Packing List for Your Adventure to Study or Work in the UK! 🇬🇧✈️
"Plan ahead! Decide what to bring from home and what to buy there."
Worried about deciding what needs to be squeezed into your luggage? No need to worry! - we've categorised the packing lists to help you manage your bag weight and also the list of all the stuff needed to settle up your first week smoothly.
Let’s go through what you need at your to-be UK home! 🧳🙌🏻
Clothes 🧤
Clothing is a big deal! The key is to pack outfits that match the season. If you're coming for a short period, make sure to check the weather conditions around your arrival time – it'll help you pack just right!
In the UK, we have 4 seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Winter can get a bit frosty, around 0-4 °C, and occasionally with a bit of snow. While summers can sometimes surprise us with unexpected warmth. But most of the time, it’s a bit mildly warm, ranging from 10-20 °C. The weather can be unpredictable - you might experience sunshine, wind, rain, and cold within a day! So, having winter gear that’s also waterproof is a game-changer!
If you’re staying for a year or more, no need to pack your entire wardrobe! Instead, focus on preparing some favourite clothes to survive each season is more than enough, and just shop for the rest! And fear not, the fashion in the UK is absolutely blooming with brilliance, offering a variety of stylish options - from cosy to breezy. What's even better is that collections pop up every season that are totally obsessed with those who love shopping! 😆
BACCOM Tips :
Most restaurants in the UK don’t have air conditioning, which means you might take off your coat. So, it’s a good idea to layer up with options of different thicknesses. This way, when you step inside, you can adjust and avoid feeling too toasty! 🌦️🧥✨
Long-sleeved T-shirt
Short-sleeved T-shirt
Heattech / Long John
Jumper
Fleece Jacket
Jacket
Coat
Pyjamas
Underwear
Work Attire / Evening Gown / Suits for any Special Event
Jeans
Trousers
Shorts
Leggings
Tights
Scarf
Hat
Gloves
Socks
Sandals
Sneakers
Boots
Raincoat
Umbrella
Belt
Handbag / Shoulder Bag
Personal Care Products 🤓
Since the weather’s a mix of chilly and dry, plus some intense sunshine. Moisturiser and sunscreen are essential. No need to overpack; you can grab those goodies around there!
Sunscreen
Moisturiser
Aloe Vera gel
Lip Balm
Cosmetics
Acne Spot Treatment / Pimple Patch
Comb / Hair Tie
Jewellery
Watch
Perfume
Sunglasses
Eyeglasses (spare pair of it)
Contact Lenses + Cleaning Fluid (a bit pricey and needs a prescription from a doctor)
Sanitary Towel / Tampon (they also have it for sale, but it may or may not be your cup of tea.)
Hand Sanitizer / Germicidal Spray
Face Mask
Nail Clipper
Bathroom 🛁
For this category, you can grab a little starter pack or a travel-sized set. Just enough to get you through the first week after your arrival. No worries! You can always pick up more stuff later when you're all settled in.
Shampoo
Hair Conditioner
Shower Gel
Hand Soap
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Dental Floss
Facial Cleanser
Razor
Shaving Cream
Deodorant
Bath Towel (keep as a spare)
Face Towel
Bedroom 🧸💤
Just so you know, most accommodations in the UK have furnished rooms with big stuff like a bed, wardrobe, or sofa. However, upon arrival, you are likely to find only an empty bed waiting - no bedsheet, pillows, blankets, or anything yet. So, if you’re thinking of bringing them along, consider getting a vacuum sealer to save a bunch of space in your luggage!
BACCOM Tips:
The essential and highly recommended item for the first day is a bedsheet (just in case you don’t bring a pillow and blanket, at least you’ve got something comfy to crash on the first night!) 🛌
Bedsheet (highly recommended)
Small Pillow / Pillowcase
Small Blanket
Kitchen 🍽
Guess what? Most kitchens in the UK keep it simple, with just a fridge and stove. And if you're planning to stick around for a while, cooking up your own grub is a money-saver! Make sure you've got your kitchen gear ready – those utensils are your survival tools at home!
BACCOM suggests you have a set of portable dining utensils for takeout meals. And if you want to buy other larger kitchenware sets, you can pick them up later!
Spoon / Fork (recommended)
Dishwashing Detergent
Sponge
Food 🥫
For those worried about missing home-cooked meals, BACCOM suggests bringing your homeland's flavours along with you. Nowadays, there’s a bunch of ready-made cooking power in handy tear-and-mix packets. Hence, having a special touch from your home country's cuisine can transform any meal into a delicious taste of nostalgia!
And if lugging it around isn’t your style, no worries - you can always grab some in the UK. They’ve got diverse international cuisines and Asian supermarkets too, though the choice might not be as extensive or covered. So, pack what you can handle and go for just enough. 🍜🍫🌍
Readymade Food Pack
Instant Noodles
Condiment: Seasoning Powder & Sauces
Special Types of Tea or Coffee
🚨 Just double-check any customs regulations related to food items to make sure everything sails smoothly through the journey! 🚨
Medicine 💊
This category is very important, especially for those dealing with chronic conditions – make sure to bring sufficient supplies. Remember, getting medicine in the UK might be considerably pricey or unavailable without a prescription. If possible, BACCOM recommends carrying home remedies and having a first aid kit at your place, just in case of emergency.
