THAT YOU'LL CARRY ON YOUR SHOULDERS ALL THE TIME. > CONFIRM YOUR TICKET A COUPLE OF DAYS PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT DIRECTLY THROUGH > THE AIRLINES YOU ARE FLYING NO MATTER HOW REPUTED YOUR TRAVEL AGENT IS. > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > ---- > > -- \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ ___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___ FROM THE CONSOLE OF A CONFUSED SOUL ... ---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___---___--- \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ gents. Make sure the Travel > >Agent is good (examples of dependable travel agents are - Travel > >Corporation of India (TCI), Parrys Travels). > >//92 - All India Travel Agency (AITA) - Parsn Complex > > > >Block flights with many airlines/agencies. Put pressure on the agencies and > >get as much info as possible. Much before the flight call the airlines > >themselves and confirm your ticket. > > > >// 92 - Indicate whether you want Asian Vegetarian Meal (AVM), > >non-smoking section, etc > >o Cross-check everything the travel agent says > >o Some airlines offer Frequent Flier programs (e.g. Air France, TWA) [i.e. > >after a certain # of miles of flying with that airline you get a free > >ticket]. Enroll in such programs. > > > >// 92 - Delta, British Airways ? > >o Avoid change of airline. A direct flight is the best. If change > >of airline can't be avoided, leave at least 4-6 hrs gap between the > >scheduled arrival of one flight and the scheduled departure of the > >connecting flight. > >o Baggage is usually safe with a single airline - change of > >airline sometimes leads to misplaced luggage. Some airlines don't take > >care of baggage transfer - you may have to personally carry it (check > >this while booking) > >o Do not trust an Indian Airlines connecting flight (in case you > >use IA allow atleast a day) > > > >Getting the Visa : > > ----------------- > > > >For students with full financial aid this is no problem at all. > >Even then these tips will make it all the more peaceful. > >o When you go for the visa dress decently. Avoid any Americanisms. > >A touch of Indianism helps a lot (e.g. a streak of "Vibuthi" on the > >forehead). Speak slowly and clearly. Don't appear tense and don't look > >desperate. Showing self-confidence helps. > >o Go along with a friend having a vehicle (just in case you have > >to go & get something) > >o They should never feel that you will have any sort of difficulty > >language, finance, racial, religious, etc. > > > >o You should be able to convince them that you will come back to > >India. If they ask you, points in favor are : a) only child, > >b) immovable property in India (can take a proof document), > >c) orthodox family, d) brought up in rural atmosphere, e) lots of > >relatives in India; none abroad, f) mom, dad won't come to USA, g) > >field of interest not available in India, h) change of field not possible > >in India, i) interest in teaching - get PhD fast. > > > >Actually all this won't be required - just in case they decide to have > >an interview with you these tips will come in handy. > > > >o Suggested ideal timings for getting the visa : > >to apply - 9:45 to 10:00 A.M. > >to collect - 4:45 to 5:00 P.M. > > > >o Do not go at 5:00 A.M. in the morning & wait > >o Avoid Mondays and Fridays, Wednesdays are preferable > >o Go sometime before and get the form for this (you can take the > >filled form) > >o Things to be taken with you when you go for the visa > >a) signed I-20 form > >b) filled visa application form > >c) two passport size photos (take some glue) > >d) passport > >e) admission & aid letters > >f) TOEFL & GRE scores (original + photocopy) > >g) Xerox copy of grade cards > > > >Emigration Clearance > > -------------------- > > > >o Get this after the visa > >o You can get this from a venue other than the place of issue of > >the passport - by showing that your place of residence falls in the > >jurisdiction of that passport office (It might take some time, and > >pain) > >// 92 - Anything to do with the Passport Office can & usually > >will involve a LOT of time & pain > >o In Madras, the passport office is located on the II Floor, > >Shastri Bhavan, Haddows Rd > >o Take the following things with you - > >a) Passport > >b) ECNR (Emigration Clearance Not Required) form - get it from your > >travel agent, avoid queue at passport office > >c) Original of the Provisional Certificate (PC) - to show > >d) Xerox copy of the PC > > > >o Procedure in brief : > >At one counter show the filled form & get a slip; go inside and show > >your documents at the checking counter; pay Rs.20 at the cash counter; > >collect passport next day with ECNR stamp. > >o Suggested timings : > >I day 11:00 to 11:15 A.M. (submit) > >II day 4:50 to 5:00 P.M. (collect) > >Getting permit for $750 > > ----------------------- > > > >This can be got from any bank authorised to do so (need not go to RBI > >for this). You can get this within a month of the date of the flight. > >The following documents have to be taken along to get the permit : > >Passport + copy, air ticket, I-20 stident copy + copy, grade cards + > >copies, PC + copy, XII std pass/mark sheet + copy, aid & admission > >letters + copies, bank advance/ any other form of payment. > >You may take part of the $750 in currency notes - upto $50 is okay > >(legally upto $100 allowed) > > > > > >Things to be done in advance > > ---------------------------- > > > >Certain things have to be done in advance, i.e., as soon as you get > >your aid - much before the flight. > >o Learn typing > >o Learn driving > >o Learn to cook > >o apply for bank loan (if necessary) > >o make your passport valid for 6 months more than your stay > >indicated in your I-20 > > > >// 92 - make sure your passport is valid for 6 months atleast. > >All other changes are best made in the U.S. > >o make outstation purchases (sweater, thermal underwear, cassettes, > >etc. - available/cheap in Delhi, Bombay ...) > >o get medical checkup done > >a) dental > >b) fresh checkup, especially if you have a major ailment > > Get prescriptions & medicines for all common ailments (the technical > >name of the medicine along with Indian/US brand name). See Appendix I. > >c) get your eye-sight checked - get a new prescription. Buy atleast > >one extra pair of glasses. > >d) get tested for TB if possible (chest X-ray) - else they will do it > >at the Univ > >e) get requisite immunization done (especially MMR) > > > >o get cassettes recorded which you may like to take with you > >o write to the India club/OIPS giving your flight #, time & date > >of arrival; they may pick you up & give temporary accomodation > >if necessary > >o if you are very interested in any Indian magazine (Gult, Tamil, > >etc.) subscribe to them - you can subscribe to them after going to the > >US also. > >o note your/parent's bank A/c # > > > >Packing > > ------- > > > >o Start your packing well in advance > >o Buy two good boxes - they should be able to withstand a lot of > >mishandling. They should be as large as possible within the size > >limitations (however most airlines are not very strict about baggage > >size). Put identification marks and labels both inside & outside the > >boxes (apart from this the airlines will also provide you with adhesive > >labels). > >Boxes with independent top & bottom are preferable. > >o Box specifications > >As an example the Air India economy class baggage specifications to the > >USA are given below. Note the specs. may be different for other > >countries/airlines. > >2 pieces of baggage with total linear dimension (l+b+h) not > >exceeding 270cm (106"). Moreover the total linear dimension > >of each piece should not be over 158cm (62"). The weight of > >each bag should not exceed 32kg (70lb) [note: they are not > >particular about this] > >Carry on baggage : In addition you can carry a bag with linear > >dimension not exceeding 115cm (45") onboard (fits beneath the seat). > >For most other airlines the baggage spec.s are similar (confirm) > >If you are taking a break outside USA/Canada contact your travel agent > >or airlines for details. > >Things to be kept in the boxes > > ------------------------------ > > > >o Copy of all certificates/documents (originals in hand baggage) > >o Important apping materials (SOP, reco etc) > >o necessary books/notebooks (some suggested books are - Clark's > >Tables, a good dictionary/thesaurus, a booklet for units > >conversion) [note: there should be no legal hassles taking > >Xerox copies of books - but don't flaunt them to Americans/ > >Profs] > >o Copy of address book/telephone book/diary > >o Some stationery and related items suggested (not absolutely > >necessary - just for the first few weeks) are : > >common items + rubber stamp with house address + airmail covers > >+ few Indian razor blades for cutting work + screw driver > >o Indian postal stamps - for sending letters through someone > >coming to India > >o Medical history files > >o Gifts (suggested: rollable pictures, handicrafts, etc) > >o Non-technical books (fiction/religious). [note: second-hand > >story books are cheap in the US] > >o 1 pair leather chappals, 2 hawai chappals (+ extra