Shopping List

Here is a list of things that might help you in packing - it is by no means a complete and comprehensive list. Do bring whatever else you feel necessary. The list was prepared based on what most graduate students have brought with them in the past, but it varies quite a bit from person to person.

Clothes :

Usually clothes are machine washed once every two weeks hence two weeks supply of clothes is needed. Get all clothes little loose - clothes may shrink in machine wash or you might probably grow fat.

Shirts and T-shirts 10-15
Jeans/trousers 3-5
Light Jacket for fall
A few sweaters/pullovers/cardigans
A few pairs of formal clothing
A suit (for job interviews and functions)
Undergarments enough for 2-3 weeks
Sneakers/casual footwear 2-3 pairs (get extra shoelaces)
Pair of formal footwear
Slippers
Bed related clothing
Don't worry yourself if you can't bring any of the items listed above most of them are available pretty cheap in the US (made in China). Exceptions are leather goods, formal wear.
You will need to buy a heavy winter jacket and snowboots here. You might probably like to buy them once you come here. More or less it is advisable to buy the woolen stuff here. Almost everything is made in China, so don't depend on finding good clothing here. High quality clothing is very expensive.

Books :

Books are very expensive here. A general text book will cost $60-$100. Get all the basic textbooks for the courses in your department.Check the courses in your departmental website for the prescribed text books. You might want to check the professors web pages for the recent textbooks used in thier courses. You can contact seniors from your department.

A five litre cooker ,extra gaskets and safety valves and a plate are ennough.Non stick cookware is available here which is well suited for the electric stoves here and is not expensive.Instead of carrying kgs of vessels get useful textbooks!
All Indian groceries, pickles and other food stuff MUST be sealed completely else they may be removed by the US customs.

I-20 (keep at lest two photocopies)
Passport
Degree and other certificates
All university related correspondence
Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, comb, cosmetic, shaving material
Reading material (may not be needed)
A change of clothing (in case your luggage arrives late)
Walkman and cassettes or CD players and CD (if you want)
Medicines you might need (headache, stomach, fever, etc)
Address book with names/numbers/addresses of contacts here.
Also note down your I-20 and passport numbers Traveler. s checks serial numbers, etc.
Make several photocopies of your important documents and keep them in separate bags. Keep two copies in your handbag. Get as many transcripts as you can. Make sure your travel-related documents (I-20, passport) are on you all the time.