I need some packing advice before I leave for The Hague this year for grad school. I would like to fit in and not look like an American so I can completely immerse myself in the dutch culture.

1.) what kind of purses do dutch women carry?

2.) what kind of bag do students take to classes?

3.)what type of clothes and shoes should I bring?

4.) can I buy similar styles for cheap there? (I'm on a student budget)

Since I will be packing for a year, I am a little overwhelmed as to what I should pack. I have a heavy coat with a thick fur hood that I purchased in belarus... Will I need something like this in the Netherlands? I don't want to take up room in my bag if it's not something I will get much use out of. ANY help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in Advance!

Do not even think of "packing for a year". There is no way you can transport that much on a student budget.

I have no idea what people in Holland wear, but you should be able to buy most of your clothes there. You may need a thick coat in winter, but it would take up too much space in your bags and you can't exactly wear it on the plane if you are leaving now in the summer.

Like I told someone who asked about living in Spain for a while, Europe has lots of shops. Bring what you need for a week, then ask other students where the cheaper shops are. They will know better than most of us here on Fodors, since they live there and are also on student budgets.

What you do need to bring is any medication you can't live without. Make sure you know what those medicines are named in Holland and get the needed documentation so you can get refills.

If you already have all you school documentation, I assume you also have any needed Visas. Make sure your passport is valid for the entire time of your stay and preferably a bit longer. If you drive, get an international permit.

It would also be a good idea to find out exactly what is included in your lodging arrangements. Are you staying in a dorm room or with a host family or in a shared apartment? Whichever it is, do NOT bring lots of household goods with you, either.

You may need a plug adaptor and a converter. I'm not entirely sure.

Another thing you should maybe investigate is how to deal with money issues during the year. Yes, you can get money (I think Holland uses Euro) out of an ATM. But the bank is going to make you pay for it. Does the school have some sort of arrangement with a bank in Holland for their foreign students? Find out what alternatives you have and what they cost.

I doubt you will need the thick fur hood. It can get cold here, but a woolly hat is normally enough.
Students tend to carry their worldly goods in a backpack of some sort. Not a huge thing, just a normal smallish backpack.
Or in a messenger bag. Whatever you have will be just fine. You can always get something else if you feel uncomfortable with what you have once you get here.

I wouldn't worry too much about trying to fit in as far as clothes go. People here live in jeans and t-shirts and sweatshirts and tend to be very casual. Bring the clothes your normally wear, and the shoes too. A waterproof jacket or coat is a good idea, along with some Wellies, Uggs or similar. Layers are the way to go - it could be a cold winter, but then again it could be mild. Nowhere near as cold as it gets in parts of the US by the way - we have a maritime climate.
There are plenty of places to buy reasonably priced clothes and shoes. Students here manage to clothe themselves on a very tight budget, and will be happy to help you with finding shops to suit your style and price.
Don't attempt to pack for a year!

DOn't forget to check out health coverage either!

A further thought - if you can't already ride a bike learn now, and buy a cheap secondhand bike on arrival. Essential piece of equipment.