I stumbled upon this gem of a checklist that was handed to me "way back" in 1999, when I was about to embark on my first trip to the US. Things to do (and not do!) before you leave Indian shores towards life as a grad student in America. Good for a few laughs today!
Warning: this is fairly long, so ensure that you have enough free time!
Caution: Most (if not all) info is likely to be severely outdated!
Things to do After Getting Aid
-----------------------------------------
1) Collect "No Dues" from:
a) Hostel
b) Department
c) Central Library
d) Hospi
e) CC
2) Application for "Provisional Certificate" :
Submit a copy of 1)a, 1)b, 1)c (show original)
Surrender your ID card at the 4th floor of AD Block & fill the appropriate form.
JAI - Better get a PC even if u don't need it. Some of the forms u submit to get the PC are essential for u to get a degree on convo day.
3) "Caution Deposit" refund application :
Submit a copy of 1)a, 1)b, 1)c
Give a letter asking for refund
Stick & sign on a 20p Revenue stamp (on the appropriate form)
At the 1st floor of AD Block.
4) Apply for the "complete" Transcript (actually to be done after Convo)
5) Inform all concerned of your permanent address :
(Hostel office, department, Post Office, AD Block, friends ...)
JAI - Give your permanent address to your Room son. Leave an authorization letter addressed to the post master with ur parents.
6) Close your Bank A/c
7) Return all borrowed material & take back all things that you lent out.
8) Get your International Driver's Permit
JAI - Helps to rent cars in US. Also learn driving. :-)
(Form from the USEFI - "Documents Required to Apply for Student Visa" - get the latest one)
1. Form I-20 or IAP-66 (obtained directly from the University you will attend)
2. VISA application form (available at the consulate)
3. Two passport size photographs
4. A valid passport
5. Evidence of financial support
6. Visa fee
JAI - For visa fee(Demand Draft) take the exact amount. Do not take more/less.
7. TOEFL/GRE original/copies.
8. Take PC even though its not necessary.
If Financial assistance has been awarded by the University, please enclose letter from the University to that effect.
If your sponsor is in India you will need the following documents:
a) RBI Clearance
b) Sponsor's bank account statement showing funds for the 1st year of study covering expenses shown on the I20
c) Affidavit of support on stamped paper and notorized from your sponsor for the entire duration of stay in the US
d) Verification of financial resources by Certified Chartered Accountant
If the sponsor is in the US the following documents must be provided:
a) I-134 (available at INS offices in the US)
b) Bank account statement of your sponsor
c) Salary statement
If the sponsor is outside India & US the following documents have to be submitted:
a) Affidavit of support of your sponsor
b) Bank account statement of your sponsor showing funds for the entire period of study
c) Salary statement
You may apply for the visa within 90 days prior to the reporting date mentioned on the I-20. Thus if the reporting date shown on the form I-20 is September 5, you may apply for your visa between June 5 and September 5.
JAI - Note: 90 days is not equal to 3 months & it should be june 7 in e.g above.
The Visa office is open from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday. No prior appointment is necessary to apply for a visa. If you need additional information please call the Visa section at 473040 between 2 and 4 pm on weekdays.
JAI - I am not sure if the above paragraph is up-to-date. Anyway, no point going the night before. Go at around 6:a.m or 7: a.m. Take breakfast+water.
Starting off from the point you get an aid, the steps to be taken are listed below.
o Send your acceptance letter by three modes - FAX, phone, letter
JAI - Some paranoid fellow has written this letter. Confirm by e-mail & send an official confirmation by snail mail or fax.
// 92 - e-mail ?
o If you are going to an arb. Univ renew your app.s to other Univs
o Bump any jobs you may have got
JAI - Highly recommended.
* Travel Booking & Tips
---------------------
The next thing to do is blocking tickets (this implies no financial commitment). This can be done via travel agents. 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)
JAI - Author refers to previous author. I appreciate the patriotism of this paranoid author.
* 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.
JAI - Even a dumbo at the consulate knows that 99.99% desis don't return, esp IITians. Anyway, a lie is no longer a lie if the other person knows it is a lie.
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
JAI - Author assumes that all out-of-station people prefer mondays & fridays b'cos of wekend. But, most of them get a copy of this mail from one of their friends at IIT.
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
JAI - Its a day's work. ECNR form is available at passport office. Travel agents usually don't have the ECNR form.
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.
JAI - Collect passport the same day....
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)
JAI - Present limit is 1500 bucks total and maybe 500 bucks in currency...Tc's are always safer. Don't take one TC. Split, say 1000 bucks, as 500+4*100+2*50.
* 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
JAI - ????????????????? I am comfortable with my single finger typing capabilities. Learn typing if u r jobless enuf.
o Learn driving
o Learn to cook
JAI - Don't learn the iitian way of one day before leaving. Put some effort & practice for maybe a week. Amru food sucks.
o apply for bank loan (if necessary)
JAI - Enquire from the bank (canara, SBI, Indian) by may end & apply by june. The red tape takes a month for loan approval. No security reqd for loans less than 1 lakh. U might need to take an LIC policy for the loan amt. Also banks give only 75% of what u apply for. U need bills/invoices to claim a refund from the bank. All travel agents give bogus invoices if u r bent upon doing goodals.
