TRAVELLING TIPS

The next thing to do is blocking the tickets (this implies no financial
commitment). This can be done visa travel agents. Make sure the travel agent
is good. (E.g. Travel Corporation of India (TCI, Parry Travels).

// All India Travel Agency (AITA) Parsn Complex

Block tickets with many travel agents. Put pressure on the agents to get as
much info as possible. Much before the flight call the airlines themselves
and confirm your ticket. 
// Indicate whether you want Asian Vegetarian Meal (AVM), non-smoking
section etc.,
* Crosscheck everything the travelagent says
* Some airlines offer Frequent Flyer programs (e.g. Air France, TWA) (i.e.
after a certain # of miles of flying with that airline you get a free
ticket). Enroll insuch programs.
// Delta, British Airways?
*Avoid change of airline. A direct flight is best. If change of airlines
can't be avoided, leave atleast 4-6 hrs gap between the scheduled arrival of
one flight and the scheduled departure of the connecting flight. 
* Baggage is usually safe with a single airlines- change of airlines
sometimes lead to misplaced luggage. Some airlines don't take care of
Baggage transfer - you may have to carry it personally (check this while
booking)
* Do not trust an Indian Airlines connecting flight (in case you use IA
allow atleast a day).

GETTING THE VISA

For students with full financial aid this is no problem at all. Even then
these tips will make it more peaceful.

* When you go for the visa dress decently. Avoid any Americanisms. A touch
of Indianism helps a lot (a streak of "Vibhuthi" on the forehead). Speak
slowly and clearly. Don't appear tense and don't look desperate. Showing
self-confidence helps.

* Go along with a friend having a vehicle. (In case you have to go & get
something)
* They should never feel that you will have any sort of difficulty language,
racial, religious etc.
* You should be able to convince them that you will come back to India. If
they ask you points in favor are, a) you are the only child b) immovable
property in India (can take proof of document) c) orthodox family d) brought
up in rural atmosphere e) lots of relatives in India f) mom, dad won't come
to USA g) field of interest not available in India h) change of field not
possible in India i) interest in Teaching - get Ph.D. fast. Actually all
this won't be required - just in case the y decide to have an interview with
you these tips will come in handy.

* Suggested ideal time for getting the visa:
	To apply - 9:45 to 10:00 am
	To collect - 4:45 to 5:00 p.m.
* Don't go at 5:00 am in the morning and wait.
* Avoid Mondays and Fridays, Wednesdays are preferable.
* Go sometime before and get the form for this (u can take the filled form)
* Things to be taken when you go for the visa
	a)	Signed I-20 Form
	b)	Filled visa application form
	c) 	Two passport size photos (take some glue)
	d)	Passport
	e)	Admission and aid letters
 	f) 	TOEFL and GRE scores (original & photocopy)
	g)	Xerox copy of grade cards.

EMIGRATION CLEARANCE

* Get this after the visa 
* You can get this from a venue other than the place of issue of the
passport - by showing that your place of residence falls in the jurisdiction
of that passport office (it might take some time, and pain)
* In Madras, the passport office is located on the II Floor, Shastri Bhavan,
Haddows Rd.
* Take the following things with you- 
	a) Passport
	b) ECNR (Emigration Clearance Not Required) form - get it from your travel
agent, avoid queue at the Passport office
	c) Original of Provisional Certificate (PC) - to show
	d) Xerox copy of PC
	e) Consolidated Marksheet and copy, if you have only PC. If you have Degree
Certificate, then not required.

Procedure in Brief:

At one counter show the filled form and get a slip; go inside and show your
documents at the checking counter; pay Rs. 100 at the cash counter; collect
the passport in the evening with the ECNR stamping.

* Suggested timing:

11:00 to 11:15 am (submit)
4:50 to 5:00 p.m. (collect)

GETTING PERMIT FOR $750

This can be got from any bank authorized to do so (need not go to RBI for
this). You can get this within a month of date of flight. The following
documents have to be taken along. passport+copy, airticket, I-20 student
copy+ copy, grade cards + copies, PC+copy, XII std pass/marksheet + copy,
aid & admission letter + copies, bank advance/ any other form of payment,
you may take part of $750 in currency notes, upto $50 is OK (legally upto
$100 is allowed).

THINGS TO BE DONE IN ADVANCE

Certain things have to be done in adv., as soon as you get aid, much before
flight.

