On the day of the flight * in-flight + later

 o since it is going to be a long flight wear something comfortable

 (cotton dress + full hand shirt). Wear your shoes - inflight

 you can remove them (some airlines give inflight shoes - else relax in socks)

 o be at the airport 3-4 hours before flight departure

 o collect $20 at the airport (part of it in $1)

 o relax during flight, sleep as much as possible

 o for vegetarians - watch out before you eat - you may get non-veg

 even if you had asked for veg. Veg. food is generally bland - fruits/juice

 are good choices. (Before ordering anything on board check if you have to

 pay for it separately for it). Don't hesitate to ask questions.

 o once out of India be very careful (from sheer experience of

 seniors). Don't trust anyone. Don't hire a taxi (unless emergency) till you

 reach your destination. If required don't hesitate to spend money.

 o  - Don't hesitate to talk to people to ask questions -

 usually they will answer all your queries properly - very different from India. 

 Port of entry procedures

 o sometime before landing the flight attendant will distribute

 customs declaration forms & immigration forms as mentioned below. Fill these

 out on the plane (you will submit them to the appropriate authorities when

 you land). Do not hesitate to take the flight attendant's help.

 o  - You can indicate that you have nothing to declare &

 total value of all your things is less than $100 on the

 customs form

 Form I-94 - fill in the plane. After seeing your documents immigration

 officer will indicate length of stay, Univ, etc.  This will be attached to

 your passport. Important: note the expiry date and D/S (duration of status).

 Form I-20 ID copy - all transactions regarding your non-immigrant status

 will be recorded in this form. This should be retained at all times (not

 surrendered when you temporarily leave the US). Your admission number will

 be given - memorize it & note it elsewhere.

 o just before you land the correct local time will be announced

 set your watch [dual time watch will come in handy here]

 o once you are out of the plane go straight to the immigration

 counter - rush for them to beat the queue. It might take 0.5-1 hour here.

 Keep your I-20, passport, admission & aid letters ready. They might ask a

 few questions like - is this your first time in the US ? Student ? F-1 visa

 ? Which Univ ?  They will attach an I-64 card to your visa.

 You are now in the USA !

 o then go to the baggage are to fetch your luggage. Pick up a

 cart (you get this at a machine for $1) to carry the bags.  Then pick up

 your bags as they come out on the conveyor (suitable eye-catching labels

 help here). If you don't get your baggage inform the enquiry section - you

 may have to wait 0.5-1 hour here.

 o cart your baggage to nearby Customs. If asked tell them that

 you are a student, F-1 visa, school, dept., coming to US for 

 the first time

 If asked to open the baggage do so slowly - do not mess up the place.

 If asked about the "podi"s tell them that they are "dried Indian spices" to

 make traditional Indian food like curry.  Rarely they might ask you to go to

 the agris. dept. nearby - that is a pain.

 If asked about "vibuthi" tell them that it is holy Hindu powder used for prayer.

 Note : In most cases you will NOT be asked to open your boxes

 at all & will be simply waved through.

 o now go & wait at the nearest exit for the guys who are supposed

 to pick you up. If nobody turns up after some time (say 0.5 hour) make a

 collect call (at the public phone dial a '0', get the operator & ask for a

 collect call).

 Else call i) your Prof ii) dept. iii)International Students' Office iv)

 admissions office v) any Indian guy in the directory Go & ask for an

 announcement to be made over the PA system.  Get a card, write your name &

 hold it up.

 o Never leave your baggage unattended. Don't go out of the airport

 until somebody comes & picks you up. If you have doubts about

 the guy who comes to pick you up, don't hesitate to ask for

 his ID. [All this is of course being a little extra cautious]

 o Once you reach your friend's house (or other destination) call

 home & inform them of reaching safely. Keep a readymade card - add a few

 lines - go to the nearest post office, get stamps & mail the card immediately. 

 A few things of importance in after (arrival) life

   o Your first work is to meet the Foreign Students' Advisor in  the International Student Office (ISO). They keep a record of you (passport,

 visa details etc). When you leave the US (temporarily or permanently) you

  have to go there again.

 Then do the things which you did when you entered IITM -

 get your Univ ID card

 get your Driver's Licence

 tax forms, etc some paperwork in the dept.

 meet the HOD/grad. student advisor/advisor

 register for classes

 Be happy now that your dream has come true !

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