Packing for uni? Here’s what to take (and leave behind)

If you’re getting stressed about what to take to university and what to leave behind, we can help! Here’s our list of items to take with you.

First things first:

1. You can’t take everything. Your new bedroom may be smaller than what you’re used to, with limited storage, so there isn’t room for ALL your things. You can go home (your family will like that) if you forget anything, or they can send it to you, and you’ll be moving back at the start of the summer!
2. If you are travelling to your uni accommodation by public transport, don’t take items you can easily buy once you’ve moved in (e.g. shampoo, notepads, cleaning products). It will add unnecessary weight to your already heavy bag, and limit other items you could include in their place!
3. Check what is provided already. Most accommodation will provide kettles and microwaves but not all will provide irons, for example.
4. 

Uni Essentials

Documents

• Passport/driving license or some form of ID (if you’ve got more than one, perfect – you may need it for setting up a student bank account, for example).
• University admissions letter.
• Student Finance documents.
• Accommodation documents.
• Your course acceptance letter.
• Your bank account details and bank card.
• Passport photos.

Useful but not essential: National Insurance Number, CV, cheque book (if you’ve got one).

 

Electrical Items

• Laptop/computer and charger.
• Head / earphones
• Phone and charger.
• Lamp (if one isn’t provided).
• Hair dryer / other hair styling tools.
• Extension lead(s).

Useful but not essential: TV, Printer, Speakers, Game console (if you’ve got one), Iron.

 

Clothes

• Winter coat.
• Dressing gown (if you have one).
• Slippers.
• Any fancy dress items you have already (always useful in Fresher’s week and most Wednesday nights).
• Interview appropriate clothes (if you hope to get a part time job or summer internship).
• Flip flops.
• Gym clothes (if you’ll be using the gym / joining a sports club).
• Rucksack / other bag you can use for uni.

 

Course Items

• Diary/planner.
• Highlighters
• Post it notes.

Useful but not essential:  Calculator, Stapler, Hole punch, Sellotape, Scissors, Blu tac or pins.

 

Kitchen Items

• 4 Bowls and 4 plates (4 means you can cook for friends and have enough in case you accidentally break one).
• 4 Mugs and 4 glasses.
• Cutlery.
• A saucepan.
• A wok.
• A sharp knife.
• A baking tray.
• Vegetable peeler.
• Plastic tubs.
• Oven gloves.
• Tea towels.
• A tin opener.
• Bottle opener with a corkscrew.

Useful but not essential: A toastie maker, Measuring jug, Whisk, Ladle.

 

Bedroom Items

• 2 sets of sheets, duvet covers, pillow cases.
• Mattress protector.
• Coat hangers.
• Laundry bag or basket.
• Clothes airer.
• Door stop.

 

Bathroom Items

• Towels – 2 bath towels and 2 hand towels.
• Toothbrush (and charger if it’s electric).
• Paracetamol / ibuprofen.
• Any personal medication.
• Contraceptives.
• Plasters.
• Razors.

 

Other useful items

• A sewing kit.
• Playing cards.
• Alarm clock.
• Batteries.

 

What to leave behind

• Pets (unfortunately most university accommodation does not allow pets).
• Your whole DVD collection (Not. Enough. Room.).
• The teddies you’ve had since you were 3 (see above).

I’m in Clearing. ARGHHH!!

What is it?

Clearing is essentially where all universities advertise the places left on their courses. Last year, 64,900 students found a university place via Clearing, so if you are in Clearing, you’re not the only one! Lots of students have found places this way and have had an amazing time at University.

It’s a great opportunity for lots of students, but we realise it’s a scary time! Clearing is for those who are:

• Applying ‘late’ (on or after 1^st July)
• Not holding any offers on results day
• You don’t meet the conditions of your offer (usually qualification related)

When does it open?

Clearing is open now for students who are applying ‘late’, or who are not waiting on results (e.g. you did you’re A levels last year). If you’re waiting for results, you can add your Clearing choice from 3pm on 17^th August.

UCAS is listing all courses available through Clearing now. You may also want to have a look at a University’s website, or the Telegraph (they advertise Clearing vacancies on A level results day too). There are lots of courses available, but some are very unlikely to enter Clearing (e.g. courses like Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Nursing, Social Work, Teaching etc.).

How do I know if I’m in Clearing?

If you’re unsure if you’re in Clearing or not, check UCAS Track – it should say ‘You are in Clearing’ or ‘Clearing has started’. If you have a conditional place at a University, check Track on results day for confirmation (it opens at 7am).

What can I do now?

Do your research to avoid as much stress as possible – if you know you’ll be applying for a Clearing place look at the courses and Universities you’re interested in, visit them if you haven’t already and try to find out as much as you can about the course, accommodation (if you will be living there), the place itself.

What do I do on Results Day?

Your teachers, careers advisers and sometimes local universities are there at your school or college on results day to congratulate, reassure and advise you, if you need it.

If you do find yourself in Clearing unexpectedly, speak to the universities you are interested in. Call them – it’s quicker. There’s no commitment when you call them – you are just making enquiries. If a university offers you a place, they may put a time restraint on their offer. Make sure you respond or keep in contact with them by the deadline they set – you may want to ask if they can extend it so that you can visit the campus, for example.

Once you find the course and University you want to apply to (and they’ve informally offered you a place), you need to add it on UCAS Track. You can do this from 3pm on 17^th August. Once you add a Clearing choice on UCAS it’s final, so only add your choice when you a sure!

Best of luck on results day and fingers crossed you get the grades you’re looking for. If not, applying through Clearing isn’t a bad thing!