Packing

Checklist of Things to Pack

  • Passport (and photocopy)
  • Visa – this will be affixed to your passport (and photocopy)
  • Airline ticket/itinerary (and photocopy)
  • Printed copy of the address and phone number for your lodging upon arrival in Madrid
  • Insurance card (to be printed from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions website after Middlebury enrolls you)
  • Debit/credit cards
  • Be aware that if you plan to purchase a Spanish SIM card and use a cell phone purchased in a country other than Spain, the cell phone should be unlocked prior to your departure for Spain. This is very important, so please make sure to check with your regular cell phone provider if you are unsure whether your phone is unlocked.
  • Medications in original containers with generic drug name and with the corresponding doctor’s prescription (even OTC medications must be kept in original packaging)
  • Adapter/converter/power strip. Plug types and a list of which countries use each type can be found here.

General Packing Suggestions

As you pack for the flight over, keep in mind that when you travel you will be carrying your luggage by yourself, sometimes over great distances or on crowded trains. Take things that are easy to manage and avoid over-packing or packing duplicates. A helpful tip: pack your bags, then walk around the block with them three times. If it feels too heavy or awkward, re-pack with fewer items. Also, keep in mind that layovers can increase the risk of delayed luggage. Be sure to pack essential items—such as a change of clothes and toiletries—in your carry-on, just in case.

Córdoba students should keep in mind that there is limited space for luggage on buses and trains.  Also, a bus company, allows you to transport up to 20 kg of luggage free of charge. You can also add an extra piece of luggage weighing up to 25 kg (55 lbs.) for a fee, starting from 5€ per journey on national services and from 15€ on international services. You can consult this website for more detailed information: RENFE, the national railway company, states on its website that passengers are allowed to carry up to a maximum of three pieces of hand luggage, if the total weight does not exceed 25 kg (55 lbs), and the total dimensions do not exceed 290 cm (114 inches). You can consult this link for more detailed information 

Clothing 

Winter in Spain is generally not  severe, but it can be damp and have a penetrating chill. Indoor temperatures may be lower than those you are accustomed to, so you will need warm woolen clothing, including a winter coat. You will also need sweaters, heavy socks, sturdy shoes, and warm sleeping clothes. The best idea is to bring clothing that you can layer, so as the seasons progress, you can dress accordingly. Please note that in Córdoba, weather can be very hot in May and in September.

Bed and Bath Linens 

We do not recommend that you bring sheets, blankets, or pillows with you. They are too heavy and take up too much space in your luggage. These items are also costly to ship in advance and can be easily purchased once you arrive in Spain. If you are going to be living with a host family, sheets and blankets will be provided. You may want to consider bringing one hand towel and one bath towel with you, which should suffice until you determine whether you will need to purchase more. 

Prescriptions 

If you are taking any prescription medication you should bring a full supply of what you will need with you on the plane together with all the appropriate prescriptions. Mailing medicines across international borders is extremely complex and often are returned to the U.S. by Spanish customs officers. Prescription medicines should be left in the original containers, be accompanied by a doctor’s prescription, and be packed in your carry-on bags, not in your checked luggage. Additionally, if a prescription needs to be replaced in Spain, ensure the prescription includes both the generic name and the American brand name of your medication  

If you are under a doctor’s care for a specific condition, you may want to bring a copy of your medical history with you or sign a release of information form with your doctor. This will make it easier to transfer your medical records to a doctor in Spain, if necessary  

Toiletries 

Toiletries are readily available throughout Spain. However, if you are particular about brands, you may want to research which brands are available in Spain, and if your favorites are not, pack an appropriate supply of the items you regularly use. 

Electrical Appliances 

The electrical current in Europe is 220 volts/50 cycles rather than the 110/60 cycles found in the U.S. Before you travel, check that any appliance you bring is compatible with 110/220 volts and 50/60 cycles.  If not, you will need a voltage converter. Converters and adapter plugs are available in Spain, or you can buy them in the U.S. 

Occasionally, even though a converter is used, an appliance may not work properly. Because of this difficulty and because of their weight and bulk, you may want to leave most electrical appliances at home. Instead, consider purchasing any necessary appliances, such as hair dryers, after you arrive in Spain. Many of these items are affordable and readily available.

Computers 

Students are encouraged to bring their own laptops for convenience and flexibility during their time in Spain. Most modern laptops are equipped with self-setting converters, so they can handle dual voltage (110/220) without special equipment—just an adapter for the wall plug. If you’re unsure, consult your dealer to confirm compatibility. 

The Middlebury facility in Madrid (Sede Prim) provides access to  both Macs and PCs as well as printers and scanners for students to use. 

Gifts 

If you are planning to live with a host family, you may wish to give them a small gift.  Choose something meaningful to you that is lightweight and easy to pack. Here are some ideas:  

  • Books – with lots of photos. 
  • Small souvenirs of the U.S.: postcards, buttons, pins, stickers, U.S. stamps, small handicrafts. 
  • Products from your area (e.g., maple syrup, saltwater taffy) 

Don’t forget to bring photos! Your host family will likely be curious about your life in the U.S., including your family, hometown, friends, and school. Photos are a great way to share and explain parts of your life.