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Student Manuals » Long-Term Student Manual » Travel and Packing » What to Bring

JUC Packing List

Here is a list of recommended items to pack for your Long-Term program in Jerusalem.

Clothing

Depending on the season that your semester begins, please reference these clothing suggestions. It is recommended to pack outfits for both seasons as weather can change mid-semester.

Temperature: 60º to 90º F (16º to 32º C), up to 100º F (38º C) 

Climate: Hot and dry 

Air Conditioning: JUC’s campus is not air conditioned.

The best preparation for clothing is to dress in layers. Rather than packing clothing for extreme weather, bring a variety that you can layer on and off as the weather changes. It is important to pack appropriate and modest clothing for field studies and campus. Read about modesty in Israel here. 

Tops: 

  • Clothes with breathable material are best for hot days in the field 

  • Shirts that cover shoulders 

  • Light jacket or sweatshirt 

  • Cardigan or top with long sleeves for modesty days (Women) 

Bottoms: 

  • Athletic/hiking pants (Pack more pants than shorts to respect the surrounding cultures at holy sites) 

  • Zip-off pants

  • Shorts that are mid-thigh or longer 

  • Full-length skirts/dresses if desired (Women) 

Shoes: 

  • Hiking boots that are comfortable, durable, waterproof, and closed-toed 

  • Hiking sandals for hot days and near water (e.g. Chacos) 

  • Flip-flops or beach shoes 

  • Shower shoes (If staying on campus, you will be using stairs and crossing outdoor courtyards to reach the bathroom) 

Socks: 

  • Merino wool socks are recommended as they regulate heat, wick moisture, and control odor 

Hat: 

  • Sunhat with a wide brim or a ball cap 

Formal Attire: 

  • Several formal outfits for Shabbat dinners, church services, and volunteer/practicum days

Swimsuit

Temperature: 35º to 60º F (2º to 16º C) 

Climate: Cold and wet 

Heating: JUC’s campus offers central heating from 5am-10am and 5pm-10pm. Buildings may not be heated quite as warmly as you are accustomed to.

The best preparation for clothing is to dress in layers. Rather than packing clothing for extreme weather, bring a variety that you can layer on and off as the weather changes. It is important to pack appropriate and modest clothing for field studies and campus. Read about modesty in Israel here. 

Tops: 

  • Fleece sportswear 

  • Sweatshirts 

  • T-shirts that cover shoulders 

  • Thermal wear for layering 

  • Jacket with hood (Mid-weight or heavier) 

  • Long waterproof raincoat 

  • Cardigan or top with long sleeves for modesty days (Women) 

Bottoms:

  • Athletic/hiking pants (Pack plenty of long pants to respect the surrounding cultures at holy sites) 

  • Zip-off pants

  • Thermal wear for layering 

  • Capris (Women) 

  • Full-length skirts/dresses if desired (Women) 

Shoes: 

  • Hiking boots that are comfortable, durable, waterproof, and closed-toed 

  • Hiking sandals for warmer days and near water (e.g. Chacos) 

  • Flip-flops or beach shoes 

  • Shower shoes (If staying on campus, you will be using stairs and crossing outdoor courtyards to reach the bathroom) 

Hats: 

  • Knit hat 

  • Ball cap or wide-brimmed bucket hat 

Formal Attire: 

  • Several formal outfits for Shabbat dinners, church services, and volunteer/practicum days

Gloves 

Earmuffs 

Swimsuit: 

  • If you'd like to swim in the Dead Sea in the winter, it is warm year-round

Personal Items

  • Passport and travel documents 

  • Personal toiletries (These can be expensive if purchased in Israel) 

  • Shower caddy

  • Washcloths (Towels are provided) 

  • Laundry bag

  • Voltage converters and plug adapters (type H) for electronic devices, hair dryers, razors, etc.

    • Israel's domestic electricity system is 220 Volts, 50 Hertz Frequency. If you are coming from the United States or a country that supports 110 Volts, you may need a converter, adapter (type H), or even both, to use the Israeli 220 Volts, 50 Hertz system. These will also be available for purchase in Israel if you prefer. Learn more about converters vs. adapters here.

  • Water bottle 

  • Sunglasses 

  • Sunscreen 

  • Prescription glasses or contacts (These are significantly more expensive in Israel; contact lenses are available over the counter) 

  • Current prescription medications and a copy of your original prescriptions from your doctor

  • Medications for common cold, insect bites, headache, allergies, and sunburn 

  • Personal first-aid kit 

  • One small suitcase for overnight field studies

  • Backpack

  • Bible (Not a paraphrase version) 

  • Office supplies

  • Portable phone charger 

    • You will find access to power throughout Israel, and even some of our buses have USB charging ports to charge your devices while on field studies. However, in some areas, including Jordan, you may find it convenient to have a portable charger when we are away from electricity.

  • Laptop computer/tablet

  • Do not bring unnecessary valuables such as expensive jewelry.

Optional 

  • Flashlight 

  • Umbrella 

  • Hot water bottle (The rooms on campus are made of stone or bedrock, which means they are difficult to heat and not as warm you might be used to) 

  • Personal bedding and linens if preferred (These items are provided for each student: pillow, pillow cover, pillowcase, fitted sheet, duvet, quilted blanket) 

  • Sleeping bag (if you enjoy camping) 

  • HDMI adapter (for connecting computers to JUC projectors) 

  • Mug or cup for beverages

  • Extra water bottle 

  • Electrolyte or hydration tablets during field studies 

  • Favorite snacks/coffee/tea