What to Bring

Deciding what to pack in to your suitcase can be a very difficult process. Which clothes should you take, and does it make more sense to bring items from home or buy them in the UK?

Weight Limit

Perhaps one of the most influential factors in deciding what to bring will be the amount of luggage allowance that your airline gives you. This will typically be between 20 - 30 kg plus 6kg hand luggage - check your travel documents to be sure. Anything above your limit will be charged at a very high excess baggage rates, which is not usually worth the expense.

If you plan to ask a friend or family member to send luggage by freight, please be aware that Regent's College CANNOT accept or store any luggage etc. so please ensure that you arrive in the UK before your suitcase!

Clothing

British weather is notoriously changeable. There are times when it is warm and sunny in the middle of winter, and it can be cold and dull even in the summer. Although the UK does not experience extreme monsoon conditions, rain is quite common throughout the seasons.

Visitors to the UK are recommended to pack clothes that can easily be layered on top of each other, such as T-Shirts, shirts and light jumpers, which will give you the maximum flexibility to meet the changable weather. Clothing can also be bought quite cheaply from shops such as Primark and Sports World, or from market stalls.

Books and Stationery

There should be no need to pack books in to your suitcase as all the required reading materials for your course should be available to purchase new from the campus bookshop, second-hand from other students or on loan from the Library. Guide books for Britain and Europe can be found in the IPO and Student Services. Stationery (pens and paper etc.) may be cheaper in your home country, but for such a small expenditure it is unlikely to be worth the hassle and room in your suitcase to bring it with you.

Electrical items

The UK is particularly expensive for electrical items so you may wish to consider bringing your laptop computer and digital camera from home. Naturally you should ensure that these valuable items are adequately insured against theft and damage whilst in transit.

The power supply in the UK is 240v AC, 50Hz, and electrical sockets take 3-pin plugs. You should ensure that your equipment can be used on this current, or purchase a suitable adaptor.

Gifts and Souvenirs

Although we would advise against bringing large items of value, it is always nice to bring a few small items to share with your new friends and people who help you, for example if you go on a home stay. Whether it's a small bottle of maple syrup from Canada, a lace handkerchief from Belgium or a set of picture postcards from Australia, the people who receive your gift will be touched by your thoughtfulness.

Food and Drink

Many people worry that they will miss their favourite foods from home, and may be tempted to bring some snacks and ingredients with them from home. This is often unnecessary, as due to London's diverse ethnic communities, food and drink from every continent can be found on shops and market stalls.

Certain foodstuffs, especially meat, fish and other animal products from outside the EU, are banned from being brought in to the UK. Do not risk breaking the law by bringing illegal items from home.

Page last updated 3/26/2008