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What do I bring?

A black hole is a singularity in space-time. Your baggage isn’t.

Worried about what you need to bring for your new life in C-U? Here’s our handy guide!

Money

You will need money for the following :

(The list is only indicative and not exhaustive)

  • Security deposit for the apartment and a month’s rent. The rental rates are approximately as follows:
    • Efficiency (one room) : $350
    • Single bedroom : $400
    • Double bedroom : $700
    • Triple bedroom : $900
    • Utility bills for first month (phone, cable, electricity) : $100
    • Food and other things for the apartment : $300 – $600
  • A conservative estimate for the amount of money you need to bring would be a figure more than $1500

Food

For all grad. students food is a major issue. Its nice to have at least a basic knowledge of cooking before coming here.

Here’s a list of some Indian grocery stores:
Harvest Market – 2029 S Neil St.
Annapoorna Grocery – 505 S. Neil St. , Suite #11
Mirsung – 49A E. Green St. (out of business)
Bombay Stores – 48 E. Springfield Ave.

You will find frozen curries, roti, Nan and other stuff in these stores.You need to bring some crockery and cutlery with you. Some non-stick pans and a pressure cooker might be useful.

Clothes

  • It gets really cold in winters. You will need warm sweaters and jackets. You might bring a blanket with you.
  • Try to bring 2-3 double size bed sheets and some pillow cases.
  • In summer it also gets quite hot, so you may need lighter clothes.
  • Also try to get some Indian attire like kurtas, salwar, sarees, and lahengas as you might need them in Indian get-togethers.

Books

  • Books are extremely expensive here. Each book costs around $50-$100.
  • Try bringing the books that are relevant to your field along with you.
  • Please don’t hesitate to contact someone from your department if you are not sure of the book list. Also have a look at the Illini Union Bookstore’s website to check if any of your courses have required textbooks.

Miscellaneous

  • Its a good idea to learn driving. You don’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Illinois, but you may need it in other states. You can drive for the first few months with your Indian license, but you need to get an Illinois state license eventually.
  • You definitely do need medical insurance till your coverage starts here. Normally this should be the date school starts.
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About IGSA

To provide a platform for graduate students from India and of Indian-origin to interact with the larger community in Champaign-Urbana.

The Indian Graduate Students Association (IGSA) is a not-for-profit, private association of like-minded students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, registered with the RSO Office at the U of I. We deal with Indian grad students on campus, right from when they land in the US to making them feel at home.

IGSA UIUC organizes the Diwali on the Quad event every year, which attracts hundreds of students from India and other countries who want to experience the Indian festival of lights. We also organize Bollywood Night to welcome new students. In addition, we participate in several events organized by ISSS and other RSOs on campus.

To help new students settle in to campus, we offer a volunteer-driven pick-up and temporary accommodation service in the first few weeks leading up to the Fall Semester. We also manage an active Facebook group and page to share information.

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The first steps…

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

Lao Tzu

After being cooped up in a metal tube half way across the world, you’re finally back on solid ground… unfamiliar, solid ground. First things first, keep these things in mind at the airport:

  • After leaving the plane proceed towards the immigration counter. The queues tend to be really long, especially at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.
  • The immigration officer will look at your forms and passport. Be ready with your I-20, before you get to the counter. The officer may ask you some questions about why you want to be admitted into the US – be honest, and calm. You’re coming to one of the best schools out there, you deserve it.
  • The officer will return the custom form and other documents. Unlike the old procedure, you will not be given a paper I-94 form, you can download that from here instead anytime afterwards. Keep this with you for future use.
  • Pick up your bags from the luggage claim area and proceed towards the customs area.
  • Normally they ask you if are carrying any fruit, vegetables, spices, bay-leaves, papad, pickles etc. Declare whatever you have.

To get from Chicago to Champaign:

  • Some of the most popular shuttle services are the Peoria Charter Coach Company, and Express Air Coach (EAC) Shuttle. You will need to buy a ticket beforehand from India. Do this as soon as your itinerary is confirmed, since it can be a busy time.
  • ISSS sometimes runs a shuttle service. Check their e-mails to your illinois.edu account regularly for information.
  • There are some groups on Facebook made by Indian students who are coming to UIUC .These groups will be particularly helpful in locating other students in your region who are coming to UIUC too. Its a nice place to look for prospective roommates as well!
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Get ready to fly!

You’ll be the same year after year except for the people you meet, the books you read, the films you watch, the places you travel, and the new things you do.
~Lomin L Lee
Your visa is stamped, flight tickets booked, bags packed, and the Ola is waiting. You’re set… almost. Keep these things in mind before you begin your journey:
  • Reach the airport in time. At least 2 hours before a national flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
  • Make sure that you have address and phone number tags on all your luggage.
  • Keep your passport, ticket, I-20, admission letter and all other official documents in your hand bag.
  • Make photocopies of all important documents and keep them in your check-in luggage and as well in your hand bag.
  • Carry an extra set of clothes.
  • Keep at least one or two contact phone numbers and address handy.
  • Apart from dollars keep some Indian currency.

During check-in at the airport:

  • Make sure that your luggage is checked in all the way to your destination in USA.
  • Keep your baggage tags safely.
  • A national flight might need baggage identification. Confirm this with the local airlines staff.
  • Fill out the necessary customs and immigration forms in the international airport.

And on the flight:

  • Before landing you will be given a customs and immigration form. Fill them up in the plane itself.
  • When in doubt, always put the address in your passport as the address in India and your school’s address as address in USA.
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Pick-Up and Temporary Accommodation

The landlord won’t listen. We know.

Every year, new students discover that they’re coming to their new homes before it’s quite ready… and that they have no idea how to get there. IGSA offers a volunteer-driven pick-up and temporary accommodation service to help you get by.

Watch this space for more information.