A to Z tips for all BS, MS, PhD students going to the United States / Anywhere abroad for further studies.

1. ~ Welcome to the Pre-Departure Seminar FALL 2015 Batch. ~
A TO Z TIPS by
Mr. Sunit V. Survase
Director & CEO,
Grad-Dreams Education Consulting Pvt. Ltd., India.
www.gdx.in

2. Students going to the United States,
Check the map first …
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

4. Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.
(A) Organize the Docs first !
1) Certificates: Birth, Marriage, Transcripts (8), Attested Mark sheets (8), Driving
License, Immunization, Medical, Dental records, prescriptions, Insurance
docs, passport, photos, any other IMP docs.
2) Make 4 sets (photocopies) & keep 1 @ home. You MUST carry all originals
with you.
3) Make a small diary with IMP names & numbers from your home country &
Abroad. Do not depend on your Smartphone !
4) Scan & Upload all docs (academic / co-curricular / extra-curricular) on your
Google drive / Cloud & connect it with your Smartphone.
5) Do not forget to scan & upload your Passport & Visa !

5. • After getting the Visa, Thank your DSO (Designated School Official .. The one who
signed your I-20). Let them know your itinerary.
•Visit the Family Doctor, Dentist & Ophthalmologist. Thorough Check up is required.
Do not forget to take the prescriptions.
•Remember .. It is advisable to carry the prescriptions, if you are planning to carry the
medicines.
•Organize your documentation & shopping tasks ! It takes a lot of time !
• Stop Driving ! Especially 2-wheeler lovers, be careful !
• Stop eating junk food / road side food, you can’t afford to fall sick !
(B) 1 to 4 weeks before you fly: (while you are in your home country )
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

6. •Ask the ISO (International Student Office) if they provide some kind of temporary
accommodation for 3-4 days.
•Contact the Indian Student Association (ISA), if they can arrange for the temporary
accommodation or provide relevant contacts. Also inquire about the airport pick-up.
•Check the respective online university groups on Face book, LinkedIn, Whatsapp or
some other social networks on the internet.
•You may also check some other online university groups in the same city, preferably
near to your university.
• While you search, consider the 'On Campus Dormitories' or even 'Homestays'
initially, till you get your permanent accommodation of your choice.
(C) 1 to 4 weeks before (continued …): Find the accommodation abroad !
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

7. •Please check the room, utilities, distance from your school, availability of public
transportation, before you enter into any agreement. Avoid paying upfront to anyone
from your home country.
•There are many websites, for e.g. Craigslist, that can give you multiple housing
options. Just be a little careful while dealing with people online, especially when it
comes to paying upfront !
•One of the best way is to get a modest hotel / hostel / lodge booked for 3-4 days
near the university. It may come cheap, as low as USD 50 to 70 / night. (Check
Booking.com)
•Grad-Dreams' would obviously do the best to connect everyone with someone in the
university or nearby areas, if available. Also we do our best to connect students from
the same university before flying abroad.
(D) 1 to 4 weeks before (continued …): Find the accommodation abroad !
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

8. (E) Learn Basic Cooking .. Start now !
• Indian food is expensive in the U.S.! You may have a good time on some weekends,
not everyday !
• Know the basics at least (roti, sabzi, daal, chawal) ! Very important to enjoy the high
status amongst your roomies 
• Maggi is still NOT banned there 
• Starbucks, Dunkin’ donuts, McD, KFC, Subway is an option, but not all the time !
• You can try different cuisines on the weekends !
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

9. Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.
(F) Good Quality Luggage:
Get ONLY 2 good quality bags of capacity 23Kg each, with TSA locks. If there is no in-
built TSA lock, then you can buy it separately. It is a MUST !

10. (G) Carry-On Baggage:
• Carry-on baggage is a small piece of luggage you keep with you in the cabin of the
aircraft while flying.
• You are allowed one carry-on in addition to one personal item such as a laptop
computer, purse, small backpack, briefcase, or camera case.
• TSA will screen any "Carry-on" baggage that will fit through the x-ray machine;
however, it is up to each individual air carrier as to whether the baggage fits the size
restrictions for your flight. Please check with the air carrier prior to proceeding
through the security checkpoints.
• Always keep your belongings in sight during screening. You are responsible for
your property as it proceeds through the screening process.
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

