Most things in the United States are made in China and are not necessarily more expensive than in China. In comparison, it is more appropriate to bring pure cotton and linen clothes from China. Firstly, it is lighter and can carry more, and it is a necessity; secondly, Americans are tall and big, and it is not easy for Chinese people to find clothes that fit well. The blended and chemical fiber fabrics here are cheaper than in China.

My principle is to bring good things if you want to bring them, otherwise it is better not to bring them. Good things from China are also good things in the United States. And those ordinary fabrics blended with chemical fibers also need to be cheaper in the United States (even when converting U.S. dollars into RMB). Silk clothing is not practical in the United States because dry cleaning is too expensive. If you often go to formal dinners hosted by celebrities, you may wish to bring some. Otherwise, one or two sets of graduation defense clothes are enough. Bring as many pure cotton clothes as possible, as these are the most commonly used clothes. A set of pure wool thin velvet clothes and trousers is enough (cashmere is better, it depends on your money).

Before buying a car, dress the same as in Beijing. After buying a car, I wore a short-sleeved T-shirt on my upper body in the summer and casual trousers or jeans (school/work) and shorts (casual and sports) of washed fabric on my lower body; in winter, I wore a long-sleeved T-shirt (sweater) on my upper body. Pure cotton underwear, covered with a down jacket, fur coat, windbreaker, and an extra piece of pure cotton underwear on the lower body. Wear casual leather shoes and sports shoes on your feet all year round (you can wear one pair of shoes all year round). Occasionally wear snow shoes outdoors when it snows, and change them when you go indoors. People generally don’t wear sweaters and woolen pants in winter, because the indoor temperature here is constant all year round. Wearing woolen pants indoors in winter will be very hot, and you can’t take them off in the office. Therefore, in winter, we often see people wearing down jackets outside, thin skirts inside, and sandals on their feet.

2. Where to buy?

The texture of clothes sold in China is too thin and cannot withstand the agitation of American washing machines; but in the United States, air conditioners are everywhere, and thin clothes will get cold (even in the dog days of summer); in terms of appearance, thin clothes do not Quite expanded. It is not recommended that you go to big shopping malls to buy clothes. It is recommended that you go to foreign trade clothing stores; but the clothes there are mostly large sizes, so you need to carefully look for small sizes that can be worn by Chinese people. The places I often go to are the Sakura Foreign Trade Clothing Store opposite Beijing Medical University and several small shops on the west side of the road near Xisi. The items at Sakura store are exactly what I recommend everyone to buy. The items in the small shops in Xisi are not as good as those at Sakura.

There are some things you can buy at Jinwuxing. The same thing is cheaper, and together you will save a lot of money. There are also many dollar stores here in the United States. They are all small items. The items are all made in China. The quality is not very good, but don’t worry, it will definitely work. Anyway, you can return and exchange at will in the short term (the specific period is not clear) ), the prices are the same as domestic five-yuan stores, sometimes even cheaper. Some small hardware and small stationery can be purchased upon arrival.

3. There are some fake foreign trade goods in Beijing. How to identify them?

There are detailed requirements for the workmanship of foreign trade goods. For example: there is a reinforced strip of cloth at the stitching of the front and back pieces of the shoulder to prevent the clothes from deforming; the stitching of the back piece and collar are wrapped in the same fabric so that no stubble is exposed; there are washing labels at the stitching of the front and rear pieces of the lower left part. Texture label (100 cotton); generally there are sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL) under the label on the back collar. Those with a height of 170CM can only choose size S, those with a height of 180CM can consider M or L.

4. Choose a box?

Check the airline’s standards before packing your suitcase, and take into consideration the possibility of taking flights with other companies in the future. When buying a box, it is recommended to bring a soft ruler and measure the length, width and height yourself. The salesperson cannot tell you accurately. Once the size and weight of your luggage exceed the standard, you may have to spend an additional $100-300 (about the equivalent of a one-way ticket). It is recommended to buy two checked suitcases, one large and one small. When not in use, you can put the smaller one inside the larger one to save space in the dormitory. In the United States, rent is very expensive. It is not recommended to buy a box that is too large, because the 32kg limit cannot be filled in a large box, and the larger the box, the heavier it is. After adding clothes to the small box, it is exactly 32kg.

