Packing for Columbia

<p>I currently live in a very temperate region where the weather feels like spring most of the year and it never really gets cold or hot. What kind of clothes should I pack for NY? Keep in mind that I very well might not get to go home between the time first semester starts and when the school year ends, so I'll need to pack for the whole year, but have limited space. Any suggestions? Specific quantity is appreciated.</p>

<p>AHAHAHA. COLD. PACK FOR THE COLD. NYC does get warm, but during the majority of the school year, it's cold (not Alaskan cold or anything that severe, but don't expect to be walking around in shorts and a tank top).</p>

<p>You should also bring a lot of zip up sweater type things, because the temp fluctuates a lot during the day from hot to cold in fall and spring seasons, so it's good to have layers on.</p>

<p>unless you're a girl, you need, at most, 4 jackets: 1 windbreaker, 1 zip up fleece, 1 (columbia) hoodie, and 1 shell for the fleece (most sportswear companies like north face, columbia, etc sell shells with detachable fleeces, get one of those)</p>

<p>of course, this doesnt include dressier jackets that you might want like pea coats, heavy blazers, trenchcoats, etc. etc.</p>

<p>oh, and more to reply to the OP:</p>

<p>it never gets THAT cold in NYC. if you're really a wimp about the cold then pack some long underwear. other than that, your jeans will do you fine for the winter months as will a jacket over whatever shirt you happen to choose.</p>

<p>and honestly, it can be really hot in September-October and late April-May, especially if you live in a dorm without AC (ie, john jay). 100% humidity with temps usually hovering in the 80's but can sometimes break into the 90's. bring some shorts as well.</p>

<p>this is possibly the most used cliche response to your kind of question but: bring LAYERS. temperatures around here have enough variation that layers is your best option. just bring clothes that work well together and that can be used in tandem to provide whatever level of temperature protection that you need.</p>

<p>Shopping List, prepared by my girlfriend (who grew up in Bombay):</p>

<ul>
<li>You want a waterproof jacket, one of those poofy ones preferably filled with down--because that's really warm. As someone suggested above, try Columbia/North Face/Patagonia</li>
<li>perhaps a nice cashmere or woolen peacoat or trench to go out in</li>
<li>BOOTS. Preferably waterproof and with good traction on the sole: and you can never have too many of those because they're shoes :)</li>
<li>scarves, sweaters, the works. </li>
<li>Ear muffs. It took me 4 years to realise how vital those things are.
-GLOVES. NYC indeed is not Alaska, but the wind chills can be awful. Sometimes, it's warmer in Vermont
-Socks. Youre always happier with warm feet.</li>
</ul>

<p>This may sound like a lot, but you're going to get some good use out of them during the winter months.</p>

<p>Jeez, none of this crap like boots or long underwear is required in NYC. You're not trekking 45 mins though snow, either. The campus is so small that you're only going to be a 5-7 minute walk from your dorm to class.</p>