straps) > >o soap (bath), toothbrushes (slightly costly in the US - 1 or > >2 bucks) etc > >o Cassettes > >Clothes > > ------- > > > >Usually clothes are machine washed once a week (laundramat) - hence one > >week supply of clothes (+ one week backup) is needed. Get all clothes > >little loose - clothes may shrink in machine wash & you will probably > >grow fatter. > >o 14-15 sets of undergarments, socks, handkerchiefs > >//92 - Not necessary ! Good stuff available here & pretty cheap > >o 5 sets of good shirts, pants > >o a good swimming trunk + few shorts > >o a tie + 1-2 belts > >o 3-6 ordinary towels (Turkish ones start stinking) > >o a bedsheet > >o lungies/dhotis/pajamas > >o thermal underwear (2-4) > >o extra woollen sweaters > >Note: > >o sleeveless woollen sweaters are enough for warm places > >o woollen socks not recommended if not going to a cold place > >o second hand alarm clocks are cheap in US > >o don't take Indian files (empty) or punching machines - filing > >system is different in the US (3 holes, A4) > >o don't take paper > >o don't take raincoats > >o don't buy purse (wallet for carrying cards can be bought in US) > >o wear your shoes to save space in the box. If needed buy only > >leather shoes (other types of shoes are cheap in US). For some weather > >conditions Indian leather shoes may crack. > > > >// 92 - don't worry yourself if you can't bring any of the > >stuff listed above - most of them are available pretty cheap in the US > >(made in China). Exceptions are leather goods, formal wear. In a month > >or two you will be in a position to get anything you want (unless you are > >not on aid) > > > >Food stuffs > > ----------- > > > >Below are some South Indian food stuffs that may be taken : > >o 1 - 2.5 kg packets of "Sambar Podi" > >o 1 packet of "Rasam podi" > >o 0.5 box of "Masala podi" > >o 1 box of "Paruppu podi", "Upma podi", "Vatha-kozhambu podi", > >"tamarind rice podi" > >o Appalam/Vadam/pickles > >o mustard packet > >o tamarind paste > >o different dhals in small quantity for initial phase > >o asafoetida powder > >o Indian instant coffee + Indian tea (takes some time to get > >used to American stuff) > >o Elaichi, clove, cinnamon > > > >Note: most of these items are available in the Indian stores in > >the major cities. However you need to carry them for use in the first > >few days. > > > >o actually pickles are not allowed - but you can take them in > >solder-sealed tins. [students are usually not checked for these] > >o take all dry food stuff in sealed plastic packets > > > >// 92 - Most Indian foodstuffs are available even in small > >cities. Don't come loaded with foodstuffs as you may have (small) > >problems with the customs. Try to get "instant" stuff as people generally > >don't have much time for cooking in the US. > >Vessels > > ------- > > > >o big pressure pan (with spare handle, 3 safety valves, 2 weights, > >1 base plate, 3 gaskets) [note: big pressure cooker may not be > >needed as rice cooker can be bought in the US] > >o idli plates > >o dosai turner, charani (server with holes), rice server & other > >servers > >o tongs > >o small bowls ("kinnum") > >o rolling pin > >o knife > >o kadaie (optional) > >o cook book - e.g. "Cook & See" by Meenakshi Ammal > >Note: no other vessels needed. No tumblers needed. Try to share & bring > >the vessels with others coming to your Univ. Non-stick kitchenware is > >cheap in the US. and you can buy a full set. > >Things to be kept in Hand Baggage > > --------------------------------- > > > >o some medicines (including for air-sickness) > >o novel/mags/books for inflight reading > >o sweater > >o original important documents (I-20, visa, tickets ...) > >o enough money (little cash, travellers' checks) > >o address book/phone book (Indian & US) > >o copies of your photo (passport size) > >o enlisted steps to be followed in case of emergency (accident, > >theft, etc) > >o things to survive for a week in case luggage gets misplaced > >(two sets of clothes, valuables like calci, addresses etc) > >Things to be kept on person > > --------------------------- > > > >o shorter extract of contact addresses - especially of people > >coming to pick you up. > >o receipt got along with travellers' checks - in case you lose > >the TC's > >Things to be left at home > > ------------------------- > > > >o List of addresses/phone numbers at which info about you can > >be obtained > >o one copy of all your important documents > >o a copy of all relevant parts of Medical History files > >o Arrange to collect/redirect mail from your room/hostel > >o Arrange to apply/collect/mail your transcripts (about 20 in > >number preferable) > >o Your tailoring measurements > >o a few blank signed papers - so that your parents can be > >authorized to look after anything on your behalf > >Things to be done in the last week before the flight > > ---------------------------------------------------- > > > >o call up & find if there is any delay or change of schedule of > >the plane (inform the people coming to pick you up of any such change) > >o rest well - ready to face the long journey/jet lag > >o bid bye to all concerned > >On the day of the flight * in-flight + later > > -------------------------------------------- > > > >o since it is going to be a long flight wear something comfortable > >(cotton dress + full hand shirt). Wear your shoes - inflight > >you can remove them (some airlines give inflight shoes - else relax in > >socks) > >o be at the airport 3-4 hours before flight departure > >o collect $20 at the airport (part of it in $1) > >o relax during flight, sleep as much as possible > >o for vegetarians - watch out before you eat - you may get non-veg > >even if you had asked for veg. Veg. food is generally bland - > >fruits/juice > >are good choices. (Before ordering anything on board check if you have > >to pay for it separately for it). Don't hesitate to ask questions. > >o once out of India be very careful (from sheer experience of > >seniors). Don't trust anyone. Don't hire a taxi (unless emergency) till > >you reach your destination. If required don't hesitate to spend money. > >// 92 - Don't hesitate to talk to people to ask questions - > >usually they will answer all your queries properly - very different > >from India. > > > >Port of entry procedures > > ------------------------ > > > >o sometime before landing the flight attendant will distribute > >customs declaration forms & immigration forms as mentioned below. Fill > >these out on the plane (you will submit them to the appropriate > >authorities when you land). Do not hesitate to take the flight > >attendant's > >help. > >// 92 - You can indicate that you have nothing to declare & > >total value of all your things is less than $100 on the > >customs form Form I-94 - fill in the plane. After seeing your documents > >immigration officer will indicate length of stay, Univ, etc. This will be > >attached to your passport. Important: note the expiry date and D/S (duration > >of status). > > > >Form I-20 ID copy - all transactions regarding your non-immigrant > >status will be recorded in this form. This should be retained at all > >times (not surrendered when you temporarily leave the US). Your admission > >number will be given - memorize it & note it elsewhere. > >o just before you land the correct local time will be announced > >set your watch [dual time watch will come in handy here] > > > >o once you are out of the plane go straight to the immigration > >counter - rush for them to beat the queue. It might take 0.5-1 hour > >here. > >Keep your I-20, passport, admission & aid letters ready. They might ask > >a few questions like - is this your first time in the US ? Student ? F-1 > >visa ? Which Univ ? They will attach an I-64 card to your visa. > >You are now in the USA ! > >o then go to the baggage are to fetch your luggage. Pick up a > >cart (you get this at a machine for $1) to carry the bags. Then pick > >up your bags as they come out on the conveyor (suitable eye-catching > >labels help here). If you don't get your baggage inform the enquiry section > >- you may have to wait 0.5-1 hour here. > >o cart your baggage to nearby Customs. If asked tell them that > >you are a student, F-1 visa, school, dept., coming to US for > >the first time > >If asked to open the baggage do so slowly - do not mess up the place. > >If asked about the "podi"s tell them that they are "dried Indian > >spices" to make traditional Indian food like curry. Rarely they might ask > >you to go to the agris. dept. nearby - that is a pain. > >If asked about "vibuthi" tell them that it is holy Hindu powder used > >for prayer. > >Note : In most cases you will NOT be asked to open your boxes > >at all & will be simply waved through. > >o now go & wait at the nearest exit for the guys who are supposed > >to pick you up. If nobody turns up after some time (say 0.5 hour) make > >a collect call (at the public phone dial a '0', get the operator & ask > >for a > >collect call). > >Else call i) your Prof ii) dept. iii)International Students' Office iv) > >admissions office v) any Indian guy in the directory Go & ask for an > >announcement to be made over the PA system. Get a card, write your > >name & hold it up. > >o Never leave