The United States of America sees thousands of students from different countries enrolling in programs at world-class universities, such as Oxford University and Harvard University. If any of these universities have accepted your application, you must be excited to move to the land of opportunities. But like for any other trip, packing a bag can be a tedious task, especially when you are planning to move to another country for a longer time. It is necessary to know the things you should stuff in your luggage when moving to America. So below is a bag-packing list of essential items to help you in packing.   

1. Travel and Luggage

Getting durable and sturdy suitcases is the first thing to ensure before you start packing. It is important as you might be traveling back and forth every 5-6 months and buying new bags will not be economical. The next step is to buy TSA-approved locks to keep your bags secured during the flight. Also, try to keep it as light and compact as possible because of the luggage weight restrictions at the airport. Remember the following tips to stay on the safe side: 

• Most U.S. carriers allow only one bag which should weigh less than 50 pounds (23 kgs).    

• A carry-on and personal items, such as a wallet or laptop  

• Only carry 100 ml of water or any other fluids that can fit in a 1-quart-sized, resealable bag.

2. Wardrobe

You should first check how the weather is in the city you are going to live in and then pack your clothes accordingly. Here is a list of wardrobe basics that you must pack: 

• Sneakers

• Dress shoes, sandals

• Shirts – Short and long-sleeves

• Tank tops, undershirts

• A formal outfit for interviews and other occasions

• Underwear and socks 

• Coat or jacket 

• Sweaters (for winters)

• Pajamas

• Hoodies or sweatshirts

• T-shirts 

• Flip flops 

• Jeans, shorts, and other types of pants 

• Belts and accessories

3. Personal Hygiene Products 

Personal care and hygiene products are as important as your apparel. So you have to pack them as per your hygienic needs. It is less likely that you won’t find these products in supermarkets in America. That is why you should only keep small quantities of toiletries and skincare for immediate use or travel purposes. Refer to the list below and pack accordingly. 

• Shampoo, soap, and face wash

• Contact lens solution

• Medicated ointments and skin creams for regular use

• Lotion or cream

• Razor and Shaving cream 

• Toothpaste and toothbrush

• Deodorant and perfume

4. Medicine 

Pack prescription medicine and other medicines such as Aspirin in small quantities only as they will be available in American medical stores too. If you are on medications, always double-check whether you have kept your medicines or not. Keeping a list of the medications prescribed by your doctor will help to prove legitimacy. If you wear glasses, keep an extra pair, just in case you lose or break the current one. 

5. Electronics

A laptop and mobile phone are essential when you are traveling abroad for education. However, you will also need a new adapter, convertors, and power outlets as the ones in America might be different from your home country. If you are unaware of what type of plugs Americans use, your education consultant can guide you.  

6. Important Documents

Keeping originals and copies of your passport and other identification proofs is of the utmost importance. You might have to provide your visa, ID proof, passport, university offer letter, boarding pass, ticket, etc. at various checkpoints. That is why you must keep these documents in a bag accessible to you at all times.   

Make a list in advance to save yourself from last-minute haste. Cross the things that you pack to keep a record of what you have packed and what you haven’t.