Every summer, I stand at the school entrance on a Monday morning and welcome students from all over the world -France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Germany, Japan and many other countries. And every summer, without fail, I notice the same things: one student arrives with a suitcase large enough for a small family, whilst another arrives without a plug adaptor and cannot charge their phone on the very first night.
After 60 years of the school welcoming students to Exeter and over 30 years working here, I feel confident that I now know exactly what you need – and what you certainly do not! Here is my personal packing guide, written for every student joining us this summer.
Documents and essentials – the things you must not forget
Before you pack a single item of clothing, please make sure you have sorted the following- ideally several weeks before you travel.
Important for European students: Since April 2025, all eligible European visitors must have a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. It costs £20 for summer 2026, is valid for two years and multiple trips, and everyone coming to the UK this summer – including children -needs their own individual ETA. Apply at gov.uk/eta. Do not leave this until the last moment.
- European Health Insurance Card –Your EHIC card
- Without it, you will not receive free treatment under the UK National Health Service. It lives in your wallet, not your suitcase.
- Your passport or national identity card – must match the passport used for your ETA. Once you arrive, leave it in your bedroom. Carry your Isca ID card instead.
- Travel insurance documents – required if you are not from an EU country.
- Emergency numbers written on paper -Isca school of English telephone numbers, WhatsApp, and your host family’s number.
Good news: You do not need to bring money for a bus pass. We purchase it on your behalf and give it to you on your first day, along with your Welcome Pack and Isca ID card.
Clothing – what to wear in the British summer
Britain has four seasons, and sometimes we experience all of them in the same week. The key to packing for a British summer is layers.
- Lightweight layers – T-shirts and a light jumper or hoodie for cooler evenings
- A waterproof jacket – absolutely essential. A thin, foldable one is ideal.
- Comfortable walking shoes -worn in before you arrive
- Trainers or sports shoes – for kayaking, tennis, football and climbing
- Swimwear and a towel – the sea in Devon is cold, but students love it! We only let them swim at beaches with lifeguards on duty!
- A smart-casual outfit – for evenings and excursions to cities such as Bath or Bristol
- Pyjamas – you are staying in someone’s home. Please do not forget them!
- Enough clothes for one week – your host family will do light laundry for you
Medication, health and personal care
- Prescription medication – full supply plus extra, with original packaging and a doctor’s letter in English. We will send you our medical form but please tell us if you have an existing medical issue
- Contact lens solution – enough for your entire stay
- Glasses – always bring these as a back-up to contact lenses
- Hay fever or allergy medication- very common in the British summer
- Sun cream – even in Devon, the summer sun can be surprisingly strong
Technology and money
- A UK plug adaptor – considerably cheaper to buy at home than at the airport
- Your mobile phone and charger -you must carry it at all times during excursions and free time
- Spending money in GBP – approximately £50-80 per week. Please exchange it before you leave home. You can also get credit cards with Revolut or similar online banks that are really easy to use and can be cancelled if your child loses them
- A small rucksack or day bag -for the school day and excursions
What NOT to bring: No large amounts of cash or valuables you cannot afford to lose. Leave your passport in your bedroom. No knives or any object that could be considered a weapon – this is illegal in the UK.
A personal message from me
I know that preparing for a trip abroad can feel rather overwhelming, especially when it is the first time. But I would like to reassure you that from the moment you step off the bus in Exeter, we look after you completely. Sort out your ETA and your EHIC card first. Pack a waterproof. Then leave your worries at home and get ready for a truly brilliant summer.
See you in Exeter! – Sarah Tomlinson, Principal