By Kriti Maitre, Biomedical & Molecular Sciences Research MRes
Hello everyone! I am Kriti Maitre from India, currently studying Biomedical and Molecular Sciences Research for my Postgraduate degree at King’s. As I gear towards the end of my degree, I recollect the zealous and anxious last few weeks before I moved to London. I hope that the experience I share helps you be better prepared for your move!
Firstly, congratulations on receiving an offer letter from one of the best universities in the world! I remember being on cloud nine after receiving mine. But with the offer letter, came a lot of anxiety and uncertainty, which is absolutely normal. Here are some of the things that helped me before my move to London.
• The first thing I would do is get all your documents in one sturdy folder. There are a lot of documents required for international travel and sometimes on arrival as well. Having all the documents arranged well in one place made my traveling so much easier.
• Avoid overpacking! Even though you are moving potentially thousands of miles away from home, pack only what is absolutely necessary. There are a lot of things that I have brought here and are simply sitting in my suitcase. I would instead suggest getting universal adaptors and extra warm clothes, since that is a necessity here! I also remember making a lot of To-Do lists before moving here to ensure I do not forget anything and to be organised.
• Next, I would suggest having some cash handy or arranging a Debit/Credit Card compliant with international transactions. It took me a month to receive a debit card from one of the UK banks, but luckily I had enough cash to sustain myself for two-three months. However, would recommend not carrying too much cash but to rely on a card.
• Do not be afraid to reach out to your course supervisors or anyone that you feel comfortable with. Communicating with my supervisors made me feel very calm and collected. Everyone here is super-friendly and they understand what you are feeling. Reaching out to them about your thoughts and worries will definitely help you.
King’s is a diverse university with students from all around the globe! Everyone you meet would be feeling the exact same way as you do, so do not get too worked up about your move. The professors here are very supportive and go beyond limits to help you. At the end of the day, you will be making a lot of good memories whilst learning new things. London is a magnificent place that will definitely not disappoint and it’s eager to see you!