Essentials for Exchange in NL
- Amelia Choi
- Jan 10, 2023
- 3 min read
Fanny Pack/Crossbody Bag
A bag that you can have on your body. Especially good to have while visiting cities. I got the Uniqlo crossbody bag. Baggu also has some cute ones. I feel more secure keeping my belongings in my crossbody as opposed to a tote bag, purse, or backpack. This way, I can see my bag at all times.
UNIQLO
BAGGU
Portable Charger
A must. Good for long days out and traveling.
Reusable shopping bag
The ones that fold up into small squares. I was gifted one and use it here all the time. I like to bring it when I am going out in case I go shopping. Also nice because I don’t have to pay for bags at the stores.
Headphones
I use my headphones every day. When I am biking to school, taking the train, and at school. I recommend headphones because they also keep your ears warm when you’re biking. I think earphones are also nice to bring because they are compact.
Towel/ Hair Towel
I highly recommend hair towels. When it started getting cold, I was freezing after I took showers because my hair would dry so slowly since it’s cold here. I also like having my own towel to use at home.
Gloves
For the Netherlands, this is a must. You will bike a lot and your hands are always out, so you need a nice pair of gloves.
Rain jacket and winter coat
I have a nice rain jacket and thick winter coat. You need both. I recommend looking for a nice rain jacket before exchange and buying your winter coat later. I needed my rain jacket almost immediately after I arrived, and I used it everyday for the first few months. Then, when it got colder, I bought a winter jacket and I wear that everyday now.
Both jackets need to be waterproof, and both need hoods. I recommend your rain jacket be a little thinner and something you can layer with. I have a rain jacket from Carhartt and my winter jacket is from Uniqlo.
Gum
American gum hits different. It’s more flavorful. I have several packs of Extra Gum that I stocked up on. It is nice to have, especially at school to pay attention.
Water bottle
A reusable water bottle is nice to have. I bring to school and also use at home.
Adaptors
Since you'll be living in Europe
Vitamin D
There is very little sunlight during the winter and a lot less than what you’re used to getting in Houston. This can really affect your mood and health. It is good to take vitamins, especially during this season.
Bike storage flaps
These are a lifesaver. I put my groceries in them, my bags, and whatever else I have that I can’t carry while biking. I got mine at Action in the Netherlands.
This is just an idea of what they look like:
Thick socks
Really great for winter.
Wet wipes
To wipe your electronics with, your hands, your living space, and whatever else. Get a few small packs so that you can travel with them, not the big packs.
Cash
Bring a lot of cash. This way, you don’t have to deal with fees that might come with getting cash from the ATM. Grocery stores and sometimes other stores only allow you to pay with cash or Dutch debit card, so it is handy to have enough euros on you.
Important Folder/ Accordion
Bring from home and use this as a place to store all your important documents. Keep it all in one place.
A good pair of shoes
I wear my Doc Martens every day. I love them because they go with everything and are waterproof. When I wear my sneakers on a rainy day, a lot of times water gets in my shoes. Invest in a good pair of shoes that you like and know you will wear every day but will also be water-resistant.
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