The stronger the box, the better, and the lighter it is, the better. Of course, this is dilemma, so you have to weigh it yourself. Don’t buy a PVC plastic box, as it may fall; buy a cloth-covered box with wheels. The wheels must be strong, otherwise it’s better to have nothing at all. Personally, I prefer the "Olsen" box. I bought 8 Olsen suitcases, and none of them were broken. And a colleague of mine bought a trolley suitcase from Taiwan for ￥1,000. The hinge was bent at the Vienna Airport. As soon as he pulled it up, he started doing disco. . It is recommended to buy from Jinwuxing. It is not much more expensive than other brands of boxes, but it is worth it. Each box of "Ousen" has two models, A and B. The salesperson will give you the larger model A. Strictly speaking, model A is slightly over the standard. It is recommended that you get the smaller B type. After adding some clothes, it will be exactly 32kg, and the size will definitely not exceed the standard. If it is not in stock at the counter, you can place an order. "Ousen"'s checked boxes all come with a digital padlock and an "Ousen" brand packing strap. If you don't ask for it, the salesperson probably won't give it to you.

The size of the random case must be strictly followed. It is recommended that you buy a cloth-covered case with wheels with built-in trolleys. I have never seen an external trolley case that meets the standard size. Domestic flights in Europe have very strict requirements on cabin size. I hope everyone will consider the issue of European travel in the future. The height and width of domestic random boxes are generally acceptable, but the thickness generally exceeds the standard by 20-50%. I hope you can choose a thinner box. I still recommend OUSEN because the leather is genuine leather, the plastic is engineering plastic, and the rollers are made of bearings. The new OUSEN aluminum tie rod is strong enough, but the old tie rod is not strong enough. Although it will not break, it is unstable and wobbling around. At U.S. airports, no one cares about the weight of the suitcase, so everyone just picks up the heavy stuff. As long as you can pull it, try to load it to 40-50KG (standard 18-21kg). But don't pack dangerous items, or the Taliban will arrest you.

The disadvantage of OUSEN is that it is slightly more expensive and heavier.

5. How to pack?

It is recommended to put light, heavy, and dangerous items in the check-in box, and heavy, small, safe, and important documents in the random box.

I-20, passport and air ticket should be carried with you. Transcripts, graduation certificates and other documents may be placed in carry-on luggage and should not be checked in randomly.

Be sure to write your English name and school address on your luggage, so it will be easier to find at the airport. Each airline will provide a luggage tag for customers to write their contact address and phone number. Once lost, the airline can return the luggage according to the luggage tag

6. Detailed list of items

Clothes

One or two good-quality down jackets, removable, with a hood. Don’t worry about goose down/duck down. The lining should be made of DuPont fabric that does not leak, and the outer fabric should be light, thin, firm, and comfortable. It is rainproof and breathable, but you can be a little particular about the style. The Colorado brand here is more expensive. There are hunting-style or sports-type waterproof winter coats made in China, with prices ranging from $100 to $160. The gloves come in different thicknesses, and the scarf is optional. The local price is over $15. It is difficult to buy hats in the right style and size locally. IL is colder than Beijing in winter (5-10 degrees cooler). Of course you're still indoors most of the time.

Windbreaker: A waterproof sports short windbreaker (1-2 pieces) is practical in all seasons. It is best to be waterproof, breathable, and have a hood. The hood is foldable and removable. Local prices are $5. Sweaters (0-1 pieces) are not commonly used. Wool vests are slightly more practical.

Top jacket: Casual style is generally better. If the leather jacket is fashionable, it doesn't hurt to bring it. Leather jackets in the United States are cheaper than those in China. One or two sets of formal suits are enough, and they will be used about 3-4 times in 5 years. Dry cleaning is expensive here. Women's clothing can be more casual and fashionable, such as knitwear. Although it is not common for girls to wear fashionable clothes, it is always popular.

