All study bedrooms are furnished with carpet or vinyl flooring, and curtains or blinds. They contain a bed, desk and chair, shelving, wardrobe and waste bin. Most rooms have some storage space under the bed and above the wardrobe.

All communal kitchens contain fridges and freezers, but storage space is relatively limited so keep that in mind when you're doing your shopping. There’s an electric cooker featuring hob, oven and grill, microwave, electric kettle, iron and ironing board provided, and most kitchens have a toaster. We also provide you with a vacuum cleaner, plus a dustpan, brush, mop and bucket.

You will need to provide your own bedding. Many of our single beds are now longer than average, at 2100mm. Make sure any fitted sheets you buy are big enough. All students are advised to use a mattress protector, as any damage would require the mattress to be replaced.

Whether you bring them with you or buy them on the day you arrive, don’t forget to have a couple of towels ready.

A few pieces of cookware to enable you to cook, eat and store the food you like is all you need. For those keen to pack light, inexpensive kitchen items are easy to find in the city centre.

Your phone, your laptop, a tablet, maybe some speakers, a hair dryer or tongs – the electrical items you rely on can quickly add up. So a good quality bar adapter (the long flat form of plug extension that offers a few more sockets) will be useful, but please don’t use a cube version. You should also check that any electrical items are safe and compatible with the voltage system in the UK. If you’re travelling from overseas, you might want to bring a three-pin plug adapter with you. And don’t forget all the leads and chargers!

While it can get quite hot in the summer, Lancaster can become quite cold and wet over the autumn and winter months so you definitely want to have some warm layers and a good coat at the ready. A decent umbrella will also be a wise investment. Then think about the things you are likely to do once you get here – lectures in the day, plus your favourite sports or hobbies, nights out with your new friends – and pack what you need. Don’t go overboard and bring everything you own. If you want to travel light, there are plenty of shops in the area that sell a range of clothing.

Plasters and painkillers are always good to have ready. If you don’t have them packed, you can pick them up at a campus or local pharmacy.

You should bring proof of funding and identity, as well as railcards, bank cards and money and your NHS and National Insurance numbers. If you are travelling from overseas, scroll down the page to find a detailed list of documents you should bring.

A rucksack or satchel to carry your books and any electrical devices to and from class is a must-have item.

If you can’t fit them in your luggage, you can easily buy them here.

Some other things you may want to buy once you get here. Washing up liquid, kitchen/bathroom surface cleaner and a cloth are your cleaning essentials.

And don’t forget your toothbrush!

There are lots of bike paths in Lancaster and the local area as well bike storage on campus, so if you have room to bring your bike, then you’re likely to find it useful. There are bike shops in the city centre and a used bike sale takes place on campus in the first term. Students can also hire a bike for the whole term for as little as £50 subject to availability through the University’s Cycle Hire Scheme.

If you don’t fancy cycling, there are frequent bus services from campus. Find out more about cycling in Lancaster.

If you have one, we would encourage you to bring it. There are also PC Labs around campus, as well as short-term loan laptops in the Library.

You may already have an idea of the sports and hobbies you want to explore while at Lancaster. Just bear in mind the limited amount of space you will have in your room to store larger items.

It’s great to bring a few things to make your new place feel familiar. But don’t feel you have to strip your bedroom of all its furnishings and bring them with you. Plant and poster sales typically take place on campus in the first term, so it will be easy to personalise your new space.

• Ensure you have the correct visa which allow you to enter the UK as a student at Lancaster University.
• If you have a share code or electronic visa and don't need to get stamped when you arrive in the UK, make sure you keep your boarding pass as evidence of entry. It's one of the things to bring to the international check-in stage of your registration, which you complete after you arrive during Welcome Week.

• Take photocopies of your passport, visa and any travellers’ cheques.
• Note down the telephone numbers, websites and email addresses that you may need when you arrive, including your UK embassy.
• Take out medical and other insurance if this is required.
• Remember your travel documents, letter of acceptance, tuberculosis certificate if applicable, and money that you can easily access upon arrival.
• Keep together all the documents that you need in your hand luggage.

• Arrange suitable accommodation for your time at Lancaster University.
• Ensure that you have the means to meet all of your costs for fees, accommodation, travel and food.

• Check the latest advice for travelling from your country to the UK.
• Check your baggage allowance and cabin restrictions with the airline you are flying with (or other mode of transport).
• Make arrangements for your onward travel to Lancaster from the airport.
• Arrange your flight/train/ferry to England.
• Ensure you have enough money with you to meet immediate costs when you arrive.

Find out more information about general guidance and support for international students.