BBS水木清华站∶精华区

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% This is a list of necessities which I write down for classmates who     %
% will be coming to U.S recently.  They are listed in the order of        %
% priorities, (i.e, #1 == most needed). Please distribute it to whoever   %
% might need it. However, they are only suggestions and the author don't  %
% take any responsibilties.    Li Ju. Apr.29,1995.  (liju99@mit.edu)      %
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1) A Chinese dictionary. (Xin Hua Zi Dian).
   I regard this as the first priority because it's the basis of our
   culture, our history. A more practical reason is that characters
   are easy to forget when you stop to use them.
2) For those who wear glasses, take at least 2 pairs. Glasses are
   expensive. What's more, they will cause much trouble if caught
   unprepared.
3) Softwares and documents. For those who use computers, take
   as much softwares (of COURSE, you must own them) as possible.
   For instance: BC++,TD, any utility program. WPS. Games: GB,
   SanGuo, Civilization, etc. Important computer reference books
   which you often used.
4) For those in physics line, take some mathematics textbooks,
   for example, mathematical physics, complex variables, etc.
   However, you won't need the usual physics textbooks.
   (Quantum Mechanics, maybe)
   For those not in physics line, I don't know. However, I guess
   you might as well take 2 or 3 most fundamental textbooks.
5) Transcripts.
   I suggest this because in case you are not satisfied with the
   current school, or something happens, you can be well prepared.
6) About clothes. (For people coming North)
   <1> A light cotton quilt + a big shawl quilt + bed sheets.
   <2> One kind of pillow which is vacuumed so easy to take,
       but puffs up when you break the seal. (GAO: You may buy it from
       BAIHE DALOU, I recommend it as well.)
   <3> A big, big rain-coat type Yu2 Rong2 Fu2, which can cover
       you up entirely. Basicly you need to jump out of it like
      an oyster whenever you come indoors, which is very hot that
       only shirts can survive. Yet you have to put
       it on whenever you go out, and you'll always wish it to
       be warmer.
   <4> 2 or 3 sweaters. Don't be too thick!
   <5> Jackets and jeans. (GAO: get 4 suits of them)
   <6> Shoes which are water-proof. (GAO: 3 pairs for shifts)
   General principle: (GAO: Cotten ones are strongly recommended.)
    <1> Suits are not needed.
    <2> Mao2 Ku4 are not needed. You'll never be able
        to wear it, it's too hot indoors.
    <3> Don't take too much.
    <4> Don't take clothes with any kind of bright colors,
        patterns, characters, flowers, etc. Better monochrome,
        or at least, simple-patterned. Cold colors preferred.
    <5> Good quality.
    <6> Don't shrink when washed. --- Drying machine will
        make clothes which shrinks a little in cold water
        shrinking like crazy.
7) Chinese artifact. (As potential presents)
   I doubt if you really need it. However, they indeed gain value
   when brought into U.S. I suggest silk products because
   they are light and don't occupy space. It depends on you.
8) Pens. ---  People seldom use pens in U.S. If you have preference
   for pen then better prepare one. However, ink's hard to find.
   Pencils("automatic"). --- They are expensive,too. So you can take
   some, with abundance of fillings.
9) Medicine.
   Take some sleeping pills. (It isn't a curse.)
10) etc.
    Chinese pop music.
   It depends on you. Sometimes you may want to hear them dearly.
    A Chinese cuision book.
I list thus far. You'll have more personal needs. Here are my last
advices:
<1> Don't take pots,pans,knives, these things are very very cheap in
    U.S. You can take a pair of chopsticks. (GAO: You should bring
    some for initial use. You will be shrifty to buy them at start.)
<2> Chinese books (novels, history) are avialable in U.S through
    mailing. They are comparatively cheap. ( What cost 1 RMB in
    China will cost about 1 $. For instance Xiao4 Ao4 Jiang1 Hu2
    is about $20. )
<3> Take your calculator and radio.
Well, wish you all happy and good luck !
Li Ju.  (USTC 9000009)
April,30 1995.
Modified by GAO CHUANMING, JUNE 25, 1996