ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

12/02/2010 03:14

 

--Originally written by Mengdan Zhou (Aileen)

--Updated by Tingru Wu (Michelle)

 

 

Computer (110V—220V):

  • If you want to bring a laptop with you, make sure you have a laptop bag, mouse, mouse pad, charger, network cable (more than 8 meters), headset, and computer camera (if your laptop does not have a camera itself).
  • If you prefer to buy a laptop in America, it will help you to save some money because the price is relatively cheaper. Also, if you buy the MacBook (Apple Inc.) through Rider, you will get $100 discount, which is really good.

 

Cell Phone

  • You need to decide if you want to buy a cell phone in America because you have to sign a contract with T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon. If you want to join the family plan, there are other requirements you have to meet.
  • There is another option, which is prepaid cell phone. You can buy it in BestBuy or other places. However, the prepaid cell phone looks a little bit ugly, like the following pictures:

 

 

  • If you want to bring a cell phone from China, make sure that your cell phone has the three frequencies (GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz). Then you can use it in the U.S. with an American SIM card.

 

Adapter:

Three-prong Electrical adapter/ American outlet plug adapter(转换插头), and 6-outlet surge protector

                             

Tips:

Generally, 2 or more three-prong electrical adaptors and one 6-outlet surge protector would be enough.

Others:

If necessary, you might need a wristwatch, USB flash drive, electronic dictionary, camera, batteries, etc. Of course, you can buy them in America, except for electronic dictionary.

 

Stationery

Even though you can buy almost all stationery in America, but packing the following stationery in your luggage will be useful, and will not need much space.

 

  • A pencil box, a mechanical pencil with 2 lead boxes, an eraser, 3 ball point pens, 3 pens, 1 ruler.

Tips:

You can bring a pencil sharpener but you can find them in the library and classrooms. It is very different from China because you won’t need to use pen a lot unless you take notes. You will be requested to type most of your homework onto the laptop and then print it out to hand in. Furthermore, you may use pencil more than pen, even on the exam.

  • Planning calendar for 2011. It is helpful to use calendar to schedule your time efficiently.
  • Markers. (荧光笔) At least bring one marker; it helps you to highlight some important things.
  • Post-its. (便利贴). You can bring one or two packs.

Scissors. Remember to put them into the check-in baggage.

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