The dress code on campus is pretty informal and a T-shirt worn with jeans is almost a universal dress code for both sex here. Formal dressing is mandatory occasionally. You may, of course, want to bring along some Indian clothes (saris, kurtas, etc) with you. We would also recommend that you get a pair of good leather shoes, as they are fairly expensive here. In general the following list should suffice:

• 3 to 4 jeans
• 8 to 9 T-Shirts 
• About 2 – 3 sweat shirts (for winter)
• 2 to 3 Bermudas/boxers for night dress
• 15 to 20 undergarments
• 3-4 handkerchiefs, 8 pairs of socks
• At least three pairs of spectacles
• 2-3 pairs of formal wear
• One suit
• One pair of formal shoes, casual footwear, Chappals/slippers
• Bed sheets & Pillow covers
• Leather/Informal belt
• Thick jacket

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Pack the items listed below for your style of cooking.

• Pav Bhaji Masala
• Pulav Masala
• Garam Masala
• Pickles You like
• Sambhar Masala
• Chole Masala
• Tea Powder / CoffeePowder
• Haldi
• Dhania
• Whole Spices (Khara Masala)
• Jeera
• Rye (Mustard Seeds)
• Chilli Powder
• Sambhar Podi
• Rasam Podi (Important, if it is your staple diet)
• Paruppu Podi
• For Non-Vegetarians bring Meat Masalas
• Pappads/Applam

Remember that the easiest way to make friends with seniors is to feed the existing Indian food - starved populace with desi delicacies and sweets. So if there are any specialties of your place, do get them along.

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Also get Blood, Urine test reports, a dental checkup and a Chest X-ray unless you feel comfortable about paying through your teeth for getting one done here. It will save you money here.... You are also advised to get a first aid kit along. Remember to get any prescription medicines that you take regularly. Also if you use spectacles, get at least two spare sets as they are really expensive out here (around $150 – 200 ).
 

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Few specifications regarding your baggage:

• Start your packing at least two days before departure date.

• Buy two strong boxes - they should be able to withstand a lot of mishandling.

   They should be as large as possible within the size limitations (however most airlines

   are not very strict about baggage size).

• Put identification marks and labels both inside & outside the boxes (apart from this, the   airlines will also provide you with adhesive labels). Boxes with independent top & bottom are preferable.

• Box specifications, As an example the Air India economy class baggage specifications to the USA are given below. Note the specs. may be different for other countries/airlines. 2 pieces of baggage with total linear dimension (l+b+h) not exceeding 270cm (106"). Moreover the total linear dimension of each piece should not be over 158cm (62").

• Box specifications, As an example the Air India economy class baggage specifications to the USA are given below. Note the specs. may be different for other countries/airlines. 2 pieces of baggage with total linear dimension (l+b+h) not exceeding 270cm (106"). Moreover the total linear dimension of each piece should not be over 158cm (62").

• The weight of each bag should not exceed 32kg (70lb).

• Carry on baggage : In addition you can carry a bag with linear dimension not exceeding 115cm (45") onboard (fits on overhead compartments).

• For most other airlines the baggage specifications are similar. If you are taking a break outside USA/Canada contact your travel agent or airline for details.

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Keep your hand baggage in your possession all the time. Do not leave it unattended at any time, especially at the changeover. Your hand baggage should contain the following :

• Passport, I-20 and Admission letter.*

• At least two sets of clothing.

• Telephone / Address book.

• Cash / Traveler’s checks.

• Medication for air sickness if you need it.

Note: Try to keep photocopies of these documents in all of your luggage. In case you miss your original documents you will retain the photocopy of these documents. Keep all of your original documents in waist pouch and not in your hand bag. This is because you have to keep your hand bag in overhead closets, that you will leave unattented in case you leave your seat.

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There are certain things that you need to keep safely at home along with your parents:  

• List of addresses and phone numbers at which information about you can be obtained.
• A copy of important documents ( passport, I-20, transcripts, admission letter)
• The numbers of your traveler’s checks and demand draft.
• A few blank signed papers in case your parents need them.

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Few important things to be done 2 - 3 days before your departure date:

• Keep all your important documents and articles like passport, I-20, admission letter, traveler's checks, one set of clothing, toilet kit, etc. in your hand baggage as a safety measure, just in case your luggage is delayed by a day or two. Carry some cash of smaller denominations ($1, $5 etc.) with you so that it comes in handy during your travel. Keep a copy of your visa, passport, I-20, admission letter and other important documents in the baggage that you check-in.

• Arrive in Lake Charles at least 10 days before classes begin. Students without funding, are advised to arrive early  (at least 3 - 4 weeks before the classes begin), to try for alternate sources of funding.

• Book your flights to Lake Charles, Lafayette, Houston preferably arriving here on a weekend. E-mail us or call any one of us at the Phone-Numbers given, well in advance, to inform us about the date and time of your arrival. So that we can make arrangements to pick you up.

• Do not forget to call up your airlines (and not the travel agent) and confirm your flights two/three days before your departure.

• We are providing you with an address that you could use for a destination tag on your baggage.
             617 Cusic Street, Apt # 4, Lake Charles, LA-70607. USA. Phone : 337-475-8956.

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