Part of the Loomz International Student Guide

This checklist is part of our practical guide to studying and living in the UK for international students.

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Moving to the UK for university is exciting.

It's also one of those occasions when discovering you've forgotten something important at 35,000 feet isn't ideal.

The good news? Most things can be sorted once you're here. Forget a towel, charger or frying pan and you'll survive.

Your passport, immigration permission and university paperwork are a different story.

Use this checklist to get the important things organised before you travel, then worry about how many pairs of shoes will actually fit in your suitcase.

Important: Immigration and entry requirements can change and depend on your nationality and individual circumstances. This guide provides general information, not immigration advice. Always check the latest UK Government guidance and any instructions provided by your university before travelling.

1. Check Your Passport

☐ Make sure your passport or travel document is valid

Check it well before you're due to travel.

Make sure the personal information is correct and that you're planning to travel using the same document associated with your UK immigration status where required.

If you've been granted an eVisa, check that you can access it through your UKVI account and that the travel document you'll actually use to enter the UK is correctly linked.

GOV.UK currently states that successful Student visa applicants receive an eVisa, which is the digital record of their immigration status, and need to link the travel document they'll use to travel to their UKVI account.

Official information:
Check your eVisa and UKVI account on GOV.UK

2. Check Your Immigration Permission

☐ Make sure you have the correct permission to study in the UK

Don't assume the requirements are the same for everyone.

What you need can depend on your nationality, age, course, length of study and individual circumstances.

If you've already been granted immigration permission:

☐ Check your personal details are correct
☐ Check when you're permitted to enter the UK
☐ Understand the conditions attached to your immigration status
☐ Make sure you can access your eVisa, where applicable
☐ Check your travel document is correctly linked to your UKVI account, where required

Don't assume you can enter the UK whenever you like. Check the dates and conditions associated with your own immigration permission.

Official information:
Check the latest UK Student visa guidance on GOV.UK

3. Get Your University Documents Together

☐ Keep your important university information somewhere easy to access

Depending on your circumstances, this may include:

• University offer or acceptance information
• CAS — Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
• Course details
• University contact information
• Tuition-fee/payment information
• Scholarship or sponsorship documentation
• Accommodation confirmation
• Enrolment or registration instructions

For Student visa applications, GOV.UK currently requires a valid passport or other travel document and a CAS from the course provider. Other documents can be required depending on the student's circumstances.

You may not need every document while travelling, but having the important information readily accessible can make life much easier if you're asked for something.

Official information:
Check Student visa document requirements on GOV.UK

4. Check Whether You Need Additional Documents

Not every international student has the same requirements.

Depending on your circumstances, additional documents may include:

☐ Evidence of finances
☐ TB test certificate
☐ ATAS certificate
☐ Financial sponsorship documentation
☐ Parental or legal guardian documentation if applicable
☐ Other evidence requested as part of your application

For example, GOV.UK says an ATAS certificate can be required depending on the course and nationality, while TB testing, financial evidence and parental consent requirements apply in particular circumstances.

Don't rely on another student's checklist. Their requirements may be different from yours.

Official information:
Check the documents you'll need on GOV.UK

5. Sort Out Your Money

You'll want reliable access to money immediately after arriving.

Before you travel:

☐ Check whether your cards work internationally
☐ Check foreign transaction and ATM fees
☐ Tell your bank you're travelling if necessary
☐ Make sure you can access your banking apps abroad
☐ Have more than one way of accessing money
☐ Consider having a small amount of GBP available for arrival
☐ Work out a realistic initial budget

If you're applying for a Student visa, there may also be specific financial requirements.

These amounts and the rules governing acceptable evidence can change. GOV.UK currently has different maintenance requirements for study in London and outside London, as well as specific rules concerning how funds are evidenced.

Don't rely on an old TikTok, YouTube video or blog post for the amount you need.

Official information:
Check current Student visa financial requirements on GOV.UK

6. Confirm Your Accommodation

You don't want to arrive in Britain and then start wondering where you're sleeping.

Before travelling:

☐ Confirm your accommodation booking
☐ Save the full address, including postcode
☐ Check your move-in date
☐ Check what time you can arrive
☐ Find out where and how you collect your keys
☐ Save the accommodation reception number
☐ Save any out-of-hours emergency number
☐ Check whether you'll need identification at check-in
☐ Find out what's already included in your room
☐ Check your bed size before buying bedding

Also check what your accommodation provides.

