An Indian checklist — Part II

Athira Raveendran
Jul 23, 2017 · 4 min read

This is a continuation of a previous post, which you will find here.

Travelling a distance of over 7000 kilometres away from home, to begin your studies can be hugely overwhelming. It is a busy period of bidding goodbyes to loved ones, and getting all the things you need to settle down in a new country. In the previous list, I mentioned about the things you should look out for if you are heading to RGU sooner or later this year. Shortly after posting it, I realised that there are a lot of other smaller tips I have, that I would like to share with you, to save you some money. So here goes —

Medicine Kit

The UK medical system is one that has met with mixed reviews from me and my course-mates here. Unlike India, you cannot visit a doctor without prior appointment. And sometimes, you may have to wait for a week before you get an appointment scheduled. However, consultations are free of cost, and so are the medicines prescribed by the doctor. Additionally, no clinics are open in the weekends, and in the case of an emergency, the only place you can head to is the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

I recommend that you carry with you a basic first aid kit consisting of band-aids, cotton, gauze, and the items you would typically require to treat wounds and injuries. If you are prone to allergies or food poisoning, you may also carry the medicines you would take in India. This is because, in the case of an emergency, you can consume these to help you, as pharmacies shut shop as early as 6 pm here, and getting an emergency appointment is a rarity.

Painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are sold over the counter, but these cost much higher than what you would find in India. So you might want to carry a few painkillers with you as well. (Note: Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be obtained free of cost, if you carry the prescription of a UK doctor)

Bedding

If you are moving to one of the RGU accommodation sites, you will be presented with the option to buy bedding online, that will be kept ready in your room on your arrival. This is extremely convenient, should you choose to take up the offer. However, if you walk ten minutes away from the RGU Garthdee campus, you will find a giant superstore — Asda (which you will slowly appreciate in your time here, trust me!). Bedding is sold at Asda for a much cheaper price than what you will find online, and of good quality too!

‘Bedding’ usually consists of a pillow, pillowcase, duvet, duvet cover and a bedsheet. A duvet is just a thick blanket that becomes extremely necessary in the Aberdeen winters. Unless you have the space to carry a thick blanket in your luggage, I recommend that you buy one in Aberdeen itself, as they are better suited for the weather here. What you can carry instead, are bedsheets, as you will find good quality bedsheets for a lower price at home.

Stationery

Unless you are really particular about the kind of pens that you use, you do not need to carry any stationery with you when you come to RGU.

Yes, do not carry unnecessary stationery items with you to Aberdeen.

This is because, RGU hosts a Freshers Fayre in the first week or so for its students. At the Fayre, you will find all the stationery items you will need for a year, handed out for free. This is just a kind gesture extended by the clubs, societies and departments at RGU towards all their students. You can expect lots of pens, highlighters, paper bookmarks/tabs, keychains, USBs and also lots of chocolates!

In addition to these, you can also sign up for these clubs or societies, get invites to all the huge parties in Aberdeen handed out for free, and a few too many gift vouchers and discount coupons. You can buy notebooks from any of the supermarkets here, however I feel you find better quality notebooks in India for a lesser price. Do not buy a lot of notebooks, as most of the assignments, and course material is handed out online.

(Pro tip: Watch out for free muffins at the entrance of The Sir Ian Wood Building in the first few weeks of the semester. You may just find me there too!)

Miscellaneous Items

You can save money on the items listed below by getting them from India, instead of buying them here (Clearly, I found out the hard way):

  • Insurance
  • Batteries
  • Calculators (find out in advance what type of calculators are permitted in your course, should you require one)
  • Combs
  • Storage jars
  • Charging cables/HDMI cables
  • Cutlery
  • Bath mat/ Shower mat

At this point, I have shared every money saving hack, and tips I could share with you in advance. I hope these are of help to you, and you can use this page to reach me if you have any questions. See you in September!

Athira Raveendran

Written by

Student. Currently working as International Student Ambassador for Robert Gordon University, UK.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade