Manipal: What to bring, what not.

Hello peeps, I think a 'to pack and not-to-pack' list will be very useful if you are about to come to Manipal. This list made by my senior RC made my packing prior to leaving much easier. What I'll do is to build up on this list by adding in what I think useful. 

Here's a summary of her 'to-pack & not-to-pack' list:

Not to bring: 

1. Shoes (white, expensive leather, designer shoes, high heels as Manipal roads are dusty and rocky)

2. Umbrella (easily available in Manipal & are of superior quality; we all buy back umbrellas to Malaysia for our friends & family!)

3. Skirts above knee length (against dress code, draw unwanted stares from locals)

4. Bowls, cups, knives (Cutlery is advisable though)

5. Stationery  (Notebooks, paper, test pad, pens)

6. Padlock 

To bring: 

1. Chinese tea (you might miss it)

2. Bolster if you need it (hand carry it), blanket

3. Formal wear (nothing above the knees)

4. Girls: At least one dress (can be summer or dinner dress), there are events here in which you need to dress up nicely :) [eg.Annual day at the end of Block I]

5. Boys: Extra pair of shoes is advisable, as shoes get damaged easily on Manipal roads. 

6. Non-making shoes/ court shoes (the kind with orange soles) for access to badminton courts and jogging track in Marena (our fully air-conditioned, well equipped sports complex) You'll find that good ones are quite expensive here in Manipal.

7. Vicks and mosquito repellent

8. Plastic, PVC or Crocs type of material shoes (Waterproof shoes are the best here.)

Additional to brings from me: 

1. ***Dehumidifier  (Thirsty Hippo), during rainy season your room can get moist and fungus can grow all over. Hahaha. Dehumidifiers cannot be found in Manipal :[

2. Most of us brought our electrical items, such as kettles, rice cookers, hairdryers,  etc. from Malaysia.

3. Crocs are a good investment if you plan to come to Manipal. I learned the hard way after my first block when 4 of my shoes wore out in 2 months. Cheaper options are non-branded PVC, waterproof shoes. 

4. Narrow line test pads, if you happen to prefer them. (Cant be found in Manipal). 

5. Your favourite brand of stationery, eg. M&G 晨光, which cant be found here. Faber Castell is very common here though. 

6. Your favourite brand of  instant noodles, the ones here taste weird.

7. **Instant porridge, can come in handy if you are not feeling well. 

8. 3-in-1 drinks, soups...

P/S: There's a facebook group for trading of items between Manipal-ians ~ Manipal University Trading Chamber that you can visit. 

[Will be edited when things come into mind :)]