Don’t over-pack. You can wear things a few more times here than you are used to. The Laundromat is quite expensive. Dress for comfort and travel (cotton knits, stretchy material, darker colors to be able to wear a little longer than usual). Dress in layers. It's often warmer in the daytime than at night, so it’s good to wear a t-shirt with a light jacket/sweater that can be tied around the waist and then worn in the evening. There are also indoor pools if you want to swim in winter. Those who want to ski, bring ski clothes.
We recommend bringing:
- 10 days worth of underwear and socks
- 3 pairs of pants
- 3-5 tops varying sleeve length
- Seasonal outer wear, either rain jacket or umbrella
- One set of nice clothes for opera, clubs, etc.
- 1 pair of flip flops for shower and/or summer
- 2 pairs of shoes—a good pair of walking shoes that are already broken in by the time you come to Prague with good tread, no slick soles, and perhaps a nicer pair better to wear with more formal clothes
- Bathrobe
- 2 sets of PJ’s
- Workout clothes (if you want to join a gym)
- For summer: sandals, sun hat, swimsuit, shorts
- For winter: boots with tread, thermal underwear, warm slippers, layered clothing (short and long sleeved T-shirts), sweaters, fleece jackets or sweatshirts, heavy winter coat, scarf, gloves, hat
Toiletries
Flip flops for the shower, any special toiletries that you prefer (otherwise many American brands are here: Dove, Crest, etc), a travel towel if you are doing a lot of traveling (the super absorbent thin type). You can “borrow” towels at the hotel for 200 crowns which is returned to you when you leave. A house robe since the showers are in the hall, and perhaps a handy waterproof carrying case for toiletries, plastic travel case for soap, toothbrush.
Prescriptions
Eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions (in case you break or lose), contact lens cleaner, any medication which you are either taking or anticipate needing. If you are prone to any conditions (ie. skin allergies or easily get chest infections, ear infections etc, then bring a spare dose of antibiotics, or the type of medication you may need-such as hydrocortisone cream, ExLax, Immodium, allergy pills, eye drops, asthma inhaler, etc.).
Electrical Gadgets
Electrical shavers, toothbrushes, etc, require a converter which you CANNOT purchase here so if you need these gadgets bring the heavy converter (not recommended just from convenience standpoint when traveling). Some travel gadgets have a flip switch for 220 volt. All you will need then is a plug adaptor which you need to buy in the US also. (Be sure you buy an ADAPTOR not a CONVERTER-sometimes even salespeople don’t know the difference) Most camera battery chargers and other computer accessories can operate on 220 volt; so you may just need the ADAPTOR (a plug with the European plug-two round prongs on the other end (different in England).
Bags
Either bring a rolling suitcase or easy backpack especially if you are traveling before or after. Semester students should bring a small bag for carrying onto the plane as hand-baggage on excursions. The airlines only allow 10kg. For the check baggage you bring to Prague don’t stuff the suitcase, leave plenty of room to bring back things you’ll buy here. Put your favorite cookies/snack food which will then be consumed over here and leaves room to put in bought items (and parents don't need to ship at the expensive rate your favorite chips, etc). Bring a book bag or carry bag for carrying materials to and from studio; small backpack for short trips or going to the gym, re-usable water 'bottle' (plastic or metal), water bottle carrier, good sketch book at least 8 x 10, fanny pack or neck bag for carrying money, handy carrying bag/basket for toiletries, travel cases for toothbrush/soap/gel, travel sizes of shampoo, conditioner, etc for short trips/excursions.
Documents
Passport, ISIC Card (International Student Identification Card which you can purchase for $25 at the Study Abroad Office)credit cards (ATM card), prescriptions, significant phone numbers and addresses (address book) including travel agent, airline, doctor, parents, friends.
Don’t Bring
Valuable jewelry, tons of cash, electrical gadgets without a converter or adapter, too many clothes.
