5 min read
Course registration has been completed, housing is secured and now you are ready to pack your bags for your summer in London. If you find yourself staring at an empty suitcase, here are my top ten recommendations of things to pack for a fun and adventurous summer.
Rain Gear
Although summer normally promises heat and sunshine, occasionally the infamous British weather pays a visit. Hence, you’ll probably experience some rainy days during your time at Summer School. Stay dry on your trip to campus by bringing along an umbrella, raincoat, and rainproof shoes.
Sunscreen
The climate in Britain is incredibly varied and unpredictable. The weather can change drastically from day to day. Nevertheless, summer in the United Kingdom is a beautiful thing. You should take advantage of this during the various off-campus trips organised by LSE, targeting destinations like Oxford & Cambridge. Additionally, Brighton is only a 1 and a 1/2hr train ride away from London. Here you can spend time at the beach or stroll around the beautiful Brighton Palace Pier. Temperatures can easily climb up to 30-35°C during summer. The highest temperature ever recorded in Britain was 40.3°C during the heat wave this year. Do not let your experience be ruined by a bad case of sunburn. Remember to bring your sunscreen.
Hoodie
It may seem useless carrying around a sweater in the summer, but most of the lecture halls and classrooms are air-conditioned well. In case you start to feel a little chilly during class, you will want to have something ready to keep you warm.
Suit Jacket/Blazer
Depending on your course selection, you may be asked to present a project or an assignment to the class. Consequently, putting on a suit jacket/blazer and a nice pairs of shoes will add extra shine and confidence to your presentation.
Bedsheets
Most LSE residences come equipped with most of what you will need for a comfortable stay near campus, but you will probably need to add some finishing touches. Bringing your own bedsheets and your favourite blanket will create a home-like cosy atmosphere.
Travel Adapters
The United Kingdom and Ireland operate their own unique three flat rectangle pronged outlets. Be all set and bring your adapters with you or acquire them beforehand as they can be very expensive in London.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated! This year LSE equipped us with a water bottle on our registration day. I definitely recommend carrying a reusable bottle of water with you so you can fill it up at sinks and water fountains so that you don’t have to pay for drinks or bottled water. Tap water across the UK is safe to drink, so there is no need to spend money on water.
Currency
Setting up a bank account in the UK can take some time and can be difficult when you don’t have a permanent residential address. But with the wave of online banking, there is no need to set up a bank account in the UK. Providers like “Revolut” offer an ideal payment and currency exchange service. Additionally, it is always good to have some cash in case of an emergency.
Miscellaneous
Obviously, there are a few items you need to bring with you when travelling to the UK, such as your passport or ID-card. Depending on where you are coming from, you might also need proof of onward travel or a visa. Just check the UK government website to get an idea of what documentation you will need. In addition to that, the LSE Summer School website provides FAQ's and detailed information on the topic.
Open Mind
No matter how full your suitcase is, there is always space for the most important item for your time at LSE: an open mind. You will be participating in challenging coursework, meeting people from all around the world and taking trips to new destinations. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and enjoy every new experience.
With these ten items, you are off to a great start in preparing for an unforgettable summer.