FOOD
For food, I had a very beautiful experience because I lived in East London and I was able to find Nigerian food easily. I would suggest finding the closest African store to you. The food might be pricey (it always is) compared to the actual cost back in Nigeria so I would suggest bringing some key ingredients like spices, staple food ingredients like egusi, ogbono, dry leaves if you can. Milled flour meals like poundo yam, garri, semovita, wheat can be found in local shops and stores. Rice, pasta, yam, potatoes can also be found easily. Canned tomatoes can also be found in the supermarkets. Bell peppers and onions can be found in the supermarkets.
WHAT ELSE TO PACK WHEN COMING
Before I got to the UK, I asked the same question to a friend and she suggested that I bring all my sweaters and warm clothes. Things that remind you of home like a family frame. I would also suggest very few clothes as your wardrobe style would change drastically. Also, food items are important. Things you cannot do without like food items, medication, personal effects that can’t be easily replaced. Hair and wigs for the ladies.
This also provides general tips for international students coming to the UK.
We may not have covered it all in this series, but it’s a good place to start. We hope all we have put together will help with your house search. But more importantly, we hope that you will be settled in nicely so that you can give your best to this year at University! All the best from all of us at Outliers Circle.
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to the community. We are made better by helping one another.
Cheers to a great year!
– Written by Tosin and Shola