Packing your life in 30kg or less.

Congratulations to all for securing a spot in your ‘dream university’! I’m writing this (hopefully) as a guidance for DURHAM FRESHERS about what to bring and what to expect when you arrive in Durham.

What should I bring? 

First of all, you need to know that most airline companies will offer you a 30kg baggage allowance. Of course, you can add more but it will be super pricey for an international flight. I usually travel by Emirates (because the ticket is usually cheaper). Other than the standard 30kg luggage, you can bring a hand carry (cabin size 7kg) and a laptop bag or a handbag. Why mention the 30kg limit a few times? Because you must stick to the weight limit! 1kg extra and you’ll be charged for ±£50! Same goes for the hand carry, 7kg or maybe 8kg is still okay (depends on the person at the counter).

Hand carry/Handbag:

1) Important documents (passport, visa and CAS letter from university are essential)

2) Laptop and power bank

3) Pen

4) If you bring any liquids or creams, ensure that it’s less than 100ml and place them in a sealed transparent bag (check the airline FAQ for the details)

5) Money (£500 should be enough for you to buy essentials before you’re able to open a bank account)

Luggage:

1) Clothing:

- As you’ll arrive in autumn, it’ll be a bit chilly (around 15 ̊C to 10 ̊C). So, I would suggest bringing a sweater with you when you first arrive)

- Thermal underwear – Uniqlo is good (a pair is enough)

-If you used to wear slippers and sandals in Malaysia, I’d advice you to bring full covered shoes and socks because it’ll be chilly

-Bring a few pairs of your traditional clothes and formal wear

-Jeans!

-If you’re wearing hijab, bring a lot from home cause it’s difficult to find nice hijabs in the UK, including anak tudung and pins.

2) Foods:

-This is not essential, but I prefer to bring items on hand.

-Maggi or instant noodles and porridge (perfect for when you first arrive and have a lack of kitchen supplies).

-Keropok! (personal favourite)

-Anchovies (please pack it properly or else your clothes will smell – try vacuum packs!)

-Dried chilli (if you’re self-catered)

-Milo (it’s expensive in UK)

-Instant Nescafe 3 in 1 (must have if you’re a hantu kopi!)

-Maybe some perencah (mee bandung, sup tulang or cube pati ayam)

3) Toiletries

-Don’t forget your towel!

-Bring your own skin care because you might not find your fav Asian brand in the UK.

-Moisturiser, lip balm and lotion are a must!

-You can bring the small sized items

4) Telekung (I brought 2 sets)

5) Prayer Mat (Sejadah)

The list above is just a rough guide for what to bring based on my first-year experiences! You can always bring more (if you have someone to help you bring your things) or you can bring less. Some of the stuff I listed are my personal preferences, things I can’t live without – aka food! For clothing, most of my winter clothes were bought in the UK. Everything else such as bed room items, kitchenware and anything related to your house can be obtained easily here. Especially if you have other Malaysian students going to the same university, they’re going to give you lots of things such as duvet, printer and even a portable heater. Textbooks are heavy and will eat up your 30kg limit, and you might find them for cheaper in the UK! So, don’t worry and try to contact any Malaysians before you come to Durham. They’ll help you settle down for sure! Lastly, enjoy your time in Durham! We’re so thrilled and excited to meet you! 😊

-Syazana