Two individuals walking with luggage in an outdoor setting with steps in the background.

Packing List

How to Approach Packing

Packing for an international trip can sometimes feel overwhelming. You have many decisions to make about what to bring and what to leave behind. Our lists below can help provide some guidance for your luggage plans.

Carry-On Bag

Required

  • Boarding pass
  • Passpoart
  • I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)
  • Valid F or J visa or relevant visa documentation
    • Canadians are exempt from this requirement
  • Copies of your important documents
    • Including copies of all the ones you are packing
  • Transcripts
  • Vaccination records
  • Admissions or offer letter
  • Spending money

Strongly Encouraged

  • Short-term supply of any required medications or prescriptions
  • Mobile phone
    • Or buy in the U.S.
  • Home country driver's license

Optional

  • Chargers
  • Glasses or contact lenses
  • Adapter/converter
  • Laptop and/or tablet
  • Travel pillow
  • Earplugs
  • Travel-size toiletries
  • Credit card
  • Camera
  • A light jacket
  • A change of clothes

Tips for Packing Your Carry-On Bag

  • Put any items you will need for a few days, such as a change of clothes, in your carry-on bag just in case your checked bag is delayed.
  • Do not bring items prohibited by U.S. customs, such as fresh fruit or meat.
  • Do not put valuable items in your checked bag.
  • Dress in layers for your travel
    • In the autumn months, temperatures in the Davis and Sacramento areas average 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 40-55 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
    • During the winter months, it tends to rain. 

Checked Bag

  • Enough travel-size toiletries for a week
  • Family photos or other reminders of home
  • Clothing
    • Recommended clothes
      • Business casual
      • Casual
      • Exercise
      • Undergarments
      • Swimsuit
      • Coat/jacket
      • Walking/comfortable shoes

Things to Buy in the U.S.

  • Bedding
    • Sheets
    • Blanket/comforter
    • Pillows
  • Towels
  • Cosmetics
  • Toiletries
  • Clothing
  • Hair dryer, curler, straightener, etc.
  • UC Davis gear
  • School/Office supplies
  • Consider purchasing electronics in the U.S. rather than transporting them as part of your packing:
    • Laptop
    • Tablet
    • Mobile phone
  • Home furnishings and lighting
  • Small home appliances
    • Microwave
    • Vacuum

What to Know About Travel

Restictions

Finance Tip for Travel

Setting up a bank account may take time, so it is a good idea to have cash available. Many credit cards have international options, so ensure your finances are accessible from the U.S. before you go. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards in the U.S. You may also want to let your home bank or credit card company know about your planned extended travel.

If living on campus, bring about $500 USD cash. If living off campus, bring about $1,000 USD. You may need to bring more or less, depending on your situation, so try to anticipate what about your accommodations you might need cash for.

Because of how UC Davis has set up its payroll schedule, teaching assistants and postdocs won't be paid until after they begin working. We recommend you have enough cash available to them to get them to November. Contact your program for details.