* Learn typing
* Learn driving 
* Learn cooking
* Apply for bank loan if necessary
* Make passport valid for 6 months more than the stay indicated in you I20.
// Make sure your passport is valid for 6 months atleast. All other changes
are best made in US.
* Make outstation purchases (sweater, thermal underwear, cassettes-
available cheap in Delhi, Bombay...)
* Get medical checkup done

	a) Dental
	b) Fresh checkup, esp. if you have a major ailment. Get prescription and
medicines for all common ailments (the technical name of the medicine with
the Indian/US brand name.
	c) Get you eyesight checked -get a new prescription. Buy atleast one extra
pair of glasses.
	d) Get tested for TB if possible (get chest Xray), else they will do it in
Univ.
	e) Get requisite immunization (MMR esp.)
* Get cassettes recorded which might like to take with you.
* Write to India club/ OIPS giving your flight #, time & date of arrival,
they may pick you up and give you temp. Accommodation if necessary.
* If you are very interested in Indian magazines (Gult, Tamil etc) subscribe
to them. Can subscribe from US also.
* Note your parents Bank acct #

PACKING

* Start packing well in advance.
* But two good boxes. They should be able to withstand a lot of mishandling.
They should be as large as possible, within the size limit. (However most
airlines are not very strict abt baggage size) Put Identification marks both
inside and outside the boxes (apart from this the airlines will also give
you adhesive labels). Boxes with independent top & bottom are preferable.
* Box specification, as an e.g. the Air India Economy class spec is given
below, Note: specs may be different for different countries and airlines. 2
pieces of baggage with total linear dimensions( l+b+h) not to exceed 270cm
(106"). Moreover the total linear dimension of a single piece should not be
over 158cm(62"). The weight of each bag should not exceed 32kg(70lbs).
(Note:  they are not particular abt this)
* Carry on baggage- in addition you can carry a bag with linear dimension
not exceeding 115cm(45") onboard (fits beneath the seat). For most airlines
baggage specs are similar (confirm). If you are taking a break outside
US/Canada contact your travel agent for details.

THINGS TO BE KEPT IN THE BOXES

* Copy of all the certificates/documents (originals in the hand baggage)
* Important apping material (SOP, reco etc)
* Necessary books/notebooks (some suggested books are - Clarks Tables, a
good dictionary/thesaurus, a booklet of units conversion) (note: there
should be no legal hassles taking Xerox copies of books - but don't flaunt
them to American Profs)
* Copy of address book/ telephone book/ diary
* Some stationary and related items suggested (not absolutely necessary-
just for the first few weeks) are:
Common items + rubber stamp with the house address + airmail covers + few
Indian razors for cutting work + screwdriver
* Indian postal stamps - for sending letters through someone coming to India
* Medical history files
* Gifts (suggested: rolable pictures, handicrafts etc)
* Non-technical books (fiction/religious) (note: second hand storybooks are
cheap in the US)
* 1 pair leather chappals, 2 hawai chappals (+extra straps)
* Soap (bath), toothbrushes (slightly costly in the US - 1 or 2 bucks) etc
* Cassettes

CLOTHES

Usually clothes are machine washed once a week (Laundromat) - hence one week
supply of clothes (+ one week backup) is needed. Get all clothes little
loose- clothes may shrink in machine wash & you will probably grow fatter.

* 14-15 sets of undergarments, socks, handkerchiefs
// Not necessary! Good stuff available here & pretty cheap 
* 5 sets of good shirts, pants
* A good swimming trunk + few shorts
* A tie + 1-2 belts
* 3-6 ordinary towels (Turkish once start shrinking)
* a bedsheet
* Lungies/dhoties/pajamas
* Thermal underwear (2-4)
* Extra woolen sweaters

Note:

* Sleeveless woolen sweaters are enough for warm places
* Woolen socks not recommended if not going to cold places
* Second hand alarm clocks are cheap in the US
* Don't take Indian files (empty) or punching machines - filing system is
different in the US (3 holes, A4)
* Don't take paper
* Don't take raincoats
* Don't buy purse (wallet for carrying cards can be bought in US)
* Wear your shoes in order to save space in the box. If needed buy only
leather shoes only (other types of shoes are cheap in US). For some weather
conditions Indian Leather shoes may crack
//don't worry yourself if you can't bring any of the stuff listed above -
most of them are available pretty cheap in the US (made in China).
Exceptions are leather goods, formal wear. In a month or two you will be in
a position to get anything you want (unless you are not on aid)