11. (H) What should be there in your cabin / carry-on bag ?
Your ‘cabin luggage’ preferably your college sack with ..
• All original docs, cash, cards, jewelry, smart phone, wallet, camera.
• Lip gel, Moisturizer, creams (below 100 ml) in a transparent polythene bag.
• One spare dress, just in case required !
• Some dry snacks, that can remain fresh for at least 25 to 30 hours.
• Laptop (in a separate bag/sack).
• A small diary with all numbers (as mentioned earlier..)
• A good quality Jacket & a small napkin.
That’s all !
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

12. (I) Important checklist of documents needed during your flight (cabin bag):
• Passport
• I-20 & Admission Letters, Previous Education Records
• Travel Documents (Detailed Flight Information)
• All Medical records, stating the medical conditions and treatments, if applicable,
• Prescriptions for medication, (originals, including it's translations, if applicable.)
• Birth and marriage certificates, if applicable.
• International student advisor's emergency phone number from your university,
• At least $ 400 in cash as emergency money - in $ 10 & 20 bills,
• Hotel address or address of the place of your immediate stay and the phone
numbers. It is a MUST !
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

13. (J) Checked Baggage:
• Checked baggage is luggage you check in at the ticket counter, which is not be
accessible during your flight. IMP Packing tips:
• Do not pack jewelry, cash, computers, electronics, or fragile items in your checked
baggage.
• Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on top of other contents in your
luggage.
• Avoid over packing your bag so that your articles do not spill onto the ground if the
bag is opened for inspection and the screener will be able to easily reseal it.
• Don't stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out
within your baggage.
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

14. (K) Continued …
• Before arriving at the airport, check with your airline or travel agent to determine the
airline's baggage policy, including number of pieces you can bring and size and
weight limitations.
• Place personal items such as toiletries, toothbrushes etc. in clear plastic bags to
reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them.
• Do not pack wrapped gifts. They may need to be opened for inspection.
•To avoid loss or confusion between your item and that of another passenger, place
identification tags with your name, address and phone number on all of your
baggage, including your laptop computer. It is a good idea to place an identification
tag inside your baggage as well.
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

15. Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.
(L) What NOT to carry ? Very IMPORTANT !
Items Carry On ? Checked ?
Cutters, Knives, Razor Blades, Scissors, Needles NO YES
Liquids, Gels, Creams, Lotions YES
(Less than 100 ml)
YES
Sauces, Pickles, Jams, Jellies, Spreads NO YES
Oils, Vinegars, Syrups, Perfumes, Alcohol NO YES
Pies, Cakes, Laddoos, Mithai, All dry Snacks YES YES
Lighters, Matchboxes, Batteries.
NO NO
Fruits, Raw Vegetables, Spices, Milk Products
NO NO

16. (M) Air Travel - It is a real fun if you plan !
• Be careful about the direct/in-direct flights.
• Make sure to do the online ‘check-in’ 24 hours before your flight & reach the
airport at least 3.5 hours before the flight time.
• Make sure to collect the baggage tags from the Airline counter & confirm
where it would be delivered. Know your ‘Port of Entry’ before you fly !
• Make sure to reach your final destination anywhere between 5 AM to 5 PM.
• Adjust your Smartphone / wristwatch time with the time on the flight screen, as
the flight starts descending.
• Make sure that any layover is more than 2.5 hours. If it is less than 2.5 hours,
please check if you can change only that flight. It is just too difficult !
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

17. Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.
(N) I-94 Form
(Flight Attendant would give you before
you land in the United States)
Fill it up properly, ask for another
form, if there is any mistake while writing.

18. (O) At all times during the travel ..
• Do not leave your luggage unattended, even when you want to visit the restroom !
• Do not leave your luggage with anyone, and do not agree to look after
luggage belonging to a stranger.
• Do not try to be nice to strangers & help any one, anytime.
• Do not crack jokes about the Security, Security Personnel, Bombs etc ..any point of
the time, unless you want to land in jail ! {Respect. Patience.}
• If you follow the instructions of security personnel and airport signage's, there won’t
be any need to ask anything to anyone
• Take care of your luggage, esp. your Passport, Wallet & Smartphone !
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

19. (P) Once you land at the Port of Entry ..
• You would be facing the CBP (Customs & Border Protection) officer.
Be ready with .. (No need to take it out of your bag, but be prepared !)
• Passport and Visa (…of course you have it with you !),
• I-20 / DS-2019, SEVIS Fee Receipt
• All academic docs
• Name and contact information for Designated School Official (DSO), the one who
signed your I-20 !
• Answer the questions easily the way you dealt with the Visa Officer. The officers are
very friendly.
Switch off the Cell Phone & be ready with a Pen !
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

