(Suggested by previous FSP participants; you actually can easily purchase most of them in China)
Documentation
- Passport and copies of both your passport information page and visa (keep them in separate places)
- Copies of your flight itinerary if you purchased an e-ticket, or your paper ticket
- Medical insurance card
- International SOS card or a printout
- Dartmouth ID card
- Credit cards for purchases and payment in emergencies
- Debit or bank card for purchases and cash withdrawals
- JW-202 visa form and BNU invitation to study; these will be collected by the DA
Clothing
- 10-14 shirts (short sleeved)
- 3 or 4 pairs of shorts during the summer
- 1-3 pairs of jeans or cargo pants
- Underwear, socks
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Umbrella
- Backpack or knapsack
Health/hygiene
- Your own medication/health products
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Tampons and sanitary napkins
- Prescription for new glasses (glasses are really cheap and are of good quality in China)
- Deodorant (this may be difficult to get in China)
Books, electronics, and other items
- All required course books (see "Course Information")
- Power adapters (although these can be bought at BNU for less than $2)
- Voltage converters (Most laptop adapters and camera chargers do not require a converter. Read the label to make sure. If the label specifies that the input is 100-240V, it does not require a voltage converter. Electronic shavers are more likely to require one)
- Camera and memory cards
- iPod or other MP3 player
- Sunglasses
- Journal
- Novels or other comfort items in case you get homesick
- Laptop
- Ethernet cable (can be purchased cheaply in Beijing)
- Guidebooks: one for Beijing specifically and another for China (Lonely Planet and the Rough Guides are recommended. Frommer’s Beijing is good, especially for its walking tours, but Frommer’s China is not recommended due to many gaps in its coverage)
- A Chinese dictionary or phrasebook
- A box of cereal or two (available in China, but at higher prices and the variety is limited): good for breakfast before class at 8 AM or just for munching on during the day