FOOD STUFFS

Below are some South Indian foodstuff that may be taken:
* 1-2.5kg packets of "Sambar Podi" 
* 1 packet of "Rasam Podi"
* 0.5 packet of "Masala Podi"
* 1 box of "Paruppu podi", "Upma Podi" , "Vatha-Kozhambu Podi", "tamarind
rice Podi"
* Appalam/Vadam/pickles
* Mustard packet
* Tamarind paste
* Different dhals in small quantity for initial phase
* Asafeotida powder
* Indian instant coffee + Indian tea (takes some time to get used to
American stuff)
* Elachi, clove, cinnamon
Note: most of these items are available in the Indian stores in the major
cities. However you need to carry them for use in the initial days
* Actually pickles are not allowed - but you can take them in solder-sealed
tins. (Students are not usually not checked for these)
* Take all dry foodstuff in sealed plastic packets
// Most Indian foodstuffs are available even in small cities. Don't come
loaded with foodstuff as you may have (small) problems with the customs. Try
to get "instant" stuff as people generally don't have much time for cooking
in the US

VESSELS

* Big pressure pan (with spare handle, 3 spare valves, 2 weights, 1 base
plate, and 3 gaskets)(note: big pressure cooker may not be needed as the
rice cooker can be bought in the US)
* Idli plates
* dosai turners,charani(server with holes), rice server or other servers
* Tongs
* Small bowls ("kinnum")
* Rolling pin
* Knife
* Kadai (optional)
* Cookbook - e.g. "Cook & See" by Meenakshi Ammal

Note: No other vessels are needed. No tumblers are needed. Try to share &
bring the vessels with the others coming to your Univ. Non-stick kitchenware
is cheap in the US. and you can buy a full set.

THINGS TO BE KEPT IN HAND BAGGAGE

* Some medicines (including for airsickness)
* Novel/mag/books for in-flight reading
* Sweater
* Original imp documents (I-20, visa, tickets,)
* Enough money (little cash, traveler's checks)
* Address book, phone book (Indian & US)
* Copies of your photo (passport size)
* Enlisted steps to be carried in case of emergency (accident, theft.)
* Things to survive for a week in case luggage gets misplaced (two sets of
clothes, valuables like calci, addresses etc)

THINGS TO BE KEPT IN PERSON

* Shorter extract of contact addresses - especially of people coming to pick
you up.
* Receipt got along with the traveler's check (in case you lose your TC's)

THINGS TO BE LEFT AT HOME

* List of addresses, phone numbers at which info about you can be obtained
* One copy of all important documents
* A copy of relevant Medical History files
* Arrange to collect/redirect mail from your room/hostel
* Arrange to apply/collect/mail your transcripts (about 20 in number)
* Your tailoring measurement
* A few blank signed papers - so that your parents can be authorized to look
after anything on your behalf

THINGS TO BE DONE IN THE LAST WEEK BEFORE THE FLIGHT 

* Call up & find out if there is any delay or change of schedule of the
plane (inform the people coming to pick you up of any such change)
* Rest well - ready to face the long journey/jet lag
* Bid bye to all concerned

ON THE DAY OF THE FLIGHT * INFLIGHT + LATER

* Since it is going to be a long flight wear something comfortable (cotton
dress + full hand shirt). Wear your shoes - in-flight you can remove them
(some airlines give in-flight shoes - else relax in socks)
* Be at the airport 3-4 hours before the flight departure
* Collect $20 at the airport (part of it in $1)
* Relax during flight, sleep as much as possible
* For vegetarians - watch out before you eat- you may get non-veg even if
you had asked for veg. Veg. food is generally bland - fruits/juice are good
choices. (Before ordering anything on board check if you have to pay
separately for it). Don't hesitate to ask questions
* Once outside India be very careful (from sheer experience of seniors).
Don't trust anyone. Don't hire a taxi (unless emergency) till you reach your
destination. If required don't hesitate to spend money.
// Don't hesitate to talk to people to ask questions - usually they will
answer all your queries properly - very different from India

