THE INDIA
THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON
GRADUATE SCHOOL
THE INDIA CLUB
Dear Student,
Congratulations on be coming part of University of Scranton. We would like to welcome you as a prospective member of the India Club and look forward to seeing you become a part of our club and community very soon.
Right now, you are probably extremely worried, excited, anxious or all of the above, which is normal. Leaving one's home behind for a new country and a new way of life is difficult. Hopefully, with this letter, we can make your transition as smooth and comfortable as possible.
One of your most important concerns probably is your arrival in Scranton. Depending on your arrival, you can come to Scranton by bus or fly into Scranton Wilkes-Barre Int’l Airport, which's about 20 minutes from downtown Scranton. Arrangements can be made for someone to meet you at the airport. However we need you to inform us of your travel plans in advance so as to help us help you. If you have any doubts as to what is the best way for you to reach Scranton or need any specific information or assistance as to reaching the University of Scranton, please feel free to contact me- Jignesh Kyada or any of the people listed below:
Jignesh Kyada (570)-941-4442 jigugigu7@yahoo.com (President)
Suvart Gupta (570)-969-9721 suvrat23@yahoo.com (Vice-President)
Parikshit Dalal (570)-941-5867 parikshitdalal@hotmail.com (Treasurer)
On your arrival in Scranton, arrangements can be made for you to stay wi th other students for a few days until you can find your own accommodation. The University does provide single room housing for Graduate students although they are many who choose to reside off campus. It is advisable that you arrive here at least a week or two before classes start to be able to locate an apartment and settle down. Usually two or more students share an apartment and split the rent and expenses, which normally range between $250 and $300 per student per month. Most houses come equipped with a refrigerator and stove; we could help you buy any other cheap secondhand furniture that you might require from stores and auctions.
Most Students do their own cooking here- almost any Indian food; spices and to her ingredients are available at the Indian store in Scranton. Over the years students have found it better to carry some spices when they come from home. It is also advisable to get some minimum vessels so as to enable you to start cooking. Scranton can get really cold in winter and especially if you are coming in the spring semester you have to be prepared for the freezing temperature and as such it would be a good idea to get warm clothes to last you at least six months. You can buy warm clothes and jackets from here within a reasonable price range.
The India club here hosts about 40 members, which includes both students as well as faculty. As a club, we organize festival celebrations, picnics, and excursions, community service programs and even Hindi feature films on video. The India club provides us all with an opportunity to come together as Indians even though we are so far away from home. It also has allowed many of us to forge strong friendships, which have made graduate school far more enjoyable. We look forward to seeing you here this year and hope that you will participate actively in all the India club functions.
Sincerely,
Jignesh Kyada
President, India Club
If you have any other questions concerning Scranton or the University, do not hesitate to contact me. My mailing address is
Jignesh Kyada
615 Monroe Ave.,
Scranton, PA 18510
You might also want to lookup the India Club homepage at
http://academic.scranton.edu/organization/indiaclubor