Laptop, cell phones, travel and initial money
These are what I did when I came. Things might have changed and some people would like to do it differently. So this is just to help you get heads up!

Initial money:

Total money - 4500$
Travelers cheque/ Forex card - 4000$
Cash - 500$

Total money I suggested is 4.5 k for following reasons
1. 500$ * 5 for living for 5 months - 2.5 k
2. 2k - laptop, cell phones and deposit for Apts. You will be left with few $, still good to have buffer.

Buying a forex card will be helpful for initial days and also your parents can deposit money here and you can withdraw it without any hassles

(if you get a part time in the beginning itself, you can always save some money and take care of your expenses yourself. Also if you show a constant income flow in you account, it is easier to apply for a credit card)

If you guys get part time job and ssn and have good bank balance try applying 

Laptop:
You have three options:

All the options are assuming that you will be buying computers in USA. If you have a good working laptop, feel free to get it. To buy or not, you can take a call after you arrive in USA (I have been getting lot of pings if these options are talking about buying laptops in India.)

Option 1: Passive
1. Once you land in Tempe, you can open account in Chase or any banks (ask seniors/relatives to help you) Put all your travelers cheque and cash in that account. Then your debit card will take 3 days to come(you will be given a temporary debit card while opening the account, which can be used till the permanent card is mailed to you). Then you can order from your card for laptop, which will take another 10 - 15 days. So all in all 25 days maximum from the day you arrive.


This is crucial 25 days, when you will email professors and email for part time.

How to survive without laptop in this period?

You have computing halls. You also have department labs to use, and also the computers in Library.

But this is just for survival, laptop is A MUST FOR A SMOOTH masters and as early as possible.
(I know a few people who did not buy laptops early, and had to borrow or depend on the university computers. Its always better to have one of your own, and makes your day less complicated and easy)

Option 2: Active
You can ask a senior to help you buy a laptop.
So my recommended suggestion is, on the day you arrive. Get a senior friend, sit with him/her , order the laptop , give the cash at spot. Wait for Laptop. It should come in 10 days.

Option 3: Over Aggressive
If you have a relative or very close senior. You can talk to them 10 days prior to departure. Have the laptop shipped to the relative or seniors place. About the cash transfer, you talk with them.

Whether to be passive, active or over aggressive is your choice.


Cell Phone:
T-mobile
$100 monthly family plan for maximum 5 people
unlimited text and call in USA
2.5 GB internet data per person

(You can also include a data plan if you prefer. But if you get a smart phone, the campus has Wi-Fi and you can access the net freely)

You will have to have a Calling card for India calls. I used this site. This is best in the market now I guess

https://www.phoneindia.com/  Add this code in REFERRAL CODE to get benifits:- 751FQC 


Also try to get a phone within 2 -3 weeks of your arrival. Mainly used in case you get interview calls for part time and also for contact back home.
(Skype/hangout is always there to contact people back in India, but a mobile in hand is very useful)

PS: Open bank account on the day or next you arrive. Its a must for a quick start. Do not delay.

once you get part time job and SSN. Please get a credit card ASAP. It’s very important to build credits for your future.

Hope this helps a few worries to get cleared.

For Any Doubts post it in comments.