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On the List
- Adapter - Very useful if you bring a hairdryer, diskman charger, etc. Though, if you find you need one after you get here, Hubert has extras and there are stores that sell them nearby.
- Camping Backpack - Buy one that is durable, waterproof, and that rests on your hips instead of on your back. Spend the money on a nice pack, it will save your back on the long travel breaks.
- Bathing suit - If you plan to visit the nearby Thermal Baths (you'll hear more about them when you get here), which I recommend, bring your suit. The baths have saunas and heated outdoor swimming pools that you'll want to use.
- Calling Card - I might wait to buy one here, because using the cards was a number one problem here. No matter what instructions you have, calling is difficult.
- Playing cards - If you like to play cards, def. bring them, they're really fun on the train. If you don't know how to play, you will by the end of the semester.
- Decongestant - Avalible here, but handy on the plane here and during high allergy season.
- Dress/dressy clothes - Not necessary unless you really like skirts or dressing nice. I didn't bring a dress or skirt, and I was fine. Bring something semi-dressy though, there are a few occassions it's "necessary". And if you plan on going clubbing, keep that in mind. There's some great shopping here though.
- Ear plugs - If you have a hard time sleeping with noise (which is unfortunately quite prevalent through the thin walls), bring these.
- Film - I used through-away cameras, but bring a lot of film. I wish that I had a digital camera though, because students took pics, put them on the computer, and then sent them to friends (that's how I got all my pics for this site!).
- Gloves - Bring them! Even though the weather was extremely tame spring sem. 2003, there were several occassions that I was very glad that I brought gloves.
- Hostel International Card - Though there's a whole branch of hostels that require that you have this card to stay with them, you can buy a temp (for only 7 euros) when you get there. I don't know if this card was worth 28 dollars, I only used it four or five times.
- Mirror - Not necessary, esp. at the Castle, there are plenty of mirrors.
- Pajamas - I thought they were necessary. What else are you going to sleep (and walk around late night) in?
- Passport wallet, aka money belt - There are 2 different kinds of these: one that goes around your neck, the other which you wear under your clothes on your waist. Buy one or the other. I had the latter, and it was only slightly uncomfortable sometimes, and no one knew I was wearing it. Makes you feel very safe.
- Pens - I didn't bring enough of my favorite. They sell them here of course, but sometimes they're expensive, esp. if you're picky.
- Water bottle - Most students brought a Nalgine, which is both stylish and durable. You'll want a waterbottle, esp. since you often have to pay for tap water.
- Clothesline - If you find a neat one, bring it. Otherwise, I didn't find it too necessary.
- Toilet paper - I brought a cute little portable roll in a plastic case, but I only used it for tissues. Most bathrooms had toilet paper (because you often have to pay to use them).
- Traveler's checks - Like I noted on the advice page, most students found these a waste of money.
- Umbrella - Very useful, esp. in the Netherlands. Try to bring one that folds into something small that you can carry in your backpack or purse.
- Woolite - I didn't need it. You can avoid it by bringing clothes that don't need to be handwashed.
Not on the List:
- Condoms - You can decide for yourself about this. A difference between R.A.s here vs. those in Boston is that we don't have them availible for free for you, but you can buy them in town.
- Stapler- I can't tell you how much I wish I had brought my mini stapler, it's really inconvenient not having one.
- Travel alarm clock- You'll need an alarm clock, and it's nice to have one you can travel with, that runs on batteries.
- Sandals/flip flops - a must for the showers here. If you want, you can buy them here at the All Under One Roof for only 5 euros.
- Stretch pants/long johns- Sounds silly and elementary, but in the cold weather you'll want more than one layer.
- Socks- Obviously you should bring some, but bring a lot. I wish I had a few more pairs. They get lost and stollen occasionally, and they're not too available here.
- Hostel/travel sheets- A pillow case, fitted sheet, and flat sheet all in one, sleeping bag style. Rolls up into small bag and very useful when hostels require you to bring your own sheets or pay a few euros to rent theirs. Something I really wish I had brought, and available at stores such as L.L. Bean.
- Diskman charger - If you have an adapter and a converter, bring this in order to save batteries.
- Speakers- Though they aren't necessary, it's nice to have a set of speakers for your diskman, that way you can share your music (but not during quiet hours of course) with others/take off the headphones.
- Headphones - Whether or not you have a diskman or any kind of portable music devise, you may want to bring these so you can listen to music on the computer (cds or online radio, see "advice").
- Your favorite videos/DVDs - There's both an american video and DVD player here, and you might miss your favorite film(s).
- Dr. Scholls shoe pads - I used these to save myself from buying new sneakers before I came here, and they help a lot when you do a lot of walking on the trips.
- Room/air spray - You can buy it here, but it does become necessary, esp. when you live near the bathrooms.
- Bugspray - Not really necessary, but it's very expensive here. If you can fit it, bring a small amount.
- Day pack- Little backpack for short trips
- Zip lock bags- Useful and cheaper in the States (perhaps something to be sent to you when you get here)
- Tee-shirts- It all depends on the weather of course, but there are always surprises. I would recommend them if you come in the spring, and especially if you travel to Spain, Italy, or the south of France.
- Books for Leisure- Theres a substantial collection in the resource room if you just want to read something, so it's not necessary. Though, if you have a specific book/collection to read, bring that along.
- If you can afford an international cell phone, bring it. Although they're expensive, it saves you the trouble of trying to figure out the phones here, and of course it's handy to be available/ to have a phone available at all times.
- Pictures of home- I didn't think I'd want them, but I really wish I had brought them. It's nice to look at your pets, friends, and/or family.
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