T-shirt: very commonly used, you can bring more (10-20). Prices in the market here start at $8, and those with printed patterns are more than $12. A good long-sleeved cotton "casual" or golf shirt is worth bringing. Prices here range from $16~40. Don't bring thin T-shirts like Jean West's.

Jersey or thin fleece (sweater): the most commonly used, worn for most of the year, bring more (10-20). Choose thick texture, pure cotton, multi-color, thin ones that can’t be washed. Local price $16+.

Shirts: rarely worn by PHD students. If you are willing to bring it, choose multi-color, pure cotton, linen, and thick materials.

Underwear (4-6 sets), pure cotton, thick quality, low round neck is better to match clothes, try not to have sweetheart neckline (poor taste). In my impression, the three-gun Tongniu is too expensive and the material is thin. I bought the Mumuxiu brand (a small store near Xidan).

Fleece jacket and trousers (1-2 sets): Some people call these sweaters and trousers. Pure wool, thin ones (if you don’t want to buy a car, buy thick ones), the stuff in Xidan shopping mall is good, the price is reasonable, don’t worry about fakes. You don’t have to buy brands like Hengyuanxiang or Erdos. The key is to look at the quality. But if you don’t know the goods, you should still choose famous brands. If you are rich, you can buy cashmere. In the United States, cashmere is the best.

Pants (10-20): 100% cotton loose casual trousers (whether "washed" or not), you can bring a few more pairs, it is better to avoid ironing. They are sold in all major shopping malls, and most of them are domestic products. The fabrics are thin and the accessories are poor, so they can't resist being wrung by the washing machine. It is recommended to go to a foreign trade product store, but most sizes are too large, so it is difficult to find the right size. You can wear jeans that are of good quality, fit well, and can withstand the washing machine. The prices of Lee, Bugle Boy, Levi and other brands here range from $19 to $30. Americans like to wear jeans with long crotches and big butts. It’s not easy for Chinese people to find jeans that fit well. A pair of woolen pants with good elasticity, needed for outdoor activities in winter. But you have to estimate whether your waistline will change.

Shoes: Sneakers are very practical. It doesn’t hurt to bring a few extra pairs (3-4). Choose lightweight, cloth-covered, breathable ones, not necessarily famous brands (double-star marathon shoes are recommended, with blue cloth cover and yellow stripes. 100g/piece). Most branded sneakers here range in price from $40 to $85. American leather shoes are cheaper than domestic ones. Brown and black casual shoes are more popular. Prices here start at $30 and should be thick-soled. A pair of regular leather shoes is enough. It may be cheaper to buy them in the United States, so pay attention to the matching. 15 pairs of high-quality insoles. No need to bring slippers or overshoes for rainy days. You can bring a pair of high-top "hiking" or "snow" shoes, but it is recommended to buy them in the United States because the price is similar and the weight is too heavy. American men generally don't wear sandals in summer. American women wear sandals all year round.

Socks: You can bring a dozen thick cotton socks. You can also buy it here , the price here is similar and the quality is better. Do not wear nylon socks.

Cap (0-?): Baseball is best, but a travel "sun" hat is also acceptable. It's up to you to decide whether to bring it or not.

Shorts (3-5 pairs): Loose casual shorts are popular in summer, long enough for boys to cover the knees, including denim styles, prices start at $15. The sporty one is also very practical. Don’t wear boys’ tight-fitting suit shorts, they are too outdated.

Sportswear (1-2 sets): Worth bringing, because the ones you see here are often made in China but the prices are rising. Pure cotton, thick quality. High-quality swimming suits, men's ones should be long and flat-footed. Men don't need briefs here, and women should choose three-point swimsuits. Few people here wear one-pieces and goggles. The price of speedo mirrors here is $4~5. Silicone swim cap. It is recommended to buy goggles and swimming caps at Jinwuxing. The quality is the same and the price is cheap.

Bedding (bedding, please pay attention)

One thin duvet, one thin pure wool blanket (you can not bring it, it is too heavy), you can bring two towels, at least one of them should be thicker. Quilt cover (2-4). Pillow inserts can be purchased now. Acrylic pillows here cost $4-7. Several pillowcases and pillow towels. If you bring a bed cover, choose a thick Western-style bed cover (slightly wider than a single bed). Thick and easy to wash. It is recommended to go to Jinwuxing to order linen pillow covers (2 pcs, ￥40) and bed sheets (2 pcs, ￥340). The linen linens are top notch here.

