Deodorant, toothpaste, socks—they might not sound that exciting now, but you’ll definitely want them in St. Louis. As you start preparing
for Urbana, don’t forget to pack these practical items and essentials. #beprepared
- Bible. But only if you have to have your Bible. You’ll be getting an Urbana 18 Bible and manuscript when you check in.
- Pens or pencils. The more colors, the better for inductive Bible study (depending on how you study Scripture).
- Journal. Even if you don’t normally journal, you will likely have a lot to process during Urbana. Writing out thoughts and questions, things you want to remember, people’s names, and new commitments can be very helpful. We’ll also have Urbana-branded journals for sale at the Urbana Bookstore.
- Electronics. Some kind of Internet device and whatever else you really need.
- Electronic doodads. Chargers, cords, and even an external battery pack to keep your phone going while you post on Instagram and use the Urbana 18 App (download it from the Google Play Store or the App Store by searching “Urbana Missions”).
- Medicine. Prescriptions, cold meds, pain meds, and anything to boost your immune system (Airborne, Emergen-C, oranges, etc.).
- Altoids or Tic Tacs. Coffee breath and garlic, onion, anchovy pizza breath are real! Make sure to down a couple mints before heading to the exhibit hall after lunch.
- Water Bottle. Stay hydrated, save money by not buying bottled water, and help the environment.
- Hand sanitizer. Or lotion if you’d rather wash your hands a lot.
- Earplugs. Just in case a roommate snores.
- Toothbrush. And floss.
- Deodorant.
- Money. For the offering.
- Money. For travel meals, four lunches, and maybe a snack on New Year’s Eve.
- Cash. For traveling around St. Louis and restaurants that don’t take credit cards.
- A blank check on the table before God. No strings attached.
- Clothing. Think layers and something showing your school pride. If you’re from the North (ahem, Canada), maybe just a light hoodie. But if you’re from Hawaii, bring all your warm clothes and plan on borrowing more from a friend too! See the latest forecast on urbana.org.
- Winter coat. And gloves, hats, handwarmers, scarves . . . the works!
- Underwear. Yep, don’t forget it!
- Shoes and socks. Both need to be good for walking. Make sure they’re broken in and comfortable by the time you leave for St. Louis. Never get new shoes right before a trip, where you’ll be wearing them every day.
- Extra space. In your luggage for stuff from the Urbana Bookstore, and in your head and heart for new information and passions.
- Comfort item. Urbana can be intense, so be honest with yourself and bring that little something that could make a big difference in your attitude and well-being. No hamsters, guinea pigs, goldfish allowed . . . sad day.
- A rock. Yes, a rock. Urbana’s VP, Ruth Hubbard, loves collecting rocks. The first 25 students who find her at the conference with a rock native to their region, will get to trade it for free Urbana swag! (The rock needs to fit in your closed fist . . . no boulders, please.)
Urbana Year