What to Bring

Marywood University is fortunate to be located in an area of the United States where we experience all four seasons (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer) each year.  Students should keep this in mind when planning what to bring.

Clothing

Marywood University students often dress casually for class. It may be beneficial to bring some formal attire for class presentations and interviews. Additionally, Marywood sponsors special international events throughout the year, so you may also want to bring your national dress to represent your home country. 

Computers 

Computers are available for students to utilize at Marywood University free of charge. It is not necessary to bring a computer with you.  If a student chooses to bring a laptop, they need to make sure it is adequately insured and any work is saved on flash drives as well as on the hard drive. Also, there may be compatibility issues with specific software.  For example, if you have a European version of Microsoft Windows a converter may need to be downloaded to accommodate a North American version of Microsoft Windows in order to access or use your files.

Electrical Appliances 

Many countries operate on a different electrical current than in the United States. You may choose to purchase your electrical appliances once you arrive.  If applicable, battery-operated appliances are another alternative.

Toiletries/Miscellaneous Items

Many of the items below are available in the United States, but students should bring enough to get to their destination and allow time to settle and get oriented: please check with your airline for any restrictions. Currently most airlines policies state passengers must keep liquids carried on board in containers no larger the 100 milliliters and they must be kept in a small, sealed plastic bag.

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Hair care products
  • Shaving products
  • Deodorant
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Laundry soap
  • Contact lens supplies and extra contacts, if applicable
  • Aspirin/Ibuprofen
  • Tissues
  • Band aids and other basic first aid supplies
  • Nail clipper (remember to pack anything sharp in your suitcase)
  • Alarm clock
  • Calculator
  • Batteries
  • Sewing kit
  • Special items such as family pictures, photos of your home country

Money

It is important to bring an adequate amount of money with you during your journey. Exchanging money in the airport may be costly.  Some suggestions are to use personal traveler's checks or to exchange a small, yet useful amount of money into U.S. Dollars (USD) in your home country before your leave.

The following link will help you understand currency conversion from your home currency to USD. http://www.oanda.com/convert/cheatsheet 
When you arrive in the United States, we will suggest local currency exchange locations for you to obtain spending money. Some items you may need to buy for personal use or for your dorm room are listed below:

  • Linens, towels
  • School supplies (writing tools, books, notebooks, folders)
  • Any personal toiletries or miscellaneous items from the list above that you did not bring with you

Medical Conditions

If you have a medical condition, you should check with your doctor for advice and guidance. You should also do the following:

  • Carry a 30-day supply of prescription medication in its original container, as well as a copy of your prescription with both the generic and trade names. Before leaving your country, verify the availability of your medicine in the United States.  If it is not available in the United States, you will need to make preparations to have the medication shipped to you if allowed under U.S. customs law.
  • If you have a medical condition, it is beneficial to also bring documentation of your medical history, including diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

U.S. Customs

There are specific U.S. regulations regarding what you may bring into the United States. To see the extensive and most current list of prohibited and restricted items visit U.S. Customs and Border Protection. For more information, you may also wish to consult the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement Website.

Illicit Drugs 

The U.S. Zero Tolerance Policy imposes severe penalties for the possession of even a small amount of a restricted substance. Even prescription drugs and syringes used for legitimate medical purposes come under intense scrutiny. 

Travel Documents

  • Passports - Students may want to make copies of the first page and signature page of their passports. One copy should be left at home (with a parent or friend), and one copy should travel with the student and be kept in a location separate from their passport. If a passport is lost or stolen, this photocopy will make it much easier to get a new one.
  • Visa - When traveling, you must have your student visa in your possession at all times.
  • Documents for Non-U.S. Citizens - While traveling, you should carry with you any other documents necessary for identification, especially your I-20. Photocopies of all of your documents should be made prior to your departure and one copy should be left at home (with a parent or friend) and you should bring copies with you as well. This will help if anything gets lost or stolen.