Thinking back to last year, I spent the entire summer packing and ended up with a hand suitcase and three 30kg boxes. After living in London for a year, I realised that I didn’t even use some of the items. Therefore, I’m here to recommend the ultimate list of items that you should pack no matter what.

Raincoat/waterproof jacket

London’s weather is unpredictable. Your day might begin with a clear sky, but end up with a shower a few hours later. Londoners don’t use an umbrella unless it’s raining cats and dogs; they simply wear a hood on a waterproof jacket when it starts raining. Having an umbrella with you is always a good idea, but bringing a raincoat or a waterproof jacket is highly recommended.

Reusable water bottle

There are several water fountains on campus. Given that the UK’s tap water is drinkable, it’s recommended that you bring your reusable water bottle to get free tap water nearby – you don’t have to buy bottled water in that case. If you like tea or coffee, you can enjoy them every day while being environmentally friendly.

Plug adapters

If your home country has a different voltage system from that of the UK, you should bring several plug adapters with you. Especially, if you have more than one electric item that needs to be charged daily.

Electric heat blanket

If you get cold easily, this is a must-bring item. I brought one from South Korea myself, but you can also find heat blankets at a reasonable price on Amazon. Since the LSE halls have a central heating system, you won’t be able to heat your room whenever you like. While you could wear layers of clothes to keep you warm, placing an electric heat blanket on your bed can make your room feel like a warm cocoon. While the temperatures in London don’t usually drop below zero, it does get pretty windy and wet in the Autumn and Winter.

Duvet and pillow covers

All LSE halls provide duvets and pillows but without covers. So make sure you bring your own.

Laptop or tablet PC

• While some people may prefer handwritten to typed notes, a majority of the formative and summative assessments at LSE need to be handed in typed. Some courses also require students to make presentations with PowerPoint slides. For the most part, LSE’s reading lists and key platforms (such as LSE For You and the Student Hub) are digitised. For these reasons, you should have an electronic item with you so you can access these tools and work on your assignments when you don’t have access to an IT room on campus or in your student hall.

Calculator

• This one is especially important for those who take courses with mathematical components. Around the Winter and Summer Term exams, there are always some people who are desperate to borrow a calculator. While some courses are 100% essay-based, some others involve calculation. If you’re planning to take one of the latter modules, it would be wise to bring a calculator with you. Always check with the department first before purchasing one, as it is likely that the department will only permit specific calculators for examination purposes.

Laundry bag

While you’ll regularly have to purchase laundry detergents, it’s still useful to bring your laundry bag from home. Surprisingly enough, people prefer similar time slots to do their laundry. If you plan to use the washer and dryer, having a laundry bag will prevent you from losing your belongings. It’s easy to lose a pair of socks or two, especially when the laundry room is a shared facility and everyone has to use them at some point.

Kitchen utensils

Some LSE halls are catered, while others are not. If you’re staying at a catered hall, you might want to bring some cutlery with you, especially if you want to enjoy some takeouts. If you’ll be living in a non-catered hall, it’s recommended that you bring a knife and cutting board in addition to cutlery so you can cook for yourself.