One day you applied to study in Wageningen (either for master’s or bachelor’s). Then, you received the long-awaited announcement that you got accepted! Congratulations! You are officially a WUR-student. Now you are preparing yourselves for your next ‘journey’ on the green campus. It is your first time coming here, so you wonder what you should bring, especially during this pandemic where some of you might need to quarantine first. Before you do your packing, I hope you stumbled upon this post with my packing list for WUR.

I came here last year with full enthusiasm and a bit of anxiety since it was my first time coming to Europe. To be honest, I would like to bring the whole ‘house’ with me, which is impossible haha. But, there were several things that I managed to get with me. Well, a lot of things, starting from rice cooker to even a ton of masks! And it wasn’t easy to bring those stuff throughout the trip. Turned out, some of them were not even needed. So, a lot of lessons were learned! Therefore, I would like to share the list of ‘essential things’ that you definitely should consider when you are coming to Wageningen.

Packing list

Laptop and electronic devices

Since you come here to study, make sure you come here all prepared. Bring your laptop and other electronic devices, such as a hard disk, headphones, or power bank, with you that can support your study process.

Study tools

Some essential study needs such as backpack, calculator, pens, and dictionary (if needed).

Router

Some student housings do not provide router in the room, only the sockets e.g., Bornsesteeg, Hoevestein, Asserpark. You can bring a router beforehand, or you can always buy it here. I brought my own router because it is much convenient to connect it directly once I arrive, instead of going outside and buy it.

Clothes

Only bring clothes that are necessary for you! I know you are tempted to take all your favourite clothes with you, but I can assure you that it is very easy to buy clothes here. It is also important to know the season and condition when you arrive. Are you coming during winter or is it during autumn? Prepare the clothes based on this consideration. However, I think a rain jacket is an essential one to bring due to the weather and wind condition in the Netherlands.

Some bulky clothes like winter jackets could be easily found here (including other winter equipment), so save your space in your baggage for other things. As a tip, many seniors will give away or sell their winter clothes for a very low price if you come around September.

Light Bulb (White)

Well, this might not be applied to everybody. In Indonesia, I used to study in a white-bright room. Here, if you want to buy in the market, the light bulb choices are mostly yellow (unless you buy the adjustable one). So, if you also like to study in a cool white ambience, then maybe you can consider bringing this light bulb with you.

Instant food 

Some people might overlook this, but I think this is very essential. It will take some time for you to adapt to the new environment, including the Dutch food. Having a jar of ‘sambal’ for me help to cope up with the homesick feeling. Moreover, some of you might also need to have a quarantine once you’ve arrived; you can bring some instant noodles or pasta that can help you keep your stomach full during the quarantine phase. Do make sure you check which items you are allowed to bring through customs.

Personal medicine and essential skincare

This is also important to note; it will take a while for you to register yourself to the GP, meaning if you have any sickness beforehand, you need to take care of it yourself. Bring your medicine, as some of those might be different here. Also, don’t forget to bring masks and a hand sanitiser! Wearing a mask is no longer mandatory inside the campus building but it is still mandatory on public transport. To learn more about the updates for the guidelines you can check this link.

Skincare is also an essential one. If you come during winter, prepare yourself for very dry air. To ensure you look okay, bring a moisturizer with you and stay hydrated!

Essential documents

This includes a passport, ID, and all mandatory stuff that you need to bring.

I also got a checklist from the Indonesian Student Association (PPI-Wageningen) that might inspire you in doing your packing, here are the items:

Clothes:

• Shirt (3), T-shirt (3), Sweater (1)
• Jacket (1)
• Pants (1), Jeans (2)
• Long John (If needed)
• Small Towel
• Shoes or Sandals
• Glasses 

Essential stuff

• Books/Dictionary
• Writing tools
• Electronic devices (Flash disk, mouse)
• Laptop
• WiFi router
• White Light Bulb
• Rice cooker*

Essential documents

• Visa & passport
• LoA
• Insurance certificate

Foods & Personal stuff

• Instant noodles and rice (a week portion)
• “Sambal”
• Personal Medicine
• Skincare

I hope this post helps you in deciding what to take to Wageningen! Have a great time packing! and see you in Wageningen 🙂