What to Pack

Suggestions for Packing

Students at the University of Arkansas usually wear casual and comfortable clothing. Many students prefer jeans, tee shirts, sweaters, and tennis shoes while some feel more at ease in more formal outfits. There are no rules for this. There will, no doubt, be some occasions when men will normally wear a suit and tie (class presentations) and when women will wear a more formal dress. Sometimes national dress can be worn at such events, especially at International Bazaar and/or International Banquet; so if you have a national costume and have room in your suitcase for it, please bring it. We would love to see you wearing it.

 It is always a problem to know what to pack. Most students who here seem to agree that they did not know what to pack so they ended up bringing too much. We suggest that you wait until you have arrived here to buy most of your warm clothes or anything else you need. You can bring some items with you such as cameras. Do not bring too many things like toiletry articles, camera film etc. because they are readily available in Fayetteville, AR- besides they take up precious weight in your suitcase. You might consider bringing pictures and souvenirs from your country to share with friends here.

 Do not try to bring a lot of books with you. Textbooks are available in the local bookshops and at the U of A bookstore, plus we have excellent library facilities. You may want to bring your calculator or, if you are involved in studio work, some of your art equipment may be necessary; a good dictionary of English and your home language may be very useful.

 Check with the airline before you start packing. Have clear labels with your name and address both inside and outside each piece of luggage. Make sure that you do not exceed the weight limit for luggage on the plane, unless you are willing to pay vast sums for excess baggage.

 What you wish to bring is a personal choice. Bring items that you think you will be needing, that will not be available here.

  •  Warm clothes: If you arrive in the winter you will want to bring a jacket.  Temperatures can be as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit, ranging mainly from 20 to 40 degrees F. The wind is cold and it snows occasionally. 
  • Shoes: Good leather shoes may be be expensive here, ranging from $50-$100. You may want to purchase them from your country depending on their prices.
  • Umbrella and Rain Jacket: These may be needed year round and can be purchased here.
  • Cultural Attire: Bring some clothing that is special to your country. There may be international festivals and events where you may want to wear them. You may also do presentations about your country and show your national outfits!
  • Items of Interest: We encourage you to bring items and photos from your country that you may like to share with others! It will let you share your culture and enrich others wth stories about your home country.
  • Formal Wear: Bring some formal wear, such as suits, shirts and dresses that you may wear for class presentations, interviews, etc.
  • Toiletries: You can bring some for immediate use, but they are readily available.
  • Electrical appliances: Carefully check the voltage requirements of electronics. The voltage used in the United States is 110V so make sure your devices are compatible with that.