WHAT TO BRING

Climate

Commerce experiences cool winters and very hot summers. Preparation for these seasons includes having sweaters for the winters and light cotton clothing for the summers. Extremes in temperatures can range from 25 F (-3.89 C) in winter with little chance of snow to as high as 110 F (43.33 C) in the summer with very high humidity, making the temperatures feel much higher.

Airline Restrictions

Airlines generally limit economy class passengers to two pieces of checked-in baggage and one carry-on bag. There are restrictions on the size and weight of these pieces. If you exceed your baggage allowance, you may have to pay an excess baggage charge. There are additional security restrictions on the type of items allowed in carry-on baggage. Some items you might not expect, such as box cutters or scissors of any size, are now prohibited in carry-on bags. Please check with your air carrier for specific instructions regarding all baggage limitations and security issues.

Customs

The US has customs regulations that restrict the importation of certain goods, including drugs; fruit and vegetables; meat and meat products; firearms and ammunition. It is your responsibility to determine whether or not you are in compliance with customs regulations. Customs information is distributed through American embassies and consulates.

Packing

Deciding what to pack for an extended stay in a foreign country is not an easy task. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you fill your suitcase:

• Bedding takes up a great deal of suitcase space and weight. Sheets, blankets, pillows and towels are readily available at reasonable prices in Commerce.
• If you are coming from a tropical country, you are probably not prepared for US winters, even the mild ones experienced in Texas. You may want to purchase your winter clothing after your arrival, matching the amount and warmth of your clothing with your level of tolerance to cold weather. The shops in Commerce carry ample supplies of sweaters, coats and other winter apparel.
• American students dress very informally. Many students wear jeans and athletic shoes to class and to social functions, as well. However, we encourage you to bring your national costumes to wear when you have to represent your country on campus.
• Small appliances, such as hair dryers, razors and irons are very inexpensive in the US. The ones you have at home may not operate on US electrical current without the use of converters.
• In large US cities, such as Dallas, you can purchase any items you need, including special ingredients and spices used in cooking. There is limited access to these items in Commerce, however. You may wish to bring spices or cooking ingredients from home but be sure to check that the items will clear Customs before packing.
• It is difficult to find non-Western music without making a trip to Dallas. You may want to save some packing space for a few favorite music CDs or tapes.
• You will have opportunities to wear native dress, should you decide to bring it. It is always considered appropriate wear for the more formal functions you attend and Americans appreciate your sharing your culture with them.