Hi Everyone,
Today I’m here to give you all a hand with your packing for your exchange!
When I was preparing myself to come to Boston I looked all over the internet trying to figure out the weather and average temperatures in the city, what type of dress code they have at the university, or what essential things were needed to survive. In the following paragraphs I’m going to try and help you out in discovering all these essential bits of information that will ensure your survival! =D
Regarding the WEATHER:
· Boston is a city of extremes! When you arrive in August you will need all types of summer clothes to deal with temperatures between 15-37ºC,
· As autumn comes, the temperatures will drop to 2-22ºC average, so a windbreaker is necessary. The sun still shines a lot throughout the day, so it can feel hot, but can get very cold at night.
· Then the cold comes… jejeje it can get veeeery cold! If you have kept an eye on Boston this year, you will know that this last year has been the hardest winter in recorded history with 109 inches of snow… =D So yes! Expect a lot of snow. Snow boots and a good ski coat are a must if you are going to stay in Boston for the months of December, January, February, and March. If you are not, you can survive with some lighter coats, but with a bunch of layers, and normal boots. If you are fond of skiing, you should bring your apparel, as those staying for the Spring semester will be able to have access to some really good trails relatively close to Boston.
· As April and May come around, temperatures steadily grow to reach high 20ºC during the day, but with chilly nights.
· About the summer I can’t really say much from my own experience, because I haven’t experienced it firsthand, but I expect it to be the same as it was during August and September, but with higher levels of humidity.
Things to pack:
-One very heavy coat
-Sturdy, waterproof boots
-Comfortable, everyday boots
-Hat, gloves, and scarf
-General clothes: jeans, tops etc.
- A lot of layers: sweaters, cardigans
-Some summer clothes: shorts, flip flops, etc.
Regarding what to wear at the UNIVERSITY:
· As stated in one of my previous posts, Boston University is known for their love for sports and this is translated into the way people dress. Most students go to class in jeans or sports apparel. Leggings are especially popular with the female sector of the population.
· Do not be surprised if you happen to find a person walking around or going to class in their pajamas! Americans are known to be very informal, and this translates into the way they dress and behave. I would not encourage this from any exchange student, but everyone can do as they may! =D
Things to pack:
-Sport shoes
-Plenty of sports wear
Regarding things for basic survival that should be brought FROM HOME:
Things that you are just going to have to have as a BU student would be:
-Computer
-Free phone (that can accept any carrier)
-Chargers for your electronics
-Passport
-Medicines
-Glasses
-Backpack (the BU campus is very big and most of the time the best method of transportation is to walk; backpacks are the most convenient things to haul things around)
Regarding things for basic survival TO BE BOUGHT OR ACQUIRED when in Boston:
· One of the first things you must do when arriving in Boston is get your Terrier Card. This card will be you lifeline to the university and eating. It is used for getting into your dorms, checking out books from the library, using the laundry machines, getting into the dining halls, or using your dining points at GSU.
· The second thing would be to get a Charlie Card. This is the public transport card to which you can just add value and thus have easy and cheaper access to the public transportation system. This card is free and cuts your fares to almost half of their original price. To retrieve it you must just go to any of the major T (subway) stations and ask one of the guards for it.
· Select a telephone carrier. The main telephone companies in Boston are: T-mobile, AT&T, Verizon & Sprint. Depending on what type of plan you may want the price can range from $20 to $60.
· Also, depending on where you are going to stay, you may need to dress your room with sheets, bed covers, pillows, dishes, etc. The best places to go to find these essential room elements would be Bed, Bath and Beyond, Marshalls, or another home goods store. These stores are all located in the Fenway/Kenmore area and have pretty reasonable prices. I paid about $100 for my pillows, sheets, bed spread, mattress pad, and hair dryer.
Things to acquire in Boston:
-Terrier Card
-Charlie Card
-Phone card
-Bedding/Home Goods
Today I’m here to give you all a hand with your packing for your exchange!
When I was preparing myself to come to Boston I looked all over the internet trying to figure out the weather and average temperatures in the city, what type of dress code they have at the university, or what essential things were needed to survive. In the following paragraphs I’m going to try and help you out in discovering all these essential bits of information that will ensure your survival! =D
Regarding the WEATHER:
· Boston is a city of extremes! When you arrive in August you will need all types of summer clothes to deal with temperatures between 15-37ºC,
· As autumn comes, the temperatures will drop to 2-22ºC average, so a windbreaker is necessary. The sun still shines a lot throughout the day, so it can feel hot, but can get very cold at night.
· Then the cold comes… jejeje it can get veeeery cold! If you have kept an eye on Boston this year, you will know that this last year has been the hardest winter in recorded history with 109 inches of snow… =D So yes! Expect a lot of snow. Snow boots and a good ski coat are a must if you are going to stay in Boston for the months of December, January, February, and March. If you are not, you can survive with some lighter coats, but with a bunch of layers, and normal boots. If you are fond of skiing, you should bring your apparel, as those staying for the Spring semester will be able to have access to some really good trails relatively close to Boston.
· As April and May come around, temperatures steadily grow to reach high 20ºC during the day, but with chilly nights.
· About the summer I can’t really say much from my own experience, because I haven’t experienced it firsthand, but I expect it to be the same as it was during August and September, but with higher levels of humidity.
Things to pack:
-One very heavy coat
-Sturdy, waterproof boots
-Comfortable, everyday boots
-Hat, gloves, and scarf
-General clothes: jeans, tops etc.
- A lot of layers: sweaters, cardigans
-Some summer clothes: shorts, flip flops, etc.
Regarding what to wear at the UNIVERSITY:
· As stated in one of my previous posts, Boston University is known for their love for sports and this is translated into the way people dress. Most students go to class in jeans or sports apparel. Leggings are especially popular with the female sector of the population.
· Do not be surprised if you happen to find a person walking around or going to class in their pajamas! Americans are known to be very informal, and this translates into the way they dress and behave. I would not encourage this from any exchange student, but everyone can do as they may! =D
Things to pack:
-Sport shoes
-Plenty of sports wear
Regarding things for basic survival that should be brought FROM HOME:
Things that you are just going to have to have as a BU student would be:
-Computer
-Free phone (that can accept any carrier)
-Chargers for your electronics
-Passport
-Medicines
-Glasses
-Backpack (the BU campus is very big and most of the time the best method of transportation is to walk; backpacks are the most convenient things to haul things around)
Regarding things for basic survival TO BE BOUGHT OR ACQUIRED when in Boston:
· One of the first things you must do when arriving in Boston is get your Terrier Card. This card will be you lifeline to the university and eating. It is used for getting into your dorms, checking out books from the library, using the laundry machines, getting into the dining halls, or using your dining points at GSU.
· The second thing would be to get a Charlie Card. This is the public transport card to which you can just add value and thus have easy and cheaper access to the public transportation system. This card is free and cuts your fares to almost half of their original price. To retrieve it you must just go to any of the major T (subway) stations and ask one of the guards for it.
· Select a telephone carrier. The main telephone companies in Boston are: T-mobile, AT&T, Verizon & Sprint. Depending on what type of plan you may want the price can range from $20 to $60.
· Also, depending on where you are going to stay, you may need to dress your room with sheets, bed covers, pillows, dishes, etc. The best places to go to find these essential room elements would be Bed, Bath and Beyond, Marshalls, or another home goods store. These stores are all located in the Fenway/Kenmore area and have pretty reasonable prices. I paid about $100 for my pillows, sheets, bed spread, mattress pad, and hair dryer.
Things to acquire in Boston:
-Terrier Card
-Charlie Card
-Phone card
-Bedding/Home Goods
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