Stevens wants to make sure that you are as prepared as possible for your journey to the United States. We put together a list of items that we think you should include in your carry on bag and in your checked luggage. Please note that each airline has it's own size and weight regulations for your carry-on baggage. If you do not adhere to these size and weight limitations, often the airlines will ask that you check your carry-on bag as a piece of luggage. Additionally, it is becoming increasingly popular for airline to charge you a fee for checking luggage. Please check with your airline to find out their policies, and the fees associated with checking your bags.

Since your carry-on bag will be smaller than a traditional suitcase, you are limited to the amount of items that you can take with you. It is important to remember that this is the only bag that would will have with you as you when you arrive at the airport, and when you go through customs. For this reason it is important that you pack all of your necessary identification and documentations needed for immigration in to the U.S. including your I-20 or DS-2019 forms.  Sometimes you may be asked for your financial documentation as well. For more information on immigration and customs click here.

While it is not frequent that baggage is lost, it is important that you consider the possibility. This means that you should pack the items that you know that you will definately need including: money, medicine, phone cards, Stevens' address, and a map. If you are planning on taking any tolietries with you it is important that you adhere to the Department of Transportation's 3-1-1 rule.

In addition to packing your carry-on luggage, you will also have to pack your checked luggage. When packing your clothing it is important to take in to consideration the climate in New Jersey. In the Northeastern United States there are four seasons, with temperatures ranging from very cold (0 C) in the Winter, to very hot (32 C) in the summer with moderate temperature in the Spring and Fall.

In addition to packing clothing, you should also consider purchasing a converter and a transformer for all of your electronic devices. The United States uses 110-volt electricity while, countries outside of the United States typically use 220-volt electricity. Since the flow of electricity is different in various regions of the world, you will need to use a converter to ensure that your devices work properly and to prevent them from blowing a fuse. You will also need to purchase a plug adaptor because appliances that you are bringing from home most likely will not fit in the outlets in the United States. Plugs in the United States use 2 flat-legged wall sockets.

Lastly, there are several items that you are not allowed to pack in your carry-on or in your checked luggage. For a complete list of these items please visit the Transportation Security Administration online at: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm.