Hi everyone! My name is Navin, I’m a fourth year Genetics student here at York. I came to study at the University of York from India and I would like to share some of my tips on packing and what to bring when you decide to study abroad.
Leaving home and moving to a new country might be one of the most daunting things you can do! Striking a balance between packing efficiently and bringing sentimental items is no easy task, and I, too, faced this dilemma before coming to York.
Essentials for your journey
Your Documents
I put all my important documents and files in a nice folder and kept them handy when needed. Even after landing, you will need your passport to do quite a lot of essential admin work. Additionally, make sure you carry your health records.
Medicines
You don’t need to pack the entire pharmacy. Just stock up on the essentials you need. For anything not over the counter, make sure to pack prescriptions.
Electronics
Bring along your essential electronics, which for most would be a phone, tablet, and laptop. Now, most importantly, make sure to pack adapters! You can also acquire them from Amazon.
Now, for other electronics such as hair dryers, hair straighteners, or electrical kitchen appliances, I suggest against bringing these because you can purchase them in many places in York. Please save space in your bags, as they may not match the power socket ratings in the UK – my hairdryer blew a fuse during my first year!
Do you need to pack your whole wardrobe?
This is a personal preference, but pack light and buy the rest in the UK. I suggest, however, packing a few suitable formal shirts/ dresses and carrying some formal shoes as these may be more expensive or harder to find in the UK. York has a lot of clothes shops and even a Designer Outlet if you’d prefer something more fancy, so I’m sure you will be able to find all the apparel to suit your needs. For a more cost-effective solution, there is a string of charity shops scattered around town that sell second-hand clothing, and if you’re lucky, you might pull in a fantastic catch!
While the weather in York tends to be moderate most of the time, it can be very cold in winter and rainy throughout the year. I recommend getting water-resistant coats from outdoor shops. The same advice applies to shoes, I highly recommend a pair of waterproof or waterproof shoes.
You Don’t need your Tux
At most, you will find yourself wearing a suit or a tuxedo maybe three times a year, depending on how many of the social events you attend. Save up on your space and buy one after you land if needed.
Things to remind you of home
Food
After speaking with multiple international students, they said the most popular items they wished they had packed more were non-perishable traditional food and snacks from home. No matter where you look, there are some things you just won’t find in the UK. I come from a place called Goa in India, and we are famous for our cashews. I crave Goan cashews, so whenever I return home, I bring some. Other things like spice mixes won’t taste the same, so pack a container! I packed a big container of Garam Masala my Grandmother made for me because I knew I wouldn’t find anything that tasted nearly as good elsewhere!
Sentimental items
On that note of being reminded of home, remember that although temporary, the accommodation you move into will be your home for quite a considerable amount of time, so make sure to bring a few things that remind you of home. Maybe a picture of your family, perhaps some posters you hang in your room — anything you feel is close to your heart.
What should you leave behind?
If you are living on campus , our accommodation includes most of the things you will need. For a full list of what’s included, you can visit our website.
Don’t pack your bed set
You can find many different bed sets in multiple other places in York. Additionally, the University also allows you the opportunity to pre-purchase some. Some of my friends even set up an Amazon UK account and delivered it to their accommodation a few days before landing.
Do you need so many pans?
I recommend packing light on kitchen utensils. Everything else can be bought. You can also purchase entire kitchen set bundles! You could pack a couple of bowls, a mug, and a plate with spoons and forks. That is all you need for your first week or two.
Toiletries
Pack light on toiletries (remember flights have rules on the amount you are allowed to carry), and you can buy the rest after you land and settle.
You aren’t starting a bookshop!
I highly recommend not carrying too many books, stationery items, etc on you. Pack light, and you can purchase the rest once you land. For notebooks and pens, I highly recommend online vendors; they tend to be cheaper than shops.
Do you need to bring your musical instruments?
The University of York has a system for borrowing or loaning instruments, even for left-handed players! However, if you want to own your own, there is a shop in York that sells instruments. Unless you’re carrying a one of a kind instrument that you wont be able to find in the UK, there is no need to bring the orchestra with you.
I hope this guide has helped you consider what to pack when you travel to the beautiful city of York. Remember, everyone is different, and these are just a few suggestions. Carry what makes you feel comfortable.
Bon Voyage!
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