Contact Info
For those in Singapore, please contact Weiping Lim for our pre-departure programme.
For those in the US, please contact Weiping Lim.
Getting Here- "What should I bring?"
Bringing too much is not always a wise thing to do. Therefore, be sure to only bring stuff that is really essential to you.
PASSPORT (check expiration date and make sure it is not going to expire soon) and I-20. For guys, do not forget your exit permit even if you have already completed NS.
It is recommended that you have about US$500-800 in cash or traveller's checks. Small change would be a good thing to have for a snack at the airport. You might want to bring the rest of your money in a bankdraft or get your family to wire transfer the rest of your money once you have set up an account here at Madison. However, bank drafts drawn against Singapore banks (Eg. OUB, OCBC, DBS) takes about 3 working days to process.
It is also wise to set up a bank account on the first day after your arrival.. there are a variety of banks you can go to but most students here at UW choose the UW-Credit Union bank which has ATM machines situated all over campus.
PLANE TICKET- Airline of choice, of course, is Singapore Airlines, which flies into most major US airports including SFO, JFK and LAX. However, a domestic ticket must be purchased to fly into either Chicago or Madison. A bus ride to Madison is required if flying into Chicago O'Hare Airport. Other recommended airlines are ANA and Cathay. United Airlines is strongly NOT recommended, unless price is of a major concern.
INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE, which you can get from AA (Automobile Association) if you already have a Singapore license. Unfortunately, it can't be converted into a Wisconsin license, but it is valid for 6 months in the US.
CLOTHING- It gets pretty cold here in Wisconsin during the winter, so it's always nice to have a winter coat and a couple of sweaters. Otherwise, T-shirts, waterproof jackets/windbreakers and jeans will work out just fine.
On some occassions, you will be attending semi-formal events and for guys that mean having a suit and for girls, dresses, skirts, formal pants, pretty much anything
Although winter clothing/ ski jackets are much cheaper here, we recommend that you come with at least one winter coat.
LUGGAGE- Singapore Airlines allow 2 pieces of luggage and 1 carry on bag weighing a maximum of 25 kg each. So watch what you're carrying. Most airlines will allow a maximum of 25 kg each. However, with the recent rise in oil prices, most american carriers require charges for 1st and 2nd checked in baggage.
Electrical Appliances/ Computers
Electrical Appliances run on 110 V AC in US, as opposed to 220 V back in Singapore. Therefore, you will need a transformer (which can be easily purchased at any Radio Shack store) if you are bringing any applicances over.
Desktops vs. Laptops? This is really up to personal preference. However, electronic items are cheaper in the US, and if you are willing to live without a computer for a couple of days when you arrive, it is recommended that you purchase the computer in the US. Most computer manufacturers offer international warranty and repair services worldwide.
- the land of the cows, cheese and ginseng -
