The dress code on campus is pretty informal. A T-shirt worn with jeans is almost a universal dress for all genders. So, bring plenty of them. Formal clothes may be useful occasionally. You may, of course, want to bring along some Indian clothes (saris, salwar-kameez, kurtas, etc) with you, which may be useful during the on-campus events hosted by ISA such as Diwali/Holi/Potluck, etc. The following are different clothing with a minimum quantity that you can bring with you:

• Formals: One suit (Optional), ties (2), shirts and trousers (3), traditional saris or kurta.
• Casuals: Jeans (4), T-shirts & sweats (6+), cotton shirts (2+), shorts (for outdoor, indoor, sports use) (3).

The temperature in San Marcos is about 35 to 40 degrees Celsius in summer and 0 to -5 degrees Celsius in winter. It is advisable to get both summer as well as winter clothing – sweaters or jackets, a muffler (optional), a scarf, and a woolen cap. Coats or jackets can be purchased in the US for better deals. Do not forget the warm clothes if you are arriving in the fall semester. An umbrella is an essential item to carry with you. The following are recommended clothing and accessories:

• Footwear: Sports shoes, formal shoes (required occasionally), sandals.
• Winter wear: Sweaters (good quality, at least 2), muffler/ scarf, woolen cap.

In any apartment, you’ll have access to washing and drying facilities. These machines have large capacities enabling you to do 2-3 weeks’ laundry at a time. So plan your wardrobe accordingly with the following recommended items:

• Undergarments: About 12 sets of undergarments and socks (ankle socks preferably cotton).
• Miscellaneous: Towel (1+), napkins (2), leather belts (2+), handkerchiefs (6+).
• Linen: Bed sheets (queen size, 2), pillowcases (big, 2), shawl/light blanket (for spring/summer use).
• Things that can be purchased in the US: Winter jacket, winter gloves, caps, wind-cheaters, track-suits, good sweaters (discounted), and comforter.

Note: Indian clothes (particularly cotton made) have a tendency to shrink in size when washed on the hot and/or warm cycle in a washing machine here or by drying in the dryer, so please be careful with the clothing sizes (buy a bit bigger ones).

It is preferable to learn to drive in your home country. If you have a driving license in your home country, it is advisable to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before arriving in the US. This IDP may help you to drive a car initially if required. However, there is a procedure to obtain US Drivers License which can be found in the following link: Texas Driving License.

If you have a bachelor’s degree with a non-Computer Science Major or equivalent then you would have the following pre-requisites (Other branches might or might now have prerequisites):

• Programming in C++
• Data Structures using C++
• Operating Systems
• Applied Discrete Math
• An Elective (Introduction to Database Systems/Computer Networks/Human Factors/Artificial Intelligence)

However, these are undergraduate courses that would require some effort. It is better to get the textbooks related to the course (Books of your choice). If you have any pre-requisites and if you are experienced in those courses, then please get all the relevant documents (for each pre-requisite you wish to get waived, get a separate official and sealed copy of syllabus and transcript, copy of experience letter and any other documents you feel appropriate) you can to get that pre-requisite waived.

Food is not a problem for either vegetarians or non-vegetarians, although if you are a non-vegetarian you have more choices. There are several fast-food centers in the vicinity, providing Indian/American/Mexican/Oriental foods. But it would certainly be cheaper and healthier to develop some culinary skills. Come well-armed with your pots and pans, your favorite masalas & some recipes. The following are some recommended cookware:

• Cooking Utensils: Non-stick pan (2), Non-Stick Tava, Pressure Cooker (for 4 people, get spare gaskets and safety valves)
• Others: Spoons, Forks, GOOD knives, cups, glasses (2 each), Microwaveable set (Optional) consisting of cups, plates, bowls (2 each)
• Condiments and spices: Garam masala, Pav bhaji masala, Chole masala, Sambhar & Rasam masala, Haldi, Chill powder, Jeera, Dhania.
• Others: Pickles, Papad, Homemade snacks, etc.

Although you can buy almost all kinds of Indian foods here, it is advisable to get a reasonable quantity of the recommended items to help you initially for some period of time.

Note: There should not be any problems with US customs if the spices are properly sealed. So, please pack everything to be leak-proof.

DO NOT bring Liquid / Gel (such as creams/toothpaste) in your Cabin Baggage.

Remember, the easiest way to make new friends is to feed the existing Indian food-starved populace with desi delicacies and sweets. So if there are any specialties of your place, do get them with you.

Get the following items to help you for the first few days (or weeks).

• Toilette: Toothbrush, toothpaste, tongue-cleaners (if using one), soap, a complete shaving kit (for guys all in a toiletry bag), and shampoo.

You will have to buy medical insurance here, but medication is very expensive here, so, get some medicines that you have used for minor ailments and any special ones that you need:

• Medicines with prescriptions: For standard minor ailments like fever, cold, cough, stomachache, etc. Also personal medication (if on any) and medical history papers. Antiseptic cream, relaxyl, etc. Spare eyeglasses/ contact lenses (Get the eye prescription too!). Get a complete medical checkup done before getting here, including a chest X-ray.
• Important Get your teeth checked by the dentist and get treatment if you have any cavities as it is very expensive here.

Study Materials & Stationery: calculator (but you’ll soon want to buy some fancy stuff here), micro-tip pencils + refills (2), good pens (2), eraser, stapler & staples, Indian calendar, backpack (Most of the stationary is optional. You can also buy it here).

• You may want to bring photocopies of your documents (2 to 3 sets) as each photocopy costs 10cts, and furthermore, it may help if you want to take a transfer to another university.
• Needles & thread, buttons, sports equipment if you play tennis, squash, or soccer.

• Bring your favorite Indian/ Western CDs, walkman (optional), and your favorite books. If you bring videotapes with you – remember that most VCPs here don’t play PAL (videotapes recorded in India).
• Personal: Family photos, ‘Indian’ ethnic stuff (gifts/personal use), Indian postage (to send letters home with someone), etc. An up-to-date address book of all your acquaintances/ friends/ relatives in the USA – Canada region, photos of deities (if religious-minded).

• Things to do before coming here: Learn cooking. Learn driving and get an International Driving Permit (if possible). Also please get a good haircut just before leaving (especially guys).
• Things you should not get: Electrical appliances – The voltage and frequency used here are different (110V/60Hz). And in any case, appliances like iron, toasters, etc are very inexpensive and you can purchase them once you are settled in. Some other things that you might be better off buying here are blank notebooks & file holders.

The initial expenses are high. Below is an estimate of how much money you might need. This will vary depending on your course and the apartment.

• Tuition Fees: The tuition fees for 9 credit hours for the first semester (which is normal for graduate students) is about approx. $8000 (Fall 2017). This includes all other fees like Student Service Fee, Information Technology Fee, Instructional Infrastructure Fee, International Education, Library Acquisition Fee, Medical Services Fee, Records Processing Fee, Library fee, and Recreation Center Fee.
• Living Expenses: Living expenses are generally $350 – $450 per month. This includes room rent (generally rent is $250 as mostly 4 students stay together in a 2 bedroom apartment), groceries, electricity, telephone bills, and other miscellaneous expenses.
• You can get a check/DD payable to “Texas State University-San Marcos ” for the exact amount (if you know it), for a slightly smaller/more amount, and pay the remainder in cash/traveler’s checks.