Navigating the move from one continent to another involves more than just packing—it’s about preparing smartly to make your new beginning in Belfast as smooth as possible. By focusing on what you can easily acquire upon arrival, you not only lighten your load but also set yourself up for convenience and comfort from day one. Let's delve into the essentials that you can easily find in Belfast, sparing you the hassle of bringing them along from India.

Water bottles, Coffee mugs

You’ll receive goodies like these for free at career fairs shortly after your arrival. It’s a great way to start networking and stay hydrated!

Notebooks & Stationery

Explore career fairs for stationery essentials—think diaries, sticky notes, and quality pens from major companies. These are not just handy but often stylish additions to your study routine.

Shopping bags

Tote bags, especially the eco-friendly cloth ones, are plentiful at career fairs. Leave your heavy-duty shopping bags at home; you'll find these locally with ease.

Sewing Kit

While a sewing kit is handy, local stores like SAVERS offer kits for minimal cost, as low as £1. It’s a small investment locally that saves significant space in your luggage.

Containers

Essential for storing groceries, containers are affordable and readily available at PoundLand
or IKEA upon your arrival. These are sturdy and perfect for organising your kitchen essentials.

Winter Jacket and Raincoat

Pack a reliable jacket and raincoat from home as a backup. However, once settled in Belfast, you can explore local stores like Primark and Dunnes Stores where you'll find branded outerwear starting at £18. These stores offer trendy yet affordable options suitable for the local climate.

Socks

For comfortable and durable socks, consider shopping at Sports Direct upon arrival. They offer quality options at competitive prices, ensuring your comfort without overloading your luggage.

Check out Lebanese student Ghada's blog on Belfast weather essentials

Calendar/Planner

A basic necessity for organising your schedule, you can easily find affordable options at local stationery shops for £1 or less. These are convenient and won’t take up much space in your luggage.

Laundry Bag

Invest in a foldable, zippered laundry bag from Pound stretcher once you arrive. These compact bags are ideal for keeping your laundry organised and can be stored neatly when not in use.

Cutlery Set

Instead of carrying cutlery from India, opt for locally available sets at stores like B&M, ASDA, or similar retailers. These sets typically range from £3 to £6 and include essentials like spoons, forks, and butter knives.

Take a day trip to IKEA with Queen's Accommodation for all your home essentials!

Pillows

While personal bedding is comforting, practicality suggests purchasing cotton pillows locally upon arrival. Stores like Guineys offer quality pillows for as little as £3 a pair, ensuring a good night's sleep without the bulk in your luggage.

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Body lotion, Shampoo, Conditioner

Brands like Colgate, Oral B, Vaseline, and Dove are readily available at local retailers such as SAVERS and Poundland. You can easily find these products at prices comparable to or even lower than those in India, saving you both space and hassle.

Chopping board

Save space in your luggage by leaving your chopping board behind. You can easily purchase one upon arrival at IKEA or PoundLand for a nominal cost ranging from £1 to £3. These stores offer a variety of options to suit your needs, whether you prefer a basic board or something more specialised.

Water Filter

If you prefer filtered water, Poundland offers a convenient 2.5-liter jug with replaceable cartridges for just £5. This affordable option ensures you have access to clean, filtered water without the need to carry a bulky filter from India. It’s a practical choice for those new to Belfast and conscious of drinking tap water.

Hangers

Skip packing hangers in your luggage; instead, you can obtain them for free when you make purchases at most shops. Alternatively, you can purchase them affordably, typically around £3 for a set of 10 hangers. This approach saves space and ensures you have what you need to organise your wardrobe upon arriving in Belfast. It's a practical and cost-effective solution for settling into your new home smoothly.

Consider exploring websites such as Poundland, IKEA, Tesco, and others to check prices for items you may need. This will help you decide what essentials to pack from India. It's worth noting that prices on Amazon can sometimes be higher compared to what you might find in India. By planning ahead and researching local options, you can make informed decisions to ensure a smoother and more economical transition to Belfast.

By focusing on acquiring these essentials locally upon arrival, you’ll not only save on luggage weight but also ensure a smooth transition into your new life in Belfast. Embracing local finds allows you to settle in comfortably, equipped with familiar brands and all the essentials you need right from the start. It’s a practical approach that enhances convenience and helps you feel at home in your new surroundings. So, pack smart, shop local, and embark on your Belfast journey with ease!

Find out more

Essential and Necessary Items to Pack and Bring from India to Queen's

Optional/Additional Items to Pack and Bring from India to Queen's

India: Admissions Guide

Madhurya Jagadeesh MSc Business Analytics | Postgraduate Student | India I am a dedicated Business and Data Analyst with a strong academic foundation and a history in various analytical roles. My educational journey includes a Master of Science in Business Analytics from Queen's University Belfast and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Science & Engineering.