This is no easy task. It is exciting to start packing, but
trust me the weight restrictions get on your nerve once you start running out
of capacity. At one point I had to throw stuff out to make sure my luggage is
not over weight.
Most carriers allow 2 pieces (23kg each) of luggage. Apart
from that you can carry a cabin luggage (8kg) + a laptop bag + small handbag (books)/purse
(for girls).
Make sure you weight your luggage while packing. Carrying
extra luggage is very expensive. You might end up paying anywhere from $50 to $100
for carrying 4-5kgs extra (rates are different from airline to airline). Make
sure you call you airline in advance to confirm the luggage restrictions. Also,
make sure you avail the extra piece of luggage offered to students travelling
to North America.
So let’s let started with the list.
1.
Pressure cooker, small 2-3 litres (this can be a life saver, trust me, you won’t
regret it)
2.
Small frying pan with spatula
3.
Basic cutlery (plate, spoon, fork, cutting
knife)
4.
International adapter. Once you are out of
India, your devices would need an adapter to connect to the power source. There
are many adapters in the market which support multiple countries (it has
various different types of pins). You will have a layover in Europe also. So
make sure you take a multi-country adapter. Ebay is the best place to hunt for
one.
5.
Basic medicine (along with prescriptions). You
do not get medicine here over the counter. Make sure you carry basic
medications for cough, cold, fever, indigestion, pain-relief etc.
6.
Warm jacket (to see you through fall). You would
still have to buy a snow jacket once winter approaches. But buy those here. You
won’t get it in India, and even if you get it will not be enough.
7.
Thermal wear (upper and lowers). It gets really
cold in winter. 2012 had a very mild winter, but 2013 has been very cold. There
have been a couple of snow days (15-30 cm of snow) so far. It March now, and
temperatures are still ranging between -3 to -10. It’s even colder with the
wind chill.
8.
Woollen wear, scarves, woollen caps, suits (I am
an MBA student, so at least 2 suits are a must)
9.
Leather shoes (leather items are kind of
expensive). Do not bring too many sports shoes; you can wear them only in
summer-fall. (MBA students have to dress in business casuals all week, so there
is no scope of wearing sports shoes.)
10.
Neckties
11.
Deodorants (believe me or not the only brands of
deos you will find here are Axe and Adidas). What you mostly get here in that
section is roll-on deos. I hate those!!
12.
Scientific calculator (if you are a student). I
had 3 at home and it never occurred to me that I would need one here.
13.
Masala. Now I cook here every day and carrying
masala is not a necessity, you do get it here, but not everywhere. So get a few
packets for your initial days here.
14.
Currency. Around Rs.1000-2000 for emergency.
Having a few credit cards help a lot. I will carry an entire section talking
about currencies later.
15.
Small Umbrella (there were couple of rainy days
in fall). The umbrellas you get here are very fragile. Get a small one if you
have enough space.
16.
Bed sheets, pillow covers (yes, you get
everything here in Canada but it’s expensive.) $15-$20 for a single bed sheet
and pillow cover. Just imagine!!! Again, get a few if you have space.
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