Written by: Carib Students’s creator and writer, Nia Golden
If I could, I would have brought my whole room with me for the comfort, but I couldn’t. I tried to bring things that would help me to be more comfortable, remind me of home, would work for the weather, and would allow for a smooth transition.
Clothes
T-shirts – Can be worn in your accommodations, with the right layers they can worn be in the winter.
Vests or tank tops – These are good for layering.
Jeans and shorts – Shorts can be worn inside during the winter. I like to wear mine during the winter because if my heater or the one in the kitchen is on, the rooms can be warm. So no need for joggers/sweatpants or leggings.
Jeans are good for all year round. For the ladies, I advise you to buy thick stockings/panty hose (which can be purchased at Primark) and wear them under your jeans to help in the winter.
If you have space for summer dresses or items, then you can bring them. I suggest buying clothes when the time comes around and leaving them home so they are there when you visit.
Items with skinny straps can be worn here during the winter as long as you have a good jacket and you’re not walking around too much with the cold air. I think it also depends on which stage of winter you are in as well. Just coming out is fine and the beginning yes, but not in the middle. As Isis said in her blog post ‘Do not freeze for fashion.’
You can bring flip-flops or sandals to wear in your flat. Definitely bring sneakers for all of the walking you will be doing.
Toiletries
- Towel (After your long journey you will want to take a bath)
- Queen size bedding. If you selected a room with a double bed you can use a queen-sized sheet. In the Caribbean we do not use that size so the only equivalent is a queen. This will allow you to make your bed when you arrive so you can sleep comfortably.
- Wash cloths
- Body wash or soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Vicks
- Ferrol or any cough medicine (For Freshers’ Flu)
- Pain killers
- Menstrual products
- Combs (I had a hard time finding combs that go with my hair on a previous trip so I made sure to bring some with me this time)
Things that remind you of home
- Flag (I’ve noticed that Caribbean students love putting up their countries flags in their room)
- Printed photos of families and friends
- Favourite local snack to enjoy within the first couple of days or weeks when you arrive. (I find that eating familiar food helps with acclimating.)
I.D
You will need an I.D to purchase things like knives or collect packages from the post office. You can use your local drivers license or social security card as well as your passport. I prefered using my drivers license becuse it would be easier to replace that than my passport. When you get your student I.D you could use that as well.
Money
If it is possible, I suggest exchanging your currency for pounds. You can find foreign exchange services in the airport and train station if you are unable to do so until you arrive.
Do you have any tips to add? Drop me a note at caribstudent.w.i at gmail dot com.