20. (Q) After you Reach:
• Respect the Jetlag, adjust the clocks  (a day or two !)
• Once you are ready, visit your university/college to complete the “check-in"
procedure, i.e. registrations needed before the classes.
• Find out a proper accommodation. (Check: Utilities, Distance & Rent/Deposits)
• Find out other students (new/seniors) from your city/country. Start networking ! Make
new friends & choose good roomies !
• Once you are settled, make sure to hang around a little bit !
• Find out - Where is What ? (Your Department, Downtown, Wal-Mart, etc.)
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

21. (R) Health Insurance:
• Health Insurance is compulsory ! You CANNOT register for the classes if you don’t
have one.
• It must be at least USD 250,000 to USD 500,000.
• Check the plans offered by the university carefully. Take advice of your seniors.
• A back-up Insurance from your home country would always be of a great help !
Check with your university if they allow you.
• DO NOT forget to purchase at least 1 month’s travel Insurance before you fly !
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

22. (S) Budgeting !
•Tuition fees .. (The biggest figure, unless you study hard to get the GA / TA / RA /
some sort of waiver !)
• Rent - may vary considerably (depends on/off campus housing & the Utilities),
• Health Insurance (Compulsory, no excuse !)
• Meals - this also may vary largely (depends.. What you want !)
•Transportation (Train / Bus pass. Cost/Month)
• Books (Bring this cost down with the help of Seniors, the Web & the college library)
• Local Taxes (Don’t forget the deadline – April 15th
!)
• Communication (Wi-Fi in the room & the SIM voice / data plan outside !)
• Travelling & Recreation (Pubs ? Road trip from Las Vegas to Niagara Falls ?)
• Personal Expenses .. Depends !
Finally .. avoid doing the USD=INR conversion all the time for something
really important !
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

23. (T) Responsibilities !
• Maintain your full-time status at all times !
• Follow the federal rules everywhere - employment & studies / local taxes / travelling.
• International Students should not work without proper employment authorization.
• Protect your personal docs/belongings / information (For e.g. SSN, Credit Card etc.)
• Beware of the phone / internet scams 
• Be a good room partner 
• Keep your room clean .
• Have a good breakfast & a proper meal at least once in a day !
• Be willing to help, organize the work @ home / university.
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

24. (U) IMPORTANT ALERT:
Wrong People – Wrong Place – Wrong Time

Please avoid this combination.
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

25. (V) Culture Shock / Adjustment:
• You will be living as a foreigner ! You have to make efforts to bridge the gap. But …
always be willing to listen 
• Learn about the Culture, History & Traditions.
• Keep talking to American Students & Professors. But don’t ask personal questions !
Americans value their privacy. Do not be too inquisitive 
• Remember to speak slowly and clearly when speaking to Americans.
• Develop Cross Cultural Networks. (Inside/Outside academic life)
• Sometimes – You may meet racist people ! Learn to Ignore. 
• Americans are one of the most accepting and friendly people on the planet.
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

26. (W) Issues !
• Accent – Work on it, that’s all ! You have to struggle for first 1 month.
• Not having an accent may greatly impact your life in the USA..
• Your choice of words can make a huge difference.
• India has a very relaxed and laid back culture. Don’t expect the same abroad. Learn
to fix right things at right time.
• How to adjust with the weird weather outside ? Simply start loving it !
• Weather inside the room ? Check if you want to fight over the cooking or cleanliness.
• USD – INR conversions all the time !
• DO NOT CROSS the roads in your typical Indian way !
• Do you have a long name ? Can you try to trim it ?
• Too much of peace may keep you troubling ! Again .. Start loving it.
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

27. (X) Study hard !
• Plagiarism (copying) is the biggest crime in the academic world ! Avoid copying
directly from the Net or any other source.
• Every assignment or project is expected to be original. So DO NOT write
assignments in a group.
• If you are caught, the least thing is you would get expelled.
• The worst thing would be to get deported back to your country !
• If you have a bad GPA at the end, you’re responsible for the next !
Patience, Persistence, Perseverance is the key to success.
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.

28. Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.
(Y) Finally … Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish 
Please watch ~
Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech, 2005:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHWUCX6osgM
'You've got to find what you love,‘
- Steve Jobs.

29. Thank You for your patience.
Wish You All The Best 
Bon Voyage, Safe Travels ..
Please Contact Us anytime
for any doubts / questions / concerns:
info@gdx.in
* * * * *
Grad-Dreams Inc. – FALL 2015 Pre-Departure Seminar.