There's little point using half your luggage allowance for something that's already waiting in your room.

7. Plan Your Journey From the Airport

Landing in the UK isn't necessarily the end of your journey.

Your university could still be several hours away.

Before you fly:

☐ Work out how you'll travel from the airport
☐ Check train or coach options
☐ Check whether your university provides an arrival or collection service
☐ Confirm where you'll meet any pre-booked transfer
☐ Allow time for border formalities and baggage collection
☐ Save your accommodation address offline
☐ Have a backup travel plan

And don't assume every airport with London in its name is actually in central London.

8. Get Your Phone Ready

Being able to get online after landing makes almost everything easier.

You may need your phone for:

• Maps
• Transport tickets
• Banking
• University emails
• Accommodation contact
• Taxis
• Authentication codes
• Translation
• Messaging home

Before travelling:

☐ Check roaming charges with your existing provider
☐ Make sure your phone isn't network locked
☐ Consider an eSIM if your phone supports one
☐ Decide whether you'll get a UK SIM after arrival
☐ Download useful apps before travelling
☐ Save important information offline

And don't forget your charger.

9. Think About Healthcare and Medication

Don't leave medication arrangements until the night before your flight.

Before travelling:

☐ Check whether your medication can legally be brought into the UK
☐ Keep medicines appropriately labelled
☐ Bring supporting medical information where appropriate
☐ Make sure you have what you'll need during your journey
☐ Work out how you'll obtain further medication in the UK if necessary
☐ Check any healthcare or insurance arrangements relevant to you

There are specific rules around medicines containing controlled drugs. GOV.UK says non-UK residents bringing controlled medication should carry evidence that it was prescribed for them, and controlled medication must be carried in hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK.

Official information:
Check the rules for taking medicine into the UK on GOV.UK

10. Check What You're Allowed to Bring Into the UK

Your suitcase isn't exempt from UK border rules just because you're coming here to study.

Restrictions can apply to things including:

• Certain foods
• Plants
• Animal products
• Medicines
• Weapons
• Self-defence products
• Other restricted goods

Something that's legal or commonplace in your home country may not be legal in Britain.

For example, GOV.UK lists self-defence sprays such as pepper spray and CS gas among goods you cannot bring into the UK. Other goods may be restricted or need to be declared.

If you're unsure, check before you pack it.

Official information:
Check what you can bring into the UK on GOV.UK

11. Check Your Electronics

The UK uses Type G electrical plugs.

That means the charger or appliance you use at home may not plug directly into a British socket.

Before packing electrical items:

☐ Check the voltage requirements
☐ Check whether you need a plug adapter
☐ Check whether the appliance itself is compatible with the UK electrical supply
☐ Decide whether bulky appliances are actually worth bringing

Remember:

A plug adapter changes the shape of the plug. It doesn't necessarily make an incompatible appliance safe to use.

For bulky items such as lamps, kettles and some personal appliances, it is much easier to buy them after you arrive.

12. Pack for British Weather

British weather has a reputation for a reason.

You don't need to pack for an Arctic expedition, but don't assume September will behave like summer at home either.

Useful things to consider include:

☐ Waterproof jacket
☐ Comfortable shoes that can cope with rain
☐ Layers
☐ Jumper or sweater
☐ Everyday clothes
☐ Something smarter
☐ Small umbrella

If luggage space is tight, bulky winter clothing can often be bought once you're in the UK.

13. Don't Pack Your Entire Bedroom

This is where international students can save a lot of luggage space.

Before putting another bulky household item into your suitcase, ask:

Is this already provided?

and:

Can I easily buy this after I arrive?

Depending on your accommodation, things you may prefer to buy in the UK include:

• Duvet and pillows
• Bedding
• Towels
• Kitchen equipment
• Crockery and cutlery
• Laundry basket
• Storage
• Cleaning products
• Bathroom essentials
• Desk accessories
• Lamps
• Room accessories

Check your accommodation inventory before deciding.

Your suitcase space is valuable. Use it for things that are difficult, expensive or impossible to replace after you arrive.

14. Make Secure Copies of Important Documents

Create secure backups of the important information you'll need.

Consider keeping copies of:

☐ Passport
☐ Immigration information
☐ University documents
☐ Accommodation booking
☐ Insurance documents
☐ Prescriptions or medical information
☐ Travel bookings
☐ Emergency contacts

Store them securely somewhere you can access even if your phone or laptop is lost or stolen.

