What to Pack: The College at Brockport

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Moving to a new country can be a difficult and challenging experience for most people. While we certainly can't pack for you, the information below might help you to better decide some of the items you should bring from home and what you should plan to purchase once you have arrived to campus.

Carry-on baggage

Carry-on baggage on most airlines is very limited, so you need to pack strategically. While you can't fit much in your carry-on baggage, here are a few things you should definitely plan to keep in your purse or bag:

Cash, Traveler's Checks, or Money Orders: You don't want to carry thousands of dollars on you, but you will need at least some money immediately upon arrival in the United States. While ATMs and banks will likely be available at the airport, it is wise to bring some cash with you, if possible, for tipping, snacks or small purchases;
Immigration Documents: In order to pass through customs, you will need your passport, F-1 visa, I-20 form and financial documentation, so be sure to pack those documents in your carry-on where they are easily accessible (See more about what to expect upon Entering in the U.S. here);
Contact information: Bring contact information (address and telephone number) for the Office of International Student Services in case you run into any problems upon arriving in the United States. You should also right down the name and address of the residence hall you will be staying in or of your off-campus apartment (along with contact information for your landlord); and
Medications: If you have medications that need to be taken on a set schedule, be sure to pack them in your carry-on baggage just in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed in arriving.

Checked luggage

You can fit a lot more in your checked luggage than you can in your carry-on baggage, so take advantage. Here is an idea of some things you might want to plan to bring from home:

Clothes: Most students do not dress formally for class, except on special occasions. Clothing such as T-shirts, jeans (slacks or long pants) and shirts are acceptable for both men and women (learn more about American Culture & Customs here);
Winter clothing: Winters in Brockport can get rather cold with temperatures dropping below 10°F (-12°C). It is recommended that you have a heavy coat, boots, waterproof gloves and a hat for these months;
Costumes/traditional clothing: SUNY - Brockport hosts campus events and international celebrations throughout the year. Therefore, you may want to pack regalia or clothing that illustrate your nationality and customs;
Bedding and towels: While you can purchase much of this once you arrive, it may be beneficial to pack bedding (sheets and a pillowcase) as well as a towel and washcloth to use during your first night in Brockport;
Books, movies, etc.: You don't want to bring everything you own (there is a library on campus and your books for courses will be available in the bookstore), but you might want to bring a personal book or two that you enjoy to read or that remind you of home. It may help with homesickness;
Sentimental items: Speaking of homesickness, you may want to pack a picture or toy that reminds you of home. Again, space in your checked luggage isn't limitless, but a few small, significant items will go a long way in making you feel comfortable here.

To mail or purchase once you arrive:

Bedding: You may find that you need more than one set of sheets and a pillowcase, in addition to blankets, pillows and a comforter;
Other linens and toiletries: You will probably need more than one towel and washcloth as well. You will also want to get a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lotions, etc.;
Storage items: Students often purchase crates, bins or containers to store items in their residence hall rooms;
Dishes and silverware: Even if you plan to do most of your dining in the dining areas on campus, you might want bowls, cups and silverware for your room or apartment in case you want a snack or choose not to eat in the dining hall one night;
Electrical appliances: If you are planning to bring any electrical appliances with you, such as a computer or laptop, don't forget to bring an electrical converter that meets U.S. standards. Check with the Office of Residential Life/Learning Communities for guidelines on what appliances are and are not allowed in the residence halls.

If you are planning to send any personal or household effects from home, we recommend mailing such items whenever possible. Shipping is usually more expensive and harder to clear through customs. The Office of International Student Services cannot accept packages for you, so you must make your own arrangements for shipping/mailing any personal belongings to the U.S.

Any luggage shipped ahead to campus may be picked up at the Receiving Office in the Chapman Service Center (Building #35 on the Campus Map).

To find out more about items that you should and should not bring with you to campus, please refer to the Office of Residential Life/Learning Communities' Survival Guide.

Last Updated 5/2/13