PORT OF ENTRY PROCEDURES

* Sometime before landing the flight attendant will distribute customs
declaration forms & immigration forms as mentioned below. Fill these out in
the plane (you will submit them to the appropriate authorities when you
land). Don't hesitate to take the flight attendant's help.
// You can indicate that you have nothing to declare & the total value of
all your things is less than $100 on the customs form
//form I-94 - fill in the plane. After seeing your document immigration
officer will indicate length of stay, Univ. etc., this will be attached to
the passport. IMP: note the duration of stay (D/S) and the expiry date.
// Form I-20 ID copy - all transactions regarding your non-immigrant status
will be recorded in this form. This should be retained at all times (not
surrendered when you leave the US temporarily). Your admission number will
be given - memorize it & note it elsewhere.
* Just before you land the correct local time will be announced, set your
watch (dual time watches will come handy here)
* Once you are out of the plane go straight to the immigration counter -
rush for them to beat the queue. It might take 0.5 to 1 hour here. Keep your
I-20, passport, admission & aid letter ready. They may ask a few questions
like - is this your first time in the US? Student? F-1 visa? Which Univ.?
They will attach the I-64 card to your visa. You are now in the USA!
* Then go to the baggage counter to get your luggage. Pick up a cart (you
can get this at a machine for $1) to carry the bags. Then pick up your bags
as the come on the conveyor (suitable eye-catching labels help here). If you
don't get your baggage inform the enquiry section - you may have to wait
0.5-1 hour here.
* Cart your bag to the nearby Customs. If asked tell them you are a student,
F-1 visa, univ, dept, coming to US for the first time. If asked to open the
baggage do so slowly - do not mess up the place. If asked about "Podi" tell
them they are "dried Indian spices" to make Indian dishes like curry. Rarely
they may ask you to go to the Agri dept. nearby- that is a pain. If asked
about "Vibhuthi" tell them that it is Holy Indian powder used for worship.
Note: in most cases you will not be asked to open the boxes itself & will
simply be waved through. 
* Now go and wait at the nearest exit for the guys who are supposed to pick
you up. If nobody turns up after sometime (say 0.5 hours) make a collect
call (at the public phone dial 0, get the operator & ask for a collect
call). Else call i) Prof,ii) dept.,iii) International Students Office,iv)
admissions office,v) any Indian guy in the directory. Go & ask for an
announcement to be made over the PA system. Get a card, write your name and
hold it up.
* Never leave your baggage unattended. Don't go out of the airport until
someone comes and picks you up. If you have doubts about the guy who comes
to pick you up, don't hesitate to ask for his ID (All this ofcourse is being
extra cautious)
* Once you reach your friend's house (or other destination) call home &
inform them of reaching safely. Keep readymade card - add a few lines - got
to the nearest post office, get stamps and mail the card immediately.

A FEW IMP THINGS IN (AFTER ARRIVAL) LIFE

* Your first work is to meet the Foreign Student's Advisor in the
International Student's Office (ISO). They keep a record of you (passport,
visa details etc). When you leave the US (temporarily or permanently) you
have to go there again.

Then the things you did when you entered college:

	Get your Univ. ID card
	Get your Driver's license
	Tax forms, etc some paper work in the dept.
	Meet the HOD/ grad. Student advisor/ advisor
	Register for classes

BE happy now that your dream has come true!

LIST OF MEDICINES RECCOMMENDED BY A DOCTOR

* Crocin tablets - 3 strips for fever, bodyache, and headache. One tablet
three times a day as necessary. 
* Erythrocin 500mg tablets - 2 strips. One tablet twice a day when necessary
as advised
* Sporadix 500mg capsules - 2 strips.  One tablet twice a day when necessary
as advised
* Actified tablets - 3 strips
* Cosovil tablets - 2 strips 
For common cold & cough, one tablet three times a day.
* Avomin tablets - 1 strip for airsickness. One tablet as necessary.
* Lomotil tablets- 30
* Digene tablets- 20
 for stomach discomfort & diarrihoea, Of each three times a day.
* Baralgam tablets - 2 strips
  for abdominal colic pain, backache etc. One tablet every 6 hours as
necessary.
* Dorstal(?) tablets - 10
  for nausea & vomiting, take one tablet three times a day.
* Electral powder - 2 packets
  One teaspoonful mixed with drinks to make up loss of electrolyte after
vomiting & diarrhoea
* Novalgin - 2 strips 
  for headache & bodyache. One tablet as necessary.
* Somatil tablets - 1 strip
  for vertigo(giddiness) One table 3 times a day as necessary till relieved
* Isogel(Glaxo) - 1 box
  For constipation, 1 teaspoon full in a glass of water at bedtime
* Brufen 600mg tablets - 2 strips
  For arthirtic joint pain. One tablet three times a day after food.
* Avil Tablets - 1 strip
  for allergy, One tablet as necessary.
* Sepmax tablets - 1 strip
  for sore throat, One tablet twice a day after food, till relieved. NOT TO
BE TAKEN WHEN ONE IS ALLERGIC TO SULFA DRUGS.
* Relaxyl ointment - 1 tube
  to be applied as pain balm.
* Band Aid assorted - 12
* Soframycin skin ointment - 1 tube
  // the above list seems to be made out for a guy who is a proper
hypochondriac!
True that medicines are relatively very expensive in the US, but you will
also tend to fall ill less frequently (clean drinking water etc). Get all
medicines prescribed above if you must, but atleast get them in mush smaller
quantities.

