UK Packing List

If you have been accepted into your dream university in the United Kingdom then there is nothing standing `between you and your dream to pursue your higher studies in the United Kingdom. Except maybe a complete list of the things that you need to pack. With so many requirements, deadlines, it’s common for you to forget some essential documents or products. In this blog, we bring you a UK Packing List that will help you tick off all your needs for a successful UK journey. 

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UK Packing List: Prerequisites

Do not leave for the UK until you’re absolutely certain that you have done everything related to your studies. Have you completed all of your applications and any extra paperwork that they asked for? Do you have a schedule ready?

Housing Arrangements

This is just as important as making sure that your university arrangement is settled. Do not step foot on a plane without having your security deposit paid (or arrangements to do so once you’ve arrived). Use the internet or make a call in order to double-check a day or two before your flight so that you don’t end up stranded once you arrive in the UK.

What About Your Visa and Passport?

Without having these settled, you will not be able to get into the country. As soon as you know that you are studying abroad, apply for visas and passports as necessary. Many people actually forget these items and end up in bad situations because of it. You also should have up to three photographs to go along with your passport. Make sure that these are all in a spot that is easy to access (your carry-on or a handbag is a good spot for these), and keep them together.

Do You Need to Register?

Because of the strict immigration laws in the United Kingdom, you may need to register yourself with the police within a week of arrival in the UK. Your passport stamp will make it clear whether or not you have to do this. All you need is your passport, two passport pictures, and £34 in order to register. If you do not register within the time frame, you could face fines and extra fees. 

Money Concerns

Have you Opened a Bank Account? One of the best things you can do when studying abroad in the UK is to have a bank account in the country. This will help prevent delays in paying for items such as bills and rent. Make sure to do a lot of research before opening a bank account in the UK; some banks will offer basic accounts that don’t give credit but will allow you to use ATMs and other technology in order to make payments.

Are Your Finances Settled?

Make sure that you’re saving up before you even arrive in the UK so that you can survive for a few months in case obtaining income is delayed or your financial aid takes longer than expected to come in.

What About Work?

You can work part-time while you study in the UK, and many degree programs will accommodate this. If you are even considering finding a job in the UK, start the process before you leave. Make sure that your resume is up to date, and go for it. The internet has made this a simpler process.

Local Mobile Carrier

While you’re in the UK you are going to need a UK mobile phone carrier to start calling for job listings, ordering food, or just keeping in touch with friends. 

Documents

Make sure you have packed the following extremely important documents in your carry-on luggage.

1. Passport
2. Offer Letters
3. Copy of Your Draft/ Fee Receipt
4. Foreign Exchange for Living Expenses (Approx. £2,500) Travellers Cheques or Cash
5. Air Ticket Printout
6. Important Telephone Numbers
7. Chest X-Ray

Also Read: Study Abroad Checklist

Household Items

Bring with yourself some items you’re going to need to complement the place where you’re going to reside. First, check if there’s an opportunity for you to pursue them when arriving in the UK so you won’t need to carry them from your home. Here are some household items you must have in your accommodation place

• Reading Lamp
• Air freshener
• Shoe Brush
• Towel
• Iron
• Skincare creams
• Hairbrush

Toiletries and Personal Items

Your personal hygiene and that of the place where you’ll be living is very important. No matter where you go, your packing list must involve some essential toiletry elements.

• Toilet Cleaning Brush
• Floor and Carpet Cleaning Brush
• Shampoo
• Nail Clipper
• Small Mirror
• Toothbrush
• Skincare creams
• Hair gel
• Blades
• Shaving lotion
• Hairbrush
• Cosmetics

Kitchen Supplies

As an international student, you will be living independently. This means that you will often have to cook on your own. Below are some of the essential elements your kitchen must contain:

• Cups
• Spoons
• Plates
• Knives
• Dishwashing detergent

Clothes for Cold Weather

Weather is the major trait of the UK. Though there are sunny days from time to time, unexpected rainy days are a common thing. Anyway, this doesn’t mean you must bring all your garments with you, but a list of essentials is a necessity.

• Underwears
• Coats & Jackets
• Pair of shoes
• Sports clothing
• Trousers
• Dresses
• Sweaters
• T-shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Shorts
• Skirts
• Socks
• Hat
• A pair of gloves
• Suits for any special event

Electronics Devices

Technological devices are an important part of our daily life. First, make sure you have your cell phone with you. You’re going to need it often for browsing the Internet, communicating, and capturing moments in the UK.

• Cell Phone
• Adapter
• Laptop
• USB
• Headphones
• E-Book
• Digital Camera

Note: You’re going to need internet access while you’re in the UK, especially in the first few weeks while you’re settling down and getting to know your city. We highly recommend you order a pre-paid SIM card, so you can start using your phone as soon as you arrive.

Accessories

Every one of us has favourite accessories which in a sense, we’re emotionally related to, or simply are an inseparable part of our daily look. There are usually small in size, like a clock hand, and probably won’t overload your luggage. There is the option of buying one in the UK, but it will certainly not replace your favourite one. Here are some accessories you can have in your packing:

• Watch
• Sunglasses
• Wristband
• Photo Albums
• Hat
• A personal diary

What Not To Add in Your UK Packing List

First, before rushing to fill your packs with whatever comes to your mind, you must see if those products or items are not included in the list of banned items or goods. There are certain British laws that compose the list of items or goods you’re not allowed to bring with yourself when entering the UK:

• Banned items
• Illegal drugs
• Cold weapons like knife
• Self-defence spray
• Endangered animals or plant species
• Rough diamonds
• Obscene materials
• Meat or dairy products from non-EU countries

Foods and plant products are restricted in the following circumstances:

• Aren’t free of pests and diseases
• Aren’t for your own use
• Weren’t planted and grown in the EU

This was all about the UK Packing List that you need to consider for your study abroad needs. You could also have a small checklist or print this page and use it as a checklist and cross off each item from the list to take. Planning to study abroad? Contact Leverage Edu experts for end-to-end guidance from application to the visa process.