Things to do after your visa - First and Foremost things.

First and Foremost

There are certain things that have to be done in advance, i.e., as soon as get you your visa - much before the flight.

• Learn typing
• Learn driving and get the driving license and an International Driving Permit. This usually takes 40 days. So its better that you start off early.
• Learn to cook.
• Apply for a bank loan (if necessary)
• Make your passport valid for 6 months more than your stay indicated in your I-20.

Immunization:

Find out the necessary immunization info and get everything done. Generally there are some vaccines like Hepatitis B, which require 3 doses once each month. So do it early. These vaccines are very costly in US and you certainly do not want to start spending money the moment you land in US. Get requisite immunization done (especially MMR)

Tickets:

Hey man go and block the ticket first. You need not pay anything while blocking, it’s free! You can pay later (generally 10 days before departure) after your ticket and schedule is confirmed. Block flights with many airlines.

• Try and book a direct flight to your place, even if you have to take a local airline it is better and safer than greyhound, which usually has its stops in the shadiest area of towns. Buy a single ticket all the way through – add on are very expensive. Avoid change of airline. A direct flight is the best.
• If change of airline can't be avoided' leave at least 4-6 hrs gap between the scheduled arrival of one flight and the scheduled departure of the connecting flight.
• Baggage is usually safe with a single airline - change of airline sometimes leads to misplaced luggage. Some airlines don't take care of baggage transfer - you may have to personally carry it (check this while booking) and cross check every thing you are promised by the Travel agent with the original air lines. Even if you have confirmed ticket in you hand.
• And remember to ask for student concessions...Generally all the airlines will come up with one or the other discount offer for students...so check all this out before you pay the money.
• Typical expenses: Rs.27, 000 - Rs.35, 000/-

Health Checkups

Get a medical check-up done

Dental check up
Fresh check-up, especially if you have a major ailment

Is Dental Care necessary?

After extensive survey and upon seeking the opinion of senior’s abroad a conclusion on the need for dental treatment while in India has been made.

• Mouth is the mirror of human health. Taking care of oral cavity is a prelude to keeping overall health fit.
• The rationale behind taking dental checkup and treatment while in India is:
• To avoid possible dental treatment abroad as it is a well-known fact that dentist in U.S charge exorbitantly high.
• Under inevitable circumstances if you are required to go for dental treatment
• You need prior appointment of two to three weeks in U.S
• Even Students are required to bear the huge expenditure, as dental care is not covered under health insurance in the U.S.
• It is ironic that the materials we use in India are the same used by dentists in U.S, but the payment made for the dental care is in dollars while the number being the same in India.

Eye Check Up:

Get your eyesight checked - get a new prescription. Buy at least one extra pair of glasses or a pair of contact lens. Get requisite immunization done (especially MMR) Get prescriptions & medicines for all common ailments (the technical name of the medicine along with Indian/US brand name) Important: Complete the health documentation that you may have to submit when you arrive in US.

This takes care preety much all the things that you will need to take care of as soon as you recieve your visa. I will be discussing the shopping list and list of medicines in coming posts. I will be providing an indepth list of medicines and items to be taken from here while going to US.

Bye for now.

Regards,

Web Artist aka Divine Devil.