You will find it easier to buy nearly everything you need once you have arrived in the UK. You may want to consider taking out possessions insurance for your stay. You should also check with your airline how much luggage you are allowed to take with you.Luggage: Suitcases should be sturdy and have your name and address in the UK clearly printed on them. If you are bringing some bulky items you may want to ship them over. Most universities won't accept such packages before you arrive, so arrange for them to come later.
Clothes: The weather in the UK is changeable but rarely goes much below 0°C or above 30°C. It will be wet and cold between September and March so make sure you have a warm jacket and a jumper for when you get off the plane. Wear plenty of thin layers, rather than one thick layer.
Hand luggage: You should keep all important items and documentation with you at all times, the most important being your passport.
If you are not an EEA national you will also need:
- a relevant visa or entry certificate for the duration of your course
- a letter of acceptance to your course from the university
- a financial record showing your ability to support yourself
- proof of UK address
- actual academic certificates
- driving licence or any other ID that is appropriate
- money (a small amount of cash and maybe £200 in traveller's cheques)
- an address book with directions to the university and where you are staying
- telephone numbers for the university and your family
- any medicine you take along with a letter from your doctor authenticating its use
You should leave photocopies of all documentation and the serial numbers from the traveller's cheques with your family or friends. Be careful that you do not pack any sharp objects such as scissors or anything potentially explosive like spray cans into your hand luggage.
