What to Bring with You When Studying in the UK

Our Pathway students come from a wide range of countries across the world. Moving countries is a big step for anyone and to help you plan and settle in, we’ve compiled a list of essential things that you, as an international student, should take with you when you come to study with us.

With a little planning, you’ll be well prepared for your move.

Hand luggage essentials

It’s best to have most essential items with you and close to hand, so when packing your hand luggage be sure to include the following:

• Letter of Acceptance or offer letter from Northumbria – Well before you leave you should have received your letter of confirmation, guaranteeing you a place. This is one of the most important things you’ll need to take with you.
• Passport – This of course, must be in date and valid. It’s helpful to have some photocopies, too.
• Academic documents – Certificates and other documents supporting your education history and English language testing (IELTS).
• Financial documents – To make sure you’re able to cover your course fees, accommodation etc, you may need to present your recent bank statements and/or proof of scholarship letter.
• Visa – A valid visa that allows you to live and study in the UK, the Tier 4 (General) student visa.
• Money – It can take a little while to set up a bank account in the UK, so make sure you have some cash on hand to see you through until then. Around £500 should be enough to cover initial outgoings.
• Medicines – If you have a condition that requires medication, make sure you have these with you.
• Health check – Proof of medical screenings, if these apply, such as a chest X-ray taken in the last 3 months, a certificate proving you’ve been vaccinated and so on.

Suitcase basics

When packing your main suitcase, it’s important to keep in mind baggage weight restrictions. Check the website of the airline you’ll be flying with to see what the baggage weight allowance is, for both cabin and hold luggage.

• Clothes – Clean, practical clothes for a variety of weather conditions (hot, cold and wet) as the UK weather is famously changeable. Shoes, underwear, hats, scarves, a pair of sunglasses, and other basic accessories are also things you might want. You won’t need to take every item of clothing you own but enough to start you off. You can always buy more once you’re settled here.
• Toiletries – You’ll of course want to be clean and fresh, so until you’ve found where your local shops are it’s wise to bring along your toiletries basics. Shampoo, soap or shower gel, deodorant, skin moisturiser, razors, toothbrush and toothpaste, a facecloth and towel.
• Laptop – As a student your laptop will become your best friend, so remember to pack this, along with the charger.
• Stationery – Taking notes and writing essays will be a big part of your time at university so make sure you take at least a notepad, a pen and pencil to get you started.
• Plug adapter – Plugs on your electricals at home will most likely be different to the UK (three pins), so be sure to take an adapter so that your electrical items can be used on a UK socket.
• Personal items – Taking photos of family, friends and pets, posters and your favourite pictures can all help you feel at home and not quite so far away. Bring these along and you’ll feel settled in no time at all.

To find out more information on travelling to the UK and what you’re allowed to bring, please check the official UK Border Force document. Another helpful place to visit for international students is UKCISA, the UK Council for International Student Affairs.