Packing for Ulpan Etzion

See Also: Ulpan Directory

Question: Can you please tell me what I need to bring for Ulpan Etzion? For example: Sheets -- what size? Anything else I might need to know?

Answer: Here are some of our recommendations:

• Electric items need to be purchased in Israel; for example, hairdryers, fans & kettles. For the July to December session, a fan is absolutely necessary.
• Pack lightly, as there is not a lot of space for storage. Consider packing your belongings in duffle bags for easy storage.
• If you have family coming to visit in the fall, ask them to bring your winter clothes, instead of wasting precious packing/storage space on clothes that will not be used until November or December.
• Many brands of toiletries are found in Israel, like Head & Shoulders and Dove products. Often the cost difference between Israeli & US/Canadian/UK prices is minimal. Lighten your load by leaving the shampoo and conditioner back home. If cost is an issue, consider buying bulk items from Costco.  
• Wash cloths are not so easy to find in Israel.
• Bring a bathrobe, since you need to walk down the hall to the showers. In addition, bring shower shoes & slippers.
• The dorm beds are like camp cots, with a long, skinny frame and a 2 inch thin foam mattress -- if you can call it a mattress. Ideally, bring sheets with you that are twin size but extra long. (American sheets tend to be much wider than the mattress and require a little bit of tucking here and there.) If you like using a top sheet, bring some with you, since they can be hard to find in Israel; most people in the Ulpan tend to use duvet covers instead.
• Pillows are not provided, so you may want to bring your favorite pillow from home.
• Bring one sentimental item for the tough times.
• While this is certainly not the norm, some Ulpan sessions do encounter problems with stealing, so do not bring very expensive or particularly sentimental items or electronics. Consider bringing only a small portion of your CD collection (although most people probably have MP3 players). Perhaps buy a cheap box or CD player upon arrival.  Many Olim bring laptops and usually don't have problems, so it's up to you. Laptops are good for watching DVDs, a cheaper form of entertainment when living off of Sal Klita…
• Don't forget to pack pictures of friends and family!

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