Pre-departure information

Important

• Pack your Gallagher health-insurance information!

• Acquire some euros before you arrive. Inquire with your bank provider about ATM and credit card fees in Europe!

• Check with your mobile provider to see if you should change your tariff for your stay abroad (consider the following points: international data; calling landlines e. g. doctors' offices; calling emergency numbers). You can also obtain Austrian sim cards or e-sim cards.

• Bring any medication you might need, especially prescribed medication. Bring important health documents in case you need them.

• One or more adapters and power converters for 220 volts (if your electronic devices  are not "dual voltage") - European outlets are different!

• Click here for a general Pre-Departure Checklist for study abroad.

IiVP suggested packing list 

1. Although computer services at the WU and Universität Wien are excellent, most students bring their own laptops. Student dorms offer internet access at low costs. You should buy a power adapter from a retailer like Radio Shack or Best Buy.

2. We do not recommend that you bring other U.S. appliances with you.  If you do, it is prudent to acquire an adapter for Austria before you travel.  Retailers such as Radio Shack or Best Buy may sell appropriate adapters.

3. Many students use WhatsApp to communicate here. Most also bring their own cell phones.  If you choose to bring your own cell phone, please consult with your provider about the details regarding international usage prior to departure. The Erasmus Buddy Network provides good information about purchasing cell phones here and will be eager to offer it to you when you arrive.

4. Most students rely on U.S. ATM cards for cash. It is usually advantageous to obtain Euros from ATMs in Austria instead of converting currency at a bank prior to arrival. Check with your US bank about fees for ATM use in Austria.

5. Program-housing students: we recommend that you bring a towel, sheets, a fitted sheet, and a duvet cover for a twin-sized bed. A mattress, a light comforter, and a pillow will be provided. If you would like to borrow bedding please let us know in advance (this will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis).

6. We do not recommend that you bring kitchen supplies. Students from the last semesters have left some of these items. You could borrow all these used items and return them at the end of your stay or purchase new ones inexpensively at IKEA, etc. 

7. School supplies are available at reasonable prices in Vienna.

8. When having packages sent to you in Austria, please mark them “for personal use, no commercial value” and remember that a stiff custom charge may be levied on packages with a declared value of more than $50.

9. We recommend bringing a variety of clothing, including warm clothing and clothing appropriate for concerts, theater, and events with leading political/cultural figures.

Packing for Ski Week 

Packing recommendation: 1 large suitcase + 1 smaller bag (duffel bag/carry-on/backpack):  Pack your smaller bag with all clothing & items for Ski Week, in case your larger checked bag gets lost.  Pack the rest of your things in the large suitcase. 

What you definitely need to bring to Ski Week:

• ski pants

• ski goggles

• ski gloves 

Without these items you will not be allowed to participate in skiing. 

What you do not need to bring to Ski Week: 

• skis

• poles

• shoes

• helmet

Those will be provided by the ski rental. 

We also recommend to bring sturdy shoes that have grip in the snow, since there is a hill by the hotel which can get slippery with inadequate shoes.