Nicola's top picks for packing

My most essential things for university are my MacBook, iPad and Apple Pencil together with their chargers and a matching UK adapter. I like to do most of my note-taking digitally, so these devices are very important for studying. They are also great for watching movies and series, and for keeping in touch with friends and family at home via FaceTime. Of course, headphones are essential, too – and since I want to be prepared in case we have to go back to remote learning, I am also packing a proper headset, to ensure good audio quality in any Zoom conferences.

As there are always some things that need to be written down on paper, I am bringing a notepad, pens and highlighters along with a day planner. This allows me to handwrite the most important things, and to pin important notes on my pinboard to constantly have them on the radar.

I am also packing my Nintendo Switch to be able to play some games either on my own or with friends at Uni or at home, a small hip bag to carry around the essential things when going for a walk on campus, and a reusable water bottle. This will hopefully make grocery shopping easier because I won’t have to buy and carry heavy water bottles, but can instead just drink tap water and refill my own bottle. 

Living away from my family and friends for a whole year, I expect to feel homesick at one point or the other. For this situation I am bringing a plushie that reminds me of home, as well as an adorable little comic book that always makes me smile. And if that is not enough, I can always grab my iPad and make a video call. 

If you're an international student coming to the UK for the first time, check out our handy guide of what to pack. 

For more student packing essentials, visit our 'what's in my bag?' page.