I am starting to pack for my six month adventure to Spain (well, studying abroad). I am a little distraught as to what to pack because I do not want to pack too much, but I want to have enough and "fit in." what jackets and/or shoes, clothes, etc do you recommend that I have in my suitcase before I leave? Please also list where I can get these items, mainly places I can go to the store and buy right away. Thanks!

what part of Spain?

Zara. Zara, Zara, and Zara. Not that much of a splurge for clothes to go there (especially compared to US prices!!). But I´m in Sevilla, and the shopping here is absolutely fantastic. I find myself wearing more the clothes that I´ve bought here than what I brought from home.

But yeah, not sure where you´re movin?? You do not need 5 pairs of new balances. Sneakers are pretty much guirri-markers. Pumas are cool, but leave the asics at home. Boots are definitely in. Flats, heels, pointy, square-toed... you name it. Also lots of cheap shoe stores here too.

Let us know what area you´ll be goin to, that´ll help a bunch.

Unless you have SHOES that "fit in" you never will..get them there, if you can.

thanks for all your help! I am going to Valencia, Spain. What kind of jacket should I bring?

Don't buy anything before you leave -- just take a few favorites that you already have. Unless you are ultra-plus size, you will find lots of very fashionable shoes and clothing in Spain. Once you are there you'll know what you need to "fit in" -- perhaps a leather jacket.

I try not to buy brand new clothes or shoes for traveling! Rather go thru your current wardrobe and pick the clothes you like best, that look and feel good on you, appropriate for the weather/temps you will be in. For me that would look something like:
1 lightweight silk black cardigan
1 blazer or jacket
4 pair of pants
7-10 assorted tops
boots, shoes, sandals, sneakers 1 ea.
robe or sarong
socks, underwear, bras

Stop when you fill a 22" suitcase.

Save your money and go shopping after you get to Spain.

Usually I wouldn't buy new shoes on a short vacation, but since you're staying 6 months I'd pack lighter on footwear than I mentioned above and buy something(s) new in Spain.

very cold at night here now. but if you are coming soon you will hit all the sales. unless you are a large size 14 or more, Zara is great.
also, the shoes here are fun, too.

days are warm but cool off quickly when sun gets lower.

scarf, gloves, hat and umbrella will be used, i promise! you will want to layer. light jacket is fine IF you can fit heavy sweater under it, and you are NOT going to italy this winter or further north.

just do not OVERpack and wash your clothes more frequently. you will not even have the closet space you are hoping for here, i am sure.

if you are living with host family, be sure to bring bedroom slippers. you should never walk barefoot in a spaniard's house.

also.. the terrazo floors are COLD.

not much carpetting anywhere.
not many dryers here, either in families. they line dry clothes which makes for lots of ironing.

the dorm at polytechnic has a laundromat where you can wash your own things or they do it for you.

you must be excited!!
are you living at galileo?
if so, my high school exchange student from albania is there on campus living now, too, to be nearer the dental faculty.

hope you have a nice year.

feel free to ask me anything. i have lived here for 35 years..

Oh my gosh! thats so exciting that you have lived there for 35 years! what do you do there?
I just cannot wait to go...are there any host families that I can look into to live with? right now, i am staying in a hostel when I get there and I am searching for apartments. I am also attending the Universidad Politecnica. I can't think of anything specific right now that I need to ask, but please let me know of anything if you think of something! thansk for all the advice!

i am married to a spaniard , an interpreter and also have a relocation company, and have worked in student exchange and language programs for 30 years.

i am sure there must be families somewhere, but most programs will not share that info because they need them themselves.

the polytechnic residence costs about 650 euros/month including two meals.

we have had volunteer and boarding students here but we live outside the city and you need to take the train into town.

you will hope to share an apartment.. probably cost you at lest 200 euros/month for your part.
one on your own is difficult, and none of the utilities are included.

you should get a mobile phone as soon as you get here with a prepaid sims card.. there are really good deals. where the phone is practically free.

call me when you get here.. and i will introduce you to our exchange student from albania who is a sweetheart and knows what it is like to be with no family here and maing new friends.

put one euro in public phone (or even 50 cents and dial my number.
email me at [email protected] and i will give it to you.

This is the "long trip" variation of my usual packing list. The most important things to keep in mind are a) versatility, b) easy care and c) portability.

You're going to be in Spain long enough to need clothes that will get you through a couple of seasons, so plan to layer clothes to avoid having to pack a heavy coat that's only useful for a month or so.

I never leave home without: a) my black Mountain Equipment Co-op polar fleece zip-up jacket; b) a black pashmina scarf; c) a lightweight black raincoat; d) a hat and polar fleece gloves; and e) a couple of twinsets. Layer a-d to get you through most European winter temperatures. The fleece jacket and raincoat are neutral enough (not sporty looking) to allow you to blend in when you're in cities, but also will function for sportier activities. The pashmina adds warmth to a lot of lightweight outfits and doubles as a lightweight blanket (good for naps). Twinset pieces mix and match with other wardrobe items; pack a couple of neutral ones (black, cream, grey, beige or navy depending on the colours you like to wear) and one or two more interesting ones. I pack silk ones for short trips but take washable ones for longer trips.

- A pair of jeans, at least one pair of cotton-type chinos and at least one pair of dressier trousers. Ideally, all of them should have a bit of stretch, since you'll need comfortable clothes.

- Spain is a great place to buy shoes (especially those made by Camper), so you don't need to pack a lot. One pair of athletic shoes, one pair of dressy shoes (depends on the kinds of clothes you like to dress up in - could be boots), one pair of every day shoes or boots. A pair of flip flops (for showers, beaches, etc).

Spanish women, like French and Italian women, tend to dress up a little more on a daily basis and to look "pulled together". They don't necessarily have large wardrobes - but they have a few good basics and wear them regularly. They wear more fitted clothes, and the sizes run a bit small. Don't expect to wear sweats in public.