What to Bring
There were international students from about 139 countries in Sheffield in the year 2012-13. It is impossible to list everything which students from every country should bring. Here are just a few suggestions:
1. Bring this booklet plus Registration: The Essential Guide 2012–13. You need them!
2. Make sure you can carry your own luggage for up to 500 metres. You may have to do this!
3. 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.). Luggage is sometimes delayed in transit.
4. Do not bring fresh food, preserved meats or fish. They are PROHIBITED by UK Customs. Your luggage will be destroyed if these are found or suspected. Recently a student was found to be carrying fresh fish in her luggage packed by her mother without her knowledge!
5. Make sure your luggage is clearly labelled in English.
6. Dictionary and basic reference books in your own language relating to your subject can be very useful, but don´t bring too many books. Until the course begins it is impossible to know which books to buy and which to borrow from the library. Most books required will be available in Sheffield.
Stationery is not expensive, particularly in the Union of Students' shop, so don't bring it with you.
7. An International Driving Licence is useful particularly for drivers whose licence is printed in a non-European alphabet or is not valid in the UK. It is not possible to obtain an International Licence here.
8. Students offered University self-catering property - remember that cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, bed linen, duvets (warm bed covers) and pillows are not provided. Some basic items will be useful for the first day but do not bring very much. Bed-linen, duvets and pillowcases will be available in the Key Collection Centre or you can go into the City to buy.
9. Lap-top computers and other fragile valuables should be carried in hand luggage and not checked in. At least two lap-tops were smashed in transit in recent years! N.B. Insure these - thieves are very attracted to them.
10. Students used to using a rice cooker/steamer might bring one of these; they are available but are not widely used in Britain.
11. Electrical equipment, particularly computers, from home may not be compatible with the British electrical supply. Check before departure. Most simple electrical items (eg hairdryers, radios, kettles) can be obtained for around £20 each or less.
12. Clothes
- Warm clothing. Bring at least one warm sweater or cardigan AND a jacket but expect to buy winter clothing in Sheffield. Don't spend too much buying in tropical countries.
- Wool and cotton garments are far warmer than ones made of synthetic fibres.
- Students used to winter weather - bring winter clothes from home.
- National or traditional dress from home. There are often occasions when students wish to wear national costume for cultural evenings, social events and special occasions or even every day.
- Clothing for warm weather as well. On hot summer days you will need cool clothing.
13. Photographs of people and places at home that are special to you can help ease loneliness and make a room feel like home.
14. A special item from home – a picture or ornament for example – can help you feel at home.
15. Favourite books or posters, tapes or CDs.
16. Souvenirs/small items for gifts.