Studying Abroad : Packing for the coming winter

So you've been accepted to study abroad, finally received your student visa and in your hands are the plane tickets that are going to land you in a beautiful and exciting country for a whole new journey.

Congratulations! For you have finally made it. But as the day approaches, you realise that a big feat lies ahead: Packing! One of the most common questions asked pre departure is, "What should I wear?".

Popular student destinations like US, UK, Australia, Canada etc have extremely chilly weather conditions unlike the ones in India. Students therefore require legitimate winter clothing, not the sweaters and hoodies we wear in India but thermals and jackets. So where do you pick up an all weather jackets in the heat of May or quick dry thermals in September? Taking cue from the widespread need of students, today, there are quite a few winter travel concept store specialising in warm clothing for winter with temperatures up to -20°C.

Realising that students who go abroad for further studies have requirements different from that of a regular traveler Prrems, a winter travel store has launched a special collection for students. Staying in style is a part of going to college. Just because it's cold out doesn't mean your clothes need to be boring and unflattering. "Creating an impression when traveling abroad, being light weight, given the baggage restrictions and pocket friendly prices are some of the important things we kept in mind before launching our special collection for students," says Yuktie Jhangiani, partner, Prrems.

As a college student, buying on budget can be really hard. And buying winter wear abroad can be really expensive. A single jacket, for instance, is available for USD 100 to USD 150 (around Rs 5,000 to 10,000). However, Prrems aims is to ensure that students have a smooth pre-departure experience, where all layers for winter are available under one roof and, at affordable prices. "We offer all the winter layers which includes a thermal, hoodie, jacket and accessories within USD 150 (Rs 10,000). We are also running an 'upto 60 per cent discount' till August 15, 2014 for the fall intake," informs Jhangiani adding that the benefit to the students is savings of a minimum of Rs 15,000.

But that's not it, the store also offers another winner for the students. "Depending on the country the student is visiting, we check the temperature and tell them what they will require," says Jhangiani adding, "For example: students going to pursue MS at universities in New York and Chicago, will have to bear extreme winter for more than six months therefore are advised to take 100 per cent pure merino wool thermals," she adds.

In the end, it is just important to travel smart given the limited luggage allowance. Therefore, instead of shopping for your entire winter wardrobe, it is advisable to take just the first set of warm clothing from India to ensure you are comfortable when you land and not worried about keeping yourself warm. "Going forward, depending on the students requirement and style preferences, they can shop from there or here. And now with e-commerce and international shipping available on most websites, options are aplenty," concludes Jhangiani.

Pre-departure university checklist: PACK A BAG
This checklist is a result of Prrems research with more than 1000 students in the last 4 years and interaction with Shivani Manchanda, overseas student counselor.

Clothing
3 to 4 jeans
6 full sleeve shirts/tees (men and women)
1 Business Suit
1 set of thermals (men and women)
3 pairs of warm socks
3 pairs of cotton socks
1 warm jacket
2 sweaters that are machine washable (men and women)
Gloves
Cap
Muffler
1 formal shoe
1 sports shoe
1 pair of slippers

Students are advised to travel light. The above list can be changed to suit the location of the University and temperature conditions of the place.