What to pack

Use this checklist as a guide to ensure that you have packed everything you need before you come to the UK.

International UCL students give you their tips on packing

Make sure that you pack the following items in your hand luggage, so that you have them with you while traveling:

valuables (phone, wallet, etc.);
passport (containing your visa if applicable);
UCL offer letter and/or CAS email;
financial evidence;
address of UK accommodation;
tickets/online flight booking;
UK pound sterling for any initial costs (taxi fares, food, etc.). However, don't pack too much cash, as it's a risk if the luggage gets stolen and you won't use it that frequently in London once you get settled;
clothing (a jumper, waterproof jacket, etc.).
if you are taking any medication, make sure you read our information on prescriptions and pre-existing medical conditions.

When packing your hold luggage, remember to include the following:

label your luggage with your details in English;
check your baggage allowance, as exceeding this could be extremely costly. Try weighing your fully-packed suitcase at home to be sure you're within the weight limit;
clothes - British weather can be extremely unpredictable, make sure you pack items suitable for all seasons (if you are coming from a very different climate, it may be cheaper to buy suitable clothes when you arrive);
electrical items, including a travel adaptor. Remember, if you're planning on visiting other countries beside the UK, bring a multi-national adapter;
products that are harder to buy or more expensive in the UK;
any other personal items;
tip: you don't need to bring everything you own;
take a look at our shopping section for further information on where to buy things when you arrive.

There are some items that you will not need to pack, such as:

items that can easily be bought in the UK;
books - these will take up considerable baggage allowance and it is unlikely that you will receive your reading list until you have enrolled. Also, with the huge range of physical and e-books/journals available through UCL and London's libraries, you shouldn't have a problem finding what you want;
expensive items such as jewellery. So, this is obviously up to the individual but unless you're planning on dining at the Ritz in your finest bling, you probably won't need it. Plus, they're going to be a target for thieves;
towels, bedding and kitchenware - these will take up valuable space in your luggage and you can buy them locally;
if you are going to be living in UCL Halls of Residence, you can purchase a linen pack via UCL Accommodation;
banned or restricted items, which can be viewed on the HM Revenue & Customs website;
if you are coming to the UK from outside the EU, please be aware that there may be restrictions on how much cash you can bring with you - you can read more about the restrictions on taking cash in and out of the UK on the Gov.UK website.

As well as packing your bags well, there are other things you can do to be prepared for coming to London.

pdf scans of important documents such as passports and visas. If you're planning on working or volunteering, the organisation may ask for you to send a scanned copy of your documents. You can easily keep these in a separate folder in your email account and print these out at UCL, if you need to;
look at the costs and logistics of shipping extra things out. If you are really running low on space, you can always have some extra things shipped out by an international delivery company. It might be a good idea to see how you are coping with what you originally bring and then decide if you need more. You can arrange for friends or family to send these over from your home country. There are many reputable luggage shipping companies, but you might want to check out My Baggage.

Please note that our checklist is not exhaustive and should be used as a guide, you may find there are additional items you need to pack.