Moving abroad for university is exciting, but let’s be honest — packing can be overwhelming! When I was preparing to leave Malaysia for the UK, I wasn’t sure what to bring, what to leave behind, or what I could just buy after arriving. So here’s a handy guide based on my experience that I hope will help you pack smart, travel light, and settle in smoothly!

🎒 The Essentials: Must-Pack Items

1. Important Documents (Carry in your hand luggage!)

• Passport (& visa documents)
• Offer letter & CAS from your university
• Insurance details (travel + health)
• Copies of academic transcripts
• Vaccination certificate (just in case)
• Passport-sized photos (for academic and could be used when travelling)
• UK SIM card (if you’ve pre-ordered one or you can just order one once you land)

2. Clothing (UK weather can be confusing!)

• A warm coat (trust me, UK autumn hits fast)
• Layering items: hoodies, sweaters, thermals
• Comfortable walking shoes + winter boots
• Umbrella & waterproof jacket (rains more than you think!)
• Traditional/cultural wear — for society events & cultural festivals

3. Toiletries & Medications

• Basic toiletries for the first week
• Prescription meds + doctor’s note (some meds may be restricted in the UK)
• First aid kit (plasters, cold meds, Panadol)
• Don’t bring full-sized shampoo/body wash — just buy them here!

4. Electricals & Tech

• Laptop + charger (a must!)
• Universal adapter (for travels!)
• Earphones/headphones
• Power bank (especially useful during long travel days)
• External hard drive or USB for backups (I didn’t need to use them but useful if you have large files)

🍲 Comforts from Home (Especially for Malaysian Students!)

Being far from home can make you miss the small things — so pack a few comfort items that bring you joy:

• Spices & Sauces: Instant curry paste, sambal, maggi seasoning, etc. (just check customs regulations!)
• Snacks: Milo, Maggi, Pocky, White Rabbit — whatever reminds you of home!
• Kitchen Tools: Rice cooker (mini ones are useful!), chopsticks, or reusable lunchboxes
• Traditional clothes: For events hosted by the Malaysian Society at Surrey – like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali!

🛍️ What Not to Pack (Buy It in the UK!)

• Bulky bedding (buy from Argos, Tesco, or IKEA when you arrive)
• Full sets of pots/pans (buy from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Robert Dyas)
• Too many clothes — you’ll likely shop once you arrive anyway
• School stationery — just bring a few essentials, there will be lots of pens to take during fairs

If you’re coming to the University of Surrey, you’ll find a supportive community here — especially through the Malaysian Society, which really helped me feel at home. And don’t worry, we’ve got lots of instant noodles, sambal, and warm friendships waiting here too 😄💙