The WSC Packing List
Everything to bring to a World Scholar's Cup round — the test-room essentials, what's banned where, the culture-event gear first-timers forget, and the extras a Global Round trip adds. Print it, hand it to your scholar, done.
The Checklist
Competition-Day Essentials
- Student ID or registration confirmation
- Pens, pencils, erasers — bring spares
- A watch (phones are typically not allowed during events)
- Water bottle and snacks for long days
- Your team's paper notes — devices are off-limits in debate prep
- Comfortable clothing; competition days run long
For the Culture Events
- An outfit for the Scholar's Ball
- An act idea for the Scholar's Show (optional, but scholars who perform never regret it)
- Pins, flags, or small souvenirs from home to trade at the cultural fair
- A school scarf if you have one — scarf trading is a beloved Global Round tradition
- Team matching accessories — many teams coordinate
Nice to Have
- Study materials for last-minute review
- Lucky charm (many scholars have one)
- Small pillow for breaks between events
- Phone charger, for between events only
Do Not Bring
- Electronic devices into test rooms — the Challenge and Bowl are device-free
- Devices into debate prep — the 2026 rules allow paper notes only
- Outside food into formal venues
- Stress — leave that at home
Traveling? Global Round & ToC Add-Ons
- Passport and any visa paperwork, checked well ahead of travel
- Printed copies of your registration and accommodation details
- Power adapter for the host country
- Weather-appropriate layers — check the host city forecast
- Space in your suitcase for medals and plush alpacas (this is not a joke)
Why the Odd Items Are on the List
The device rules catch first-timers most often: the Scholar's Challenge and Bowl are device-free, and the 2026 debate rules allow paper notes only during the 15-minute prep — so a team that keeps its research on a tablet has nothing usable in the room. Print your notes.
The culture items matter more than they look. A round is half competition, half community — the Scholar's Ball, the Show, the cultural fair — and scholars who arrive with things to trade and an act to perform simply have a better week. For everything else about the day itself, see the first-timer's guide and the complete preparation guide.
Packing FAQ
Can I bring my phone to World Scholar's Cup?
To the venue, yes — into events, no. Electronic devices are off-limits in test rooms, and the 2026 debate rules allow paper notes only during prep. Bring a watch for timekeeping and keep the phone for between events.
What should I wear to World Scholar's Cup?
Comfortable clothing for competition days — they run long. Many teams coordinate matching accessories. Pack one dressier outfit for the Scholar's Ball, and check whether your round's program lists any dress guidance for ceremonies.
What do scholars trade at the cultural fair?
Pins, flags, snacks, and small souvenirs from home — and scarves. The scarf exchange, where scholars trade school scarves with teams from other countries, is one of the most loved Global Round traditions. Bring more trading items than you think you need.
What extra should we pack for a Global Round or ToC?
Everything on the regional list, plus travel documents (passport, any visas), printed registration and accommodation confirmations, a power adapter, and weather-appropriate clothing for the host city. And leave room in the suitcase — medals and plush alpacas take space on the way home.