Although people think money is the greatest challenge facing Nigerian students planning to study in the UK, a significant issue involves things to travel with. Confirming your unconditional offer letter hits a different spot, and the excitement is unquantifiable. However, the dilemma of putting the items to travel with for study in the UK is as confusing as the excitement.
First, you need to know what to pack; then, how to pack them. Before putting your stuff together, you must understand that you are not traveling from one city in Nigeria to another. Hence, you do not have the option of returning home at will. That means it is essential to know things to travel with for study in the UK.
Here, we will list the top 50 things you need. Although they may not be all you need, having them has solved the whole problem by at least half. In addition, ensure to pack them with utmost care because they will stay longer than usual in your travel bag. So, here we go!
Table of Contents
Things to travel with for study in the UK
Travel Documents
- Passport
- Passport-sized photos
- University Documents
- CV & References
- Exam Certificate
- Address Book and email contacts
- Bank Account Details
- Room Insurance
- Accommodation Contract
- A map of the UK/city you are traveling to
In addition, you need your driver’s license, in case you may wish to drive. The reason is that having proof of driving ability reduces the cost of starting afresh to learn to drive in the UK. Another document is the tuberculosis test result. It is not as important as the above, but the authorities may ask for it. Besides, ensure to label your suitcases with your phone numbers and your destination address. Making photocopies of all your travel documents is essential, too.
Clothing
As a Nigerian student traveling to the UK, you may have difficulty purchasing suitable clothing for each weather while in Nigeria. Hence, asking you to pack suitable clothing may sound like a fairy story. There are incredibly sunny, rainy, windy, and cold days in the UK, the same way they could be mild. Therefore, you must remember when putting down things to travel with to study in the UK.
As a fresh student, you may attend parties and college events requiring special clothing. That means you must bring good clothes to accommodate every occasion. However, enough shops in the UK sell these clothes if you may wish to purchase them there. Having said that, here is a list of the essentials:
- Dresses
- Scarf
- Hat
- Coats
- Underwear
- T-shirts
- Shirt and tie for any smart-casual events
- Jumpers
- Trousers
- Slippers
- Socks
- Shoes/trainers
- Flip flops – for wearing in showers / communal wash area
- Bathroom and Hand Towel Set
- Bathrobe
- A Rug/Shawl Swimwear
While you need enough clothes, remember that the dorm rooms are small, and you have other items to bring along with you. In addition, the weight of your suitcase matters a lot as it must meet the standards of the airport authorities.
Kitchen Items
The accommodation you rent primarily determines the appliances you need in the kitchen. You do not have to worry if your accommodation is catered since the major utensils you need will be available. A cooking pan, plates, a mug, and spoons can sustain you. But if your accommodation is self-catered, you may need some stuff for the kitchen. Instead of buying them in Nigeria, you may strike a cheap deal with Amazon and Argos. They can even deliver your order to your UK accommodation.
More importantly, you should check with your UK landlord or agent regarding the stuff they would provide and the ones you need to travel with. Regardless, here is a list of a few things that you can travel with to study in the UK:
- 1 Plate
- 1 Sauce Pan
- Knife
- Spoons and cups
- A pair of scissors
- Plastic Bowels
- Sandwich Bags
If you prefer to buy them in the UK, there are many local shops around the campuses.
Household items
You will always need some home items, especially for daily conveniences. However, it would be best to be confident they are necessary, or you could buy them in the UK upon arrival. Here are some of the must-have household items to make your stay convenient:
- Reading lamp
- Towel
- Shoe Brush
- Pressing iron
Toiletries and Personal Items
Your hygiene is as important as that of your surroundings. Hence, you must add some toiletries and personal items for your journey. Here are some of the relevant ones.
And the place where you’ll be living is crucial. So no matter where you go, your packing list must involve some essential toiletry elements.
- Toilet Cleaning Brush
- Floor and Carpet Cleaning Brush
- Hair care items
- Shampoo
- Nail Clipper and blades
- Small Mirror
- Toothbrush
- Sanitary towels and contraceptives
- Cosmetics/skincare items
Electronics
You will need electrical items and gadgets as a student, which are as important as your passport. Except if you plan to order them in the UK, these devices are an essential part of the itinerary. Besides, you must be careful with their packing to avoid being damaged while in transit. Here they are!
- Adapters
- Extension Board
- Laptop
- Network cable
Note: You will need internet access in the UK; unfortunately, they are not free. Besides, your first few weeks require constant communication with people at home and in the UK. So, it would be best not to afford to keep away from the internet. Therefore, we recommend you order a prepaid SIM card before your arrival in the UK to avoid being stranded.
Items You Cannot take with You into the UK
Before packing the things to travel with for study in the UK, you must check the list to ensure you do not possess banned items. Some specific UK laws prohibit certain items from being brought on the flight. These include:
- Meat or dairy products
- Endangered animals or plant species
- Illegal drugs
- Banned items
- Cold weapons like knife
- Obscene materials
- Self-defense spray
- Rough diamonds
Before You get on the Plane to the UK
You must ensure to settle everything regarding your university program because that is the primary reason you travel to the UK. You must collect your unconditional offer letter to study in the UK and be sure you are set for the journey ahead. You must also complete your application and documents and get your schedules in order.
In addition, you must make a house arrangement and ensure you have where to stay in the UK. Finally, your security deposit must be paid, or arrangements must be made before leaving Nigeria. This will keep you from being stranded in a new country where you may have no one to run to for help.
Your visa and passport are other essential items for your itinerary. Without having them settled, you will not be able to leave Nigeria. Therefore, once your university acceptance letter is ready, the next step is to apply for your visa and passport. Your passport needs at least three photographs. Besides, keeping them in an accessible position in your handbag would be best, so you do not have to scatter your suitcase looking for them.
Read also: UK student visa requirements for Nigerian students.
Saying Goodbye to Your loved Ones
While you may be excited to finally leave Nigeria for your study in the UK, saying goodbye is a hard thing to do. You will miss everyone the same way they will miss you. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about it. You can use the last days of your stay in Nigeria to say goodbyes to them. However, do not linger in doing so because before you know it, your departure day has come. It will be harder on you if you cannot make time.
It is not harmful to throw a little party with your friends and family. You can also go on an individual visit. Although you can reach out to them through internet-enabled services, face-to-face goodbyes are the best. The hugs, food, and laughter shared physically are always priceless.
However, if you cannot visit everyone, you may choose an alternative means to reach out to others. What matters the most is the joy of reaching out so no one feels sidelined or unwelcome.
You may also like: Ultimate guide to study in the UK.
Conclusion
It can be an incredible experience to travel to study in the UK. It is one of the most life-changing decisions to take. Notwithstanding, it is a daunting experience from the start of the application to the university to the point of boarding the plane. On getting to the new country, you will face another challenge of starting life afresh.
However, all things work out for a glorious future for you. to lighten the effect, you put together the items to travel with for study in the UK. We hope we found this article helpful.
To your success!