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).