What to pack for you visit to the Excellence Center- 8 recommendations

When going away, especially to somewhere you have never been before, packing can be daunting. Some people spend days listing everything they need to take, while others pack at 2am the day of their flight.

Either way it is common to look back once you have arrived in regret that you didn’t bring something you needed. While the essentials of which clothes and how many to take will depend largely on the weather, time of year, and the length of your stay in Halle, here is a guideline of what to bring.

Recommendations

  • A gift for your host family. Unless you choose to stay in the Center’s dormitory, you shall be placed with an accommodating host family in Halle, ideally a German or Arabic family depending on the language you choose to study. A nice way to show your appreciation for their hospitality is to bring a small gift, though this is not obligatory in any way. Please don’t spend too much money on this. Also, don’t worry about personalising it to them. A good option is to bring a little something that is local to your area, like a mug with your region’s name on it.
  • A camera to take photos to remember your trip.
  • A European plug adaptor if you are coming from a country which has a different shaped plug socket such as America and the UK.
  • A small note book to jot down any Arabic or German words you learn or hear throughout your days in Halle. Although pen and paper can be provided by the Excellence Center, having a small notebook on you at all times means you will be able to record words you catch in daily conversation.
  • Walking boots or a sports kit. In Halle there are a lot of large green spaces scattered in the city centre, making a walk or run very pleasant. Good shoes are the essential as it is nice and accessible to walk around the city as well as taking the tram. If you come in summer, a swimming costume is also recommendable because the river running through Halle, as well as the city’s swimming pools, are popular locations for a bathe.
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  • Having a small day bag is important for the Excellence Center’s days out and your exploration of Germany. In particular, if you do a food shop at one of the grocery stores here in Halle, take a bag to put your purchases in as the use of plastic bags is less common in environmentally friendly Germany.
  • A jumper. No matter the time of year, it is Germany so while summer can be hot, there can be cold spells.
  • A laptop. You may want to bring your laptop for private study or writing; however, one is also available at the centre.

Do not fret too much about packing because there are many shops close by if you forget one of the essentials.


Top tip: check the weather forecast of Halle

https://www.bbc.com/weather/6615410 before you set off to judge how many T-shirts, jumpers, or long sleeve tops you need.