Packing for University

Thinking of what to pack for university is hard for all students, especially when you are travelling internationally and you have limited suitcase room and luggage allowance AND you don’t want to forget any essential items!

The important thing to take note of here is that you want to bring as little as possible. You can always purchase items in the UK, so you must remember to bring only what you need.

The key items to bring with you when you travel to the UK are: 

• The address of Coventry University and the telephone number
• The address of the accommodation you will be staying in, as well as their telephone number and ideally an out of hours contact name and number
• Make sure you bring warm clothes with you on your journey. The weather can change quickly in the UK in September
• A small amount of cash or traveller’s cheques to buy food or pay for transport upon your arrival. Do not carry with you any more than £300 cash if you can avoid it
•     Even if you have your student visa already the Border Force officer may still check your purpose of entry to the UK and your language ability. It is a good idea to have to hand:

o   Valid Passport (with visa or entry certificate as required)

o   Admissions correspondence confirming acceptance onto your programme

o   Evidence that you can pay your fees and support yourself for the duration of your course (letter from sponsor/funder or bank statements)

o   You TB or Health Certificate (if required)

• A English Language dictionary (either paper or electronic)
•  Photographs and items to decorate your new accommodation
• Laptop and other valuable items should be in your hand luggage. Your hand luggage should also contain the items you need  for your first night in UK
• Some comfy shoes to walk in

Top Tip – Make sure your bag is light enough for you to carry comfortably. If it is too heavy to carry, consider whether you need to bring everything!

Do not bring: 

• Lots of house hold or cooking items. It is easy and reasonably cheap to buy these locally in Coventry
• All your course books. The Library at Coventry is well stocked and you may also be able to buy additional books second hand much cheaper
• Any fresh food as you will not be able to bring these through customs

If you have any questions before you arrive in the UK, you can contact the Welfare team on welfare.io@coventry.ac.uk.

Alistair, International Student Adviser