CLOTHING:

Since the weather during the academic year ranges from 80F (27C) to 0F (-18C), it is a good idea to bring clothes that you can wear in layers. For example, when it is cold you could put on a long-sleeved shirt over a short sleeved one, and a sweater on top of that. When it is warm you would only need the short-sleeved shirt. Also, as the school year spans fall through winter to spring, it is better to bring mostly cold weather clothes. Winter clothes should include a very warm, wind/waterproof coat or jacket, waterproof boots, scarf, hat and gloves to protect you from the cold, wind and snow. The campus is spread out so that some students may have to walk up to 10 minutes to reach classroom buildings from their dorms. If you are coming from a hot climate region, it would be better for you to do most of your winter clothes shopping here, as it will give you a wider variety (more suited to the climatic needs). Also, you will not have to carry as much luggage. The style of dress on campus is casual and comfortable. Corduroy pants, jeans, sweaters and shirts are commonly worn in the fall and spring. Short-sleeved T-shirts, shorts, light cotton dresses and pants are ideal for late spring/summer. You might also want to bring along your national dress for parties, international evenings and dinners. Bring a change of clothes in your hand luggage (carry-on). Sometimes luggage is sent to the wrong place and you may not get it until a couple of days after you arrive.

THINGS TO BRING:

Several thick sweaters (wool, cotton etc.) Some long and short-sleeved shirts and blouses (formal and casual) T-shirts Skirts/dresses Jeans (comfortable and convenient!) Pants, sweats, shorts, mittens, hat, scarf (fairly expensive to buy here) Waterproof boots (a good pair costs around $60-$100, but will last long.) Shoes (formal and casual) NOTE: Amherst does not have many formal events, so you could purchase it here later on. Warm winter coat (wool, Grouted, polar fleece etc.) You might want to buy it here. Cost ranges from $80 - $150. If your coat is layered (i.e. can take an inner padded layer off, then the shell can doube as a rain coat. Nightgown, pajamas, bathrobe, slippers, flip flops (convenient for shower use), sneakers with rubber soles (main footwear, and for gym use) National dress A semi-formal dress/suit (for dances/dinners) Socks, underwear etc. In addition you might want to bring photographs, tapes, CDs, favourite books, mementos (posters, magazines, stuffed toys, paintings etc.) Anything to ease your transition and make you feel more at home. The key to deciding what to carry is to close your eyes and think of all the stuff that make your room and home the distictive place it is, then see how much you can reasonably cram into your luggage that would make an empty room feel like home again (of course parents, siblings and friends can be included too!)

ESSENTIALS:

The following items can be purchased easily at reasonable prices in the vicinity of the five colleges. (ISA will be organizing shopping trips to local malls.) From our experience we suggest buying these items here, unless they can conveniently be packed in your luggage. Pillow ($6-10), duvet/blanket and extra-long twin size sheets ($35), pillowcases Stationery (pens, paper, eraser etc.) Hairbrush/comb Desk lamp(s) (an absolute must! Costs $10- 25): Some dorm rooms need the extra lighting Telephone (At a price range of $10-100.) You don't need an answering machine, since all phone lines have a central voice mail service.) You should contact your room-mates plan to get one Alarm clock Coat hangers Laundry bag/basket Bath and face towels Toiletries (unless you have a favorite local brand which you may not get here.) Contact lenses and solution (if you use a special brand you might want to bring supplies. However generic brands such as Alcon, Opti Free, Ciba Vision etc. are all available.)

NON-ESSENTIALS:

(To make life easier ): Extension cords, 3-way plugs Umbrella Rug, curtains, cushions/bean bag Refrigerator (can be bought or rented on a semester basis) Bulletin board / Dry-pen board Duffel bag/ backpack/ small roll on suitcase for overnight trips Camera Flashlight Good dictionary/thesaurus(do you really need it, though :) Favorite non-perishable snacks National Flags can be bought here, but could be pretty expensive