Article written by our very own Polina, student at Le Régent
Boarding school is a place where you grow and become more independent by being far away from home, instead of parents - teachers, instead of siblings - members of staff. But what makes it special is that we all have to take care of each other and of ourselves. So one of the biggest questions after deciding to live abroad and join another community is What do I take with me? I am a Le Régent high-school student and have been living in boarding school since I was 14 years old. I would like to share with you what have been my essentials to live in boarding school and what I was bringing more of afterwards as I gained more experience and learned what I need more of.
So I will start with my list of most important things you should bring to the boarding school for the first time:
Decor elements - lights, pictures, posters pr anything else you want! Rooms in the Boarding House are all the same and this is the beauty of it! You get a fully equipped room with tables, beds and a wardrobe, but you are also given an opportunity to make it your own , just the way you want it to be. Personally, I brought lights with me as they make the room feel more comfy and cozy. It’s yours, so make yourself feel at home.
Sports clothes - this is extremely important as Switzerland is the best country you can do sports in because there are so many opportunities! Hiking, rafting, skiing and much more. So when coming to a Swiss Boarding school be ready to dive in all of the sports you can imagine - bring your best trainers, sport t-shirts and trousers, a light jacket and a hoodie ! If speaking about rain, Crans-Montana is one of the sunniest places in Switzerland, so don't worry about soaking wet while going for a walk.
Flip flops and a swimsuit - I believe everyone would like to ask where to swim in Switzerland because it is surrounded by land everywhere, yet it is one of the best places to show your swimming skills because it has around 7000 various lakes and one of them is suited in Crans-Montana. In winter the lake becomes a picturesque mirror surrounded by its trees and in summer it’s a great place to swim in as well as try a water board or play volleyball on the nearby beach.
Winter clothes - well, you are going to the Swiss Alps and if it's winter you will see a beautiful snowfall! Don’t forget to bring your winter boots, a warm jacket and a pair of gloves for the snow fight!
Casual clothes - apart from many sports activities and a beautiful room you can decorate, you will have time to just go in town and have a look at the beautiful and unique views only Crans-Montana can present. So don’t forget to take a pair of jeans, some t-shirts and a pair of sunglasses because Crans-Montana is one of the sunniest places in Swiss Alps.
Books and notebooks - reading, drawing, making notes these are the part of your time here! Explore, look at the beautiful mountains and get inspired. I love photography, so for me it is important to have a camera anywhere you go, but you don't need to be a photographer to capture many moments and the beauty of the place you will be in! Just a pen and a notebook, that's all you need.
Pyjamas and house suits - as a member of the boarding house you will live with other amazing people and you will spend a lot of time in the common areas to get to know each other, so make sure to bring something comfortable to walk around the house , like a cozy sweater and pants as well as some pyjamas to sleep in and walk in your room.
Toiletries - I hope it is obvious that you need to bring your toothbrush and a toothpaste as well as anything else you use. Don’t worry about taking tons of shampoo and a gel as there are shops that you can always go to and get anything you forgot. It is necessary to mention though that Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries to live in and the resorts can be even more expensive. This leads me to my next point.
Pocket money - Switzerland is a country of chocolate, cheese, swiss knives and much more. Don't forget to bring some pocket money for your travels, souvenirs and to buy some essentials if you need to.
Well, you might be wondering why there is no mention of any medication, as for me, I always have a pack of plasters and an antiseptic with me, but anything else you may need you can ask the members of staff and the nurse in the Boarding House.