There are international students from about 150 countries at the University of Westminster, and students from different countries will want or need to bring slightly different things with them. We've compiled a list of the essential items that all international students should bring.
The essentials
Be certain that you have packed – and have easy access to – all of the following items before coming to the UK:
- your Letter of Acceptance
- enough money for tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses
- a valid passport and visa (if applicable)
- travel insurance and health insurance
- travellers cheques or pounds sterling for the first few weeks you are in the UK
- all the information we have provided (enrolment and accommodation information)
- documentary evidence of your finances and references from your bank
- documentary evidence that you have enough money to support yourself
- evidence of your qualifications (usually original certificates with certified translations where appropriate)
- information from your doctor about any medical condition you have and prescribed drugs you need to take
- any original documents required for enrolment (original qualifications certificates, IELTS/TOEFL documents, letters of reference etc)
- for detailed information about what documents you need for enrolment, see our Enrolment for new international students page
- if you paid your fees into the University account, proof of this
- driver’s licence (if you have one)
Some recommended items
- a dictionary: this can be very useful, especially at the beginning of your studies
- students going into University halls of residence should note that cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, bed linen, and pillows are not provided. Some basics would be useful for the first week. However, you can buy many items cheaply in London and items may have been left by previous students
- warm clothing: bring at least one warm sweater or cardigan and a jacket. Students from hot climates may find it difficult to find this clothing at home and it may be cheaper to buy winter clothing in London. Wool and cotton garments are far warmer than ones made from synthetic fibres. For students used to winter weather, it is worth bringing winter clothes from home – London gets cold
- photographs, posters, books or other items that are special to you: these can help you adjust to your new home
Packing your bags
Laptop computers and other valuables should be carried in hand luggage and not checked in. Your carry-on/hand baggage should include enough personal articles to last for your first night in UK (clean underwear, warm jacket, toothbrush, and medication etc). This is just in case your luggage is delayed or lost.
Make sure your luggage is clearly labelled in English.
Do not bring
- your entire household. All the household items you will need – bedding, cutlery, crockery, etc – are available locally
- too many books or stationery. Until the course begins it is impossible to know which books to buy. Most books you will need will be available in the libraries or for sale second-hand or locally
- so many personal belongings that you cannot carry your luggage yourself
- do not pack fresh food – your luggage may be destroyed or you could be detained at customs
Contact us
If you have any questions about what items you should bring to the UK, please contact [email protected].