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27 May 2025
by Ferdinand Steinbeis
by Ferdinand Steinbeis
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Starting your boarding school stay in the UK? This should be part of your pack list!
Thinking About Packing Already – Isn’t That a Bit Early? Quite the Opposite.
Summer hasn’t even officially begun, and we’re already sending you the packing list for September. If you think that’s far too early, our answer is “Yes and no.” Of course, things like laundry and clothes aren’t urgent yet – it’s really the documents and bureaucratic requirements that need a head start. So, if you haven’t begun with those yet, it’s definitely time to get moving. Because once summer holidays begin, some public offices slow down considerably when it comes to issuing official confirmation letters and stamps – and suddenly, September is right around the corner.
So we’re primarily packing hand luggage now, because that’s where everything essential belongs – the things that mustn’t get lost. And while we’re at it, we’ll pack the big suitcase too.
At von Bülow, we know what boarding schools provide, what can be easily bought on-site, and therefore what international pupils should bring along. We’ve put together a packing list for you – from documents and tech to clothing and even a keepsake photo. That way, your child will have everything they need for their stay in the UK – without exceeding airline baggage restrictions.
Available on-site: the popular school scarves for cold weather
Hand Luggage: The Essentials
As with any trip, anything that absolutely must not get lost belongs in hand luggage. You can pack up to 8 kg in a small trolley or backpack, including up to one liter of liquids in containers no larger than 100 milliliters each, all in a transparent ziplock bag. Medications for personal use are exempt from this limit but must also be packed in a transparent bag – ideally with the corresponding prescription.
That’s, as they say, are the basics.
The following items absolutely belong in the hand luggage for the adventure of “Living in the UK”:
- Flight tickets
- Passport and a photocopy // Make sure the passport does not expire during the time at school. We also recommend bringing the passport and birth certificate in a certified English translation.
- Acceptance letter for the issued visa // The visa can be applied for online no earlier than six months before the start of boarding school and is stored digitally. Print the attached letter for safety and include it in your luggage. If you have questions about this, feel free to contact us.
- Proof of guardianship // A guardian who resides in the UK is required for the stay. We can also provide you with more information about this upon request.
- Acceptance letter from the German school in English
- Cash in GBP
- A credit card (VISA or Mastercard are the most commonly accepted)
- Health insurance confirmation, possibly a private international health insurance policy
- Vaccination card
- Important medications (enough for a few days)
- Glasses and contact lenses (if applicable)
- Laptop, tablet, phone, adapter, and chargers
- Headphones
- One set of underwear, pajamas, and socks
- Travel-size toiletries and a toothbrush
If there’s still enough space and weight allowance, snacks and something to read—such as an e-reader—are a good idea.
Ties: also for everyday school use, not just for special occasions
The Large Suitcase for Boarding School: With Good Planning, Everything Fits!
Many items are provided by the boarding school or need to be bought locally—like school uniforms, which are required at nearly every school on the island. However, check with your school to confirm if uniforms are indeed mandatory. Students mostly need their own clothes for after school and weekends. Laundry and drying facilities are usually available in boarding houses.
Boarding schools also typically provide bedding, towels, sports equipment, a kettle, and board games. Still, students may want to bring their well-worn riding boots or their own tennis racket—which of course belongs in the large suitcase, which can weigh up to 23 kg on most airlines. Our list also includes everything general that applies to everyone.
Medications and Toiletries
- Prescription medications: bring enough for the entire stay, or ensure you have a valid doctor’s prescription. (Prescriptions can generally be filled in the UK if certain conditions are met. Careful preparation and coordination with your doctor and health insurer can help avoid complications.)
- Over-the-counter medications
- Skin cream and lotion
- Razor and nail scissors
- Other personal cosmetics and hygiene items
Electronics
- An additional UK plug adapter
- Calculator (phones are not allowed in class)
- Hair styling tools beyond a basic hair dryer
- Headphones
- Flashlight
- USB stick and external hard drive
Bags
- A waterproof duffel bag or backpack for excursions and sports
- A school bag or school backpack
Sports Gear
- Flip-flops
- Swimsuit or swim trunks
- Bathrobe
- Sports underwear
- Sports socks
- Trainers (both indoor and outdoor shoes)
Clothing and Shoes
- Formal clothes for concerts, church services, etc. (e.g., blouse/shirt and dress pants/skirt)
- Casual clothing and loungewear: sweatpants, hoodie, t-shirt, cozy socks or slippers
- Sleepwear
- Comfortable school shoes that match the uniform, if not provided by the school
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Depending on the season: a warm coat
- Socks and underwear for 1–2 weeks
- T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, skirts, shorts for one week
School Supplies
While school materials are also available in the UK, shopping in the first few days can be hectic. So, it's a good idea to pack:
- Pencil case, notepad, pens, calculator
- Lunchbox and water bottle
We recommend: bring your own hockey stick!
Optional Homesickness Kit: Personal Comfort Items
- Photo of family, friends, and pets, a lucky charm
- Favorite mug
- Something from home (teddy bear, pillowcase, or cozy blanket)
- Travel journal
Packing for a British boarding school requires careful planning and organization, as the rooms and wardrobes tend to be rather small. A large suitcase and a piece of hand luggage should be enough. Many items can be easily purchased on-site.
With this detailed guide for packing for boarding school, you're well-prepared. Take your time and don’t forget to review the specific guidelines and requirements provided by the school.
Laundry service at school: fresh shirts at Wells Cathedral School
In the coming weeks, the boarding schools will also provide you with information in the form of a starter pack, which includes everything necessary, along with a packing list tailored specifically to the school. It will also clearly outline which school uniforms are required and whether you need to bring matching shoes, etc.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or the Heads of Admission at the boarding schools. We’re happy to help.
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Holbrooke House
34 - 38 Hill Rise
Richmond
TW10 6UA
Tel: +44 (0) 203 9534063
Email: info@buloweducation.com
Holbrooke House
34 - 38 Hill Rise
Richmond
TW10 6UA
Tel: +44 (0) 203 9534063
Email: info@buloweducation.com