1. Have some US dollars on hand for traveling.

It is wise to carry at least $200 in cash with you while traveling in case of emergencies. It is a good idea to have some smaller bills and coins in American currency in case you need to make small purchases or use a pay phone before you are able to visit a bank. Some businesses are not able to make change for large bills if your purchase is small.

2. Pack.

• As you think about what you may need during your time in the United States, read about the Weather in Kansas City. Kansas City experiences four distinct seasons, including occasional very hot and very cold weather, including snow and ice.
• Consider bringing photos of family and loved ones and some items to remind you of home. This may seem unnecessary now, but you may be grateful for them later.
• Make sure your luggage complies with your airline luggage policies (see airline website).
• Prepare yourself for the American Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints by reading about how to pack and what you can include in your carry-on luggage. Visit TSA website
• Make sure you pack enough in your carry-on luggage to last at least 24 hours in case your checked baggage is delayed.

3. Gather all important documents.

Make sure you have the following documents in your carry-on luggage.

• Passport
• I-20
• SEVIS fee
• Proof of finances
• IHOPU contact information (below)

Keep all your immigration documents together in a secure place (i.e., in something they cannot fall out of). Do not pack them in luggage that you plan to check. You need to have easy access to them at all times while traveling. It is wise to make photocopies of all of your official documents and keeping them in a separate part of your luggage in case the originals happen to be lost.