Preparing to Travel

Before you pack

• Check the weather—January through March can be the coldest months of the year in New York, so make sure to bring warm clothing! But don’t worry, the weather begins to warm up by the end of April / early May.

• Ask your airline about luggage restrictions.

Pack in your carry-on

• Your carry-on bag should include everything you’ll need for the first few days of your trip. This is also helpful if your luggage is lost or delayed.

• Copy of your travel itinerary and other important documents

• Passport (and copies of your passport)

• Copy of your debit and credit cards

• Copy of your health insurance card and information

• Copies of important phone numbers

• NYU New York Arrival cheat sheet (sent to students about two weeks before the start of the term)

• Medication (with copies of the prescription written in generic terms)

• Valuables (e.g. laptop, camera)

• Favorite snacks for the plane and/or layovers. Also, inform your airline of any dietary restrictions.

• Airport security can be very strict. Always check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) if you have any questions.

Leave at home

When packing for your move to NYU, there are some items that are best left behind to make your travel easier and avoid complications. Here’s a list of things you won’t need to bring, along with suggestions for where you can purchase them once you’re in New York: 

• Kitchen utensils, pots, or pans: You won’t need to bring these items, as there are plenty of stores nearby where you can buy what you need for cooking after you arrive.

• Linens (sheets, pillows, blankets): You’ll need to purchase your own bedding once you arrive in New York, as these items are not provided in the residence halls. Fortunately, there are several stores near both the Washington Square and Tandon campuses, as well as Union Square, where you can find affordable linens and other dorm essentials.

  • Target:

    • 10 Union Square E, Manhattan

    •  500 E 14th St, Manhattan

    • 445 Albee Square West, Downtown Brooklyn

  • Kmart:

    • 770 Broadway at Astor Place, Manhattan

  • T.J. Maxx:

    • 620 6th Avenue at 18th Street, Manhattan

  • Marshalls:

    • 620 6th Avenue at 18th Street, Manhattan

  • Bed Bath & Beyond:

    • 620 6th Avenue at 19th Street, Manhattan

    • 850 3rd Avenue, Sunset Park, Brooklyn

  • Muji:

    • 52 Cooper Square, East Village, Manhattan

• Appliances (e.g. hairdryers, flat irons, shavers): Even with a plug adaptor or converter, many international appliances may not work properly with New York’s 110V voltage. Bringing them can risk damaging the device or even affecting the electrical system in your residence. If you prefer to use these items, it’s recommended to purchase local versions after you arrive.

Cell phones

It is usually easier—and cheaper—to get a low-cost phone and pay-as-you-go card in New York than to use your current plan. This is a good way to communicate with your peers locally. You can still bring your smartphone and use it as a WiFi device (just be sure to cancel/turn off the data on it to avoid hefty international connection fees).

We generally do not recommend international phone plans as they may be expensive. Some mobile phone companies offer study abroad plans that allow you to keep your home number and pay lower rates. Either way, make sure to contact your mobile carrier for specific information.

Another popular option is to unlock your current smartphone before you go and replace its SIM card with one you get in New York. You would then keep your device and just pay for the minutes. Make sure your phone will not need to be decoded as this can be expensive.

During orientation, NYU New York site staff will show you where to get phones and/or local SIM cards.

First-time traveler tips

We’ve heard from many students that this will be their first time traveling outside the country, traveling alone, or even their first time on a plane. We have gathered some practical advice to make your journey to NYU New York as smooth as possible!

• After you purchase your flight, check with your airline about how many bags you can check in and the maximum weight of each bag. You don’t want to be asked to pay extra for too much luggage.

• Get luggage tags and put the NYU New York address (see right-hand column on this page) as contact information in case it is delayed. List a phone number of a close family member or friend in case the airline needs to get in touch about the delayed flight.

• Carry a small bookbag with your valuables and all essential items, including a toothbrush, medications, copies of your passport, credit/debit cards, flight confirmation, visa documents (if applicable), laptops/electronics, and instructions on how to arrive at NYU New York, which will be sent before you depart. All containers with more than 3oz / 100ml of liquid (shampoo, perfume, etc.) should be packed in your checked luggage.

• Exchange your local currency into 50 – 100 USD 1-2 weeks before departure. Ask your local bank if they have the currency. It’s good to have cash on hand right when you arrive (and to avoid exchanging money at the airport since the fees are high).

• Arrive 3 hours before your flight. This will give you time to check in at the airline counter (there may be long lines!), check your luggage, go through security and get to your gate with plenty of time.

• Airplanes get cold—wear warm clothes on the flight, including socks!

• If you follow a special diet (vegetarian, halal, kosher, etc.) don’t forget to inform your airline ahead of time. Also, take your favorite snacks—it’s no fun to get “hangry” on the plane!