24 Apr 2023 | Indian Students Should Include These In Travel Checklist When Visiting The USA
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Introduction
Most Indian students consider studying in the USA as a dream. The idea of being part of a world-class university, a different culture to embrace, and the future success of life is inviting! However, there is something which you should not ignore before you get on this wonderful experience, and that is the travel checklist for Indian students USA. Now you know that having a neatly compiled checklist will mean you will not panic when scrambling to get everything right from the moment you start your experience. Whether it’s about having the means, gathering documents or getting ready for some cultural shocks, a comprehensive Indian students travel tips USA guide may be of great use. Below is a study abroad checklist USA that will help you plan all the things possible to make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Whether it is about the need to provide resourceful Indian students USA travel guide or simply a necessity of having the most recent must-have documents, there is this guide to help you!
1. Essential Documents for Indian Students Traveling to the USA
Getting your papers right is one of the most crucial things you cannot afford to overlook before you take off. It is even worse to spend hours and hours stranded at the immigration account due to failure to produce one vital document. Here's a list of must-have documents to include in your USA travel essentials Indian students:
- Passport: Remember to renew your passport before travel, it should be valid six months after your stay.
- Student Visa (F-1): You will not be allowed to enter in USA without a valid student visa.
- I-20 Form: This is a student’s documentation that must either be issued directly by the university as it shows that you are eligible to study in the USA.
- SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt: You should carry the proof that you have paid the SEVIS fee,
- Offer Letter/Admission Confirmation: It is important that you carry your admission letter from the university.
- Flight Tickets: Keep physical or scanned copies of your travel tickets, especially your flight tickets.
- Travel Insurance: Keep physical or scanned copies of your travel tickets, especially your flight tickets.
- Financial Proofs: Keep documents like bank statements and sponsor letters in order to prove that you’re financially capable of supporting yourself.
Tip: Always carry these documents in your cabin baggage. You never know when you might need them at customs!
2. Packing Essentials for Indian Students Traveling to the USA
Packing is something no one looks forward to, especially when it is a long process! The following Indian students travel tips USA packing list. The first thing that you need to keep in mind is the climate in the state where you will live, and then pack accordingly. Here are the things that you should not forget:
- Clothing: Be sure to pack enough clothes to cater for a one-week change of clothes, and this will include packing winter wear if you will be travelling to a cold climate.
- Indian Spices and Snacks: You will also miss home-cooked food, and things like having Indian food feel like home almost anytime.
- Adapters and Converters: The USA has different types of plugs and voltages, so do not forget your converter.
- Medication: You should carry with you prescribed medicines with a note from the doctor. Along with this, it also includes some over-the-counter medications like pain relievers or cold medicines.
- Basic Kitchenware: Though this is available in the USA, it is better to carry a few items such as a pressure cooker or tiffin, etc.
- Laptop and Electronics: Do not leave your laptop, headphones and any other equipment that you may use while studying.
"Your suitcase is not just a bag; it’s your survival kit for the first few weeks in a new country!"
3. Financial Preparations for Indian Students USA Travel
Another tip to follow for Indian students USA travel guide is to sort out your finances prior to arrival. From paying for tuition and accommodation to covering some or most of the personal expenses you will incur, learning how to handle your money well will save you a lot of unnecessary stress. Here’s what to include in your financial checklist:
- Open an International Bank Account: Some of the Indian banks enable you to open an international account, which can be useful for transferring money.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Check to make sure that any and all cards you have for travelling are enabled for overseas usage. Always have one backup credit card on you.
- Cash in USD: Carry around $200-$300 in cash for immediate expenses upon arrival.
- Budget Planning: Prepare a budget for all your monthly Basic Needs, Utilities, and miscellaneous.
"What’s one thing you’re most excited to spend your first dollar on in the USA? Is it a coffee at Starbucks or something else?"
4. Health and Safety Tips for Indian Students Traveling to the USA
Your health and safety are paramount when you travel abroad. While the USA has excellent When traveling to foreign countries the safety of your physical self shall always come first. The USA boasts of relatively good health standards, but it is good to be ready with some basic health and safety measures. Follow these study abroad checklist USA health tips:
- Medical Insurance: It is typical for most universities to set policies in such a way that students must have their medical insurance. Ensure that your insurance also covers annual visits with the veterinarian and some of the emergencies.
- Vaccination Certificates: Some universities may demand vaccination records so carry with you copies.
- Emergency Contacts: Local relatives and friends should be included as well as emergency numbers of the university.
- Health Apps: You should have some apps for finding doctors, for example, Zocdoc or for storing medical data in a smartphone, for instance, HealthVault.
"Your health is your wealth, especially when you’re thousands of miles from home!"
5. Culture and Social Norms: What Indian Students Should Know
Adapting to a new culture is one of the exciting parts of studying abroad, but it can also be challenging. The USA has its own set of social norms that may differ from what you’re used to in India. Here’s a USA travel essentials Indian students guide on understanding cultural norms:
- Greeting and Manners: Americans often greet with a smile or handshake. Always say "please" and "thank you."
- Time Management: Punctuality is crucial in the USA, whether it’s for classes, meetings, or social events.
- Social Etiquette: Don’t hesitate to make friends, but be mindful of personal space and privacy.
Fun question: "What’s the one cultural difference you think you’ll find the most interesting or surprising in the USA?"
6. Tech and Connectivity Essentials for Indian Students
Staying connected with friends, family, and university is crucial during your time abroad. Here's an Indian students USA travel guide to ensure you're always connected:
- SIM Card: Get an international SIM card or purchase a local one as soon as you land.
- Wi-Fi Access: Most public places offer free Wi-Fi, but consider getting a portable hotspot for convenience.
- Download Useful Apps: Some must-have apps include Google Maps, Uber/Lyft, WhatsApp, and your university's app for updates.
"In today’s world, your smartphone is your lifeline make sure it’s always ready to go!"
Conclusion
Many Indian students feel excited when thinking of having to travel to the USA, but the trip should not be accompanied by stress. Everything you will ever need as an Indian student travelling to the USA is provided in this Indian students USA travel guide, including documents to cultural adjustments. In light of these Indian students travel tips USA, your experience will be less strenuous. Have a good trip, and good luck with your studies and stay in the USA!
For additional help, check out our study abroad consultancy services and the many options available to students who want to study in the USA, study in the UK, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in Ireland, and many other countries.
If you need assistance and wish to complete your studies in the USA, our experts at EDYSOR will guide you in everything for free. CONTACT NOW!