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Things to bring to Madison
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Clothes: One set of formal wear is recommended, Casual wear, about 12 sets of undergarments and socks are recommended. Bring towels, napkins, leather belts, a good jacket (a winter jacket in india that you can use in fall and spring), handkerchiefs, and traditional Indian dresses. One sweater, muffler/scarf and woolen cap. As far as outdoor winter garments (heavy jacket, winter gloves, boots etc.) are concerned, it is better to buy them here as the Indian ones are not sufficient for the Madison winter. Double bed sized bed sheets, big pillow covers, shawl/light blanket (for spring/summer use) should be brought along. It is more convenient to buy a comforter for winter use once you get here rather than bring a blanket from India. Note: Indian clothes (particularly cottons) have a tendency to shrink when washed in a washing machine here, so please be careful with sizes.
Kitchen Stuff: Basic utensils should be brought along. These should include a non-stick pan and/or tava, a pressure cooker along with spare gaskets and safety valves (big enough to cook for at least 3 people), spoons, forks, good knives and tea strainer. It is better to buy microwavable dishes, bowls, cup/mug etc. here. Bring Condiments and spices (small quantities of standard masalas, sambar and curry powders).You get most of the standard masalas in Indian stores in Madison. You may want to bring special homemade spices Do not bring fresh fruit as this may cause you problems at customs.
Books and Stationary: Books related to your field, relevant class
notes, a calculator, microtip pencils and refills, good pens, eraser, Indian
calendar and a backpack are recommended. Books are very expensive here !!!
Other essentials: Get only the basic stuff like a toothbrush, toothpaste, tongue-cleaners (if using), soap, a complete shaving kit. One can buy the rest here. Get hair oil also if you use it. Medicines: You should bring all the Homeopathic/Ayurvedic medicines that you require. Medicines with prescriptions for standard minor ailments like fever, cold, cough, stomach-ache etc. are recommended. Also personal medication (if on any) and medical history papers should be brought. Antiseptic cream, relaxyl etc. Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses. A complete medical checkup and eye test done before getting here is recommended.
Note: The University of Wisconsin at Madison does NOT have any mandatory immunizations, but most students get vaccines for Hepatitis B and MMR before coming here. Have a prescription handy for all the drugs you bring, the customs official could still throw out the medicines. Needles and thread, buttons, photos of deities (if religious-minded), family photos, umbrella, music cassettes, ethnic stuff (gifts/personal use), etc. An up-to-date address book of all your acquaintances/friends/relatives in the USA - Canada region. Keep contact numbers of IGSA handy.
Money: For housing you'll be required to pay rent for two months in advance. Average rent for an apartment with a shared bedroom in Madison is about $300. You will also need some initial settling down expenses. Roughly you will require $1000 to $1200. This is true for people on scholarships/assistantships as you will not get your first pay check until the end of September. For those of you who are curious, the average living cost of an Indian in Madison will be in the range of $550-$700 per month. If you are coming by Van Galder you will need around $50 to buy the bus ticket. You will need quarters ( for around $5) to make calls or to use the vending machine to buy some food etc.
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