The good, the bad and the snuggly: A definitive university packing list

Adulting stuff:

• ID: If you’re a UK student, you probably won’t need your passport, but some form of ID such as a driving licence (even provisional) is essential
• Letters from your bank/student finance
• Paperwork for your accommodation e.g. rent agreement
• If you have a complicated medical record, ask your old GP to write a letter outlining this to give to your new GP
• Railcard or bus pass for discounted travel (sometimes just your student card will be enough) 

 

Electricals: 

• Extension cable(s). Uni rooms have sockets in weird places. 
• All your chargers and devices. Unforgettable.
• A laptop sleeve/case, so if you’re carrying it round with you it won’t get damaged, scratched or wet 

Note: Most students use laptops in lectures; typed notes are handy as you can search them when it comes to writing an essay. Now that most lectures are online, having a laptop will be extra helpful to watch them in your room, although there should still be access to computers in libraries/computer rooms; if you don’t have one – don’t panic! 

(Disabled students – N.B. you may be able to get £ towards a laptop as part of your Disabled Students’ Allowance, if you opt for any of the software they recommend) 

Kitchen: 

Take with you	Take / buy when you arrive (if travelling light)	Don’t buy (yet)
If self-catering: food for the 1st day; after travelling and unpacking you may be too tired/busy to make it to the supermarket.  If carrying heavy shopping is tricky for you, stock up on non-perishables like bulk-packs of rice, pasta, jars of sauce, while you have people helping you move in to carry them	1 or 2 saucepans, chopping board, knife, tea towels, 2+ plates, bowls, glasses, mugs & items of cutlery (bring >1 set, they have a tendency to go missing) plastic tupperware boxes to store batch-cooked food	DON’T buy a kettle or toaster beforehand – wait until you arrive; 3 others in your flat may have brought one each already Washing up gloves – you may be tough enough (or in a flat with a dishwasher – fancy!) – they’re handy but can always be bought later

Want your new flatmates to love you? Bring (and share!) a box of cakes (everyone thinks of drinks and forgets cake) – the first time I met one of my friends she offered me homemade brownies and it was love at first sight. (Also don’t be offended if strangers don’t quite trust your cooking yet) 

Health: 

• Advance supplies of any medication you’re taking
• General stocks of paracetamol, ibuprofen, lemsip, strepsils
• If you wear braces – cleaning equipment/tablets 
• Toothbrush and toothpaste

 

Keeping Clean: 

• A laundry bag to keep dirty clothes in and keep your room tidy
• ‘Colour catchers’ so you can wash all your clothes together without worrying about colour dye running
• Some washing machines require exact change so taking a purse full of 20p & 50p coins is helpful
• You can get net bags to hold underwear/socks in the wash to stop these from disappearing
• A wash bag or rack to carry your shampoo, soap, etc. if you share a communal bathroom and don’t want to leave your stuff in there
• Two towels (unless provided) 

 

Bedding:

Many halls do not provide bedding, but it’s best to check before you buy or bring anything. If it’s not provided, we’d recommend:

• Two bedsheets and two duvet sets (you don’t want to be caught out without any bedding if one set is in the wash!)

• One duvet (even if you have a single bed at uni, I would recommend a double duvet – a double duvet on a single bed is very cosy)
• Two pillows

A side note: I was hall provided with pillows, sheets and a duvet that were so thin I needed my own on top – these items are bulky and easier to buy when you arrive, when you know whether or not you need them, but they’re worth bearing in mind and budgeting for in advance.

Clothing: 

• Comfortable stuff: after freshers’ week people worry less about appearances and it’s comfy sweaters all the way
• Fluffy dressing gown for the rainy, staying in your PJs days, and for making it between your room and the shower (if sharing a bathroom)
• Sports clothes/equipment: save £££ by bringing stuff from home
• Slippers/slip on shoes: if you’ll be trekking between rooms in the same building
• A coat and an umbrella: it may be September now, but if you don’t visit home before December you’ll regret not bringing these

• Coat-hangers (some rooms may have these already but it’s rare) 
• You DON’T need your entire wardrobe

 

Academic: 

• Any required textbooks you’ve already bought (they’re expensive, don’t forget them!) 
  • Only buy the ones you’ve been explicitly told to read over the summer – libraries are well stocked or you might be able to find a cheaper second-hand one from an older student, or find online versions

• Stationery: take what you want but it may be easier to buy when you get there 
• Diary: old school. Or just use your phone to keep track of deadlines and social events 
• Folders are great to organise but if you’re going to be working paperless on your laptop they’re not necessary 

 

Random: 

• A lanyard or keyring to keep your ID and room keys somewhere safe
• A strong, comfortable rucksack for carrying your books/laptop in
• A blanket or hot water bottle – you’ll thank me later
• Scissors, sellotape (if you have lots of old gadgets, electrical tape is useful to fix cables/wires) 
• Decorations to make your room more homely e.g. pins for your notice board, or most importantly: fairy lights (are you even a student without them?)
• Home comforts: a photo of your favourite family member or pet? A soft toy you pretend is ironic? (We won’t judge). 

For anything which can be vacuum packed (such as clothes / bedding), this may be a good idea, as this will take up less space when travelling!

Moving out is a big deal and feeling nervous is natural, so take things that bring you comfort – take things to remind you of home if you want, or make this the fresh style and start you’ve waited for. Do it your way, and don’t worry – the wait will soon be over, and then the fun (some organised, some chaotic) will start! 

P.S. The waiting is the worst bit. Good luck!