What to bring with you
We recommend that you pack lightly and buy the provisions here as they become necessary. You can buy most things here.
Electrical Equipment
If you bring electrical appliances with you, please remember that the electrical supply in the UK works on 250 volts, 50Hz and sockets take three pin (square) plugs. You will need to supply your own adaptor or transformer for expensive items such as laptops. These are widely available at airports, as well as supermarkets and other shops in the UK.
What to Bring for Halls of Residence
If you are going to be living in College accommodation, you will need to bring linen and cooking equipment, but most of this can be bought when you arrive. Your accommodation offer pack will tell you what is provided in your room, and what you may need to bring from home.
Proper Clothing and the Right Shoes
Fashion in the UK tends to be quite informal, so unless you plan to attend any weddings or very formal functions, leave the super nice stuff at home. British weather can be a little cooler and wetter than what you are used to. Autumn and Spring can be mild, but it does tend to rain a lot. Winter (November to February) can be bitterly cold. Bring lots of layers and a warm jacket. A raincoat is also useful as is an umbrella, but you can always buy a cheap umbrella in the UK.
London gets wet, but it’s not always raining. A good pair of boots and a pair of trainers plus a smart pair of shoes is a good idea. You may be walking a lot, so make sure you bring comfortable shoes.
Taking Care of Your Luggage
Please ensure all your luggage is clearly labelled with your name and your address in London. If you do not yet know your address in London, please mark your luggage labels with your name and 'Goldsmiths, University of London '. If you bring any valuables with you, carry these in your hand luggage and not in your suitcases.
Check the baggage allowance of the airline you are travelling with. If your luggage exceeds the baggage allowance, it may be cheaper to ship your luggage by air or sea, rather than to pay airline excess baggage charges. Make sure you choose a reputable company and insure your goods against loss or damage. If you have a place in College accommodation you can ship goods there: your accommodation offer pack will give mailing details and the date from which your luggage should arrive.
If you send your personal possessions ahead, please ask the Post Office or shipping agent for a Customs Declaration form. Make it clear on the form that the goods are for personal use only and that you are a full-time student in the UK.
Insurance
Take out a travel insurance policy to cover you for your journey to the UK and for a few days after arrival. This should cover any loss or damage of personal property as well as any medical costs. If you don't have adequate insurance for your personal possessions on your home insurance, you will need to arrange this when you arrive in London. The Accommodation Office or Students' Union can provide you with information. You will also need medical insurance for the duration of your stay if it's less than 6 months.
What not to bring
Try not to bring too much stuff with you – the general rule when packing is to pack everything you think you will need, and then take half out . You can always buy essentials in the UK when you get here if needs be. Remember that you will have to carry your luggage yourself and make your own way from the airport to your accommodation – this could involve buses and trains. Struggling along with lots of heavy pieces of luggage is not always the best introduction to London’s public transport system.
What to bring on the plane
You will need the following documents on your journey to the UK, so don’t pack them in your luggage!
- Letter of unconditional acceptance
- Documentary evidence that you have enough money to pay your fees and
- support yourself while studying (e.g. recent bank statements, proof of
- scholarship, letter of financial support from family member)
- Address and telephone number of your final destination
- Insurance documents
- A valid passport
Additionally be sure to:
- Buy travel insurance and/or medical insurance
- Check your baggage allowance if you think you may exceed the limit.
- Call the airline you will be using if you are unsure of the limit requirements.
- Obtain a letter of explanation from your doctor and an ample supply of the medication if you are currently using medication of any kind.
- Purchase a student identification card (ISIC card).
- Obtain at least six passport-sized photographs of yourself.
- Label your entire luggage with your name and address in the UK.
This information can also be found by downloading our Guide for Guide for new international students [PDF format].