Indian Students Should Include These In Travel Checklist When Visiting The USA

Travel Checklist for Indian Students Studying in the USA

Studying abroad is a transformative experience, and the United States offers a wealth of opportunities for Indian students. However, proper planning and organization are crucial for a seamless transition. This detailed checklist is designed to equip you with all the essentials, from visa applications to settling in on campus. Let's embark on this exciting journey together.

Visa and Documentation

Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the USA.

Student Visa (F-1 or J-1): Apply for the appropriate student visa through the U.S. consulate or embassy. Prepare all required documents, including the I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1) forms.

Admission Letter: Carry a printed copy of your admission letter from the U.S. institution.

Financial Documents: Have proof of sufficient funds for tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

Accommodation

On-Campus Housing: Secure your on-campus accommodation well in advance. Familiarize yourself with the housing policies and guidelines.

Off-Campus Housing: If you plan to live off-campus, research neighborhoods, lease agreements, and transportation options.

Finances

Banking: Open a local bank account for ease of transactions and to avoid high international fees.

Currency Exchange: Arrange for a nominal amount of U.S. dollars for initial expenses upon arrival.

Scholarships and Grants: Explore opportunities for financial aid provided by universities, private organizations, and the government.

Health and Safety

Health Insurance: Acquire comprehensive health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.

Vaccinations: Check and update your vaccinations as per U.S. regulations.

Emergency Contacts: Compile a list of essential contacts, including university authorities, local police, and the Indian embassy.

Academic Preparation

Course Registration: Familiarize yourself with the course catalog and register for classes.

Academic Advising: Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss your course selections and academic goals.

Required Supplies: Purchase textbooks and necessary supplies in advance to be well-prepared for classes.

Orientation Programs: Participate in university orientation programs to get acquainted with campus facilities and resources.

Social Integration: Engage in student clubs, events, and activities to make new friends and build a support network.

Local Transportation: Familiarize yourself with public transportation options and obtain necessary passes or cards.

Essential Travel Preparations for Visiting the USA

To ensure a smooth vacation Study Abroad in USA, planning ahead and taking care of a few crucial things is essential. One such consideration is to ensure that your passport remains valid for at least 90 days beyond your departure date to the United States; otherwise, you might be denied exit or restricted to the day your passport expires.

So, to assist you with this and other essential factors for your trip, we have compiled a checklist of the most necessary items.

Passport and ESTA: Starting April 1st, 2016, all travelers heading to the USA require an electronically readable biometric passport (ePassport), valid for at least 90 days before departure and throughout their legal stay in the USA. It's important to note that even babies require a valid passport, and more than a child's ID card will be needed. Most European citizens can enter the USA through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) by paying $21 and applying 72 hours before departure. Non-VWP countries must obtain visas from the American Embassy in Munich, Frankfurt, or Berlin. USA visa experts can assist with ESTA entry permits or 5-year tourist visa applications.

Cancellation Insurance: Traveling to the USA can be expensive, and it's recommended to have a travel cancellation insurance to cover cancellation costs in case of illness or early return. ERV is a reliable option, and you can apply for it.

International Health Insurance: The healthcare system in the USA is much pricier than in India and can quickly amount to tens of thousands of US dollars for hospital treatment. Therefore, it's highly advised to get international health insurance that typically costs less than EUR 20 per year.

International Driving Licence: In the USA, an international driver's license is required only for car rentals in Georgia, while it's optional for other states. Nonetheless, obtaining one is advisable as it can be read in English by a police officer during a check without further tests. You can easily apply for it at most driving license offices for approximately EUR 15 and receive it instantly.

Credit Card or Cash: Credit card usage is widespread in the USA, and some payments, including rental car deposits, require them. It's suggested to bring at least one, if not two, credit cards when traveling there. The second card can be a backup if the first one is blocked.

United States SIM Card: Using an Indian SIM card for calls and internet in the study abroad USA can be costly under most contracts. It's better to purchase a US SIM card beforehand in India. These offer affordable calls to the US or India and use T-Mobile's network, currently the largest and fastest in the USA.

Electrical Adaptor: The electrical voltage and plug types in the US are different from those in India, so bring an electrical adaptor to ensure you can use your devices while in the US.

TSA Suitcase Lock: Buying a Travel Sentry Approved (TSA) suitcase lock when traveling to the USA is advisable as the Transportation Security Administration performs random checks, which may damage suitcases without a TSA lock. These locks allow authorities to open and lock the suitcase securely after inspection with a master key. They're available on Amazon starting from EUR 4.95.

Emergency Telephone Number: Having the correct emergency telephone numbers readily available is essential while traveling to the USA. You should have significant numbers such as emergency services, the Indian Embassy in the USA, credit card blocking service, Indian languages speaking doctors, voyage repatriation, international health insurance, and airline contact information.

Online Check In: You can check in online and reserve a seat for free 24 hours before your flight to the USA.

These are essential items to include in your travel checklist when visiting the United States of America. By being prepared and having everything necessary, you can make the most of your trip and have a safe and enjoyable experience. Good luck, and safe travels!