Moving to the United Kingdom: What to Bring?

Moving to the United Kingdom: What to Bring?

The summer before my fresher’s year at university was an exciting but nerve-wracking time. Like many other international students, it was going to be my first time moving abroad, and I had no idea what to bring or how to best prepare for university. This invariably resulted in me overpacking and bringing way too much stuff that I ended up never using or needing! That’s why I decided to dedicate today’s blog to helping freshers navigate the process of packing for uni.

What to definitely bring:

Documents

• Passport and any other identifying documents.
• Any visa documents, driving license and bank/credit cards.
• A certificate of all your immunisations, including any COVID-19 vaccinations
• Academic documents (acceptance letter, diploma, letter of recommendation, school transcripts- not necessary but recommended).
• Contact information of your counsellor, university, family and best friends.
• What I did was scan all the important documents onto my computer, and I printed them out and put them in a binder.

Medical items

• If you take any medication, make sure to bring at least a one-month supply of it, and preferably a three-month supply, so you don’t risk running out. This will take the pressure off finding a GP and registering within your first few weeks in the UK.
• Have a copy of your medical/dental history.
• Bring an extra pair of glasses (if you wear them) and/or contact lenses with contact solution.

Mementos from home

• I was very homesick in my first few weeks at uni. Having photos and other mementos of my family helped me feel better. Every student should bring a few souvenirs from back home.

Clothes and shoes:

• A waterproof jacket – this is a must in the UK. It rains a lot here and you will be using your waterproof jacket on a weekly basis.
• Good shoes for walking – most students end up walking everywhere since it saves money and helps you manage all the good food you’ll be eating. As such, you’ll need some great and comfy shoes. Bonus points if they are waterproof!
• I prefer to buy these items back home because they are significantly more affordable in my local currency, however you can always buy them in the UK if you don’t have space or forgot to buy them.
• Additionally, you may wish to bring your national dress as most universities will have several cultural events throughout the year.

 What to definitely buy in the UK:

Don’t bring everything! There are many items that take up a lot of space or weight in your luggage but are relatively affordable to buy in the UK.

Toiletries:

• All the main brands will be available in your local pharmacy. If you are partial to any specific brand or ethnic product do a quick internet search to see if you can buy it in the UK. Since toiletries are quite heavy it is recommended to buy them upon arrival, if possible.
• I ended up bringing a lot of over-the-counter medication and toiletries such as paracetamol and toothpaste to the UK. This is not necessary since you can get all the normal brands here. Don’t waste your space!

Kitchenware:

• You can get all the kitchenware you need in the UK. There is no need for you to bring anything with you.
• Most student cities will have a variety of ethnic supermarkets (for example: Chinese, Indian, Halal) to cater to the local student population, so you don’t need to bring food.
  • However, if you come from a smaller country, it may be worth bringing some of your favourite food items with you. For example, I come from the Netherlands, and it is very difficult to find Dutch food in the UK, so I always bring back some of my favourite treats. Remember to always check airline requirements to see if you are legally allowed to bring food with you.

Bedroom:

• Don’t waste the space on bringing sheets, towels, blankets, etc. You can buy these items in a range of different qualities depending on your budget.

Miscellaneous items:

• Office supplies – pens, pencils, notebooks
• Textbooks
• Blow dryer, iron or any other large electrical items.

 

Don’t worry too much about what to pack. Everyone manages to figure it out in the end. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the upcoming year. If you have any questions about studying in the UK, get in touch with us.