AMERICAN IDIOMS AND SOUTHERN EXPRESSIONS

Beat up: worn out, shabby (said of something)
Beat around the bush: avoid the issue
Been had: to be taken advantage of
Big shot: a supposedly important person or someone who thinks he/she is
Big deal: anything important or exciting
Break the ice: make the beginning
Buck : dollar bill
Bombed : see "high"
Booze : alcoholic beverage
Bummer : a term to designate that something undesirable has happened
Cash : paying somebody with currency rather than check
Check out : look over a situation
Cool or neat : slang term to denote approval for something or someone
Cool it : calm down
Cop : slang for policeman
Cut it out : stop it
Crack up  :to lose emotional control in laughter
Date : go out with someone; also the person you go out with
Down : to feel depressed, sad
Down to earth : practical, straightforward,(person)
Drop : to withdraw from a course on or before the set date
Drive one up the wall : drive on nuts; to make one very nervous, or upset
Fall for : take a strong liking for 
Fed up : disgusted with, or tired of
Frak out : to lose control over oneself, go crazy

Give a ring : call on the telephone
Go to pot : to deteriorate
Grass : slang term for marijuana
Gripe : to complain
Hang on : with reference to the telephone it means do no hang up the
receiver
Hang in there: keep trying; do not be discouraged
Hassled : troubled by
Have a lot on the ball : to be capable, talented, or efficient
High : intoxicated( "loaded") from liquor or drugs
Hit the sack : go to bed
Hung up : to be in conflict over a problem
I.D. : identification
In a nutshell : briefly and concisely
Jock : an athlete
Keep your shirt on : be calm or be patient
Know the ropes : be familiar with the details of an undertaking
Lemon : bad buy or purchase
Loaded : to get intoxicated
Make ends meet : budget within one's income
Make up : (1) to apologize after a fight or disagreement
(2) to do an assignment after it is due
(3) cosmetics a woman uses
Mid term : test given during the middle of a quarter
On the house : free, no cost
Old man : slang term for father
Out of it : (1) someone whose mind is far away or preoccupied, or (2)
somebody not fitting into a certain group
Out of the question : unthinkable, impossible
Over my dead body : not if I can stop it!
Out of sight : term of approval denoting something exciting or very good
Play it by ear : to respond to circumstances as they arise
Phony : someone who is insincere, also fake
Play second fiddle : be second in importance
Pop-quiz : a test given with no previous warning
Pot : term used for marijuana
Psyched up : to mentally prepare oneself for something; excited about
something
Pull one's leg : to tease somebody
Pull strings : use influence
Pull the wool over someone's eyes : deceive or mislead someone
Put someone on : to tease or try to fool. " Are you putting me on?"
Put your foot in your mouth : say something you regret having said
Rip off : to steal ; to charge an exorbitant price for some item
Redneck : hillbilly
Run around with : be friends with
Screwed up : confused
Shook up : upset
Show : movie or film, cinema
Skip or cut : not go to class
Stone : to get high on grass
Straight : one who goes along with the norms of society, conservative
Take raincheck : to postpone an invitation, accepting it for a later date
Take for granted : to assume
Through the grapevine : through gossip
To the max : to the maximum or greatest extent
Uptight : worried, tensed
Under the weather : sick, not feeling well
With flying colours : with victory or success
Wasted : an extreme lack of energy
Ya'll : you all
Zero in on : focus or concentrate on


