Student Checklist

Here is a list of useful things that are common for most students coming to UH/Houston/USA. This is by no means elaborate enough to cover everyone's needs and is to be treated as a guidelin . The idea here is to make sure that when you come tothe US , you are prepared to live independently and comfortably. A little preparation always helps!

Clothes

The dressing style at school is pretty informal and 'chalta-hai' types. You might want to get casual wear like cotton T-shirts, cotton shorts, Jeans, etc. We strongly recommend getting atleast a pair of formal wear. You will need them for career fairs, presentations, interviews, etc. Clothes are relatively inexpensive here.

Winter Clothing

Houston winters are relatively mild but it does get pretty chilly once in a while (about 25-27 degC during daytime and below 10degC in evenings/nights). To compare it to India, winters can be as in North Indian cities (eg. shimla). A couple of good sweaters would be necessary and a wind-cheater would help in the rain as well as cold. Monkey caps, scarf and gloves would be useful, especially when riding/walking back and forth from school during winter months.

Cooking Items

This is the fun part. Most of the students end up cooking on their own and thus we strongly recommend getting all your cooking 'saaman' with you. Here is a list of basic items:

* Pressure cooker - 4-5L, bigger the better, usually four people stay together and cook. So the bigger one is convenient. GET MANY PRESSURE COOKER VALVES, THEY GET SPOILT SOON.

* Masala's - Get your mom's home-made masala's to suit your taste. Most of the basic things are available out here, at indian stores, but it does turn out to be a little cheaper if you get it from home. Rice, daal, flour, etc are readily available out here. Most popular 'ready-made' masalas are garam masala, pav bhaji masala, sambar powder, rasam powder, etc.

* Steel tumblers

* Non-Stick tava & spatula

* Frying pan

* Silverware (spoons, knives, etc.)

* Steel vessels - Again, the bigger the better

* Tongs

* Pickles and 'quick-meals' like sambar podi (this is what we call it, atleast), etc.

Books

Books are relatively expensive out here and most of the professors r-e-q-u-i-r-e them. We strongly recommend buying most of your books from India. Asian editions for most of the books required are very cheap and are allowed here. Also, get the books dealing with fundamentals of your major and basic courses. Most course guidelines give information about required textbooks.

Healthcare

Most students are covered by the university insurance policy and hence you do not need to worry about major health problems. But, we do recommend bringing medication for common illnesses and anything specific to you. Also, get spare personal care items like shaving accessories, soap, toothbrushes, etc.

Everything else...

* Bed sheets and pullovers

* A good bag for you to carry around your books in

* Footwear - Formal shoes, sneakers, slippers/chappals, etc.

* Stationary - books, pen, calculator, etc.