If you are moving to the UK then you could probably do with some good advice on what kind of essential items to bring with you, unless you’re the kind of person who likes to travel with just a credit card.

The weather in UK

Firstly the UK is rather famous for its wet weather, and although there is sometimes a tendency amongst people to exaggerate just how bad it is, a good waterproof coat and an umbrella must rank amongst the most essential items in any suitcase.

But despite the tendency towards rainy weather you will find that temperature here is rather good for most of the year. Certainly not warm and pleasant all year round but neither is it likely to suffer freezing temperatures for very long either.

Therefore make sure that you bring some warm jumpers and a good pair of boots to go with your coat and umbrella, but also be aware that in summer temperatures can often reach as high as 28 degrees so make sure you pack for warm weather too.

If you are visiting London in the summer be aware that it gets very hot and crowded on the underground so make sure that you pack plenty of light clothes and carry a bottle of water with you at all times.

UK nightlife

Most city centres have a thriving bar and nightclub scene, if you are planning to sample the UK nightlife then it is advisable to dress well. Many bars have enormous doormen who are quite strict on who they let in, so some good smart going-out clothes are also very important, unless you are planning on staying in every night.

Work in the UK 

If you expect to be working in the UK then a smart business suit for interviews is essential along with the original copies or certified translations of your qualifications. You will also need a good CV, you can get some helpful tips on what UK employers want by clicking here. You should also check what original documents you may need to bring with you - some employers won't allow you to start work without them and this could delay things if you need to wait for post to be delivered from your home country.

Electricity in the UK

The UK has a different electricity system to the rest of Europe, if you are bringing any electrical items with you that require mains electricity then you will need to bring an adaptor with you for your plugs. Whereas most countries have 2 pin plugs the UK has 3, you should be able to buy these at your local airport. Mains voltage in the UK is 230v. 

Money in the UK

Another thing to remember, if you are coming from Europe, is that the UK has not joined the Euro yet so make sure that you change some Euros into Pounds before you arrive. And if you are not coming frome Europe, note that the UK is part of Europe, but not fully... so its still British Pounds.

Now you have your waterproofs, jumpers, umbrella, plug adaptor, smart evening wear and GB Pounds you are pretty much set for a fruitful experience here in the UK. Of-course you are probably going to miss things from home so it is recommended that you bring those little foodstuffs from home that you might have trouble finding in the UK. Although be aware that the UK has some of the most internationalist shopping anywhere in the world so with a bit of research you are bound to discover a place that sells your favourite biscuits eventually.

And don’t forget that the most important resource will be waiting for you when you arrive, OKinUK will be there to answer your questions and help you settle in as you begin your new and exciting experience.

By John Hillman

USEFUL WORDS

Clothes
summer clothes
gloves
hat & scarf
winter coat
sunhat
raincoat
flat shoes or trainers
clothes for work

Books
dictionary
English grammar book
UK guidebook
Documents
passport
driving licence
healthcare information
copies of qualifications
letters of reference
passport-sized photos

Other
umbrella
sunglasses
camera
medication
electrical adaptor plug
alarm clock

GRAMMAR SPOT

Bring and Fetch
Bring is used to talk about carrying something from somewhere else to here:
You should bring an umbrella with you to London
When you come back from England, please bring me some tea

We sometimes use bring to mean that something usually carries something with it:
April often brings high winds

Fetch has a similar meaning, but always involves going somewhere to get something.  Bring is used when we carry something from where we already are:
You need to fetch copies of your qualifications next time you travel home
Could you fetch my gloves from the car, it?s very cold today

Phrasal Verbs with Bring
bring (something) back = return to its original place
bring up = say or mention
bring (someone) up = look after a child until s/he is adult
bring together = unite
bring in = bring from outside into the building or room

Phrasal Verbs with Take
take (something) in = listen to and understand
take someone out = pay for and accompany someone somewhere
take (something) out = carry something outside the house
take (something) off = remove clothing or any other covering
take off = leave the ground
take up = start something new