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.
JAI - paranoid fellows can buy 2 extra pairs.
d) get tested for TB if possible (chest X-ray) - else they will do it at the Univ
JAI - Do a PPD Mantoux test. If negative no need for chest X-ray. Take vaccination for MMR. Its a 2 dose vaccine to be taken at an interval of one month from the 1st to 2nd. If u don't take it in desh its going to cost a lot in US. Also take tetanus. Paranoid characters can take Rabies, yellow fever, malaria, hepatits A,B,C..Z vaccines :-)
o get cassettes recorded which you may like to take with you
JAI - Lots of them. No point taking western music casettes. C.D's are cheap in the US. So stick to carnatic & light music.
o write to the India club/OIPS giving your flight #, time & date of arrival; they may pick you up & give temporary accommodation 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.
JAI - Not necessary, since most of them, like Kumudam, Vikatan are available on the net. I don't know abt gult magazines.
o note your/parent's bank A/c #
JAI - There might be some point in opening a joint account with your dad/mom/girlfriend. I am not sure how useful it would be. U can do it for
* 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.
JAI - The baggage sizes are almost standardized. Be careful about the weight of
* 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
JAI - Not necessary. Take a couple of stamps to offer to prospective
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)
JAI - 1 hawai chappals (maybe 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
JAI - Get some 2-3 pairs of socks. Socks are quite cheap here and available at $5 for a 6pack.
//92 - Not necessary ! Good stuff available here & pretty cheap
o 5 sets of good shirts, pants
JAI - Maybe more if u are lazy & do laundry once in 2 weeks.
o a good swimming trunk + few shorts
o a tie + 1-2 belts
o 3-6 ordinary towels (Turkish ones start stinking)
JAI - 3 should do.
o a bedsheet
JAI - Should say bedcover. Also get a couple of pillow covers.
o lungies/dhotis/pajamas
o thermal underwear (2-4)
JAI - Costs around 10 bucks a set here. one set should do, atmost 2. U can buy it here, since u won't need it till november end.
o extra woollen sweaters
JAI - 1 should do. I prefer sweatshirts over sweaters. Sweatshirts cost around 20 bucks & have fleece coating. Feels warm.
Note:
o sleeveless woollen sweaters are enough for warm places
o woollen socks not recommended if not going to a cold place
JAI - Not recommended even in a cold place, unless u r going to alaska university.
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
JAI - U can take a couple of sheets for the initial days.
o don't take raincoats
o don't buy purse (wallet for carrying cards can be bought in US)
JAI - Buy leather wallet from Victoria Institute, somewhere in mountroad. U get cheap & good wallets capable of carrying cards. U can also buy handicrafts here.
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.
JAI - Nike/Reebok costs ~40 - Inf bucks. U can get cheap shoes for 20bucks.
// 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.
JAI - If U r a fan of Maneka bring shikakai powder. Its not avail here. There are some (very few) shampoos available that r not tested on animals.
* 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]
JAI - I think i got a 5/6 liter pressure cooker.
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)
JAI - Costs some 20 bucks for a nonstick huge kadai. Bring stainless steel vessels of varying sizes, for rasam, sambar,... & lids for each of them +karandis. SS karandis r not availble here. Also SS spoons. U might get some micro containers for ghee/oil, sugar, spices....
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
JAI - *** Some food/water, incase the flight crashes & u need to survive till
* 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
o Your tailoring measurements
o a few blank signed papers - so that your parents can be authorized to look after anything on your behalf
JAI - Depends on how much faith U have on your parents :-), since u r going to become rich soon.
* 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
JAI -Esp, Your girlfriend(s).
* 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 $1)
JAI - If you get Forex from banks u'll get only 100$ & 50 $ bills. You better get smaller denominations from *&&% agency at Spencer plaza. This place is in the ground floor. Enter spencer plaza & this agency is on the left hand side.
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]
JAI - Forget the concept of dual time watches. Its pointless...
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.
JAI - Remember to give both the official copy & student copy of I-20. Don't forget to collect the sealed student copy.
You are now in the USA !
JAI - Obly, unless u land at siberia.
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.
JAI - US consulate holds some info sessions. It costs Rs. 100 or so. Attend it. U get some crap info & good food. AT & T gives a free calling card worth 6 minutes of international calls/ 25 minutes of long distance calls. Comes handy.
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.
JAI - Forget this idea of readymade postcards. It will take you atleast a week to figure out where the nearby post office is.
* A few things of importance in after(arrival)life
------------------------------------------------
Then do the things which you did when you entered IITM:
- 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 !
JAI -Hee Hee haw...
* 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 Baralgam 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
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.
JAI - If you have the enthu browse thru the web pages of the dept@univ & decide the likely courses u r going to take & buy the corresponding books. Books are damn costly in US. 80-100 bucks. Alternately contact seniors in same univ/field & find out abt the books u need to take. U can get a xerox of Latex manual. No need to get dictionary.
