We have tried to put together a shopping list of the stuff that you may need to get from home. We list the items and try to discuss the rationale of bringing (or not bringing) them along. This list is purely advisory and if you think that we are talking through our hats then you are free to modify it as and how you please. There may be some bias towards male students. This list was basically made for students coming from India/South Asia, hopefully other people can get something out of it as well.
Jeans/shorts and T-shirts are standard wear here. Shirts and trousers (and ties) are not so common. Get what you feel comfortable in. A disadvantage of shirts and trousers is that that they have to be ironed after the heavy wash/dry cycles of the laundry machines. Do not get too much clothing. Firstly, most people gain weight after arriving here since food (especially chocolates and ice-cream!) is so cheap and plentiful. Secondly, the ``trendy'' clothing here is as out of phase with the threads back home as the respective Standard Times are. Thirdly, jeans and T-shirts are pretty cheap here.
Suits would not be worn till you have your first job interview or major presentation, often around a year or more later. Most people buy this when they visit home the first time, which usually occurs earlier than their first need for a suit. Even otherwise, suits are not a must for interviews and unless you have one we suggest that you don't buy one. Traditional wear is a matter of choice, though it is hardly required for guys. Ladies probably might want to get a few salwar-suits, a couple of saris and/or any other traditional apparel.
Laundry is usually done every two weeks though some with enthu do it every week and some do it at even less frequency. So get enough underclothes, socks, shirts/Tees, jeans etc. to last you 2-3 weeks. The more underwear and socks you get, the better.
Most graduate students cook in their apartments. So you will need all the basic stuff needed for cooking. A large (for 3-4 people) pressure cooker with spare gaskets and safety valves is probably the most important kitchen item you can get. A 3 litre one should be sufficient but you might want to consider a larger size. Get at least one steel vessel to cook vegetables in. Either a pan or a deep bottom vessel. There are a lot of non-stick cookware available here but it is not very cheap (unless bought second-hand).
Plastic spoons, knives and forks are very cheap at the local grocery stores, and need not be packed. A cup, a glass, a plate and bowl (both microwaveable) should provide the rest of what you need. Or you might want to get steel plates and glass and buy the microwaveable stuff here. Get a couple of larger spoons for serving/cooking. Basically, ask you mum as to what all is essential and/or useful for the type of cooking that you are going to do.
Tea powder (.25kg), Nescafe instant coffee.(.05kg) dhania powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder.(all .25kg) cloves, cardamom, cinnamon.(.02 kg) mustard seeds, jeera(cumin), asafoetida (hing). Pickles, papads.
Don't even think of getting things like radios and cameras. You'll get far better goods here, though you will have to save a little for them.
In summary, we would recommend that you concentrate on your choice of books, and get a good pressure cooker. Linen, most clothing and some cutlery (spoons, etc.) is best bought here after your arrival. However, please remember that these are only suggestions to help you make informed decisions on your packing. In the end, trust your mom's (and your own) judgment and common sense.
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