What I packed when moving to London from India

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS & CARDHOLDER

One of the first items I packed was my passport, CAS letter, lease agreement, 10th and 12th grade transcripts, UK visa application, passport photocopies, and lots of passport-sized photographs. These are very helpful in an emergency or while applying for visas or student IDs. Having additional images saved me from the last-minute headache of looking for a photo booth!

I also packed a cardholder, which really made my life simpler. It stored all my bank cards, IDs, and even the random store membership cards I got within the first week, such as those from Boots. Keeping everything in one location prevented me from endlessly searching through my bag.

ELECTRONIC GADGETS

Next, I packed my laptop, tablet, Kindle, and phone. The laptop and tablet were essential for university lectures and taking notes. I also packed an extra phone since, let us be honest, phone snatching and pickpocketing are wild in London, so it is best to be safe than sorry.

I also brought a power bank for longer hours where I could not always find a charging station. I also made sure to carry a scientific calculator because my course is heavy on numbers and I use it frequently.

STATIONERY SUPPLIES

I also took some basic stationery, including notebooks, a to-do diary, and a day planner to take notes and keep track of daily activities and deadlines. Pens, pencils, highlighters, scale, and sticky notes were quite helpful for taking handwritten notes and annotations. I also took a stapler and a hole punch, which were useful for filing prints. I also took several empty transparent folders and thin files to keep my documents organized.

MEDICINES AND FIRST AID KIT

I brought medications for the normal colds, fevers, nausea, acidity, pain, and allergies. I also carried any medications that my doctor in India had advised, just in case. I also stocked up on multivitamins and sanitary pads. I brought lots of bandages, basic wound dressings, and Dettol in case of minor cuts or scratches.

GROOMING

Since I wear specs, I brought an extra pair of numbered glasses in case one breaks, and I stocked up on contact lenses too. I also packed specific skincare and haircare products—like serums, ointments, and toiletries—that were recommended by my dermatologist, just in case I cannot find them here. And of course, I did not forget my aligners and retainers from my dentist.

KITCHEN ITEMS AND TOOLS

I brought a variety of Indian foods for the kitchen, including Maggi, Lays, spices, and other savory snacks, as well as rapid meals like MTR dosa, dal makhani, and other dehydrated meals. These were extremely handy during examinations and busy days when I did not have a chance to cook. I also bought nuts and laddoos to keep healthy throughout the winter months—trust me, if your mother insists on packing them, do not say no. I used to despise laddoos at home, but I now adore them.

I also brought a few handy cooking appliances, like a blender for smoothies or dal, and a time-saving chopper. If you enjoy coffee, bring along a water bottle and a small thermos. It kept my coffee warm and helped me save time and money throughout examinations by eliminating the need to buy coffee all the time.

Do make sure that any cooking appliances you intend to bring are permitted in your halls agreement!

CLOTHING

Let us be honest, London is a fashion hotspot, so if you are a shopaholic like me, simply bring the necessities and purchase the rest here. I packed thermals for layering in the cooler months, a few professional outfits like blazers and shirts for interviews and functions, and traditional Indian attire for celebrations like Diwali and Eid. Bring a mix: a lehenga or exquisite suit for larger parties, and a basic kurta for smaller ones.

You may get a warm sweater or jacket, but I recommend purchasing a winter puffer and scarf once you are in London, as they are better suited to the cold and take up less room in your suitcase. Also, bring a towel and a few napkins to get started, or get them when you arrive.

PERSONAL SOUVENIRS

To make my room more like home, I packed a few personal items, including photographs of family and friends, a favorite mug, and a soft toy I have had for years. At the end of the day, you are leaving one home to create another, so make your room your own personal haven! Include items that are true to who you are; it makes a big impact.