Student Life

What should you pack?

It is best to bring what you require along with you on the plane in your personal luggage (check with your travel agent or airline for specific size and weight limitations, and what you may or may not include in carry-on luggage). Even if you must spend $100 for excess weight, you will save time and money over attempting to ship goods by post.

Please remember that U.S. Customs restricts certain items from entering the country, so please check the U.S. Customs Web pages or pick up a U.S. Customs booklet at a nearby U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Usually, prohibited items include certain foods, seeds, plants, animal, narcotics, weapons, and items for resale.

In addition to the list of items listed below and suggested by fellow students and world travelers, we encourage you to bring one or two outfits that you might wear at home for festive and formal occasions. You will find many chances here at Gannon and in the community to represent your country's traditions, including International Education Week celebration in November and our annual International Night in March. It always makes these events extra special when students wear clothing from their home countries.

The weather in Erie changes according to the seasons. You should keep this in mind as you pack and plan to wear or carry appropriate clothing for your trip here. Since you will be arriving for the spring semester some time in December or January, prepare for temperatures near 20F or lower! It is not necessary to bring a whole suitcase full of cold weather clothes, however, since you will likely find reasonably priced clothing here stateside.

In addition to bringing along personal toiletry items (deodorant, tooth brush and toothpaste, etc.) together with a good selection of everyday clothing and shoes, as well as clothes for more formal occasions, the following items are also suggested:

  • Prescription medicines and any over-the-counter medications that may be expensive or not easily obtained here in Erie (remember to check with U.S. Customs, if you have questions about various drugs and medications)

  • Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses and prescriptions for replacement, along with any special cleansing solutions

  • Camera

  • Bilingual dictionary, if necessary

  • Small souvenirs and cultural artifacts, including coins, postcards, etc.

  • Photos of family and friends

  • Packets of frequently used spices (Erie does not have an Indian food market!)

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    Documents

    BRING THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WITH YOU

    Immigration Documents:
    Check your luggage, pockets, and purses twice to ensure that you have your:

    Passport,
    I-20 or DS-2019,
    Letters of acceptance and confirmation from Gannon University,
    Financial statements, etc.

    Tickets:
    Check again to make sure you are also carrying any paper travel tickets, electronic ticket reference numbers, etc.

    Official Copy of
    Birth Certificate

    Marriage License
    (for Married Students!)
    with translation

    Valid Home Driver's License
    and
    International Driver's License

     
     
     

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