Packing Suggestions

Recommendation: During travel, always have important documents on your person. Carrying a change of clothes and emergency toiletries can also be useful.

• If living on-campus, $200-300 in cash and $200-300 on a credit/debit card that can be used in the U.S. to get you through your first few days before opening a bank account.
  • Miami’s Oxford campus is cashless and does not accept paper money as a form of payment.
• If living off-campus, $200-300 in cash and access to at least $2500 via check or card that may be needed for housing deposit, first month's rent and other costs associated with setting up your housing and room.
  • ISSS does not recommend bringing large amounts of cash with you when traveling.
• Smart Phone downloaded with relevant apps. Many U.S. airports and most places on campus have public WiFI. Note that all unlocked, GSM-ready phones should work in the U.S.. You can activate with an eSIM prior to arrival or with a SIM card after your arrival. CampusSIMS cards will be available to you as part of your orientation materials.
  • If you bring a phone, laptop computer or electronic device from home, consider U.S. electrical outlets and charging compatibility.
  • Recommend Phone Apps:
    • Duo Security (multi-factor authentication)
    • Miami Digital ID (campus services, room access, dining access, libraries, and more)
    • Canvas (course content and more)
    • Campus Community (connect with peers, ask our international community questions, and more)
    • Transit (local buses)
    • Rave Guardian (campus safety, emergency text and messaging alerts)
    • Omnilert (Miami Emergency Text Messaging System)
    • Map app of choice
    • Email app of choice

• Clothing appropriate for the season:
  • In August/September, you will need clothes for hot, humid weather. However, the winter months call for a warm coat, gloves, scarf, hat, and winter shoes. Check the weather for Oxford, OH and surrounding areas before travel.
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Rain and sun protection (umbrella, hat, sunscreen lotion, etc.)
• Toiletries
• Food: Some snacks to eat until you can purchase food in the dining hall or grocery.

Items You Can Buy and/or Order Online in the U.S.

Oxford, Hamilton, Middletown, and other local areas have a variety of local markets and many items can be shipped to the on-campus package center or an off-campus address.

• Bedding (pillow, blanket, sheets, etc.)
• Towels
• Laundry basket, detergent
• School supplies: pens, paper, folders, etc.
• Fan
• Bike
• Extension cords
• Dishes and cooking utensils
• Iron and ironing board, hangers
• Television and other electronics

Phone, Laptop and Technology Services

Miami Student Computing offers:

Tech Support Lounge

• Available during regular business hours, in the Armstrong Student Center. It is a first-come, first-served walk-in support desk where students can get assistance with their personally-owned devices.

Computer Purchasing Recommendations

• If you bring a laptop computer or electronic device from home, consider U.S. electrical outlets and charging compatibility.

View University Recommendations

Student Laptop Consultation

• Students struggling to purchase a computer that meets the minimum requirements can request a consultation to review their particular needs.