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

JUC Packing List

Here is a list of recommended items to pack for your Short-Term trip to Jerusalem.

Clothing

Depending on the season your trip is scheduled, please reference these clothing suggestions.

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. Most hotels will be 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 

Swimsuit

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

  • Towels will be provided for swimming

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. Most hotels will provide central heating.

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 

Gloves 

Earmuffs 

Swimsuit: 

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

  • Towels will be provided for swimming

Personal Items

  • Passport and travel documents 

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

  • Washcloths (Towels are provided) 

  • 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 prescriptions 

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

  • Personal first-aid kit 

  • One small suitcase per person for a 2-day or 4-day overnight field study (e.g. Galilee) 

  • Bible (Not a paraphrase version) 

  • 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

    • Bring a device for writing and submitting JUC Impression Reports after each field study day and/or for your own personal use.

  • Do not bring unnecessary valuables such as expensive jewelry.

Optional (but Recommended)

  • Laundry bag and clothesline (If you plan to do laundry on campus) 

  • Flashlight 

  • Umbrella 

  • Extra water bottle 

  • Electrolyte or hydration tablets during field studies 

  • Snack food for long field days