In advance of your flight, you will want to have arranged airport transportation, if needed (see below), and ensure that you have arranged a place to stay, even a temporary accommodation if need be.
You may be asked to present all the following at the Port of Entry, so have them easily accessible in your handbag along with your airline tickets:
- Passport (also keep a copy of your passport in your checked baggage and a keep a copy of it at home as well in case it is lost or stolen)
- Form DS-2019 - If the U.S. Embassy returned your visa document in a sealed envelope only to be opened by a U.S. official at a U.S. Port of Entry, please honor this.
- UMass Lowell offer/invitation letter
How Much Money to Bring
We recommend that you not carry any more than $300 in cash (the cash should include small bills and some coins). You may want to keep the cash in two separate areas easily accessible to you. Be always aware of your personal belongings during your travel. It is unsafe to carry a lot of cash, so please try not to carry more than $200-$300.
Clothing and Living Items
In general, you want to have enough clothing for 10-14 days to minimize having to do laundry.
If Arriving in the Summer or Autumn months:
- 6-10 light shirts or T-shirts
- 4-6 pairs of pants (either light fabric or at least 2-3 pairs of jeans)
- 4-6 pairs of shorts (light fabric)
- 1 light jacket for mild temperature
- 2-3 light long sleeve sweaters
- Feel free to bring 1-2 formal outfits (men should bring 1 dress blazer and 1 tie) – You may want to bring a traditional formal outfit from your country for special cultural events.
- Shoes can be bought in the U.S. at reasonable prices, but it will be helpful to bring a pair of sneakers or comfortable shoes, sandals, etc. as well as one dress pair of shoes.
- 10-14 pairs of undergarments (also include some pajamas)
- Bring whatever dishes/cooking utensils you feel you can fit, but it is good to bring enough for two people to start with
- Toiletries – Toothbrush, Soap, Hairbrush, Deodorant, Shampoo, etc. The airline may have specific guidelines on these items, so obtain the appropriate information prior to packing. These items can be easily bought upon arrival as well, so you may want to pack travel size toiletries.
- Medication – You will need to carry a doctor’s note for any prescription medication as you will need to present this at airport(s).
- Food -It is good to have enough non-perishable foods/snacks to last you a couple of days.
- Books/Software/Computer/Educational Material, etc.
- Electrical Equipment -Outlets in the U.S. operate with a voltage of 110-120 volts, 60 cycles. If your equipment requires 220 volts, bring a converter, and plug adapter. If it operates within 110 and 240 volts, bring a plug adaptor.
- Bedding – Two Standards Pillowcases; Two-Four Flat sheets (flat sheets will be more flexible upon arrival to temporarily accommodate any size mattress); A light blanket.
If Arriving in the Winter or Spring months:
If arriving in the winter, the midst of cold season in Massachusetts, please substitute the above-mentioned items accordingly (i.e., warm clothing, pajamas, bedding, appropriate shoes, etc.). You should still carry some short-sleeve shirts to add as under layers, but bring mostly long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, long pants, and jeans. You will need a winter jacket. Winter clothing will be available at reasonable prices upon your arrival. However, if you are coming from a warm climate be sure to dress appropriately for your arrival and transportation from airport to hotel. This includes appropriate winter shoes that are closed and do not slip-on ice. You will need winter boots but will be able to purchase those upon arrival. Do bring, gloves, a scarf, and a winter hat.
You should bring a winter blanket as well for your bedding.
Climate
Please keep the following average temperatures in mind when packing clothing for your stay in Lowell.
Fall (September – December)
- September and October: 8 to 15°C
- November and December: -17 to 3°C
Winter-Spring (January – May)
- January - March: -17 to 3°C
- April and May: 3 to 15°C
Summer:
- June - August: 15 to 35°C