For those interested in investment immigration to the UK, pay attention to this guide on living in the UK: The 2015 spring semester is approaching. Let us discuss the differences and similarities in luggage preparation for spring and autumn enrollment for studying in the UK.
The UK autumn semester usually begins in September each year, and most students flying to the UK do so in July or August. At this time, it is still very hot in China, so when departing, students are almost always dressed in cool summer clothing.
In contrast, the spring semester generally begins around January each year, so students arriving at this time are usually dressed in winter clothing when they depart. It is recommended that students enrolling in the spring wear several layers and bundle up warmly for the flight. This allows you to free up space in your luggage that would otherwise be taken up by thick clothing, enabling you to pack other necessary items.
Students enrolling in the autumn do not have this advantage and need to reserve space in their luggage for thick clothing. A thick, warm coat usually weighs about 1-1.5 kg and takes up a significant amount of space.
Next, let us look at the common points for luggage preparation for both spring and autumn enrollment:
1. Essential luggage and restricted items
Daily necessities and household goods are abundant in the UK, and some can be purchased locally.
It is recommended that students bring items that are cheaper in China than abroad, such as laptops, portable hard drives, MP3 players, CD players, and other digital products, as well as common medications, contact lenses and solution, dictionaries, and cotton products.
Restricted items fall into two categories. The first is items restricted by Chinese customs upon departure, mainly referring to cash. Generally speaking, an individual can carry a maximum of 5,000 USD out of the country. If you wish to carry more cash, you must provide an exit permit issued by the Bank of China or relevant foreign exchange authorities.
The second category is restrictions imposed by UK customs upon entry. UK customs allows a maximum of two cartons of cigarettes and two bottles of alcohol to be brought into the UK.
Certain plants, livestock meat, meat products, and processed animal products that pose a threat to health and the environment cannot be brought into the UK, although an individual may carry one kilogram of sealed, cooked meat products.
2. Clothing recommendations:
It is recommended to prepare clothing based on your personal preferences.
Bring coats and thicker jackets and trousers. The weather in the UK is relatively cold; bring a few pairs of jeans, a sweater to adapt to temperature drops, and one or two cashmere sweaters.
Other items such as pajamas, underwear, and T-shirts can be brought according to your own needs. Additionally, bring one set of formal attire: a suit for men and a formal dress for women.
In addition to the necessary sneakers, it is best to bring a pair of formal leather shoes.
3. Other luggage recommendations:
A small rice cooker (capable of cooking about 0.5 kg of rice), one charger, and if possible, a few rechargeable batteries (AA and AAA sizes). Bring one or two power strips and two British-standard plug adapters. Bring an alarm clock, a laptop, and a mobile phone (you can sign a contract for a phone after being there for a while). Also, bring a digital camera.
Bring chopsticks and a spoon; there is no need to bring bowls and plates, but you might want to bring one or two plastic food containers for temporary use. You can bring some of your favorite seasonings, which are necessary for the beginning of your life there; later, you can buy them at Chinese supermarkets.
Stationery is not very expensive in the UK. Bring some pens, ballpoint pens, fountain pens, erasers, rulers, glue sticks, one or two notebooks, and a small stapler. A hole punch is important for organizing documents. For dictionaries, it is best to have both a book version and an electronic version. If you need to buy stationery after arriving in the UK, you can go to RYMAN or WHSmith; these stores are everywhere, relatively inexpensive, and offer student discounts.
Towels and bath towels are relatively expensive in the UK, so bring a set. Bring a toothbrush and toothpaste. Shampoo, body wash, etc., can be bought at local supermarkets; bringing small or travel-sized bottles for temporary use is fine. If you are female, bring cosmetics, as they are quite expensive in the UK. Also, bring a few clothes hangers. Bring some frequently used medications, such as cold medicine and anti-inflammatories; these medications require a doctor's prescription in the UK, so bringing some will save you trouble. Bring an umbrella, and be sure to choose one of good quality, as the UK is windy. If you wear glasses, bring an extra pair, and if you wear contact lenses, bring an extra bottle or two of solution.