It’s always rough on the first day of arrival, especially if you’re a student studying abroad, moving in with close to nothing on hand (pack light for the pre-trip, am I right?). It’s a race against the clock to get your hands on some essentials before the sun sets, but it’s also a challenge and a gamble to decide where to head to. Fear not! Let me tell you where to look to get the items you need!
- Tesco Superstore
At the Tesco Superstore, you’ll be able to find a wide variety of food options as well as basic clothing, toiletries, appliances and stationery. However, note that they do not sell pillows and that their cheapest appliances tend to go out of stock quickly. Also, the food here will not be the most affordable option.
What I bought there:
- Towels, cups, duvet covers and bedsheets
- Toilet paper, detergent, tissues, wet wipes
- Pots, pans, spatulas and peelers
- Lidl
If you’re looking for cheap groceries, look no further! Lidl has a satisfactory variety of foods that they offer for very affordable prices. They also sell some kitchen essentials and other miscellaneous household items based on the Lidl you visit, so don’t count on Lidl to stock the items you need too much.
What I bought there:
- Vegetables (certain food items like mushrooms and basil are way cheaper here than in Singapore)
- Dairy (milk and cheese here are also cheaper, and there is a wider variety of cheese)
- Spices, seasonings and stock cubes
- Sainsbury’s and Tesco Express
It’s likely that you’ll be able to find at least one of these chain stores near you if you’re living in London. These stores are good and stock a decent variety if you’re looking to make a quick grocery trip or are looking for a quick meal as they have bread, hot pastries and frozen foods in store. If you’re not picky about the prices or are in need of certain home essentials urgently (detergent, toilet paper etc.), they too, carry such items. In terms of grocery prices, from most to least expensive, Sainsbury’s > Tesco Express/Tesco > Lidl.
- Robert Dyas
This was a chain store recommended to us by local students that proved to be a godsend. In Robert Dyas, they stock products that range from small electrical appliances, kitchenware, gardening products and more. As compared to a department store like John Lewis, the items here are way more affordable and are of decent quality. If you’re looking to save some money, consider dropping by Robert Dyas (if it’s nearby) before heading to any big retail chains.
What my friends and I got from here:
- Laundry containers
- Reusable coffee cups
- Kitchen knives
- (They also sell kettles and pans)
- Ikea, Primark, Argos
For most students, these 3 chains of shops should contain all the essentials they need, but depending on your location, these chains might not be as accessible to you. For my friends and I, none of their stores were near enough for us to visit, and as such I am unable to accurately tell you what they have there. Hearing from my flatmates and other students who dropped by the stores, a downside I know of is that most students know this and head there to sweep the shelves of such items. This is especially bad during the first week before orientation– pillows, kettles, duvets etc. go out of stock. In that case, perhaps consider the next location listed here.
- John Lewis
After barely surviving the first night in London with no duvet or pillows, my friends and I were determined to get our hands on some ASAP. Though we managed to find what we wanted at John Lewis, a department store, like Primark, some items (typically the cheapest options) were sold out. However, with regards to home essentials, they have a wide variety of items for you to choose from. If I were to compare their selection to stores we used to have in Singapore, it would be similar to Isetan.
What my friends and I bought here:
- Duvets
- Pillows (they have varying firmness; I bought a double pack they had)
- Cups and bowls
- Boots
This is where you go to get medicine, makeup, moisturisers and even hair styling tools in London. Boots stores are practically everywhere, making it super accessible should you need to pop by for a quick purchase. If I were to compare it to chains in Singapore, it would be like Watsons or Guardian but much bigger; all the Boots stores I’ve been to span across 2 storeys. If you’re looking for luxury makeup, Boots also has you covered. Some of the brands I recall seeing include Clinique, Dior, CHANEL and more. Do note that the selection available in each Boots store varies, and I would recommend that if you’re looking for hair styling tools, a larger Boots store might be your best bet.
What I’ve gotten from Boots:
- Compact mirror, nail clippers, eyebrow grooming kit, hairbrush
- Hairdryer, hair straightener
- Makeup remover, Cotton wool pads
Buying sharp items, take note!
One of the things my friends and I were stumped by was the security measures enforced when purchasing kitchen knives and scissors from various shops. At John Lewis, I was prevented from buying a kitchen knife simply because I did not have any valid physical identification to prove my age, and even when my friend offered to buy it for me, the cashier refused to complete the transaction. Even when purchasing craft scissors, the employees required me to prove my age; the university ID card did not suffice. To be safe, when you plan to buy such items, bring your passport with you as stricter places will reject the Singapore NRIC.
With this short guide, you’ll be more informed and aware on your trips around London. Stay tuned for more updates on my travels around London and Europe as well as my various recommendations for cool spots that you can check out while you’re here! Good Luck!