Moving away from home for university, especially to a new country, is a very daunting experience, yet it is exciting at the same time. It teaches you to how to be responsible and independent. Here is a list of a few things I think are important to bring with you.

Appropriate clothing

Belfast is more wet than cold! Coming from a hot tropical country, it took me a while to acclimatise. It is important that you bring a waterproof jacket and shoes with you. A sturdy umbrella would also come in handy – but if it the winds are too strong, a hooded jacket is better as umbrellas can break!

A warm hat and gloves would do you good on a cold day. I would also recommend bringing thermals to layer up! A pair of rubber slippers might be an underrated suggestion but are really useful for when you are sharing bathrooms.

Belfast weather essentials

Travel Essentials

Keep your documents (passport, IDs, visa letter etc) ready in a clear folder for easy access. Depending on where you’re travelling from, you might need to bring a travel adaptor with you. Also, remember to pack your electronics and chargers separately in your hand luggage.

You should also bring some local currency with you for immediate expenses. Since a lot of students travel around term time, airports are very busy! Some people’s checked in luggage may be delayed. It is important to pack essentials in your cabin bag.

Find out more about the airport arrival procedure in Belfast

Medicines

You should carry any prescribed medication and their prescription with you. It could take a while registering with a local GP and transferring your prescriptions here. Also, it would be a good decision to keep a mini first aid kit with plasters and antiseptics in your room.

Accommodation essentials

You will require bedding and kitchen essentials for your room. I would not recommend bringing them with you as it just wastes luggage space. You have the option to buy them from the university or else there is a lot of local stores around that sell them. Ikea is a big store a lot of students go to. You can also buy toiletries, towels and laundry supplies from there.

Visit IKEA with Queen's Accommodation

It is useful buying an extension board because the plug points might not be in places you need! It is worth bringing some photos or anything that reminds you of home to decorate your room for the days you might feel homesick.

 Some final tips

• Pack light!! Your 23kg bags are enough, do not overpack! You can buy everything you need in Belfast for reasonable prices. Most shops have discounts during freshers week.
• Make a list of things you need to bring with you so that you don’t forget anything.
• Moving away from home can be scary at times, never feel afraid to ask for help!

What's life like for Indian students in Belfast and at Queen's?

Hope your journey to Queen’s is as beautiful as mine!

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Manya Ranganathan  Medicine | Undergraduate Student | India I have just finished my second year of medical school at Queen’s. It has been an enjoyable two years in Belfast with lots of study sessions in the McClay, discovering new parts of the city and working together with my peers. I am an international student from Delhi, India but the wonderful people I have met and the friends I’ve made make Belfast seem like home.