And don't keep the only copy of something important on the device you're carrying.

15. Put the Important Things in Your Hand Luggage

Checked luggage can be delayed or occasionally go missing.

Plan accordingly.

Keep essential items with you, such as:

☐ Passport or travel document
☐ Immigration information
☐ University details
☐ Accommodation address
☐ Travel tickets
☐ Essential medication
☐ Phone
☐ Charger or power bank
☐ Payment cards and money
☐ Emergency contacts
☐ A change of clothes
☐ Anything you genuinely can't manage without for your first day

Always check your airline and airport's current security requirements before packing your hand luggage.

16. Save Your Important Contacts

Don't assume you'll always have internet access.

Save:

☐ University international student support
☐ Accommodation reception
☐ Accommodation emergency number
☐ Airport transfer details
☐ Family or emergency contacts
☐ Travel insurer details, if applicable

It's also worth writing down your UK accommodation address and postcode somewhere other than your phone.

Old-fashioned?

Perhaps.

Useful when your phone battery is at 1%?

Absolutely.

17. Read Your University's Arrival Instructions

Your university has probably sent you more emails than you intended to read.

Now is a good time to read them.

Look for information about:

☐ International student registration
☐ Enrolment
☐ Welcome and orientation events
☐ Accommodation check-in
☐ Airport collection
☐ Student ID collection
☐ Healthcare registration
☐ International student support

Where your university gives instructions specifically relating to your institution, course or arrival, follow those instructions rather than generic online advice.

18. Know What You'll Need to Do After You Arrive

You don't have to organise everything before leaving home.

Your first few days might involve:

☐ Moving into your accommodation
☐ Completing university registration
☐ Getting connected to a UK mobile network
☐ Arranging UK banking
☐ Registering with a GP where appropriate
☐ Learning how local transport works
☐ Buying food
☐ Buying the things you deliberately didn't squeeze into your suitcase
☐ Exploring campus
☐ Meeting people

You don't need to accomplish everything on day one.

Get yourself there safely, get into your accommodation and take it from there.

International Student Pre-Travel Checklist: The Quick Version

Before heading to the airport, make one final check.

Travel & immigration

☐ Passport ready
☐ Correct immigration permission
☐ eVisa/UKVI account checked where applicable
☐ Travel document correctly linked where required
☐ Permitted entry date checked

University

☐ University/CAS information accessible
☐ Enrolment instructions saved
☐ University contact details saved

Accommodation

☐ Booking confirmed
☐ Address and postcode saved
☐ Check-in instructions understood
☐ What's included checked

Money

☐ Cards ready
☐ Access to funds
☐ Backup payment method
☐ Initial budget planned

Journey

☐ Flights confirmed
☐ Airport-to-accommodation journey planned
☐ Backup route considered

Health

☐ Medication checked
☐ Supporting medical information packed where needed
☐ Healthcare arrangements understood

Technology

☐ Phone ready
☐ Roaming/eSIM/SIM considered
☐ UK electrical compatibility checked
☐ Chargers packed

Packing

☐ UK weather considered
☐ Restricted items checked
☐ Unnecessary bulky items removed
☐ Essentials in hand luggage

Backups

☐ Important documents securely backed up
☐ Emergency contacts saved
☐ Accommodation address available offline

One Last Check...

Passport?

Phone?

University confirmed?

Somewhere to sleep?

A way of getting there?

Excellent.

Everything else is considerably easier to solve.

Moving to another country to study can feel overwhelming when you look at everything at once.

Break it down:

Documents → Travel → Arrival → Accommodation → Settling In

And remember: you don't need to transport your entire life to Britain.

More Help for International Students

This article is part of the Loomz International Student Guide to Studying in the UK.

Head back to the main guide for practical information covering visas and paperwork, packing, arriving in Britain, accommodation, money, healthcare, working and UK university life.

Explore the International Student Guide →

Getting Ready to Move In?

Once you know what your accommodation already provides, Loomz can help with the things you still need, from bedding and kitchen essentials to bathroom, laundry, storage, lighting and useful student tech.

Buy individual items, choose a student bundle or mix and match depending on what you actually need.

Shop Student Essentials →

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Important information: This article provides general information and does not constitute immigration, legal, financial or medical advice. UK immigration rules, fees, entry requirements and other government policies can change. Always check the latest information from the UK Government and follow any specific instructions provided by your university.