Packing List
Packing for college can be a challenge, whether you are traveling five kilometers or 10,000. We
recommend that students subscribe to the philosophy of “less is more” (meaning, pack light).
Sioux Falls, with a metro population of 240,000, is home to a wide array of retail and thrift stores so you
can find almost anything you need once you arrive. The International Programs Office and Augustana’s
friendly ACE Ambassadors will provide transportation for your initial shopping experiences after your
arrival in Sioux Falls to help you pick up the necessities. Here are our recommendations for essential
items to pack, as well as some optional items to bring with you to Augustana:
What to pack in your checked luggage:
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Clothes - 2-4 pants, (1-4 skirts/dresses/shorts), 2-4 sweaters, 5 t-shirts/shirts/tank tops, 5-7 pairs
of underwear, 5-7 pairs of socks, possibly 1 set of formal attire
Clothing accessories if needed (belts, hats, gloves, scarves, leggings, tights, etc.)
Shoes - 1 pair of sneakers/tennis shoes, 1 pair of winter shoes, (if wanted: 1 pair of flip
flops/sandals/heels/shower shoes/formal shoes)
Personal belongings (pictures, favorite movies, CD’s, books, games, etc.)
Toiletries (if needed/wanted: toothbrush, small toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, perfume, makeup, lotions, small shampoo/conditioner, etc.)
Warm clothes/boots for the winter (warm jackets, tights, warm socks, scarves, hats/head bands,
gloves/mittens, winter shoes/boots)*
Electrical converters and chargers for electronics
Graphing calculator
Small gifts for friends/host family and/or items that illustrate your home culture
Copies of passport, visa, and DS-2019 or I-20.
*For those coming from warm parts of the globe - if you don’t have “winter” clothes, don’t worry. We
will help you purchase the right things after you arrive.
What to pack in your carry-on baggage:
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Passport and Visa
I-20 or DS-2019 and receipt for SEVIS I-901
Flight information and booking reference
Final high school or college transcript and Augustana College admission letter
A copy of your completed health forms
Credit card and cash
Necessary medications (if you have any that you need to use during the flight) and prescriptions
for drugs brought to the U.S.
Contact information (address, phone numbers, etc.) for Augustana College
Electronics: laptop, cell phone, camera, etc.
A set of clothing in case of a canceled flight or lost luggage
What to buy when you get to Sioux falls:
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Bedding supplies (comforter, pillows, pillow shams, sheets, blankets [twin size])
Towels
Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, Q-tips, band aid, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush,
deodorant, perfume, make-up, lotions, etc.)
Garbage can
School Supplies (pens/pencils, notebooks, school books, backpack)
Laundry basket/detergent
Bath caddy (shower basket)
Food and beverages for your room
Small appliances like a hot water boiler, toaster, rice maker, etc.
Room decorations (picture frames, pictures, posters, furniture, throw pillows, rug etc.)
Cell phone and plans/prepaid card
Cups, glasses, plates, bowl, silverware, etc.
Cooking supplies (pans, saucepans, ladles, bowls, spatula, measuring cups/spoons, etc.)
Basic medicine (pain relief, cold medicine, etc.)
What NOT to pack for your trip to the U.S.:
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Undocumented drugs and medications
Food (most foods made from animals or plants are not admissible into the U.S. and you might
receive a fine at the border if you try to bring them in.)
Illegally copied products (pirated music/movies, software, etc.)
Liquids in your carry-on baggage must be very small (travel size) and sealed in a clear plastic
bag. It generally is not a problem to pack larger liquid items (shampoo, etc.) in your checked
bag.