Packing Your Bag
The British climate is unpredictable and very changeable, which means that cold, windy and wet weather can occur at any time of the year. It is rarely hotter than 30°C at the warmest times of the year and temperatures may drop below 0°C during the winter months. Therefore, you will need warm and waterproof clothing for your stay in the UK. If possible you should bring some warm clothing with you, however, it may be cheaper to buy suitable clothes when you get here. The average September temperature is 15°C so it may feel cold when you arrive. It is advisable to dress in several thin layers such as a t-shirt, shirt and jumper so that you can adjust to the different temperatures inside and outside.
Dress at the University is generally informal but it is suggested that you bring your national dress, traditional clothes or a smart outfit for some of the formal events.
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Items to bring to the UK
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Tick
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| Autumn (September – November) 9.3-17.4°C (Celsius) max., 3.2-9°C min. Cool-chilly, rainy, shorter evenings |
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| Shirts, jumpers, jacket – layers of clothes |
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| Jeans, skirts, tights, trousers – cover legs because of cool weather |
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| Extras: socks, umbrella, hat, scarf, gloves |
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| Winter (December – February) 6-7°C max, 0.7-1.7°C min. temperature. Cold-very cold, rain, snow, frost, sleet, darker evenings, short days, N.B. In winter 2010 there was heavy snow and very low temperatures of -10 °C. |
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| Jumpers, winter coat - layers |
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| Jeans, winter tights, trousers - |
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| Extras: hat, scarf, gloves, warm socks, fleeces, boots |
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| Spring (March – May) 9-15°C max., 2-6°C min. temperature. Mild, cool, rain, brighter evenings, blossom |
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| T-shirts, shirts, cardigan, jumper, light jacket |
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| Trousers, shorts, dresses, jeans |
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| Extras: sunglasses, sandals |
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| Summer (June – August) 18.2 – 20.5°C max., 9-11°C min. temperature. Warm-hot, sunny, long evenings, clear skies, and occasional rain. |
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| T-shirts, vests, shirts, cardigan, light jacket |
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| Shorts, dresses, khakis, skirts |
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| Extras: sandals, flip-flops, sunglasses, sun hat |
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Other items
Whether you are staying in Halls of Residence or privately rented accommodation, you will need to provide the following:
- Your own towels
- Bed linen: sheets, duvet/pillow covers
- Some kitchen equipment, such as cutlery, crockery and pans.
We suggest that you buy most items when you arrive in Birmingham. Don’t forget to pack photos of your family and friends and things to remind you of home!
Go to New Students: Prepare to Come to the UK