Packing Guide for International Students moving to UK | UK Student Visa 2024

Summary

In this video, Ashika advises students moving to the UK on what to pack, emphasizing checking baggage allowances and choosing the right luggage. She suggests packing clothes for all seasons, layers for cold, and light sweaters. Essential items like a white shirt, black trousers, and formal shoes are recommended. Ashika also advises on toiletries, bedding, and electronics, stressing the importance of carrying medicines and an extra pair of glasses. She dispels myths about needing to bring certain foods or utensils, noting their availability in the UK. Lastly, she provides shopping tips for once in the UK, suggesting stores for affordable clothing, toiletries, and household items.

Takeaways

• 🧳 Know your baggage allowance and use luggage scales to avoid overpacking and extra fees.
• 👔 Pack clothing for all seasons, including layers for cold weather, and consider the timing of your arrival for seasonal sales.
• 👖 Include essentials like black and white shirts, black trousers, and light sweaters that can be worn in various settings.
• 👟 Bring versatile footwear like sneakers, flip-flops, and formal shoes, but avoid bulky items like snow boots unless necessary.
• 🛏️ Pack minimal bedding and toiletries, as these can be easily purchased in the UK, and consider the space they take up.
• 💊 Bring necessary medications and a small first-aid kit, as healthcare access might be limited outside of business hours.
• 👓 If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring extras, as getting new ones can be complicated and expensive.
• 🌂 Carry a small umbrella and consider weather-appropriate outerwear, but avoid overpacking for extreme weather conditions.
• 📱 Keep essential electronics in your hand baggage for safety, and consider bringing travel adapters and chargers.
• 🛍️ Research local shopping options for items like clothing, food, and household goods to minimize what you bring from home.

Q & A

What is the first thing one should check before packing for the UK?

The first thing to check is your baggage allowance, as it varies depending on the flight and can significantly impact costs if exceeded.

Why is it recommended to have luggage that fits into each other?

Having luggage that fits into each other is ideal for student accommodations in the UK, where storage space is limited and you may need to store suitcases when not in use.

What type of clothing is essential to pack for the UK's varying seasons?

It's important to pack clothing appropriate for all seasons, including light sweaters, T-shirts, and a warm jacket that is also showerproof, as the UK experiences spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Why is layering a recommended clothing strategy for the UK?

Layering is recommended because indoor spaces in the UK can be warm, and it allows for easy adjustment to different temperatures, especially when moving between cold outdoor environments and heated indoor areas.

What is the significance of sales periods in the UK for new students?

Sales periods in mid-July and end of December/January in the UK are significant for new students as they can purchase necessary items at a discount, reducing the need to pack a lot of clothes and other items.

Why should one pack a small umbrella when moving to the UK?

A small umbrella is recommended because it rains quite frequently in the UK, and carrying a compact umbrella is more practical than larger rain gear.

What are the advantages of packing miniature versions of personal care items?

Packing miniature versions of personal care items like toothpaste, face wash, and body wash saves space in luggage and is practical since the price difference for these items in the UK is not significant.

Why is it suggested to pack only one set of bedding and towels initially?

It's suggested to pack only one set of bedding and towels because you can wash them in most student accommodations that have washing machines, and you can purchase additional sets later.

What is the importance of having a guarantor (guar) when looking for student accommodations in the UK?

A guarantor is important as many accommodations in the UK require one to ensure that your rent is paid. Some accommodations, like those listed on Amber, allow for international guarantors, which is helpful for students without local contacts.

Why should one avoid bringing certain electronics from their home country to the UK?

It's advised to avoid bringing certain electronics from your home country because you might need converters for them to work in the UK, and sometimes it's more cost-effective to purchase them locally.

What are some recommended shopping destinations for affordable clothing and household items in the UK?

For affordable clothing, Primark, Asda, Tesco, and charity shops are recommended. For household items, one can look at Primark, Matalan, Dunelm, or Facebook Marketplace.