Hygiene products

Toothbrushes, toothbrushes produced by Beijing Medical University (30 pairs, 1.5-2.0 ￥/piece), here are $2.50~5.00/piece.

The 110v electric shavers here are about $20-30, and they are all famous brands made in China. The price of the manual Gillette is the same. Hairspray is not allowed on the plane. Don't bring toothpaste or soap.

110v hair dryer: Not recommended. The local price ranges from $10 to $28, and you can return or exchange it at will within three months. Available at your local Walmart or Kmart.

Cosmetics

The brands (olay, pantene) are available in both countries, and the prices are the same. It is not recommended to bring them because they are too heavy.

Nail clippers are easy to lose, so you might as well prepare two.

Myopia glasses, at least two pairs for daily use, are priced from $100 here. Contact lenses and drops.

Scissors and folding knives can only be checked in. It is recommended to buy them now when you come.

Cooking utensils

You may or may not bring a plastic lunch box suitable for microwave heating. The lunch box should be placed in your schoolbag for easy portability and is necessary for carrying meals. Do not bring kitchen knives, knives, sticks, chopsticks, or cooking pots (coming to the United States to study is not like going to the countryside to support others. It is ridiculous to carry a pot on your back). Metal lunch boxes should not be heated in the microwave and should not be taken with you.

Stationery

Some departments can receive stationery for free. Ask your seniors for details.

You must carry a large schoolbag on your shoulders. I usually rely on it to store books, notes, and food. American lecture notes are large (26cm X 29cm X 5-10cm) and cannot fit into small packages. The bags here are also good, $20~40.

Pen: try not to bring it. If you like to practice calligraphy, you must bring a brush and ink. 4-5 boxes of high-quality pencil leads and 2-3 mechanical pencils. 5-10 signature pens (pilot recommended) and 1 box of corresponding refills (beware of fakes).

Notebooks: Available in dollar stores, not expensive. Prices in American supermarkets are high, especially for hard noodles. However, when taking class notes, hard copying may not be practical for ordinary students. You can get loose-leaf paper after coming to the United States. However, some of them receive free stationery, so you don’t need to bring a notebook and use loose-leaf sheets when you come.

Calculator: Useless, don’t bring it.

Electronic dictionary: It is recommended to bring an English-Chinese electronic dictionary (Wenquxing, PDA) with a large vocabulary and pronunciation. There is only Invincible Dictionary from Taiwan (called Haoyitong in Mainland China). The price is similar to Palm Wince. It is technically outdated. I do not recommend buying Invincible Dictionary. If you have Wenquxing, bring it with you. If not, I suggest you buy a palm/PDA wince ($100-400) when you come.

Pocket cassette player: not used. But if you are eager to improve your spoken English, you might as well have a spare one (it must have an external recording function), which is also helpful for taking notes. The local price is $20~28 such as sony.

Camera: You can check the advertisement page of the American "Popular Photography" magazine to compare domestic prices before deciding; you can usually buy it in the United States. You don’t need to bring film, it’s cheap locally. Photo albums are expensive here and there are few varieties, most of which are made in China. Those who need them can bring them from China, or they don’t need to bring them. You may consider bringing one of the "Weifeng" brand copper tube selfie stands purchased by Jin Wuxing (￥80). Do not bring aluminum stands, which are too bulky and relatively cheap in the United States.

Computer software: Bring some large-scale English software because it is difficult to download, e.g. English win xp pro and home, English win2000pro, Chinese win2000pro, Chinese and English win 2000, multi-language enterprise version office xp (3 discs) , Chinese-English office 2000, Encyclopedia Britannica 2005 deluxe edition (3 discs), electronic version of the United States map (automap), Kingsoft PowerWord 2005, electronic version of professional dictionary. Maybe some people like richwin, chinese star, twinbridge and other language platforms, but they are actually useless. It is not recommended to bring too much software, many of which can be found online. If it’s not too much, customs won’t care. .