So it gets cold in Eastern Europe. Really cold during some months, if you didn’t know. So, should you pack all your winter gear with you or just plan on buying it once you are there? We’ve the answers you are looking for.
Well first things first! Congrats spending a semester in Europe with ILP.
Wait, you’re not a volunteer yet?
Start filling out an application.
So, next order of business — the weather in these countries. Depending on your semester, you could be dealing with temperatures in the 80’s or 90’s for part of your time as a volunteer….who knew? But don’t worry, it’ll also be cold. And when it gets frigid arctic cold in the fall and spring semesters, here’s what alumni have said about bringing vs buying warm clothes:
Pros:
You have it the minute you walk off the plane
If you are going Spring semester, this is a huge pro. It could be 15° F the minute you land, which means you are going to want your hat, boots, gloves, earmuffs, scarf and coat ASAP.
You know you can find what you are looking for
You'll be able to buy warm clothes in Europe, but you just don't know what's there exactly until you are shopping, right? Buying them at home means you know exactly what you will be wearing all semester long.
This is really the reason we recommend that you bring everything with you if you're going during the Spring semester; there's nothing worse than the weather being cold and you still haven't found you need so you're going without.
You don't have to budget it in your semester money
If you buy your warm clothes before you go, all your ILP budget money can go for vacations — a huge perk when you're living in Europe because you can visit SO many places on your bucket list.
Coats and boots are bulky. You'll need to make room in your bulging suitcase for winter clothes, along with your school supplies. It can be a tight fit.
No need for the fur hat or coat souvenir
If you pack your winter clothes, you won't need to buy any while you are abroad, which could also be considered a downside....a coat or hat would make a rocking souvenir.
Making sure it's warm enough
If you're volunteering from a state that doesn't really do winter you might be in for a shock. Your local malls might not carry the kind of coats and boots you'll need for a freezing Eastern European winter. You might want to head online for gear that will keep you warm.
Eastern European winters are more like Idaho or Wisconsin winters, so if you've survived a winter semester at BYU-Idaho walking to classes then you've got a good idea of what to expect.
This is HUGE. No matter if you bring clothes or buy them there, you want to pack lots of layers. Tee shirts, cardigans, long sleeved shirts, a couple sweatshirts...that kind of thing. Here's how to dress in the cold.
Buy/Bring A Long Coat
Packing or bringing a long coat is a smart idea. If you have one that goes down around your knees, you'll have something to sit on while you wait for the bus to your next fabulous cathedral. A hood is also a good idea — it helps with the wind!
Here is our list of the best coats to pack for a winter in Eastern Europe.
Quality Boots
For a semester abroad in this part of the world, you want good quality boots that are comfortable, will keep your feet warm and are waterproof. Good tread on the soles are also nice for icy pavement. This blog post can help you with finding good brands.
Need a bit more help with your packing list?
Come let us know! Chatting with an ILP representative means talking to someone who has volunteered with us before and can help you know what to expect and can help answer your questions: