Essential Packing List for International Students: UK Student Guide

Welcome to our blog on the ultimate packing list for international students moving to the UK!

Preparing to study abroad as an international student is an exciting journey, but it comes with the task of packing wisely.

Whether you’re heading to the UK for the first time or returning for another academic year, having a comprehensive packing list is crucial.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to bring, from essential documents and clothing to electronics and personal items.

Packing efficiently ensures you’re well-prepared for your new adventure and can focus on settling into your new environment without unnecessary stress. Let’s dive into the essentials every international student should consider before coming to the UK!

Travel Documents

Your travel documents might be the most important thing on this packing list for international students.

Beyond the obvious one being your passport and UK visa, there are other documents that we recommend you carry if this is your first time entering the UK as an international student.

This includes a CAS letter from your university, proof of your accommodation ( hotel booking or university accommodation), course information, and bank statements showing you have the funds that you provided for your visa.

This list could go on with a range of things but it is recommended to bring as many documents as possible to explain why you are entering the country to avoid any confusion at the immigration.

You should also be prepared to answer any questions about the purpose of your entry in detail as you will likely be asked about it as well.

Be sure to keep all your travel documents in your hand luggage so that you can quickly pull them out should you need them.

Clothing

Regardless of how tempting it might be, we highly discourage you from packing your entire wardrobe into your suitcase.

It is recommended to carry staple pieces as well as weather-friendly clothes like a winter jacket, sweaters and sturdy shoes.

You will definitely find clothes that are better suited to the weather here in the UK, so if you want to only bring your basics and do the shopping here, that would work perfectly fine too!

What is important is that you pack diligently and do not carry an unnecessary amount of clothes as you might not have the space to store all of them!

Electronics

This includes everything from your phone, laptop, headphones and most importantly an adaptor.

Most students bring all their electronics and forget an adaptor which results in them not being able to use any of it!

So be sure to check whether the plus type you use is compatible with the UK ones.

The UK uses a type G plug and functions on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Health Essentials

Although you will be able to get common medications over the counter, there are many others that you will only be able to get with a prescription.

This is why prescribed medications are an important item on our packing list for international students.

If you are carrying any medications in your carry-on, it is good practice to also carry your prescriptions with them.

Once you have settled in the UK, remember to register with a GP in your local area as soon as possible!

Kitchen Essentials

If you are planning to live in a self-catered student accommodation, then you can consider adding kitchen essentials to your packing list.

If you don’t want to pack your entire kitchen into your bag(understandably so), you can also opt to purchase student packs from websites like UniKitOut which includes all the essentials you will need to start your uni life in the UK.

Or you could also choose to carry a few essential items and purchase the rest from a local store like TESCO or B&M.

Academic Essentials

With most things going digital, there wouldn’t be a need for an extensive amount of things however, you can carry the essentials like books, stationery and bags.

You wouldn’t want to be stressed at the last moment, especially if you are starting classes soon after you land.

Personal Items

While you are in the rush to make sure you have packed everything, do not forget to include items like toiletries and other personal hygiene products.

While you can totally purchase them from a local store here, if there is any brand that you don’t get here in the UK, it is a good idea to stock up on them!

Finances

It is important for you to manage your funds in a way which will be accessible to you once you arrive in the UK. This could be through a travel credit card or an international debit card that can be used without any issues in a new country.

While you won’t necessarily need cash, it is not a bad idea to have some in hand just in case your cards don’t work! Just like the GP, be sure to open a bank account as soon as possible so you don’t have any trouble managing your finances. 

Emergency Contacts

This is a precautionary measure more than anything else, and it is a good idea to have the contact details of your emergency contacts both in your home country as well as the UK.

We hope you found this blog on the packing list for international students helpful. From essentials like documents and clothing to must-have gadgets and personal items, you’re now equipped to tackle your new adventure.

Embrace the experience, stay organised, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Your journey to studying abroad starts with a well-packed suitcase and a positive mindset. Safe travels and enjoy your time exploring life as a student in the UK!

If you are looking for student accommodation, then you are in the right place. Visit our Prestige Student Living website and browse through a range of luxury properties in different cities with everything that you need.

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