Studying Abroad at St Andrews: What to Bring with You
For our visiting, exchange, and study abroad students who will be joining the University very shortly, we know that a lot of you will be thinking about packing for your time abroad. You may be feeling unsure about what to bring and, equally importantly, what not to bring. We have put together this blog post with some tips and useful links which should help you figure out the essentials.
Do Bring
- Warm and waterproof clothing – the weather in Scotland can be very changeable with all 4 seasons appearing in one day, so we recommend that you bring a waterproof jacket, weatherproof shoes, and lots of layers for the colder winter months.
- Comfort items – things like photos and small keepsakes to remind you of home which you can use to decorate your room and make it feel more homely. There is a huge poster and house plant sale during orientation week where you can also pick up items to make your room feel more like your own.
- Prescription medicine to last for at least three months – If you are an international student, you can bring in a limited supply of medicine with you when you enter the UK, however it must be registered and licensed for use in the UK. Read the UK government’s guidance on travelling with medicine carefully before you travel.
- Smartphone or camera, notebook, or other ways to document your time abroad – this is not a requirement, but studying abroad is a big deal and it is worth thinking about ways you might want to record your memories for the future. It can be easy to forget some of your experiences so documenting them is important to help you reflect on your time in Scotland and when discussing your study abroad journey. We also love to hear how our students are getting on, so do feel free to share, tag us in photos and videos, or just let us know what you have been getting up to by emailing [email protected] or tagging us @standrewsglobal.
Do Not Bring
- Do not bring pepper spray or any other CS spray.
- Do not bring any electrical kitchen or cooking equipment from outside the UK.
- Candles, incense sticks or anything with a naked flame.
- Electric blanket.
- Medical fridge (unless issued by the University).
University Accommodation/Halls of Residence
The majority of you will be staying in University halls of residence. For those of you who are, please read the guidance about what to bring to University accommodation. This guide provides a detailed, although not exhaustive, list of things you might want to bring, and items you should leave at home for safety or space reasons.
Bedding
How to source bedding seems to be one of the most asked questions we receive from students. If you are staying in student accommodation, your room does not include bedding. You can:
- bring your own bedding
- order a new or sustainable bedding pack to be delivered to your room for the day you arrive
- get bedding in St Andrews.
More information about getting bedding for student accommodation (including the bed sizes in each hall of residence) is available online.
Devices and Wi-Fi
Find out what devices can connect to the University’s Wi-Fi in student accommodation and what items you may want to leave at home in the Devices and Wi-Fi in Student Accommodation Guide. This includes advice about smartphones, laptops, TVs, gaming devices, and more.
You can find the full set of Accommodation Guides online, offering information and guidance for living in University student accommodation.
Buying Second Hand
The St AndReuse initiative is a great place to find second-hand (pre-used) items. During orientation week they run a “Big Giveaway” event where you can find kitchenware, stationery, bedding, electrical items, clothes and general household items donated by previous students and local residents. St AndReuse runs events throughout the year more information is available on the Transition website.
St Andrews also has a number of charity shops (or what you might know as “thrift stores”) and they are definitely worth checking for clothes, books, and household items.
Other Useful Tips
- Check the UK government website for more information on what you can and cannot bring to the UK. Pay special attention to the section on banned and restricted goods as some goods are restricted and you may need a special license to bring them in to the UK.
- Storage space in halls of residence can be limited, so only pack what is absolutely essential – particularly if your hall requires you to remove your personal belongings during the intersemester break.
- TOP TIP: a lot of students wait until they arrive in St Andrews to source kitchen and other household items. This way you can consume consciously, share equipment or split costs with future flatmates, and reduce waste.
If you have questions or if you are unsure about anything as you prepare to travel to the UK, please contact our office by emailing [email protected]. We can offer advice or signpost you to further information and support.