Before I get down to business, the Guardian University rankings were released and Surrey is now 4th in the UK!! This is a jump from our previous 6th place. The Biosciences program is now 7th in the UK. You can check out what your program is ranked here: http://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2015/may/25/university-league-tables-2016#all. Just put in your program at the top to see!
Ok back on topic now:
As an international student, it can be hard to decide what to bring. I feel like if i didn’t minimise my load, I’ll be bringing my entire room with me
Thanksfully, I recieved help on the matter from my peers.
I made the mistake this year to bring my giant winter coat. Scrap that! It’s always easy to bring lighter clothes that you can layer on — and maybe a light jacket, something that you would wear in the fall or spring in Canada. Also make sure its rain proof! The big boots that you own for bad weather? Make sure they’re rain proof. I brought my big winter boot – that I keep for the dratted -20 weather. I arely used them but in the storms they were helpful. I think I’ll just buy rain boots here next year (Wellies can be found here at a reasonable cost). I brought my hat and gloves as well and those I did find helpful for the stormiest of weather. I did end up taking them back in April as the weather considerably warmed up.
A bedding pack can be purchased prior to your arrival for £28.50. Bedding can take up so much of your room in the luggage, so if you can afford it, it’s a good idea. You can always bring your own bedding that will fit a 90cm bed (unless your room is a Band F which would be a double bed). You can get these at the online shop
The kitchen is equipped with an oven, a toaster or grill, an iron, a microwave, a fridge/freezer and an ironing board, but you will need to provide your own cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery. You can bring these from home but usually these can be found for cheap in town. It’s a good idea to not bring food with you as a lot of the food can be found at the local grocery store and/or the shops on campus.
I plan to print off a whole bunch of photos with my friends at home to bring with me so I can put them up in my room. Something that reminds you of home is always a good idea to keep in your room.
Its a good idea to pack light. If you’re anything like I am, you’ll end up shopping (Trust me, clothes here are so much nicer) I’ve bought 6 pairs of shoes since September 2013 and a lot of tops and jeans. I like the shopping here, I feel like clothes fit me here better than at home (but that’s just me!). If you’re not familiar with British weather, I would recommend not to bring too many clothes.
If you’re going back for Christmas or Easter break here’s an idea: I brought a lot of sweaters and warm clothes with me initially in september. When I went back in April, I took almost all of it back with me and came back with lighter, summer-y clothing. Not only is lighter clothing is easier to take back at the end (it doesnt take up as much room as the sweaters) it also looks like you have a whole new wardrobe that no one in the UK has seen!
