International Advising
The following information will be shared again as the summer progresses, but you may use this as a point of reference to start thinking ahead about what items you may need to prepare.
Carry-On Baggage
Keep the following items in your carry-on rather than your checked luggage:
- Immigration documents – Form I-20 or DS-2019, passport, visa, and other required immigration documents
- Prescription medications
- Method of payment – cash and/or credit card
- Apple Pay and Tap to Pay are not accepted at all locations, so bring a physical credit/debit card and some cash
- Phone, tablet, or computer and chargers
- Power adapters and converters
- Headphones
- Personal care items – toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, etc.
- Face/sleep masks, hand sanitizer, and wipes
- Jacket or hoodie for the plane
- Change of clothes in case your checked baggage is delayed or lost
- Any personal care items that are difficult to replace – preferred skincare, shampoo/conditioner, etc.
Checked Baggage
You may want to pack the following items in your checked luggage:
Clothing
- Underwear and socks
- Warm layers for winter
- Sneakers and casual/comfortable walking shoes
- Flip-flops or waterproof shoes for residence hall showers
- Hiking and/or winter boots
- Casual clothing – jeans, jackets, athletic wear, layers, and anything you would feel comfortable wearing to class or on the weekends
- Pajamas and/or bathrobe
- Slippers and cozy socks
- A formal or "dressed-up" outfit for events
- Professional clothing for employment and career events
- Winter jacket or coat
Personal Items
- Prescription and personal care items that you cannot easily purchase in the U.S.
- Photos and other memories from home
- Favorite snacks from home
Items You Can Purchase After Arrival
We recommend waiting to purchase bulky household items until after you arrive. Many everyday items are readily available in the U.S., and buying them after arrival can save valuable luggage space and baggage fees.
Examples include:
- Bedding and pillows
- The International Advising Office will provide a set of sheets, a pillow, and a towel upon arrival if you request these items on the Arrival Form, which we will email to you in August.
- Towels
- Hangers
- Laundry supplies
- Cleaning supplies
- Kitchen supplies
- Toiletries and personal care products
- School supplies
- Other household items
Carry-On Baggage Tips
- Keep your carry-on within your airline's size and weight limits.
- Place liquids in a clear, quart-sized zip-top bag, and be prepared to take them out while going through security at the airport
- Review information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection about traveling with medication
Checked Baggage Tips
- Keep your checked baggage within your airline's size and weight limits.
- Label your bags with your name, U.S. phone number, and Union address.
- If you do not have a U.S. phone number yet, you may use International Advising's number: (518) 388-8003.
- Do not put medications or immigration documents in your checked baggage.
Remember: You do not need to bring everything on this list with you! Most of these items can be purchased in the U.S. after you arrive, so if you prefer to pack light and bring only the essentials, that is completely fine. This packing list is simply a collection of suggestions to help you decide what to bring from home and what you may want to purchase after arrival. Please keep in mind that you will most likely having to move dorms each academic year, and it is your responsibility to move all of your belongings.
