What to bring

We know there can be a lot to remember when you’re packing for university. To help you, we've put together a list of important documents and items you might need. 

 

Essential documents 

Bring the documents in the following list in your hand luggage. You may need to show these documents to enter the UK. 

• Passport 
• Visa (if required) and the letter you receive when your visa is issued
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate and letter from the University – if required
• Your academic offer letter
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) – if required
• Original academic qualification certificates and English language test report – remember to bring formal translations if your documents are not in English
• Proof of fees paid – if paid in advance
• Sponsorship letter – if applicable
• Proof that you will have the money to pay your fees and to support yourself while living in the UK – including bank statements
• Marriage and birth certificates for you and your family – if applicable
• Proof of address in your home country – this could be either a letter from the University sent to your home address or a recent letter from your bank
• Proof of your UK address
• University accommodation contract – if applicable
• Health and insurance documents (see the ‘Health and insurance documents’ section below)
• Evidence of any ongoing medical condition (see ‘Medication’ section below)
• Certificate enabling you to work with vulnerable people if needed (see the ‘Work documents’ section below)

It’s also important that you bring:  

• A card that you can use in the UK. It can take a few weeks to open a bank account. Find out more about arranging money for when you arrive.
• Enough cash to pay for a taxi from Leeds city centre to your accommodation if needed. Be aware that taxi drivers don’t accept £50 notes for short journeys. Make sure you bring £10 and £20 notes with you.  
• Contact details and address for your accommodation and the 24-hour University Security Services..

Luggage 

Deciding what to pack for a year or some years abroad can be hard to do. Leeds is an extremely multicultural city, with many shops sellig international ingredients and kitchen appliances that will allow you to cook just like at home.

If your accommodation doesn’t provide kitchen equipment, bedding or toiletry, you can order these to be delivered directly to your accommodation before you arrive via UniKitOut. 

You’ll also be able to get some of your things sent to the UK during the year so it’s important you pack smartly and keep your luggage light to help your journey go smoother. Remember that you’ll have to carry your own bags outside airports and on connecting trains and coaches, if you’re travelling by public transport.

If you’re using the University’s airport transport from Leeds Bradford or Manchester Airport, please also note that the maximum luggage allowed onboard is two large suitcases and one small suitcase. If you need to bring more luggage, consider arranging to send things from home when you have moved into your permanent accommodation. 

Finally, customs regulations in the UK are very strict. Make sure you read more about what you cannot bring into the UK on customs advice for travellers entering the UK. 

Chat to Link to Leeds Ambassadors

• Check Chetna’s tips on what to pack for Leeds!

Get more tips on packing for Leeds by joining our events or chat with a Link to Leeds ambassador to find out more about life in Leeds.