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You may not want to even think about this. However, if things go horribly wrong it could be made far worse if you do not take certain things with you.
Don’t take in anything that is branded to any sports team or has national flags or logos. For example, national team tops or team colours are likely to be confiscated. This is a national prison policy to prevent team rivalry or fights between supporters inside the nick.You might not be allowed all of the above where you go first, but it might be given to you as you move/transfer. Anything you cannot have will remain as your “Property” and will move with you when you transfer to other prisons.
- [*=left]A decent sized holdall (to bring your possessions in and out of jail). It will usually be kept in storage while you are inside unless you get to a Cat-D (open prison).
[*=left]Postage stamps and stationery
[*=left]Cash – around £400 if at all possible to go into your prison bank account.
[*=left]Two pairs of comfortable trainers (absolutely essential, keep one pair for the gym)
[*=left]At least one pair of comfortable jeans (not black) with a belt (small buckle)
[*=left]A couple of pairs of trackie bottoms (not black)
[*=left]A couple of polo shirts (not black)
[*=left]A couple of warm jumpers or sweatshirts (not black, no hoods)
[*=left]A fleece (not black, unlined, no padding or quilting, no hood)
[*=left]A beanie-style hat (not black, unlined) – especially if you’ll be in the nick for the winter
[*=left]A pair of gloves (not black, unlined)
[*=left]Two pairs of gym shorts (also good for in-cell wear, even if you don’t go to the gym)
[*=left]A couple of gym vests or t-shirts (not black)
[*=left]10 pairs of boxers or pants
[*=left]10 pairs of new socks
[*=left]A dressing gown (optional, but absolutely useful - makes you feel human. No hood)
[*=left]A couple of pairs of pyjama bottoms (no-one under 70 wears pyjama tops in the nick)
[*=left]A couple of medium size shower towels (not black and white ones will soon be grey)
[*=left]A face flannel
[*=left]A tea towel or two (you’ll be doing your own washing up in your cell)
[*=left]A pair of good quality shower flip-flops (essential - prison showers can be very grubby)
[*=left]A see-through plastic wash-kit bag with your own toothbrush, razor and spare blades, nail-clippers (no metal files – for obvious reasons)
[*=left]A couple of pairs of foam earplugs (not silicon ones - get a good sleep even if your pad-mate snores like a freight train)
[*=left]A mains or battery razor (if you don’t wet shave), not rechargeable or with the 2-pin travel adapter type plug
[*=left]A set of mains or battery (not rechargeable) hair clippers – no scissors
[*=left]A small battery or mains (not rechargeable) radio/CD player with headphones (in-the-ear type) – no Short Wave allowed, nor any item that has a USB port (because of recharging illicit mobile phones)
[*=left]A small battery alarm clock (not digital)
[*=left]A diary and a clear plastic pen
[*=left]An address/telephone number book with no metal on/in it
[*=left]A few family photos
[*=left]Copies of any relevant vocational qualifications (can help to get a decent job in some nicks)
[*=left]Wear any jewellery you want to keep in the nick: watch, wedding ring, neck chain etc)
[*=left]Paperback books & quiz books
[*=left]Up-to-date prescription list and filled out prescription medication
Don’t take in anything that is branded to any sports team or has national flags or logos. For example, national team tops or team colours are likely to be confiscated. This is a national prison policy to prevent team rivalry or fights between supporters inside the nick.You might not be allowed all of the above where you go first, but it might be given to you as you move/transfer. Anything you cannot have will remain as your “Property” and will move with you when you transfer to other prisons.