Suggested Packing List

Clothing and Footwear

• Shoes: At least two pairs of comfortable walking shoes—one pair waterproof/resistant, and one pair for warmer weather. Wits is a large campus—you will be doing a lot more walking than you are used to!
• Waterproof rain jacket with hood. Ideally, bring one with a removable warm liner so that it will serve you in both winter and spring weather.
• A warm fleece or light winter coat
• Warm sweaters and turtlenecks/long underwear tops. Remember – dress in layers!
• T-shirts, light-weight slacks, shorts, and sandals for the summer months
• Jeans/khakis/cords
• Internship Clothes: you should expect to dress “business casual” for your internship. Women: this means dress slacks, blouses or sweaters, skirts to the knee or lower, dresses to the knee or lower, comfortable shoes. Men: dress slacks, button-down shirts, and comfortable dress shoes. At least three ties and a blazer are also strongly suggested.
• Leisure: bathing suit, workout clothes, tennis shoes.
• Heavy socks and/or slippers—for the winter months. You might also want to bring some hiker’s fast-drying socks.
• The IHRE program will not travel to malaria-affected areas. However, if you are planning individual travel to a malaria area, you will want to consider clothing that fully covers you. We suggest that you refer to a guidebook and the Center for Disease Control website: http://www.cdc.gov/ for specific recommendations.

Dorm Supplies

Dorm Rooms/International House efficiencies come with basic linens (sheets, pillow, and light duvet). 

• Towel(s) and washcloth (available in Johannesburg)
• Fleece/blanket (available in Johannesburg)
• Battery-powered alarm clock
• Toiletry tote
• A light or featherweight thermal sleeping bag can be convenient if you plan to do much traveling and can double as a blanket!

School Supplies

• Laptop computer—just as on your home campus, having your own computer will be more convenient.  In addition, some internship hosts ask or require students to use their personal laptops. Please be in contact with the IILE if you do not plan to bring a laptop.
• Laptop lock – to lock your laptop to an immovable piece of furniture where you are working. This lock allows you to leave your laptop for short breaks without having to pack it up. Laptop locks are also readily available in Johannesburg and are essential on the Wits campus.
• Flash/Jump drive
• Backpack or satchel bag

Health and Safety

Almost all imaginable personal hygiene and toiletry products are available in Johannesburg, so there is no reason to over pack this type of item.  We suggest bringing travel sizes of your essential bath products and stocking up on what you need once you get your bearings after arrival.  Clicks and Dis-Chem are South African pharmacy and cosmetics chain stores, similar to U.S. stores like Walgreens or CVS. A scan of their websites (www.clicks.co.za and www.dis-chem.co.za) may give you an idea of what can be purchased in South Africa.  The list below includes some items that may not be easily available in Johannesburg:

• Prescription medications—All prescriptions should be brought over in their original containers with a copy of the prescription.  American prescriptions cannot be filled in Johannesburg, and many of the brand-name drugs are different. If possible, you should bring a semester’s supply of your prescription medication. Alternately, you may see a doctor once you arrive in Johannesburg to discuss alternatives to your U.S. prescription. In this case, it would be a good idea to bring your medical references with you to document your condition. Women, please note that birth control medication is also different in South Africa. It’s available, but will likely not be the same drug/brand you are used to taking. Thus, bringing what you will need is advisable.
• Multi-vitamins—taking supplemental vitamins may help keep you healthy as you adjust to a new climate and new diet.  They are readily available in Johannesburg, but will not be the brands you are used to in the U.S.
• Money belt—the kind that is worn under your clothes. A money belt is essential when traveling or carrying large sums of money.
• Pepper spray/personal safety alarm—If you choose to bring it with you, you should only use it under dire circumstances and be sure to check airline regulations for packing pepper spray.  A personal safety alarm can be a good alternative to pepper spray.

Personal Needs

• ATM and credit cards—only take the cards you need, as a lost wallet can cause headaches.  ATM cards are the easiest way to get money.   In the case of an emergency, credit cards can be helpful. Make sure that you phone your bank and credit card holders before you leave to ensure that your cards will work in South Africa.
• A list of emergency numbers. The list should include your parent’s numbers, of course, but also your bank and credit card holder’s phone numbers. This list should be kept somewhere other than your wallet so that you are able to phone your bank and credit card companies should your wallet be stolen.
• Your U.S. health insurance card.
• Camera
• IPod/CD player
• Guidebook.  We suggest the Rough Guide or Lonely Planet.
• Pictures of family and friends: A small photo album with pictures of family, friends, and local sights from your hometown will be very interesting to your new IHRE friends.  (It really helps with homesickness, too.)
• Address book for sending postcards to friends and family, and to get the addresses of new friends.
• Several of your favorite novels. They will help when you are homesick.
• A small pocket or purse-sized flashlight
• Pocketknife  (do not pack in your carry-on luggage)
• Umbrella (can be easily purchased in Johannesburg)

Note:

You will be given a cellular phone upon your arrival in Johannesburg.  Upon completion of the program, you must return the cellular phone to the IHRE program director in South Africa.