It is usually best to arrive at a federal prison with as few personal possessions as possible because the offender is leaving his or her regular life and lifestyle for a while. Also, minimizing what one brings will lessen the possibility of confiscation by prison staff of unauthorized items, and reduce the amount of personal belongings that are returned or mailed back to the next of kin. That said, the individual should bring no single item worth over $100, meaning no expensive jewelry or wristwatch. A wedding band, if married, is fine, as well as a relatively inexpensive wristwatch and religious medal, if worn. The personal clothing the offender wears when reporting will be returned to the family or friends or attorney. I recommend that the offender report with only a relatively modest amount of money, no more than $320. Such an amount will permit some discretionary spending at the institution commissary and establishing a TRUFONE account to call home, thereby freeing the new inmate from having to rely on, or falling into debt to, other inmates. Caution should always be the watchword, should the new inmate encounter another “more experienced” inmate who “offers” to help purchase or buy something for the new inmate before the new inmate can shop at the commissary or buy something the new inmate cannot otherwise afford. Similarly, the new inmate should shun any offer to use another inmate’s access to outside telephone calls before the new inmate’s account and telephone list have been set up. Such offers can have illicit payment return terms that the new inmate is not prepared for, and besides being prohibited by prison rules can be dangerous! Similarly, if a new inmate arrives with a lot of money, other curious inmates can quickly become aware of it, which may result in the new inmate becoming a “target” by other inmates who would like little more than to get some of the new inmate’s money. We recommend that an offender take a one-month supply of any prescription medication. In all probability, the Bureau of Prisons will have the necessary medications on hand, and your supply will not be required, but if you take a medicine that is not currently routinely used or authorized by the Bureau of Prisons, your supply may be authorized in some cases to get necessary approvals and/or pharmacy stock. Understand that any medications you take with you will likely be held for you in the health services department, and dispensed from the pharmacy at “pill line.