<p>I've packed two suitcases, with fifteen (combined) pounds to spare. There's about 8 pounds of disposable toiletries (so I don't have to rush and buy stuff as soon as I arrive), and a fencing uniform, which weighs about five, but is too expensive to buy abroad. </p>
<p>I'm wondering if I'm packing too much? A majority is the "bulk" of winter clothing--London doesn't get warm, so I don't have shorts and tank tops.</p>
<p>My question is, they say to leave some extra space for souvenirs, etc. I know I'll probably buy more than 15 pounds of goodies during my year away--at least 30 pounds. Are there any "cheap" shipping methods in the UK? I really don't mind if it takes two-three months to arrive, as long as it does arrive at some point, and I won't be shipping fragile items--just clothing, books, etc. I'm not aware of anything like this, however.</p>
<p>8 pounds of toiletries? Unless you plan on moving to rural Sudan that is too much. You’ll end up at a grocery store the first week anyways. Shipping is usually expensive. If your stuff really doesnt fit on the way back buy another suitcase and upgrade your luggage beforehand.</p>
<p>There is no easy or cheap way shipping UK-USA.</p>
<p>Do you really need all the clothes that you are taking on vacation? It doesn’t get that cold in the UK, you don’t need a heavy coat or anything. And don’t forget lighter clothes for indoors.</p>
<p>A lot to times when students study abroad, they bring way more stuff than they actually need.</p>
<p>It really took me at least 2 trips to Israel to figure out just exactly what I need for my third trip. It did get a little old to wear the same clothes week after week but you’ll wear them out anyway that you’ll just leave some in the UK to give away, thus freeing up some weight in your bags. I actually wore out a pair of shoes (or two) and gave them away to charity. Well, actually, I DID give away a garbage bag full of stuff because they were all worn out (but not enough to dump in the trash) and I didn’t need them back home in the States. I was going to replace them soon enough anyway.</p>
<p>So you may want to pack in more of stuff you know you’ll give away/get rid of sooner or later so that if you need room at the end of your stay for all the things you’ll have bought, you won’t feel so guilty about leaving them behind.</p>
<p>I studied in Europe and shipping isn’t a great option. If you really plan on bringing that much back I would just consider bringing an empty suitcase and packing a full one inside.</p>
<p>What accommodations will your program offer? Unless it’s products that you can’t live without I would just get the toiletries there. I don’t use anything specific and I got by with just a bar of soap. (I just grabbed a few things when I arrived)</p>