Packing and what you to bring with you to the UK

Here at Stirling, no two students are alike - and neither are their suitcases. See our suggested list of what to bring with you and what is already supplied for you in our University accommodation.

Hand luggage

You will be able to bring one small bag on your flight. Things to put in this bag:

  • Overnight toiletries (in case your main luggage is delayed)
  • Documents that you require for immigration purposes:
    • Valid passport
    • Valid entry clearance (sticker in your passport) if applicable
    • Your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) if applicable
    • Documents used to make your original application for your visa
    • Your visa decision letter which explains the visa you have been granted and the date you can collect your Biometric Residence Permit
    • Your plane ticket and/or flight itinerary showing your journey from your country of origin to your arrival in the UK
    • Health certificate and medication if necessary, including TB Screening Testing if required
    • Accommodation forms
  • Essential medication (plus confirmation from your doctor that you need this medicine)

Remember that there are restrictions on what you may carry in your hand luggage.

Clothes and the weather

You can check the weather forecast for Stirling on the Met Office website.

The weather in Scotland is variable. Summer temperatures are usually 18-25 degrees celsius (daytime) while in winter the temperature can be as low as minus 5 degrees and high temperatures can be around 10 degrees.

Weather changes quickly – we can have both rain and sunshine within an hour

We suggest you bring at least one raincoat and warm coat or jacket with you. In winter you will need waterproof boots, gloves, scarf and hat. It is best to keep warm by wearing many layers of clothing rather than one thick layer. Winter coats and clothing can be bought in Stirling if they are not readily available at home.

We suggest you plan to buy some of your clothes in the UK after you have some experience of the climate.

Restricted goods

There are a number of things which you cannot bring into the UK or they will be seized by customs. These include food products from outside the EU, illegal drugs and weapons. The full list can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Please don’t pack any fresh, dried or cured pork or wild boar meat to bring to the UK. This includes any pork or wild boar products such as sausages, bacon, meatballs, pate, ham, salami, jerky, bakwa and rougan, and products made of pork fat or wild boar fat, such as lardo and salo. It is illegal to bring these items into the UK from most countries outside of the EU.

Meat and meat products can carry diseases, such as African swine fever. African swine fever is a highly contagious disease of pigs caused by a virus. There is no vaccine and the majority of affected pigs die. It does not affect humans. This virus survives for a long time in pork or wild boar meat and their products.

African swine fever has caused the deaths of millions of pigs worldwide and must be kept out of the UK. It is illegal to bring meat, cheese or milk from most countries outside of the EU.

Help protect the UK’s pigs and don’t bring meat or meat products into the UK. Declare any food items to customs.

For more information search African swine fever at gov.scot.

Household items

Check with your accommodation provider what items are included in your accommodation – you may need to buy some kitchen equipment and bedding after your arrival in the UK so check what you will need for the first few nights. See what's provided in the University accommodation.

The Green and Blue Space, operated by Students’ Union in the Atrium, is open during Welcome Week to pick up free household equipment other students have donated. Local supermarkets offer a wide range of kitchen equipment and bedding. Check out where they are on our Life at Stirling page.

It’s best to buy heavier items in the UK to avoid exceeding your baggage allowance.

If you want to ship any goods to the UK you should check local couriers and postal services for costs.