u/Content-Delivery4310

Moving from India to Pittsburgh for MS... what should I pack from India vs buy in the US, and what essentials do people commonly forget?

Moving from India to **Pittsburgh** this Fall for my Master’s and trying to plan packing/shopping. Would love advice from people who’ve already made the move.

From what seniors told me, it’s better to buy winter jackets/clothes in the US (more suitable + good sales), so I’m planning to do that.

**Looking for guidance on:**

  1. What’s genuinely better or cheaper to buy in India?
  2. What’s better to buy after reaching the US? (other than electronics)
  3. What are some commonly overlooked essentials?

I’m already aware of basics like:

* Universal adapter
* Thermals/base layers
* Important documents
* Prescription medicines

But I’m more interested in the *less obvious* things you only realize you need after arriving.

**Specific questions:**

* Is it worth carrying a year’s supply of personal care items (soap, shampoo, moisturizer, skincare, etc.) from India?
* Any restrictions on carrying multiple bottles of these in **checked baggage**?
* I know carry-on has the 100 ml liquid limit, does anything similar apply to checked bags?
* For Pittsburgh specifically, anything weather- or lifestyle-related you wish you’d brought from India?

Any Pittsburgh-specific tips would be really helpful. Thanks!

reddit.com
u/Content-Delivery4310 — 8 days ago

Moving from India to Pittsburgh for MS.. what should I pack from India vs buy in the US, and what essentials do people commonly forget?

Moving from India to Pittsburgh this Fall for my Master’s and trying to plan packing/shopping. Would love advice from people who’ve already made the move.

From what seniors told me, it’s better to buy winter jackets/clothes in the US (more suitable + good sales), so I’m planning to do that.

Looking for guidance on:

  1. What’s genuinely better or cheaper to buy in India?
  2. What’s better to buy after reaching the US? (other than electronics and winter wear)
  3. What are some commonly overlooked essentials?

I’m already aware of basics like:

  • Universal adapter
  • Important documents
  • Prescription medicines

But I’m more interested in the less obvious things you only realize you need after arriving.

Specific questions:

  • Is it worth carrying a year’s supply of personal care items (soap, shampoo, moisturizer, skincare, etc.) from India?
  • Any restrictions on carrying multiple bottles of these in checked baggage?
  • I know carry-on has the 100 ml liquid limit, does anything similar apply to checked bags?
  • For Pittsburgh specifically, anything weather- or lifestyle-related you wish you’d brought from India?

Any Pittsburgh-specific tips would be really helpful. Thanks!

reddit.com
u/Content-Delivery4310 — 10 days ago