I'm moving to London in the fall for grad school. What should my "to do" list include before I move there?

The International Student House has an awesome 85-page booklet that has all the things you should know about coming to London. It's called "International Students A-Z Guide to London". Here is their website: http://www.ish.org.uk Write them and ask if they can send one to you. I thought about taking a 6 month course in London and it helped me a lot. It had everything from visa information, to bank accounts, to how much money you need, the cheapest way to KIT with your relatives in your home country, and loads of other things to help you before and right after you move. Also, I would take a peek at studylondon.ac.uk for help on this topic. You don't need shots (it's the U.K., not Uganda) or to change your PIN (assuming you are American). American PIN numbers are always four digits anyway so they will work just fine until you get a UK Bank account. I would, however, call your bank (both checking and credit) and let them know you are moving so they don't put a hold on any of your accounts when they see suddenly start withdrawing cash from Europe. I would just read up on everything as much as you can. Never assume you've taken are of or researched everything because there is always something else! Good luck! I'm happy for you!

Change all your credit and debit card passcodes to four number passcodes if they aren't already. The ATMs in most places in Europe only support 4 digits. Also if you are taking any electronics make sure you purchase converters as the sockets are different and will fry your electronics.

Congratulations. Great advice from the person talking about your credit card passcodes. Definately do that. Also, absolutely make sure you get a good physical and dental check. Better safe than sorry. However, unless you're planning to travel beyond Europe when you are out here, you don't need to load up on vaccinations like you might need for Guam. I've not heard of anyone catching malaria from a mosquito visiting Buckingham Palace. Not yet anyway. The pound is very strong right now, which is great if you're earning pounds and shopping in the States. If it's the other way around, you might want to make sure you stock up on clothes and any of your favourite toiletries, etc before you get out here. It would probably be more cost efficient to do a big shop at home - especially at any discount place you can find - box it up and send it to yourself in England. Your university should be able to help with housing, but you might also want to get hold of a copy of Loot. It is full of houses and flats to share and it gets updated weekly. This is their website: http://www.loot.com/property. Also, as soon as you get here sign up for a long distance telephone supplier. I use swiftcall. You pay in advance using your credit card and their rates are absolutely excellent. I talk to my friends and family in NY for HOURS and I'm always surprised at how cheap it is. I think the number to set up an account is: 0800 769 0800 (country code is 44, but you won't need to use that if you call them once you get here.) Depending on the make of your cell/mobile phone, you should be able to use it over here, that way you won't need to buy a new one. However, you should definately get a UK service provider. Otherwise, when you call somewhere in the UK, it will be routed through the US first and you'll end up paying international call rates. Speak to your current provider to make sure your phone has all the right gadgets to work abroad - there is a name for that, which I can't remember. Perhaps someone else reading your question can help with that. Finally, the food over here is OK, but if you really love a special snack from home make sure you bring or send a stash over for yourself. You can get many of the same brands over here, but very American brands like Hershey's are harder to find and very expensive. Same goes for my favourite - Fig Newtons and Cafe Bustelo coffee. That is all I can think of at the moment. If I remember anything else I'll come back. Good luck.

Get a good tan because you'll never see the sun again. Over there when the sun does come out, all the drunks run out of the pub and stare at it. No kidding...

grab a beer and celebrate the move!!

Ohhhh, I love London! I got to study there a little bit as an undergrad and I still dream of going back. Yeah, finding a place to live is very good....altho i think you're gonna love London, it can be quite expensive. What univ will you be attending? What zone in London? Make sure everything on this side is all taken care of. Best of luck to you!

Don't forget to buy an Oyster card from most newsagents or underground stations. Oyster cards cost £3 and once charged will half your London public transport bill

Call your doctor!!!! There are some shots you need to take. When I was 12 (family of 11, 9 children, military) we went to Guam for 2 yrs...We all have to have about 8 shots per individual. Do that with 9 children in the same room....I am solely responsible for a change in procedures.....I attempted to hide behind the door and not take any shots...I also most got away with it too....lol Some well trained nurse went through all the files before she would let us leave (I was still behind the door) and started getting frantic when she saw one file with NO entries for the shots...They found me behind the door and to this day I tell all my brothers and sisters the shots hurt me the worst.... Be sure you at least ask the doctor what if any shots you need and how far ahead of your flight time... OH, and find out what the season will be for your arrival..you don't want to walk off the plain in a goose down coat in the middle of summer....

toss away your toothbrush, you'll fit in.