Pre-Departure Essentials

Home/ Pre-Departure Essentials
Main Content

Pre-Departure Checklist

There is a lot to organize while preparing for your travels! Here is a detailed checklist you can use. You can also download and print the pre-departure checklist.

Are your Visas and Passports Ready to Go?

Is Everything Settled with ACU?

Accommodations and Housing

Medical Concerns

Packing Your Suitcase

Other Concerns

Social Concerns: How to Say Goodbye

 

Pre-Departure Checklist

Are your Visas and Passports Ready to Go?

  • Did you fill out all of the appropriate paperwork?
  • Did you successfully complete your embassy interview?
  • Do you have your U.S. F-1 or J-1 visa? Did you print out your I-20 or DS-2019?
  • Is your passport valid for at least six months into the future (and hopefully longer)
  • Do you have all your documents with you for when you go to the airport?
  • Do you have your visa and passport somewhere that they are easy to access (carry-on or handbag)?

 

Is everything settled with ACU?

Accommodations and Housing

  • Do you have somewhere to stay temporarily if necessary? 
  • If you are arriving before the move-in date, have you requested for approval to move-in early?
  • Do you know your housing assignment?
  • Have you filled out the arrival form to notify ACU if you’re needing an airport pick up?
  • If you are staying with a family in the United States, do they know when you are arriving?
  • Have you activated any credit cards you will bring so they can be used overseas?

 

Medical Concerns

  • Have you gotten all of your necessary vaccinations and packed the documentation?
  • Have you taken care of any dental or eye needs (e.g., updated your prescription glasses)? (It’s usually cheaper at home, and the insurance policy does not cover these in the U.S.)
  • Are you aware of the health insurance requirement?
  • Are you ready to travel health-wise?
  • Do you have prescription medications that you need to pack?
  • Have you talked to your primary physician about your trip?
  • If you are under 18, be sure to have your parents sign a medical release form. Consider assigning a U.S.-based guardian as well.

Packing Your Suitcase

  • Do you have all of the clothing that you want to bring suitable for the Texas summer and winter climate?
  • Do you have mementos to help remember your loved ones while you are away?
  • Is everything that you have packed according to air travel codes and weight limit? You can find the regulations on the airline’s website or through your country’s transportation authority.
  • Have you packed an extra change of clothes in your carry-on luggage in case your checked luggage is delayed?
  • Do you have some cash with you in case you forgot something that you will need to purchase as soon as you come into the country?

Other Concerns

  • Have you taken some time to look at the area surrounding your living and study locations?  Online maps, such as Google Maps, can help you check out the immediate area, even if you are still in your home country when you do it.
  • Being familiar with local stores, restaurants, banks and pharmacies may help in your decision-making.

 

Social Concerns: How to Say Goodbye

  • Do you have all of the contact information that you need? Emails, social media, video chat, mailing addresses and phone numbers may be important.
  • Consider starting a blog and writing updates during your time in the United States. This is more of a convenience than a necessity; instead of having to write individual updates, you can keep everyone current at the same time with one blog post.
  • Have you spent time with those that you love? Too many people will get busy with their preparations and forget to spend time with their loved ones. Avoid this by throwing a going-away party or some other type of social gathering for those you love before you go.