Hello, I'm Dr. Niharika Koushik, an IMG from India; I've GMC registration via the PLAB route and in today's blog, I'll be discussing the travel essentials for the first time in the UK. I was in the UK between September and December to write my PLAB 2 and then for a 4-week clinical attachment after my exam. I've listed out the essential items below, which you can use as a reference checklist and modify accordingly to your needs.
1. Clothes
Thermals
Fleece leggings
Wollen socks
Gloves
Puffer jacket
Balaclava
Joggers
Tops
Jeans
Dress
Formal pants
Formal tops
Towel
Innerwear
2. Toileteries
Bodywash
Facewash
Shampoo
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Tongue cleaner
3. Cosmetics
Moisturizer
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Scrunchies
Clutches
4. Food
Maggi
Pasta
Chilli Powder
Coriander Powder
Garam Masala
MTR Pulihogre
MTR Vangibath
Vermicelli
Jeera
Mayo
Ketchup
Soup
Peri Peri mix
MTR Ready to eat
Pickle
5. Utensils
Cooker
Pan
Cutlery -spoon, fork, plate, mug
6. Miscellaneous
Power Bank
Belt
Medicines with prescription
Laundry bag
Sliders
Formal shoes
Nail cutter
Electric hot water bag
Umbrella
I got everything to keep me warm from the decathlon, which was truly a lifesaver. I hope this list helps you make your first time travelling to the UK easier. If you have any questions regarding PLAB, reach out and connect with me on trewlink.com. You can register using this link. Find me as a community ambassador and follow Dr. Niharika Koushik for random snippets of advice and to learn more stories about me as I navigate through it all.