If you've obtained your US student visa, congratulations. You've taken the first step towards the journey of a lifetime. Before you go, however, you need to make pre-departure preparations to ensure everything goes smoothly.

First of all, make sure to double-check the visa stamp placed by the US consulate in your passport. 

Check:

• If the visa stamp has your correct name and date of birth.
• Whether the visa shows the correct type -- F-1, M-1 or J-1.
• If the letter 'M' is included to 'indicate multiple entry' to the US. This will allow you to leave and return to the US after a short visit back home, or anywhere outside the country if required (for a wedding, holiday etc).
• Whether the name of your US university is accurately indicated.

If there is error in any of these categories, you should rush to the Visa Facilitation Services office in your city and request for the necessary change to be made from the nearest US consulate. 

Do make a few photocopies of your passport, including the page that shows the US student visa so that, in case you lose or misplace your passport, you have proof that you have been granted a US student visa. 

You may leave a couple of copies with your folks at home in India, in case of any future reference or need. In addition to your original passport, do carry a few photocopies of the relevant pages from your passport as well.

• Where to start? US visa preparations

Foreign exchange

As a student, you are allowed to carry your full US tuition fee; however, this amount should not exceed $100,000. Of course, it is not advisable to carry such a large amount with you. Instead, fees can be remitted through wire transfer; and you can also pay your fees online.

It is best to have money sent from home to the United States in installments. As you only need to pay tuitions per semester, or twice a year, you do not need such a large sum of money at once.

To avoid lengthy currency exchanges at the airport, don't convert money just before your flight. Instead, secure the money in advance from an authorised bank or from a trusted financial institution.

It is recommended to take $200-$300 in cash for personal use, making sure to get bills in multiple denominations. Insist on a few one-dollar bills, as you'll need them when landing in the United States for tipping and luggage carts.

Also, bring $1,000 to $3,000 (depending on individual choice and need) in travellers' cheques. Keep at least three copies of the numbers of these cheques and place of issue, separately in your pocket, handbag and luggage. This way, in case of loss, you'll have a least one copy of the required information for the bank upon arrival.

Booking Tickets

If this is your first international flight, seek the help of a good travel agent for all formalities. You can book directly through the airline, but agents tend to find the best deals and allow you more options. Unless you are an experienced traveller, go for the added security of an agent.

There are usually two categories of travel agents -- IATA (International Air Transport Association) recognised and non-IATA agents. Non-IATA agents are sub-agents who approach IATA agents to book your tickets. For international travel, IATA agent bookings are widely accepted and recommended.

There exists an all-India association of travel agents, called the 'Travel Agents Association of India' (TAAI) whose registered office is located at:

276, Lawrence & Mayo House
Second floor,
Next to Khadi Bhandar
D N Road, GPO,
Mumbai -- 400 001

Phone: (022) 22074 5591

Fax: (022) 22074559

E-mail: travels@bom2.vsnl.net.in

This office will have a current list of travel agents from around the country; make your preferred choice. They may not entertain e-mail queries, so give them a call. 

The choice of airline is also yours. Obviously, most passengers seek the least possible air-fare with the best possible facilities. An overnight stay (layover) on the way from India to the US at airline expense is possible under certain conditions which your travel agent will explain, if you desire to make a halt on the way. 

Check with your agent and your airline if you need a transit visa for the country in which your aircraft halts on route to the US, even if it's just for a few hours. 

• Study Abroad? Carry more luggage!

Baggage

For travel to the US, the free baggage allowance is based on a 'piece' concept. Each airline has different regulations, but here's a general idea:

Two 'pieces' of checked baggage: The dimension of each bag is limited to 62 inches or 157.5 centimetres(length+width+height), and the weight to 23 kilos each. Checked baggage may include lotions, creams, perfumes and other liquids.

One 'piece' of hand baggage: The dimension of carry-on baggage is limited to 45" (L+W+H); the weight must not exceed five kilos. Approximate dimensions of carry-on baggage is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 56 cm x 35.5 cm x 23 centimetres. Baggage seizers are often installed to test acceptable cabin baggage size at the check-in counters. Lotions, creams, perfumes and other liquids may NOT be included in your hand baggage.

The following items may be carried on board the aircraft in addition to baggage at no extra cost. Some airlines only allow 'one' of these personal items.

• Purse -- male or female
• Food (non-liquid) to be consumed on the flight 
• A laptop computer
• Coat or jacket
• Umbrella
• One item of reading material
• Briefcase
• Camera

The following items may NOT be carried on board an aircraft in addition to baggage at no extra cost:

• Gifts/ presents for loved ones and friends
• A large handbag
• Any item exceeding 36 inches in total dimension
• Musical instruments
• More than one coat or jacket

Medical insurance

Take medical insurance cover during your study period from your university. It is the cheapest and most convenient method for two reasons. First, most universities count medical insurance as part of your tuition fee and second, the medical centre will be on campus and close by in case of emergency or medical need.

You can get health insurance from an outside company in America or India, but this is not advised.

Also, you can take out travel insurance for your flight in case of loss of baggage, injury while travelling, etc. It costs up to $200 (approximately Rs 8,800), and is often difficult to claim. This is also an individual decision; research shows that most students do not take this type of insurance.

Check-in at Indian airports

You will be required to fill in an 'embarkation card' at the check-in counter. It asks for personal information, such as date of birth and home address, destination and purpose of your travel. 

This form will be taken by the Indian immigration officer when you clear immigration and customs before moving on to security and boarding the aircraft.

Be sure to avoid carrying liquid items in your hand baggage as they will be confiscated at the security gate.

Carry following items with you in your hand luggage to be shown to the immigration inspector when you land at a US airport:

1. The letter from your university that is offering you admission.

2. Your university's I-20 Form.

3. SEVIS form 901 that shows you paid the $100 SEVIS fee. SEVIS is a computer system that monitors foreigners in USA.

4. Contact details of your foreign student officer (telephone, email, cell numbers).

5. Contact details of friends/ relatives, if any, living in the US, for when you land at a US airport.

6. Contact details of your family/ friends in India for reference purposes.

It's an exciting time in your life, going to study in America. But, in order to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, make sure you follow these guidelines.

In Part II of this feature, we'll look at your flight, dealing with immigration services in America, and how to cope with jet lag.

Part II -- Study US: Ready for immigration?

DON'T MISS

• Going to the US to study?
• Want to study abroad? 

~ Are you a student who is studying/ has studied abroad? What advice would you have for other students who may soon be pursuing studies in a foreign country? What are your experience as an international student? What were the things you wished you knew before you left home? Write to us at getahead@rediff.co.in and we will feature your experiences right here.

Dr Arun Vakil has an MBA from the University of California, USA, and a PhD, partly from the University of Wyoming USA and the University of Mumbai. He is an expert on US visa regulations. He has authored the book 'Gateway To America'.