Moving oversees can be a panicky situation; one can never predict what one might need. Packing is a personal prerogative- you might be an ‘only-need-to-use’ person or ‘I’ll pack my entire house ‘- we won’t judge. We will give you a list of bare essentials that you definitely need for your sojourn abroad for education and this list will try to make your packing completely hassle free… ok, maybe a little hassle free.

Packing Concerns

First things first- BUY A COAT AND WATER RESISTANT SHOES. UK has a variable climate but its definitely cooler than India. This might seem random but definitely add coats to your list of essentials. Warm clothing and good shoes will be your constant companions there. You don’t want to go spending precious pounds on clothes that you can easily carry. Also, rains are a regular feature of their climate so carrying an umbrella may not be the worst idea.

Purchase good luggage beforehand. There are plethora of good companies that often give good student discounts.

Know your carry on rules- different airlines have different policies, so check for any discrepancies. Most airlines allow 1 standard cabin bag plus a laptop bag (1+1). All airlines have a list which you can refer to. It’ll give you all information regarding what can be carried in your suitcase and carry-ons.

Essentials that you must keep in your cabin luggage:

Passport (for international travel) and any other important travel documents
Personal essentials: make sure you carry your keys, wallet, and phone with you. Don’t keep these in your checked luggage in case they get lost or delayed, leaving you stuck in the airport at your destination.
Pack a set a spare clothes in your hand bag, so that incase of any mishap or luggage misplacement or custom issues, you have something clean to wear!
All electronics, with a complete battery, must be carried. In addition to greater security, they double up as a source of entertainment.
Travel pillows, snacks which are approved by the airlines.
Please leave any form of liquids in your checked luggage! With stern liquid laws applicable save yourself the embarrassment and money.
Pack light; Excess weight or hoards of books will weigh you down and you’ll still have to carry it through the airport

Clothing, Bedding, footwear and others

The trick is to balance. Don’t carry too much, or too few. You’ll be pressed for time with all that studying, so carry enough to last you a minimum of one week. Also, roll up your clothes in the luggage- they take less space and are easier to manage. Try to fit in small items like socks, handkerchiefs, jewelry in shoes, so you’ll save some space.

Walking shoes because UK’s road connectivity is great and people either walk or take the subway.
Good map book- so that you don’t get lost , ever. All those streets can be confusing!
Hat, gloves and scarves for winters
A light jacket for summers( it is quite windy)
Formal shirts
Formal trousers
Undergarments
Formal suit
Ties
Shorts/three-fourths
Swimwear
Traditional wear
A few tees; rest can be purchased locally.
Sunglasses
Formal shoes
Bed sheets and Blankets, preferably electric since its bound to get cold here.
Towels
Items of personal hygiene like Towels, toothbrush, shampoo, moisturizer and other basic necessities can be carried in a limited quantity to last you a few weeks. It is advisable that you carry these in your hand luggage. Also carry basic medical necessities like bandage, tourniquet, hot pad, cold/wet compress, Neosporin, cotton, Q-tips, Benadryl, Off sunblock/ insect repellent, scissors & tweezers, deodorant, lip balm.

Electronics
Laptop
Hairdryer
Portable charger
Camera
Card reader
Portable mini kettle, toaster and induction top.
Travel adapter, with a voltage selector, to connect to English plug points
A flashlight
While staying in UK, purchase a prepaid sim like Matrix or find a better long-term plan locally.

Basic cutlery can be carried though most university hostels provide everything. If you are living independently, then make sure to make a comprehensive list. Leave a Xerox of your passport with a friend and also carry one. Carry all important documents in multiple copies as well.

Carry dry snacks as well as satches of condiments, coffee, tea or whatever your preference is, as midnight munchies are to live for! Also, Make sure that your credit card is embedded with a chip that is often required for transactions. There are plenty of places where you can buy the items of regular use, so don’t fret even if you forget something.

You’ll eventually fit right in!