Travel & Packing

What to Pack?

Top Ten Tips

1. You will have an opportunity to purchase necessary stationery and school supplies from the campus library or from the local town during orientation, but bring a small supply of stationery (writing utensils, tape, ruler, etc.) if you have room. North American paper does not fit in UK binders or printers, so you can leave it behind.

2. You will have to carry everything that you pack. Before you begin packing, the first thing you should do is check with your airline to determine what their regulations are concerning checked and carry-on limits and restrictions. If you can’t carry something unaided, leave it at home! Generally speaking, you will be restricted to just, one or maybe two checked bags depending on your airline.

3. Pack clothes that are comfortable, warm and durable. You will be travelling almost every weekend, and ELO trips run even if it’s raining, snowing, or blowing a gale! Remember to bring a small backpack for days out and experiential learning opportunities. See this overview of the weather in Herstmonceux to get an idea of seasonal averages.

4. Avoid bringing bulky consumables. Packing copious amounts of stationery, laundry detergent or other consumables might save you a little bit of money in the short term, but you will save more in the long run if you use that luggage space for an extra sweater or pair of shoes instead of having to buy such items in the UK.

5. England has quite a damp climate! The climate in south-eastern England is best described as a moderate, maritime climate. The seasonal temperatures may be higher than you are accustomed to, but the rain and wind can actually make it feel much colder than you would otherwise expect. Bring a waterproof jacket and clothes you can layer.

6. You will be spending long periods of time outside. As well as the short walking commute to the Castle for class and meals everyday, there are a number of outdoor activity programs at the Castle, and experiential learning opportunities can also involve long walking tours and trips to exposed areas. Please be sure that you pack suitable attire for these activities. Sometimes things will get a little messy. Some activities that take place outside, such as volunteering with the gardeners, or participating in an archaeological dig on campus, require more durable clothing. We recommend that you bring something along that you don’t mind getting dirty. 

7. You will occasionally also need to get dressed up. There are a few occasions at the Castle when “business dress” is appropriate. For these occasions, you should pack a jacket/suit, dress shirt/blouse, tie, dress/skirt/dress pants, and dress shoes. Please note: some of these occasions take place a couple of days after your arrival at Bader College, so you might not have enough time to go out and buy something to wear if you didn’t bring it with you. If you are in courses and/or programs such as Commerce and Global Health and Disability, you will need business attire for your experiential learning opportunities. There's also a chance to dress to impress for class photos and the End of Term celebrations of course!

8. Voltage and plug adapters - Most laptops now have built-in voltage converters, but other items such as hair straighteners do not. You must have these items inspected by our Maintenance Department during orientation before use and you must use a voltage converter with them. Do not bring a mains-powered clock as the voltage difference will cause it to lose time. The UK uses 220 volts, however in Canada and the US, the standard wall outlet voltage is 110.

9. Plugs in the UK have three prongs, and a simple adapter fits over the end of the North American plug so it can be used in the UK. These adapters are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased in luggage shops, electronics stores, or even at the airport. Bader Hall Reception also stocks these items. 

10. Plugs in Continental Europe are different than in the UK. Some adapters can accommodate both types of plugs; if yours doesn’t, you should consider purchasing a separate adapter if you plan to travel elsewhere in Europe.