your baggage unattended. Don't go out of the airport > >until somebody comes & picks you up. If you have doubts about > >the guy who comes to pick you up, don't hesitate to ask for > >his ID. [All this is of course being a little extra cautious] > >o Once you reach your friend's house (or other destination) call > >home & inform them of reaching safely. Keep a readymade card - add a > >few lines - go to the nearest post office, get stamps & mail the card > >immediately. > > > >A few things of importance in after(arrival)life > > ------------------------------------------------ > > > >o Your first work is to meet the Foreign Students' Advisor in > >the International Student Office (ISO). They keep a record of you > >(passport, visa details etc). When you leave the US (temporarily or > >permanently) you have to go there again. > >Then do the things which you did when you entered IT-BHU - > >get your Univ ID card > >get your Driver's Licence > >tax forms, etc some paperwork in the dept. > >meet the HOD/grad. student advisor/advisor > >register for classes > > > >Be happy now that your dream has come true ! > > > > > >List of medicines recommended by a Doc. > > --------------------------------------- > > > >o Crocin tablets - 3 strips > >For fever, bodyaches, headache > >One tablet three times a day as necessary > >o Erythrocin 500mg tablets - 2 strips > >One tablet twice a day when necessary, as advised > >o Sporadix 500mg capsules - 2 strips > >One capsule twice a day when necessary, as advised > >o Actified tablets - 3 strips > >Cosovil tablets - 2 strips > >For common cold & cough. > >One tablet three times a day. > > > >o Avomin tablets - 1 strip > >For air sickness. > >One tablet as necessary. > >o Lomotil tablets - 20 > >Digene tablets - 30 > >For diarrhoea & stomach discomfort. > >One tablet of each three times a day. > > > >o Baralgan tablets - 2 strips > >For abdominal colic pain, backache, etc One tablet every six hours as > >necessary. > >o Dorstal (?) tablets - 10 > >For nausea & vomiting. > >One tablet three times a day. > >o Electral powder - 2 packets > >One teaspoonful mixed with drinks to make up loss of electrolytes after > >vomiting or diarrhoea. > >o Novalgin tablets - 2 strips > >For headache & bodyaches. > >One tablet as necessary. > >o Stomatil tablets - 1 strip > >For vertigo (giddiness) > >One tablet three times a day as necessary till relieved. > >o Isogel (Glaxo) - 1 box > >For constipation. > >One teaspoonful in a little of water at bedtime. > >o Brufen 600mg tablets - 2 strips > >For arthritic joint pains. > >One tablet three times a day after food. > >o Avil tablets - 1 strip > >For allergy. > >One tablet as necessary. > >o Sepmax tablets - 1 strip > >For sore-throat. > >One tablet twice a day after food, till relieved. NOT TO BE TAKEN WHEN > >ONE IS ALLERGIC TO SULFA DRUGS. > >o Relaxyl ointment - 1 tube > >To be applied as a pain balm. > >o Band Aids assorted - 12 > >o Soframycin skin ointment - 1 tube > >// 92 - the above list seems to have been made out for a guy who > >is a proper hypochondriac ! > >True that medicines are relatively very expensive in the US, but you > >will also tend to fall ill less frequently (clean drinking water, etc). > >Get all the medicines prescribed above if you must, but atleast get > >them in much smaller quantities. > > > >AMERICAN IDIOMS AND SOUTHERN EXPRESSIONS > > ---------------------------------------- > > > >(Provided by Auburn University / April, 1990) > >Beat up : worn out, shabby (said of a thing) > >Beat around the bush : avoid an issue > >Been had : to have been taken advantage of > >Big shot : a supposedly important person or someone who thinks > >he/she is > >Big deal : anything important, exciting > >Break the ice : make a beginning > >Buck : dollar bill > >Bombed : see "high" > >Booze : alcoholic beverage > >Bummer : a term to designate that something undesirable has > >happened > >Cash : paying someone with currency rather than a check > >Check out : look over a situation > >Cool or neat : slang term denoting approval for something or > >someone > >Cool it : calm down > >Cop : slang for policeman > >Cut it out : stop it > >Crack up : to lose emotional control in laughter > > Date : to go out with someone; also the person with whom you go > > > >Down : to feel depressed, sad > >Down to earth : practical, straightforward, (person) > >Drop : to withdraw from a course on or before the set date > >Drive one up the wall : drive one nuts; to make one very nervous, > >or upset > >Fall for : take a strong liking for > >Fed up : disgusted with, or tired of > >Freak out : to lose control of