How To Pack For Your Semester In London

If you’re planning to spend an autumn semester studying in London, you’re going to need to be prepared with some sensible packing. We’ve put together an essential list of things that you might want to get together before you move into your student accommodation. London is many things, but it is certainly not predictable when it comes to the weather, so our list gives you some great suggestions so you don’t get caught short.

Must Haves for Autumn London Living

A Sturdy Rain Jacket

In terms of rain, this capital city can be a bit confusing! Early in the autumn the rain can drizzle endlessly, although it can still feel quite warm. On these days you need a light rain jacket, but as autumn approaches winter, the rain can be heavy and temperatures drop, so a sturdier jacket is definitely worth packing.

Waterproof Shoes

Wellington boots are very practical on rainy days but they don’t necessarily cut it for fashionable London life. Any kind of waterproof footwear is advisable, whether it is a trainer, a walking boot or a fashionable but practical pair of leather shoes.

Cardigans

A cardigan is an essential for autumn days in the UK. You never really know how the weather will behave from one day to the next, so cardigans that can be taken on and off easily as necessary are a real bonus. You cover all weather eventualities if you layer up.

Light weight Backpack

A backpack is ideal for keeping all your study notes safe and dry, but it’s also a practical way to carry around your extra layers and waterproof jacket. Make sure you get a waterproof cover for the pack, so you can relax knowing that everything inside will stay dry for when you need it.

Guide maps

Every time you walk out the door of your student accommodation, London opens up a whole world of sight-seeing opportunities. Make sure you pack a guide map with the correct opening times for the main attractions. It is at this time of year that opening hours and access to monuments and museums often change onto the winter schedule.

Reusable Water Bottle

You can get some really funky reusable water bottles, so make sure you pack one to take with you – or buy one when you arrive. You’ll probably find that as a student in the city, you end up doing a lot of walking to save the pennies you would otherwise spend on public transport. Lots of walking is a thirsty business and many places will now fill your water bottle for free.

Cosy Woolly Hat

The best way to stay warm is to cover your head, so pack a woolly hat and you’ll be all set for the crisp, cooler autumn days and evenings.

Start with the essentials above and you’ll be off to a great start when it comes to packing for your autumn semester in your student accommodation. London’s unpredictable weather catches everyone out at some point though!  

Final Tip: The only other thing to suggest as a ‘must have’ is a good camera. This means that you’ll be able to capture all the many memories you are bound to make when you spend time as a student in this wonderful capital.

Author Plate

Sophie Smith works as an independent consultant and offers advice to young people looking for London-based <a href="https://britanniastudents.com/">student accommodation. London</a> has a wide range of options when it comes to student living, and Sophie’s helpful suggestions make deciding where to stay even easier. Her expert tips and tricks stem from her first-hand experience studying in the city and living on a budget, so she is more than qualified to support others doing the same.