What to bring to uni
July 28, 2020,
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This article is more than 3 years old
When I started packing to move to the UK, I felt like I wanted to bring everything from my life in Viet Nam with me. Thankfully, after very careful consideration my luggage turned out quite light, and I had everything I needed for living in Lincoln. Here are some of my suggestions for fellow international students who are struggling with what to and what not to pack to the UK:
What to pack:
Paperwork:
Bring all the necessary paperwork with you, such as your ID or CAS. You will need them at the airport, the university’s enrolment, and when you apply for a travelling visa to EU countries or to the US.
Your country’s food:
Bring with you all the snacks, dried ingredients or any delicacies from your home country that you think you will crave when living in the UK. I brought with me some heavenly Vietnamese coffee and some instant seasonings for Vietnamese dishes. Just remember to check that whatever food you bring adheres to the airlines’ regulations.
Sentimental items:
Although such things might seem unnecessary, they are incredibly helpful crutches to help you go through difficult and lonely times that may occur now and then. I brought with me my grandmother’s ring, and my housemate brought her 20-year-old stuffed rabbit.
What not to pack:
Too many clothes:
Just pack a few basic pieces for cold weather. You can easily buy more, and will inevitably buy more, in the UK.
A rice cooker:
A lot of Asian students have probably thought of it when packing. Again, you can easily buy one at an affordable price here. And from my experience, if you are just cooking for one, using the normal pots is more than sufficient for rice cooking.
Overall, pack only what you will definitely use and cannot be easily bought in the UK, although do you allow yourself an indulgent item or two. I did so with my hand roll piano.
Please note: This content was created prior to Coronavirus, and some things might be different due to current laws and restrictions. Please refer to Government advice and the University of Lincoln for the latest information.
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