Note to self:

*zip top purse in a d/l color - to keep away all the pickpockets and muggers (p.s. did you know that mace is illegal to carry in the UK? I was thinking about carrying around a brick instead - that way I can protect myself while also doing some daily weight lifting with all the cardio/walking I'm going to be doing)

* scarf/gloves/hat - because though the seasons do indeed change, you might as well call it winter 75% of the year* umbrella - or a "brelly" as they call it, according to the books only about 22 inches of rain a year but it drizzles on a periodic basis like no other - and even though rain isn't guaranteed everyday, it's highly suggested on EVERY list.

* small bag - to add as a detail to item 1 b/c apparently if you carry around a large bag, you're just asking for it.

* "respectable" leisure clothing - no bumming it in London, afterall, they're symbolic ruling body is royalty, while ours just don't speak good English - says a lot about a country!

* walking shoes - that aren't tennis shoes (see previous item) and in interest of packing light, I can only hope to find these in a nice looking boot that I will be able to cross use for school, work, and play. P.s. No heels as recommended by virtualtourist.com because well...as any one in the D.C. are can tell you, heels and cobblestones just don't do well on the ankles.* prepaid phone card - to call mum and pop :)

* small towel - b/c the British apparently don't believe in hand or face towels

* camera - this is a given, I really need to go buy one.

* oatmeal packets - they're small, easy to pack, nutritious and all you gotta do is just add water! In lieu of such a weak dollar and an abdominal exchange rate - if I can save myself a meal by transporting a few packets of oatmeal for breakfast than...yay!

* converter/adapter/transformer - so my electronics don't commit suicide

* flats with arch support - see comment about walking shoes, but hey! it is London where they leisure clothing is still dressier than the average American, so gotta make sure I still look cute!

*tylenol + cough meds - just in case, but don't worry, I'm not bringing the whole medicine cabinent. Apparently, they don't sell the same thing and under the same name, plus chances are, I probably won't be able to afford it anyway!

* thermal top - cold cold cold all year round...at least when I'm going to be there anyway

* messenger bag - another detail for item one

* bandaids - called elastoplasts in the British English dialect

*zip loc bags - even while here in the states and living as a college student, they come in handy for all sorts of things! It's a good way to stay organized.

* wipes/hand gel - b/c it's gonna make me feel like a million bunks after I get off the tube.

* highlighter - academic purposes, mapping, etc.

* plastic accordian file - maintain all my documents (i.e. passport, tickets, tube pass, photocopies, etc., etc., etc.)

* dark, plain clothing - easy to mix and match, great for the tube, going out, to work, to school and layering!

Books to read
* Bill Bryson - Notes from a Small Island
* London for Free* A-Z Map
* Oyster Card

To leave at home!
x sloppy clothesx hair dryer - better to just get one there
x backpack - it helps out the pick pockets, screams tourist, and isn't very fashionable!
x baseball cap - see abovex logo teesx flip flops - that's right, I'm going to be abandoning my CA mojo for a while, they had a good run anyway, the rainbows need to be replaced!

Projected Weather
Fall: 50 - 64 degrees F
Winter: 46 - 48 degrees F* no snow
* drizzle rain
It's a good thing I've always loved the cold, but man do I hate rain =/