Extension Plug
You never know where you're going to end up living and chances are there won't be many plug sockets (or they'll be in really inconvenient places around the room). Make your life 100 times easier by bringing an extension plug that you can use for your many appliances, and also save on adaptors!
Slippers
Definitely worth getting yourself a cheap pair. They take up no room at all in the suitcase and are something you're likely to use much more than you realise - especially if you've got a stone floor apartment with little heating.
Adaptors
Seriously do not want to forget one of these - good luck finding an adaptor in your new country that converts an English plug socket (they'll only sell them the other way round)!
Sleeping bag
On my first night in France in my new apartment I didn't have a duvet or a pillow. Fortunately I brought a sleeping bag out with me so that kept me going for the first few days! Also really useful for visiting friends and having guests come and stay.
Marmite
Unless you're willing to splash out extortionate amounts of money in the 'English section' of the supermarket, bring your own with you. It's also a fun thing to get all your new foreign buddies to try, even if just for their facial expressions!
Photos
You're moving a long way from home so it's good to bring some pics of friends and family to decorate your walls and make the place feel a little more homely. Also a good idea for language assistants so you can show your students pictures of life in the UK.
Memory Stick
Really useful, especially in order to get you through all the admin in the beginning as you're unlikely to have your own printer. Also another good one for language assistants as you can save games and worksheets on your USB to print out at your schools.
Umbrella
Despite what you might think, it's not sunny every day in the South of France. In fact, there have been some serious storms since I've been out here! Another thing that takes up no room in the suitcase and you'll be glad to have with you.
Cabin Max Bag
These backpacks are unbelievably useful. The perfect size (they're designed to be the maximum capacity to take as carry on luggage on an aeroplane) and lightweight to begin with means this bag is ideal for weekends away and quick trips home - plus no extra fees for hold luggage.
Reusable Bag
While the UK has only just introduced the 5p plastic bag rule at the supermarket, in France this system has been going for years. Keep a reusable bag constantly in your handbag to avoid having to buy one every time you go grocery shopping. Also soo much better for the environment. I'm rather fond of Envirosax.
Swimwear
You'd be amazed at how hard it is to buy swimwear in winter. Literally impossible. Even if you're not heading out to a hot country you never know when you might have a spontaneous holiday to the beach.
Alarm Clock
Whether you're studying or working abroad, you're inevitably going to have some early starts you'll need to wake up for. Save yourself the worry of your phone running out of charge (as I mentioned, you never know where those plug sockets are going to be), and get a cheap battery-powered alarm clock to keep beside your bed.
These backpacks are unbelievably useful. The perfect size (they're designed to be the maximum capacity to take as carry on luggage on an aeroplane) and lightweight to begin with means this bag is ideal for weekends away and quick trips home - plus no extra fees for hold luggage.
Reusable Bag
While the UK has only just introduced the 5p plastic bag rule at the supermarket, in France this system has been going for years. Keep a reusable bag constantly in your handbag to avoid having to buy one every time you go grocery shopping. Also soo much better for the environment. I'm rather fond of Envirosax.
Swimwear
You'd be amazed at how hard it is to buy swimwear in winter. Literally impossible. Even if you're not heading out to a hot country you never know when you might have a spontaneous holiday to the beach.
Whether you're studying or working abroad, you're inevitably going to have some early starts you'll need to wake up for. Save yourself the worry of your phone running out of charge (as I mentioned, you never know where those plug sockets are going to be), and get a cheap battery-powered alarm clock to keep beside your bed.
Padlock
Gym lockers, hostels, suitcases...endlessly useful!
Passport
Pretty obvious this one. Also make sure you check the expiry date long before you go in case you need to get it renewed!
EHIC
If you're heading to Europe a European Health Insurance Card is essential and also completely free to apply for! Just make sure you allow plenty of time before to get one before you leave as the application procedure takes 7 working days. Apply for your EHIC and find out more here.
Insurance
Another essential - who knows what could happen when you're abroad. Shop around for the best deal or check with your university to see if they provide insurance for you. Make sure you keep a printout of what your cover entails and those all important contact numbers in case you ever need to make a claim (although hopefully you won't need to).
Photocopies
Photocopy EVERYTHING - passport, driving licence, birth certificate, proof of employment - at least three times and keep it all together in a folder. Trust me, it will make your life so much easier when settling in. I'd also recommend emailing yourself a copy of all these documents so if you ever need to print out more you've always got them easily accessible.
Passport Photos
Just another thing to make your life a whole lot easier, lots of things you sign up to e.g. Carte Jeune and gym memberships, will require you to provide a passport photo.
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