If you have allergies to air or dust, it's a good idea to pack plenty of antihistamines. Make sure all the medicines from your country have very clear labels and instructions to avoid any hassle at customs. Oh, and it’s best to skip anything containing marijuana! ;P 🚨
Recommended medications:
Inhaler / Balm (highly recommended)
Antihistamine (for allergies)
Travel Sickness tablets
Cold Medicine
Aspirins / Painkillers
Throat Lozenge
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Triamcinolone Oral Paste
Oral Rehydration Salts
Diarrhoea Tablets
Muscle Relaxant
Plaster
Tincture
Ointment for itch
Insect Repellent
Regular Medication**
Electronic devices 🎧
If you're planning to bring a bunch of gadgets from your home country, having an Extension Board can be a real lifesaver. With this nifty gadget, you only need one adapter for the extension board, and the rest of your devices can use their own plugs. However, when it comes to your computer or laptop, it's a good idea to have a UK adapter on hand. This way, you can avoid the hassle of constantly switching plugs without carrying around a universal adapter. Remember, please make sure to pack your chargers! 🔌 Stay effortlessly connected! 🔋
Mobile Phone + Charging Cable
Tablet + Charging Cable
Laptop + Charging Cable
Universal Adapter (keep as a spare)
Extension Board
Headphone
Power Bank
Camera
Travel SIM Card / Roaming SIM
Documents 📄
Here are the essential documents you must have in your bag - travel docs, study/work docs, certificates, etc. Let’s run through this checklist together. 🚨 Reminder alert: don't forget to prep all these documents! 😊📄
Wallet / Cash / Credit Card
ID card (Identity card)
Passport
Visa
Plane Ticket
Accommodation Contract (proof of accommodation)
Vaccine Passport
Medical Certificate
IOM Certificate (International Organization for Migration)
CAS (Confirmation of acceptance for studies)
COS (Confirmation of sponsorship)
Transcript (For short courses)
Graduation Certificate (For short courses)
Certificate of English proficiency like IELTS or TOEFL (For short courses)
Reference Letters from professors (For short courses)
SOP (Statement of Purpose) or Personal Statement
Recommendation Letter (as required by the university)
International Driving Licence (if applicable)
Additional Documents like health insurance, travel itinerary, a map of the city you’re travelling to, etc.
Other items 📌
Let’s check the things we tend to miss!
Travel Padlock
Luggage Tag
Travel Pillow
Blindfold
Tissue Paper **
Wet Wipes
Handheld Steamer
Foldable Laundry Basket
Mesh Laundry Bag
Shopping Bag
Zipper Bag
Bin Bag
Torch
Stationeries like scissors, pens, highlighters, and notebooks
Shopping List 🛒
In this category, we’ve got a list of must-have items for your room. You can easily pick them up once you arrive - no need to lug them from home and save yourself the hassle. If you’ve got portable sizes, feel free to bring them along. This shopping list includes kitchen tools, appliances, and cleaning tools, as detailed below.
Kitchen supplies 🍳
Plate / Bowl
Glass / Mug
Pot / Pan
Rice Cooker
Kettle
Microwave
Flipper / Scoop
Knife / Cutting Board
Cleaning tools 🫧
Air Freshener
Cleaning tools like sponges, toilet brush, mop, and etc.
Floor Cleaner
Bathroom Cleaning Liquid
Detergent / Softener
Laundry Basket
Clothes Line
Rubbish Bin / Bin Bag
Appliances 🩴
Hair Dryer
Hair Straightener
Duvet & Cover
Hanger
Slipper or Rug (floor may be cold in winter if your flat doesn’t have a heated floor)
Small Fan (for summer, it’s a must because it gets super hot there! Especially if your room has only a heater but air conditioning)
Hurray!! 🎉 , would you look at that – BACCOM's checklist is officially sorted for you! How’s it going with the checklist BACCOM has wrapped up for you? We’re pretty sure that if you just run through these lists, you’re good to go. Feel free to download the PDF file for a handy packing guide & checklist to keep you on track while you pack!
Click to download file. ☺️
If you’re keen on setting things up in the UK before you land, we’ve got you covered! Check out BACCOM’s Home Kit Pack & Delivery. You can order your stuff online and ship it to our place in the UK. Then we’ll bring it to your doorstep on move-in day. Just pack your bag and leave the heavy lifting to us. Easy, right? 🥰
And when you’re arriving in the UK and looking for a ride from the airport to your place, we’ve got an Airport Pickup Package available for you - we’ll arrange a ride that fits all your luggage. Thinking of any services that make you more comfortable on your journey, give us a shout. BACCOM’s here and more than ready to help.😊
🏡 One-stop service to help you find your favourite home in the UK 🇬🇧
💚 LINE ID : @baccomuk
💙 Facebook : BACCOM UK
❤️ Youtube : BACCOM UK
📩 Email : hello@baccom.co.uk
☎️ UK Call : +44 7400 902 392
🔗 Website : en.baccom.co.uk