I'd check with each airline what their luggage allowances are. The cost of the ticket may not be the main driver for you if luggage allowance is no god and charges high for extra piece etc. It's going to be cheaper for you to carry it than pay to ship it.

If you're only here one term, I'd try and bring as little as possible. Clothes and essentials and then anything else can be bought once youre here.

Can your medical supplier ship to the UK for you so you only need to bring a small supply to keep you going in case of delay? They probably have shipping agreements in place already at much better rates than you may get as an individual.