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You’ve got your accommodation sorted, what’s next?

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  4. You’ve got your accommodation sorted, what’s next?

You’ve got your accommodation sorted, what’s next?

Your new room will be a home away from home, so here’s a helpful list of what to being with you before you arrive.

Your room is equipped with the essential bedroom items and while you'll want to have your home comforts around you, it’s important to remember that storage space is limited. Keep it simple and if you forget anything order just online and get delivered to Halls.

For your bedroom

  • Duvet and pillows
  • Bedding
  • Bedding sets (including pillowcases, duvet cover sheets)
  • Stationery and your study materials
  • Laundry basket
  • Photos of friends and family

Kitchen items 

  • Crockery
  • Cutlery
  • Cleaning products
  • Cooking utensils
  • Water bottle
  • Pots and pans
  • Food containers
  • Cooking utensils

For your bathroom

  • Towels
  • Cleaning products
  • Toiletries

International students – what to bring

There are hundreds of things you might want bring with you but remember luggage allowance and your room is not going to be huge!

You can buy all your bedroom and kitchen items in advance via Unikitout and have it waiting in your room when you arrive. Check this out but if you order you must ensure you put your name, Student ID and the Halls of Residence address where you will be residing.

  1. Essential documents

    Prepare a checklist of all documents including BRP (Tier 4 visa document), passport and spare copies for backup, any documents the University has specified, passport size photos, exam results (physical copies and digital for any further checks) and your proof of any vaccinations that maybe required. Remember to have your accommodation information handy for when you arrive.

  1. UK Currency:

    We know most people pay via their phone or by card today but sometimes having some currency on you can be useful. You won’t need a lot – (max £200) but it can be useful especially if there are issues with your cards not working or need to be activated for UK use.

  1. Home food:

    In London you can buy literally any food from around the world but, there might be a few home foods/snacks that you have grown up with that will be comforting through that settling down period. Favourite Chocolate or spices or midnight snacks.

  1. Electrical Items

    We recommend you bring a laptop and mobile phone with you to the UK. In the UK, 13-amp sockets are commonly used which require three-pronged plugs. You may need an adaptor to make your devices compatible with UK sockets. Electrical items that you bring with you to the UK must have a CE certification marking and conform to UK standards.

  1. Clothing:

    The weather in the UK is so unpredictable and can change throughout the day. In winter temperatures range from 0°C – 5°C in winter to 20°C – 30°C in summer. Bring a selection of light clothes that you can wear in layers as well as some warm outer clothing and a waterproof coat or umbrella. Hats, gloves and scarves, as well as thick socks, are essential in the winter but you can purchase these when you arrive and are reasonably priced in the UK.

    You may want to consider bringing an item of national costume so that you can share your culture with others when celebrating international festivals or traditions.

  1. Room items

    There are so many shops and supermarkets near Halls where you can buy things you didn’t bring. The Accommodation Team will direct you to the local shops. You can use Amazon as they deliver to Halls daily! Sainsburys Home and Ikea in Bristol etc. Make sure to bring extra bed linen when you come as you will be able to set up your bed as soon as you move in and will have spares for the rest of the year.

  1. Toiletries/bedroom essentials 

    Don't forget to pack your basic toiletries along with any prescribed products for eg. medicated skin care. Also, great tip, carry flip-flops that you can wear to the shower in case of a shared bathroom and that you can use to walk around in, in your flat.

  1. Academic supplies

    Have a look at your modules beforehand so you get an idea of what content will be covered. The best way to maintain a healthy work-life balance is by planning well and prioritising your tasks so we recommend you invest in an academic planner to help you get organised.

  1. Home away from home: 

Moving to a new country takes a great deal of confidence and strength, so you should be proud of yourself for making this decision! It is totally normal to feel homesick from time to time, especially during the first few months. It is a good idea to bring a few small items for your room that will remind you of home, such as photographs of family and friends, books, posters and other mementos, as these will help you to settle in and adjust to your new life in the UK.

In your first week

·       Complete your Halls inventory and return

·       Check when your rent is due

·       To get to know your Halls Managements and Reception

·       Meet Vicki and the Team from Thrive – Residential wellbeing

·       Get to know your Residential Community Ambassadors as they know everything and are your peer support

·       Meet all your flatmates and get to know who you are living with

·       Read the Accommodation Handbook to understand a little about living in Halls

·       Understand the guest policy

·       Check out the activity calendar and see what’s going on

·       Go on campus and orientate yourself – course classrooms? Library? Cafes?

·       Go to all the inductions so you don’t miss out on any info

·       Explore the local area and start enjoying London

·       Buy the things you forgot to bring!

·       Register with a GP

·       Ask the SU about Clubs and Societies

·       Join LSBU Active

·       all family and friends to let them know you are ok and settled in.

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