Pre-Arrival Checklist for Students

What to do before you travel to the U.S.

Have your F-1 or J-1 visa prior to departure or else you will not be allowed in the country.
Know where you will be living or have arrangements for temporary housing until you find a permanent situation.
Plan for your transportation from the airport to UMass Dartmouth.
Plan a realistic budget.
Be sure to take care of your finances before you depart (bank account, wire transfers, etc.)
If you are traveling with dependents (wife, husband, children) be sure their paperwork is in order and that they have the proper visas.
Know what you can and cannot bring onto the airplane.
Check with the airline about any information they will ask you to provide to prepare for the I-94 Automation process on entering the U.S. Usually your passport, entry visa, and other travel documents contain all the information you will need.
Know your rights when entering the US (electronic devices, inspection of electronic devices, encountering law enforcement)

Immigration Documents
- Passports, Visas and I - 20 or DS 2019
- Documents showing financial support
- Birth Certificate (optional)
Money
- At least $200 (US) in cash
- Other funds: You should plan to have about $2000.00 (US) readily available to you. Do not carry this amount in cash. The easiest way to handle these funds is by a cash card or bank check. This is especially important if you plan on living off-campus and might want to have a downpayment on rent.
- Cash Card: Major credit/debit cards can be used to get local currency through automatic teller machines (ATMs). Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and American Express work with nearly all machines in the U.S. But remember the University cannot accept debit/credit cards for payment of tuition, fees, room and board; credit cards are accepted for other on-campus payments
Health Records
- Record of required immunizations for yourself, your spouse, and children (if traveling with you)
- Prescription drugs for two months with written prescriptions
- Medical records to give your new physician (translated into English, if possible)
- List of Allergies
Important Correspondence from UMass Dartmouth
- Letter of Admission or appointment contract
- Scholarships or fellowships awarded to you
- Housing assignment, if any
Other

Children's school records, in English, if possible; otherwise, you may need to translate them yourself for school officials
Laptop Computer, unless you plan to buy one here, along with backup copy of all computer data and programs
Small electronic gear, such as a digital camera, calculator, iPod, and PDA
Clothing and toiletries: enough for a few days, in case the airlines loses your luggage
List of emergency phone numbers, addresses, and contacts in your home country and at UMass Dartmouth
A book to read on the plane

Clothing: suited for the local weather and for school. Good walking shoes are also recommended
A few important books, especially if they're hard to find in the U.S.
Your favorite CDs and computer games
Pictures of home and friends, plus other small mementos
List of emergency phone numbers, addresses, and contacts at home and at UMass Dartmouth
A large card with your new address in the U.S. inside each piece of luggage, as well as on the tag, in case the airport loses it. (If you do not have an address yet, list the International Student & Scholar Center here at UMass Dartmouth)

Don't bring things that are large, inexpensive, or delicate. It will be cheaper and more convenient to buy them in the U.S. So do not bring:

Mass.gov: Avoiding Immigration Scams