What to take when moving into student accommodation
What to take when moving into student accommodation
Whether you are a home or an international student moving out of home can be a traumatic experience, not least because you need to decide which of your belonging you are going to take, given you’ll need to fit them all into one room.
In this blog we explore the items you should consider leaving behind, especially if you are coming to study in the UK from overseas, and those you should take with you.
Paperwork
As a home student the paperwork you will need to take to university will be minimal, but you may choose to take:
· Passport
· Drivers Licence
· University acceptance letter
· Medical records
However, as an international student one of the most important things to bring to the UK is appropriate paperwork. If you do not have all your documents, then you may be denied entry into the country or have problems registering onto your university course.
The paperwork you should take with you includes:
· A valid passport
· A valid visa vignette or UK entry clearance
· Your Biometric Residency Permit (BRP) decision letter
· Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter
· University acceptance letter
· Original copies (or certified true copies) of any degree certificates or technical qualifications such as your English level exam results and High School certificate
· Any printed evidence that you have enough money to pay your tuition fees and living costs while you’re in the UK. Evidence might include recent bank statements, proof of scholarship or a letter from your sponsor
· Vaccination certificates
· Any prescriptions for medicines that you may need
· Any relevant medical history
· X-ray certificates
Electronics
Be ruthless about what you need and can fit into your room. For overseas students it is worth noting that most electronics are quite cheap in the UK and given the voltage of the sockets are going to be different it is worth buying things like hairdryers, hair straighteners, and rice cookers in the UK.
If you don’t already have a laptop, then it’s worth buying after you arrive in the UK and using your student card to secure a discount. In terms of what not to buy, it has to be a printer because most universities have them onsite for students to use at a modest charge.
Academic supplies
Unless you have a favourite highlighter that you cannot live without, do not use any precious space in your suitcase to bring academic supplies.
You will most likely be given academic supplies for free such as pens, highlighters and even notepads during freshers’ week. Any other things that you might need such as binders or notebooks, you’ll be able to buy for cheap in supermarkets or shops such as Poundland.
Homeware and kitchenware
You should not bring any homeware or kitchenware with you because if you are going to live somewhere with a communal kitchen the basics will be supplied and the chances are other students will buy the same things, so you can share.
For example, in student halls the kitchens have toasters, kettles and previous students will have left plenty of plates, bowls and crockery.
The best thing to do is to arrive at your accommodation and see what is missing and then go shopping. Every town and city have plenty of homeware stores and places like Ikea and Primark do inexpensive student starter packs.
Clothes
Buying clothes for British weather is an art form given the winters can be very chilly and the summers can be very warm. There is a saying that you can experience all four seasons in one day which makes it essential to layer your clothes so you can add or take off clothes depending on the temperature. The other important thing is to have a waterproof coat with a hood and always carry an umbrella with you.
In our opinion the essentials that you need to pack include:
· A warm winter coat (preferably waterproof)
· A raincoat or rain jacket
· Warm pyjamas
· Jumpers/sweaters
· Warm socks
· Hat, scarf, and gloves
· A warm pair of trousers or thermal clothing
· A good pair of waterproof boots
That said, despite the cold winters the summers can get quite hot so packing the following is essential.
· Sunglasses
· Summer T-shirts
· A pair of shorts
· Swimwear
Medication
If you take regular medication, bring enough to get you through until your register with a local doctor. And it is worth having a note from your doctor explaining dosages and why you take the medication.
It is also worth bringing a basic first aid kit with plasters and bandages and medication for things like headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and hay fever.
Money
If you are coming to the UK from overseas it is best to order British cash or travellers’ cheques before you leave your home country or put some UK currency on a pre-paid debit card. Be sure to tell your bank when and where you are flying so that you will be able to withdraw money from UK ATMs.
We would also recommend that you carry just enough money to cover your immediate expenses, such as customs charges, transportation from the airport and money for an emergency.
If you are travelling by yourself, you probably won’t need more than £250; but if you’re travelling with family, you should bring more cash.
You should not bring large amounts of cash into the UK. If you are travelling to Scotland, England, or Wales from any part of the world, then you will have to declare to UK customs authorities any cash amounts of £10,000 (or the equivalent in another currency) or more.
Northern Ireland has slightly different rules. If you are travelling between Northern Ireland and a non-EU country, then you will have to declare amounts of €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency). You do not need to declare anything if you are travelling to Northern Ireland from an EU country.
Even if you declare large amounts of cash, customs officers can seize it if they have reasonable grounds to suspect a crime. If you do not declare amounts of cash of €10,000 or more, then you could face a penalty of up to £5,000.
Food
What food you are allowed to bring into the UK, and how much you are allowed to bring, depends on whether you are entering from inside or outside the EU. Be sure to check the Home Office’s website before you fly.
The UK is multicultural, and you will most certainly find shops and supermarkets where you can buy ingredients and treats from back home. You can also check out your local restaurant scene to find the meals from home that you’ve been craving.
Personal belongings
Many students experience homesickness, so to help you might want to bring a few sentimental items that remind you of home—whether that be family photographs or your favourite soft toy.
