Marywood University is fortunate to be located in an area of the United States where we experience all four seasons (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer) each year. Students should keep this in mind when planning what to bring.
Clothing
Marywood University students dress casually for class. Attire worn to class can range from long slacks and a shirt with a thick coat, hat, gloves, and scarf during the winter, to shorts and a tee-shirt worn during the summer. It is also a good idea to bring several pairs of shoes and boots for various occasions and seasons. There are likely to be special occasions when formal attire should be worn, such as when you may be asked to make classroom presentations, as well as for special social functions, interviews, and academic departmental events. You may also wish to bring your national dress for special "international" events on campus where you can represent your country.
Luggage and Shipping
Students should take only as much luggage as they are physically capable of carrying: at most, two standard sized pieces of luggage plus one carry-on.
Computers
Computers are available for students to utilize at Marywood University free of charge. It is not necessary to bring a computer with you. If a student chooses to bring a laptop, they need to make sure it is adequately insured and their work is saved on floppy disks or flash drives as well as on the hard drive. Also, there may be compatibility issues with specific software. For example, if you have a European version of Microsoft Windows a converter may need to be downloaded to accommodate a North American version of Microsoft Windows in order to access or use your files.
Electrical Appliances
Most countries operate on a different electrical current than in the U.S. It is often more economical for students to purchase certain appliances (such as hair dryers) once they arrive in the United States. This is a way to avoid shorting your appliance even when using an adaptor plug (to plug in your appliance) and converter (which changes the electrical current). Battery-operated appliances (such as alarm clocks) are another alternative.
Packing Tips
Students should take only the essentials and take clothes that can be easily washed and dried. Several companies specialize in travel clothing made from microfiber, cotton, and other materials that are compact, light and can be drip-dried. Be careful not to pack too much. Many students reported that they packed more than they needed. Students will be able to purchase many items once you arrive in the United States. Students should not bring expensive jewelry, watches or other accessories, since they are especially vulnerable to theft while traveling. As a general rule, we suggest to students not to bring anything they could not bear to lose, whether its value is monetary or purely sentimental.
Toiletries
Americans are very particular about hygiene, and go out of their way to prevent body odors of any kind. Thus, it is common here to use antiperspirants, deodorants, cologne, perfume, aftershave, mouthwash, scented or deodorant soaps, etc. Please note that is virtually impossible to find natural fiber toothbrushes here.
Many of the items below are available in the United States, but students should bring enough to get to their destination and allow time to settle and get oriented: Please check with your airline for any restrictions. Currently most airlines state passengers must keep liquids carried on board in containers no larger the 100 milliliters and kept in a small plastic bag that is able to be sealed.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Soap
- Hair care products
- Shaving products
- Tissues (travel packs are extremely useful)
- Deodorant
- Tampons, pads
- Contraceptives/condoms
- Contact lens supplies
- Aspirin/Ibuprofen
- Lip balm
- Over-the-counter cold remedies, anti-diarrhea medicine
- Band aids
- Topical anti-infectant
- Nail clipper (remember to pack anything sharp in your suitcase)
- Insect repellent
Miscellaneous
- Money pouch
- Watch, travel alarm clock
- Extra contacts, eye glasses
- Batteries
- Camera, film
- Bi-lingual dictionary and other reference books in your native languages
- Umbrella, rain coat, OR poncho
- Backpack (for day trips and longer)
- Address book, journal
- Pictures of your family
- Sewing kit
- Shoe cleaning supplies
- Ziploc bags (for storage)
- Passport size photos
- Laundry soap in travel packets
Money
It is important to bring an adequate amount of money with you during your journey. Exchanging money in the airport may be costly. Some suggestions are to use personal traveler’s checks or to exchange a small, yet useful amount of money into U.S. Dollars (USD) in your home country before your leave.
The following link will help you understand currency conversion from your home currency to USD. http://www.oanda.com/convert/cheatsheet
When you arrive in the United Sates, we will suggest local currency exchange locations for you to obtain spending money. Some items you may need to buy for personal use or for your dorm room are listed below:
- Linens, towels
- School supplies (writing tools, books, notebooks, folders)
- Any personal toiletries or miscellaneous items from the list above that you did not bring with you
Medical Matters
If you have a medical condition, you should check with your doctor for advice and guidance. You should also do the following:
- Carry a 30 day supply of prescription medication along with a copy of your prescription giving both the generic and trade names. Ensure that such medicines are kept in their original containers. If your medicine is unusual, check whether it is available in the United States before you leave your home country and make preparations to have the medication shipped to you if allowed under U.S. customs law.
- For any medical condition, it is also a good idea to bring a summary of your medical history including diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
- Carry an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses and a copy of your prescription.
- Seek advice from your doctor if you are pregnant.
U.S. Customs
Very specific U.S. regulations govern what you may bring into the United States. These cover alcohol, drugs, certain foods and wildlife. To see the extensive and most current list of prohibited and restricted items visit U.S. Customs and Border Protection at: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml
Currently, a non-resident may bring in new merchandise worth up to US$ 200 free of duty for personal or household use. You may of course bring what you need to live here during your studies. On visits of 72 hours or more, you may carry an additional US$ 100 worth of merchandise free of duty as gifts for other people. However, there are restrictions. Further information can be obtained by phoning one of the U.S. Customs offices. For more information, you may also wish to consult the U.S. Customs Web site (http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/index.htm).
Illicit Drugs
The U.S. Zero Tolerance Policy imposes severe penalties for the possession of even a small amount of a restricted substance. Even prescription drugs and syringes used for legitimate medical purposes come under intense scrutiny. Never carry a package or luggage for someone else unless you have been able to verify the contents completely.
Travel Documents
Passports - Students may want to make copies of the first page of their passports. One copy should be left at home (with a parent or friend), and one copy should travel with the student and be kept in a location separate from their passport. If a passport is lost or stolen, this photocopy will make it much easier to get a new one.
Visa - When traveling, you must have your student visa in your possession at all times.
Documents for Non-U.S. Citizens - While traveling, you should carry with you any other documents necessary for identification, especially your I-20. Photocopies of all of your documents should be made prior to your departure and one copy should be left with a friend or parent in your home country and you should bring copies with you as well. This will help if anything gets lost or stolen while studying abroad.
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