oneself, go crazy > >Give a ring : to call on the telephone > >Go to pot : to deteriorate > >Grass : slang term for marijuana > >Gripe : to complain > >Hang on : in reference to the telephone it means do not hang up the > >receiver > >Hang in there : keep trying; do not be discouraged > >Hassled : troubled by > >Have a lot on the ball : to be capable, talented, or efficient > >High : intoxicated ("loaded") from liquor or drugs > >Hit the sack : go to bed > >Hung up : to be in conflict over a problem > >I.D. : identification > >In a nutshell : very briefly and concisely > >Jock : an athlete > >Keep your shirt on : be clam, be patient > >Know the ropes : be familiar with the details of an undertaking > >Lemon : bad buy or purchase > >Loaded : to get intoxicated > >Make ends meet : budget within one's income > >Make up : (1) to apologize after a fight or disagreement > >(2) to do an assignment after it was due > >(3) cosmetics a woman uses > > > >Mid term : test given during the middle of the quarter > >On the house : free, no cost > >Old man : slang term for father > >Once in a blue moon : seldom, infrequently > >Out of it : (1) somebody whose mind is Far away or preoccupied, or > >(2) somebody not fitting into a certain group > >Out of the question : unthinkable, impossible > >Over my dead body : not if I can stop it ! > >Out of sight : term of approval denoting something exciting or very > >good > >Play it by ear : to respond to circumstances as they arise > >Phony : someone who is insincere, also fake > >Play second fiddle : be second in importance > >Pop-Quiz : a test given with no prior warning > >Pot : a term used for marijuana > >Psyched up : to mentally prepare yourself for something; excited > >about something > >Pull one's leg : to tease someone > >Pull strings : use influence > >Pull the wool over someone's eyes : deceive or mislead someone > >Put someone on : to tease or try to fool. "Are you putting me on ?" > >Put your foot in your mouth : say something you regret having said > >Rip off : to steal; charge an exorbitant price for some item > >Redneck : hillbilly > >Run around with : be friends with > >Screwed up : confused > >Shook up : upset > >Show : movie or film, cinema > >Skip or cut : not go to class > >Stoned : to get high on grass > >Straight : one who goes along with the norms of society, > >conservative > >Take a raincheck : to postpone an invitation, accepting it for a > >later date > >Take for granted : to assume > >Through the grapevine : through gossip > >To the max : to the maximum or greatest degree > >Uptight : worried, tense > >Under the weather : sick, not feeling well > >With flying colors : with victory or success > >Wasted : an extreme lack of energy. Also can mean "high" > >Ya'll : You all > >Zero in on : focus or concentrate on Shopping List We have tried to put together a shopping list of the stuff that you may need to get from home. We list the items and try to discuss the rationale of bringing (or not bringing) them along. This list is purely advisory and if you think that we are talking through our hats then you are free to modify it as and how you please. There may be some bias towards male students. Books: (Very important, this is where you will save money) Get in touch with your advisor and get a list of text books. Also, get all good general reference books that you already have. Optional : dictionary, calculator, cookbooks, recipes from mother etc. Clothes: Shirts, Trousers (Make sure that you have some jeans or terrywool pants, since winters are quite cold.) Kurta, pyjamas, t-shirts, shorts, socks. Suit (1)(Not a necessity) Towels, kitchen towels, napkins. Sling bag. Tape for pyjamas, Belts. Sweaters (2 or 3), some jacket (Optional, because you will have to buy a winter jacket from here anyway.) Umbrella. Jeans/shorts and T-shirts are standard wear here. Shirts and trousers (and ties) are not so common. Get what you feel comfortable in. A disadvantage of shirts and trousers is that that they have to be ironed after the heavy wash/dry cycles of the laundry machines. Do not get too much clothing. Firstly, most people gain weight after arriving here since food (especially chocolates and ice-cream!) is so cheap and plentiful. Secondly, the ``trendy'' clothing here is as out of phase with the threads back home as the respective Standard Times are. Thirdly, jeans and T-shirts are pretty cheap here. Suits would not be worn till you have your first job interview or major presentation, often around a year or more later. Most people buy this when they visit home the first time, which usually occurs earlier than their first need for