1. Why You Need a Desi-Specific List
American dorms rarely stock rice cookers, pressure cookers or masala tins. Luggage allowances—usually 2 × 23 kg checked bags plus 1 × 7 kg cabin—force ruthless choices. This guide balances cultural comfort against weight limits so you land ready, not overloaded.
2. The 70-Item Master Checklist
A. Life-or-Death Documents
- Passport + 3 photocopies
- F-1 visa printout
- I-20 (all pages, signed)
- SEVIS + DS-160 receipts
- University admission letter
- Vaccination card & Yellow Book
- Proof of funds (bank letter)
- 10 passport-size photos
- International driving permit
B. Electronics (Dual-Voltage Only)
10. Laptop & charger
11. Unlocked smartphone
12. Power bank (≤ 27 Wh for cabin)
13. Noise-cancelling headphones
14. Universal plug adapter (Type B & A)
15. USB-C multi-port hub
16. External SSD (1 TB)
17. Scientific calculator (GRE-approved)
C. Kitchen Must-Haves
18. 3-litre stainless pressure cooker (gas/induction compatible)
19. Small non-stick tawa
20. Spatula, serving spoon, chef’s knife (blade ≤ 6 in.)
21. Collapsible lunch box
22. Masala dabba (empty—fill there)
23. Tea strainer + masala chai premix
D. Clothing & Accessories
24. Two formal shirts/blouses
25. One blazer or kameez that works as business casual
26. Six cotton tees, two hoodies
27. Thermal innerwear (if moving north of 35° N)
28. Lightweight rain jacket
29. Jeans (2) + joggers (2)
30. Ethnic outfit for cultural nights (panjabi/sari)
31. Sneakers, sandals, waterproof boots
32. Underwear (10) + socks (10)
33. Prayer mat / meditation shawl (optional)
E. Toiletries (3-month supply max)
34. Shampoo & conditioner (travel size)
35. Toothbrush, paste, floss
36. Deodorant sticks (solid, not aerosol)
37. Basic makeup / shaving kit
38. Prescription meds with doctor letter
39. Pain reliever, cold tablets
40. Menstrual products (U.S. brands differ)
41. Nail clipper, small scissors (< 4 in.)
F. Comfort & Culture Items
42. Family photos / mini-flag
43. Spices in double-zipped bags (total < 1 kg)
44. Instant noodles / Maggi (8 packets)
45. Favorite bilingual novel
46. Foldable umbrella
47. Bedsheet (twin XL) & pillowcase
48. Small prayer beads / tasbih
G. Stationery & Study Gear
49. 3 spiral notebooks (initial weeks)
50. 16-GB USB flash drive
51. Pilot G-2 pens (6)
52. Sticky notes, highlighters
53. Small desk organizer (flat-pack)
H. What NOT to Pack
54. Voltage-specific appliances (Indian mixer grinder)
55. Heavy winter coat (buy during Black Friday sales)
56. Full spice pantry—customs may bin open packets
57. Bulk toiletries (cheap at Walmart/Target)
I. Buy-in-USA List
58. Rice cooker (USD 15-20 at Walmart)
59. Bedding sets & mattress topper
60. Printer paper, heavy textbooks
61. Second-hand bike or scooter
62. Seasonal clothing beyond basics
J. Airport Day Essentials (Cabin Bag)
63. Passport + documents folder
64. Laptop & chargers
65. One change of clothes
66. Light jacket (planes are cold)
67. Prescription meds (24 h supply)
68. Universal adapter + phone cable
69. Empty water bottle (fill after security)
70. Snacks (nuts, granola bars, halal/veg)
3. Packing Hacks to Beat Airline Fees
- Bundle wrapping: roll underwear inside shirts; reduces wrinkles and volume.
- Compression cubes: save ~30 % space but watch weight.
- Wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on the plane.
- Digital backups: scan all documents to Google Drive; lighter and safer.
- Second carry-on loophole: many airlines allow a laptop bag in addition to cabin suitcase.
4. TSA & Customs Quick Facts
- Dry spices are legal in checked bags; powders > 12 oz in hand luggage must be declared.
- Pressure cookers are fine in checked baggage; remove the weight valve to avoid questioning.
- Meat, fresh produce and dairy are prohibited; packaged noodles and biscuits are OK.
5. Settling-In Timeline
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| 1 | Buy SIM card, bedding, groceries |
| 2–3 | Open bank account, collect student ID, explore campus |
| First week | Attend orientation, set up SSN/ITIN appointment |
6. FAQ
Can I carry homemade achar?
Only if it’s oil-free, vacuum-sealed and < 1 kg; otherwise it’s likely to be confiscated.
Is a rice cooker worth packing?
No. Voltage mismatches and baggage weight make it cheaper to buy locally for USD 20.
How many power adapters do I need?
At least two dual-voltage adapters and one U.S. power strip to convert a single dorm outlet into four.