Written by Judy, PhD Civil Engineering
Moving to London to start university is a thrilling milestone, but those final one to six weeks before boarding your flight can feel a little overwhelming – I know that feeling all too well.
I first moved from China to London to complete my undergraduate degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial. After heading across the Atlantic to New York University for my Master’s, I found myself drawn right back to Imperial, where I am now in the second year of my PhD in the very same department!
Having made this transition multiple times, I’ve learned that landing smoothly isn’t about packing everything you own – it’s about getting a few key essentials in order before you arrive.
Here is my practical pre-arrival checklist to help you turn those pre-departure nerves into genuine excitement for your journey to Imperial:
1. Get familiar with the academic side of things
Before the term officially kicks off, visit your department’s website and check your inbox for welcome emails. Take a look at your course structure, modules and induction week schedule. If your department has provided recommended pre-reading, dip into it at your own pace. If not, don’t worry – you can always search for key module topics on YouTube or introductory articles to get a head start, so you can feel confident from day one.
2. Research living costs and plan your budget
London is an incredible city, but living costs can easily catch you off guard if you only plan for tuition and rent. Take some time to look up everyday expenses like groceries, dining out and TfL transport (Tube and buses). Draft a realistic monthly budget, think about how you’ll support yourself financially and prepare your funds in advance.
3. Set up a bank account and UK SIM card in advance
You’ll likely need to pay for transport and food quite soon after you’ve arrived in the UK, so setting up your method of payment in advance and having a local SIM card that keeps you connected are important.
- Banks and payments – you can bring an international Visa or Mastercard (credit or debit card with contactless enabled) from your home country to cover your first couple of weeks. You can also research digital bank options which allow you to create an international bank account online in advance from wherever you’re based, or plan which bank based in the UK you’d like to set up a local account with once you’ve arrived. Once you complete your in-person registration at Imperial, you can download an official Bank Letter from the student portal to open a local UK debit account.
- SIM Card – you can order a short-term UK SIM card in your home country before departure so you have instant mobile data upon landing for navigation, ordering taxis or checking in at your accommodation. If needed, you can switch to a long-term phone plan in the UK later.
4. Pack for your first week and bring comforts from home
While London has almost everything you could possibly need, your first week might be busy with getting over your jet lag, attending induction events and exploring your new home. You won’t have the energy for an immediate shopping marathon, so I’d recommend packing your first-week essentials, such as:
- UK travel adapters
- personal medications (in original packaging with English labels)
- travel toiletries
- a lightweight set of bed linens (sheets, pillowcase and a duvet cover) so you can get a cozy night’s sleep on day one.
Don’t forget to bring a sentimental comfort – like your favourite plush toy or a speciality snack from home – to make your new place instantly feel like home. You can buy bulkier items later once you’ve settled in and know what you’re missing and need to get.
5. Triple-backup your important documents
Make sure you have all your vital paperwork organised and with you when travelling to the UK, including your:
- passport
- visa/eVisa confirmation
- CAS statement
- unconditional offer letter
- accommodation agreement
- insurance
- medical certificates
It’s also a good idea to have multiple copies of your important documents, such as:
1. Printed hard copies in your carry-on bag (crucial for UK Border Control, university ID collection and tenancy check-in).
2. Offline digital copies saved locally on your phone or tablet.
3. Cloud backups (such as OneDrive or Google Drive) that are accessible from anywhere.
6. Turn anxiety into excitement with a 3-tier bucket list
Anticipation is the best remedy for pre-departure jitters! Writing a personal bucket list of what you’d like to do and explore when you’re at Imperial and in the UK can help you get excited for the next step in your journey. You could think about what you’d like to tick off your bucket list in three areas:
- London life – seeing Big Ben, taking a scenic boat ride along the River Thames, strolling through Hyde Park or visiting the Natural History Museum (both right next to our South Kensington Campus!).
- Imperial experiences – joining exciting sports clubs, arts societies or cultural groups through the Imperial College Union.
- Travel adventures – planning weekend day trips across the UK (like Oxford, Cambridge or Brighton) or plotting long-term holiday getaways to Europe.
7. Start building your community early
You don’t have to wait until you arrive to make friends. Follow Imperial’s official Instagram and TikTok accounts, chat to current students on platforms like Unibuddy and check out other student blogs to see what life as an Imperial student really looks like. You can also join offer holder groups and communities on Unibuddy, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Connecting with even one or two course mates beforehand means you’ll have someone to pick up student IDs and explore London with and can support each other if unexpected hiccups arise.
You’re not doing this alone!
Remember: you don’t have to get everything 100% perfect before you begin your move to the UK and join Imperial. Settling into university is a step-by-step journey, and there is a massive community ready to welcome you with open arms.
If you ever have questions about visas, immigration compliance, or adjusting to life in the UK, Imperial’s dedicated International Student Support team is always here to guide you with drop-in sessions, orientation events and expert advice. Alongside the Imperial College Union and our vibrant student societies, you’ll always have a support system behind you.
Take a deep breath, stay curious and enjoy the adventure ahead!
