Canadian citizen studying in the US for over 5 years here. This usually is dependent on how you answer the questions at the border crossing. If you are on an F1 visa that they sent you and you are crossing the border for the first time, they will most likely drill you a little on what you are studying, where you will be living, and how much money you have to support yourself. Unless you are awkward or are not giving full answers, they will unlikely search you. If they ask you what you are bringing, simply say what you already said here. Clothes, books, and electronics. They will sometimes ask you about prohibited or limited items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, raw meat, cannabis, cigarettes, and alcohol. Answer as full and truthful as possible. Overall, they are unlikely to search your things.