a suit. Even otherwise, suits are not a must for interviews and unless you have one we suggest that you don't buy one. Traditional wear is a matter of choice, though it is hardly required for guys. Ladies probably might want to get a few salwar-suits, a couple of saris and/or any other traditional apparel. Laundry is usually done every two weeks though some with enthu do it every week and some do it at even less frequency. So get enough underclothes, socks, shirts/Tees, jeans etc. to last you 2-3 weeks. The more underwear and socks you get, the better. Footwear: Sneakers (they are used a lot.) Spare sneakers. Good formal leather shoes (Not necessary, but are much cheaper in India), chappals/sandals, hawai slippers with extra straps will all be useful. Again depends on what you feel comfortable in. Linen: 1 double bed size bed sheet, 1 pillow, blanket. The pillow and the blanket can be left if space/weight is a consideration. They are available quite cheap here. Do not get too much linen. The beds here are usually larger than the beds back home, and the bed sheets and bedspreads that you get from home fit very poorly. Its better to buy these items here. Cosmetics: Shaving set, combs, hair oil, mirror (small), toothpaste and brush , shaving cream, soaps, washing powder, cold cream, face powder. Nail cutter, scissors, safety pins, sewing thread, needles, spare buttons and hooks, small tools like penknife, screw driver etc. Medicines: Spare spectacles, (Very very important, if you use specs, that is.) Spectacle prescription, Disprin/Crocin/Dristan/Avil/Septran/... (choose according to your needs) Eye drops, ear drops, bandage rolls, band-aid, cotton, Betnovate ointment. Any other items with doctors prescription. Utensils: Pressure pan, spare gaskets and valves (Very important.) Dinner plates, small plates, bowls, spoons, tumblers, knife, forks, (all these either 1 or 2) cooking tongs, tea strainer, ladles for serving, sauce pan, frying pan. Most graduate students cook in their apartments. So you will need all the basic stuff needed for cooking. A large (for 3-4 people) pressure cooker with spare gaskets and safety valves is probably the most important kitchen item you can get. A 3 litre one should be sufficient but you might want to consider a larger size. Get at least one steel vessel to cook vegetables in. Either a pan or a deep bottom vessel. There are a lot of non-stick cookware available here but it is not very cheap (unless bought second-hand). Plastic spoons, knives and forks are very cheap at the local grocery stores, and need not be packed. A cup, a glass, a plate and bowl (both microwaveable) should provide the rest of what you need. Or you might want to get steel plates and glass and buy the microwaveable stuff here. Get a couple of larger spoons for serving/cooking. Basically, ask you mum as to what all is essential and/or useful for the type of cooking that you are going to do. Masalas: All these are available here but bring small quantities so that you don't have to run to the Indian stores on the very first day. Tea powder (.25kg), Nescafe instant coffee.(.05kg) dhania powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder.(all .25kg) cloves, cardamom, cinnamon.(.02 kg) mustard seeds, jeera(cumin), asafoetida (hing). Pickles, papads. Money: For off-campus housing you'll be required to pay an initial deposit (one month's rent) in advance. Plus you'll have initial expenses in settling down. This all can add up to around $800 or more. If the need arises, you can (and should) borrow some money from senior friends/relatives/us (notice how we put ourselves last!). Traveler's cheques and personal drafts are easy to use and should pose on problem at all. Bags: 2 (Allowed free) +1 carry-on (shoulder bag) Other: Travelers alarm clock, photos of deities (if religious-minded), family photos, music cassettes, ethnic stuff as gifts or personal use, an up-to-date address book of all your acquaintances, friends and relatives in the USA-Canada region. Get lots of cassettes if you are interested. Non-English selection is limited and/or expensive. Don't even think of getting things like radios and cameras. You'll get far better goods here, though you will have to save a little for them. In summary, we would recommend that you concentrate on your choice of books, and get a good pressure cooker. Linen, most clothing and some cutlery (spoons, etc.) is best bought here after your arrival. However, please remember that these are only suggestions to help you make informed decisions on your packing. In the end, trust your mom's (and your own) judgment and common sense.