Before your arrival in Billings, we would like to send you a list of suggested items to pack. You are not required to bring all of these items, but they may be useful to have during your stay here. You can also purchase many of these items once you arrive in Billings. Montana has four distinct seasons, with hot summers, cold winters and temperate springs and autumns. We suggest packing for all seasons you plan to be in Billings, but know that you can also purchase items once you're here.

Clothing ItemsMSUB students in snow

  • Cold weather clothes such as: hat, gloves/mittens, scarves, sweaters, and warm coat. The temperatures in Billings can get down to -30° C in the winter, please be prepared!
  • Traditional clothing from your home country – we have various events on campus where we have students dress up and represent their culture to the MSUB campus and Billings community.
  • Nicer clothes and shoes for occasions where you may have to dress up such as presentations, formal events, meetings, etc.
  • Shoes: comfortable walking shoes, flip flops or sandals to use in the showers, snow boots, etc.MSUB Turkmen student in traditional clothing
  • Standard shirts, pants, and other go-to clothing items. Make sure to bring a variety of seasonal clothes.

Toiletries

  • Medications or prescriptions, please talk to your primary care physician before departure
  • Essential items for arrival like toothbrush + toothpaste, hairbrush, soap, etc.

Electronics

  • Unlocked cell-phone, make sure to check that your cell phone is compatible with US mobile carriescultural artifacts from China
  • Laptop computer for course assignments.

Cultural Decorations – We encourage you to bring some cultural decorations (traditional dolls, toys, postcards, pictures, etc.) for opportunities where you get to showcase your country and culture

Small gifts to give to friends, host family, professors, etc.

Immigration documents (Passport, I-20 or DS-2019, Visa, etc. For any questions about immigration documents please contact Alisa Batchelorimmigration documents

Money – make sure it is easily accessible. Make sure all credit and debit cards can be used in the United States. You can bring some cash, but not all currencies are easily exchanged. Always have a backup in case one method of accessing funds does not work.