The Student Room Group

Packing Tips For International Students :)

Moving to the UK for the first time?
Studying abroad can be an exciting adventure but knowing what to pack and bring can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are my top tips on what to pack when moving to the UK :smile:

The Right Layers
The first thing I had to adapt to in the UK was how damp and chilly it can get. Be sure to check the temperature and weather when you are arriving and I would recommend bringing along a warm puffer jacket that is preferably waterproof. If you are packaging light, opt for a light water resistant parka or windbreaker, you can always buy a warmer jacket once you have settled in and when the seasons change. 🥶

Adaptors, Convertors and Tech
Depending on which country you are coming from, be sure to check if your appliances have the right voltage and adaptors suitable for the UK, you may want to consider bringing along a transformer or converter if necessary! I would also suggest bringing along a hard drive to back up your phone and laptop regularly just in case.

Personal Documentation
Before leaving home, be sure to have a copy of your birth certificate, passport, accommodation details, university acceptance letter, visa letter and personal health records. Just to be on the safe side, due to visa or immigration issues there may come a time where you may need to submit or show proof of those documents again. 😳

Flavours from Home
Personally, one of the most important items on the packing list would be snacks and flavours from home. London may be one of the most multicultural cities in the world but it can still be hard to find specific snacks from your childhood or spices that you are used to. When homesickness hits, cooking something familiar usually helps to soothe my nerves.:tongue:

Lastly, don’t worry too much about it as most things can be bought locally within the UK. Living abroad for the first time can feel overwhelming but it is also an exciting journey of independence and self discovery. I hope this little list helps and feel free to ask me questions in the comments below. 🤗

Know of any great packing hacks or tips? What are your some of your packing essentials? 🙄


Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)
(edited 4 weeks ago)

Reply 1

HI! I've secured an offer for MA Animation at Kingston but I am confused whether I should opt for it or not. I have another offer from UCA for the same course but my heart say that Kingston is a better option. But Kingston is demanding 50% of initial deposit and I am not sure if they'll offer the 5000 pounds of fee discount mentioned on website or not as I have yet to receive my Unconditional offer letter. I need honest reviews about Kingston.

Reply 2

Hi there @HnadpickedCotton ,
Firstly, congrats on your offer for Kingston's MA Animation 🤗 I think one of the best ways to know if a uni is right for you is to go for an Open Day to speak to tutors and current students. If you haven't already done so, we are having an Postgraduate Open Day on the 25th of June😗! If you are unable to make it on that day, you might want to check out @ma_animation_kingston and message current students on instagram regarding the course.
Regarding the deposit and discount, please correct me if I have misunderstood but I believe you are referring to the £5000 deposit that you will have to pay within 21 working days upon accepting your unconditional offer. (This £5000 is considered to be a part of your tuition fees) Once the deposit is paid, the university should then offer you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Only once you are enrolled should you need pay the minimum of 50% tuition fees 🙂 I hope this makes things clearer, if you have any questions about CAS or need more information feel free to email the CAS team at [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 8417 5002. I hope this helps 😁

Here are some useful links that you might find helpful:
International Student Finance
Contact Us
KSA Open Access Workshops
My Favourite Things about Living in Kingston

Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)

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