What to Pack for Study Abroad in London

London is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations in Europe. If you are lucky enough to receive a place in one of the city’s prestigious universities, you are in for a semester full of excitement. With more than 400,000 university students, it’s no wonder that London is such a student-friendly city. When you’re not in lectures or studying for exams, you can explore vast marketplaces, enjoy shows at the theatre, or indulge in British pub culture.

If you’ve already chosen to study in the British capital, you may be unsure what you need to bring with you. However, with the right list, you will be more than prepared to tackle life in the UK and your study abroad experience. Keep reading to find out exactly how to pack for study abroad in London!

What is the climate like in London?

Be prepared for all sorts of weather in London.

London is known for its cold climate and rainy weather. However, the weather will depend on the time of year you decide to study. Like the rest of the UK, London experiences all four seasons, with cold winters and mild summers.

Winter lasts from December to February, and during these months you will bear the brunt of the gloomy London weather. While the city does not get much snow, temperatures can get very low and it rains often.

Spring will come in May but it will not get significantly warmer until the summer months. From June to August, you can expect longer days, less rain, and a more pleasant climate.

Finally, the Autumn season lasts from September to November. During this time, it will get cooler and the wind and rain will be frequent once again.

While the UK is not famous for fabulous weather, don’t let this put you off studying there! With the right preparation and a top-notch packing list for study abroad in London, you will definitely be able to handle the London climate.

What to Pack for Study Abroad in London

So… you’re ready to begin the study abroad experience, but you’re unsure how to pack for your study abroad in London. With this London study abroad packing list, you can ensure that you will have everything you need for your semester in the UK.

1. Umbrella

An umbrella is an essential thing to have while studying in the UK.

As previously mentioned, London is famed as a rainy city. While downpours don’t normally last long, having an umbrella will prepare you for often unpredictable rains. Consider buying a travel umbrella so you can carry it easily around the city!

2. Dressy clothes

London has endless chic restaurants and exclusive nightclubs. If you are planning to dip your toes into the exciting London nightlife, you should consider bringing some of your nicest clothes from home as many venues have strict dress codes.

3. Walking shoes

London is the biggest city in all of the UK. While you can take the tube to get to most places, you can also expect to do a lot of walking during your semester abroad. Ensuring that you have a good pair of walking shoes is necessary for staying comfortable.

4. Passport

When packing for any abroad experience, a passport is the most important item on your list. You will of course need your passport to enter the UK, and you will also need it if you decide to go on any European holidays during your time abroad.

5. Health insurance

Before embarking on your semester abroad, you should make sure that you have sufficient health insurance. While many home universities will provide health insurance to students going abroad, you should check in with your study abroad office to make sure that you are covered. While certain medical treatments and GP visits are free to all visitors in the UK, health insurance will be crucial in case of emergencies.

6. Visa

Make sure you have all the right paperwork to study abroad.

People entering the UK for a study course of less than 6 months are allowed to stay in London on a Standard Visitor visa. Students from most countries will not need to apply for this kind of visa, but check the UK government website to make sure you have all the documents you need before arriving.

7. SIM card

While many phone companies offer international plans, purchasing a local SIM card is often easier and less expensive. Some popular mobile networks include Vodafone, EE, O2, and Three. Buying a SIM card ahead of your trip will also ease your arrival to London.

8. Medications

In London, you will most likely have access to the same medications as at home. However, you should always pack important medications with you just in case. Make sure to pack these in your carry-on to avoid stress over lost luggage!

Seasonal packing lists for study abroad in London

Now that you know the essentials for studying abroad in London, you may be wondering what you should bring for the specific time of year you choose to study. Your packing list will vary greatly based on whether you are taking part in the fall, spring, or summer semester in London.

Fall semester packing list

You’ve decided to begin the academic year in London and complete your semester abroad during the fall semester. Here are a couple of items you should consider bringing with you during this time:

• Warm clothing: During the fall semester, you will be in London for its autumn and winter seasons. Make sure you bring enough warm sweaters, trousers, and coats from home to prepare you for the cold weather.
• Scarf/hat: Warm accessories are also a must-have for London during the autumn and winter months. Pack some scarves and hats to help you stay warm and ward off seasonal flus!

Spring semester packing list

Your spring semester will be in bloom with the right packing list.

If you’ve chosen to study in London during the Spring semester, you will be rewarded with better weather and clearer days. However, there are still a few things you should pack to prepare for spring in London.

• Light coat: While the weather in London will improve by March of the spring semester, it is still important to have a light coat with you for cooler days and nights.
• Layers: London’s weather can be unpredictable, especially during the spring. Bringing layers will allow you to dress up or down for the ever-changing climate.

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Summer semester packing list

Finally, for those who have chosen to study in London during the summer months, you are in for a treat! With longer and warmer days, here are some extra items you should add to your packing list:

• Sunglasses: During summer, the famed London gloom will hopefully fade away. With the sun staying out until nearly 10 p.m. at night, you will definitely need a good pair of sunglasses!
• Swimwear: When packing for study abroad in London, swimwear is not likely to come to mind. However, there are plenty of lakes, rivers, and ponds around London if you fancy going for a swim.

Things you can get once you’re in London

Buy some common essentials in London to avoid extra baggage.

While you’ll want to make sure you are prepared to study abroad in London, there are also plenty of things you can buy once you arrive. Leave these things at home to save room in your suitcase!

• Toiletries: London has plenty of pharmacies, like Boots and Superdrug, where you can find all the toiletries you will need during your time abroad. Get them once you’re there so you don’t have to worry about the liquid allowance in your carry-on!
• School supplies: As a student in London, you will need school supplies like notebooks, pens, pencils, textbooks, etc… As a city overflowing with students, you will definitely find these items in London!
• Room decorations: Whether you’re living in student halls or private accommodation, you will probably want to make your room in London feel like home. London has stores like IKEA, Flying Tiger, H&M Home, and John Lewis where you can decorate your room to your liking!

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Make the most of your luggage allowance when you study abroad in London!

While packing may seem like a mundane part of travel, ensuring you have essential items will make your transition to life as a student in London much smoother. Now that you know what to pack for study abroad in London, what to leave at home, and what to expect during your time abroad, you are ready to jet off to the UK!