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LEARNING AT NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY LONDON

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Travel checklist

Know Before You Go


Your guide to getting ready to travel to Northeastern University London. Moving to a new city – or a new country – is exciting, but it takes a little preparation. This checklist will help you get organised before you travel, so your journey and arrival in London is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Once you’ve ticked everything off here, head to our Arrival in London guide for step-by-step information on getting from the airport to your accommodation, registering at the university, and settling into your new home.

Before you travel to the UK

To make your move to the UK as smooth as possible we have created a checklist of important tasks and information to review before you travel to London.

Documents to bring with you

Make sure these are packed safely in your carry-on luggage – you’ll need them for arrival and registration:

  • passport used for your Student Visa application
  • your Share Code (proves your UK visa status)
  • boarding pass for your flight, train, or ferry
  • accommodation confirmation from Residence Life (if applicable)
  • original academic qualifications listed on your CAS statement
  • official translations of qualifications (if applicable)
  • prescription letter for any medication you’re bringing
  • copies of any health or travel insurance policies

Travelling with medication

Prescription medications should always be in the original containers, easily accessible and carried in your hand luggage. Never pack medications in your checked luggage. You’ll need a doctor’s letter confirming that the medication was prescribed to you.

You must ensure that you comply with the UK regulation regarding bringing medications into the UK.

Check UK regulations about bringing medicine into the UK.

Packing

Please pack only what you can carry yourself on one trip. We usually recommend two pieces of luggage, one bag to check-in and one carry-on, plus one personal item such as a laptop or handbag. This generally complies with most international airline baggage policies, but you should check the baggage and weight allowances with your airline.

Your packing list

Essentials to bring:

  • clothing for all seasons (London weather changes quickly)
  • a smart outfit for formal events or interviews
  • comfortable walking shoes
  • waterproof jacket or umbrella
  • indoor shoes or slippers
  • laptop computer and phone
  • charging leads and UK plug adaptor (three-pin, 240 volts)
  • everyday backpack for campus (to carry laptop, lunch, books and other materials)
  • glasses or contact lenses with a copy of your prescription
  • credit card and/or some British pounds (£)

You won’t need:

  • Kitchen appliances (air fryers, kettles, etc.)
  • Printers (available on campus)

Our halls of residence provide:

  • Bedding (sheets, duvet, pillows)
  • Kitchen basics (utensils, pots, and frying pan)

Quick tips

  • don’t leave packing to the last minute, give yourself time to prepare
  • make digital and paper copies of important documents
  • aim to travel light
  • halls accommodation is compact with limited storage
  • toiletries are bulky – buy them when you arrive

Items you may not legally bring to the UK

You should not bring any banned or restricted items with you to the UK. Remember, many items that may be legal in other countries are not permitted in the UK. These include (but are not limited to):

  • firearms
  • marijuana
  • knives
  • mace/pepper spray
  • tasers

Review the full list of banned or restricted items.

Baggage tips

Checked baggage:

  • mark your bags with bright tags, stickers or ribbons
  • include your contact details inside and outside each bag

Carry-on baggage:

  • pack essentials for two days (just in case of delays)
  • include your passport, documents, valuables, medication, and laptop

Need help before you travel?

If you have any questions before you arrive, our Student Life team is here for you studentlife@nulondon.ac.uk.