Are you off to university this year? Here is a checklist for all the essentials you might need to take with you!
If you’re off to university, you are likely to be feeling both excited and nervous. Going to university is a big step and, for many students, will be the first time they have lived away from home.
If you haven’t started packing yet, now is the time. It’ll take longer than you expect and the more prepared you are, the more relaxed and ready to enjoy yourself you’ll be when you finally arrive. To help you out, we’ve put together what we think is the ultimate uni packing list for new freshers.
Essentials
Most halls of residence and other university accommodation will come with a bed with a mattress, a wardrobe or chest of drawers, and a desk and chair. Some also provide bedding, so check before you go. Otherwise, the essentials you absolutely must not forget are:
- Clothing and shoes
- Bedding (mattress protector, duvet, duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases)
- Laptop, phone, chargers, and any other tech you want to bring
- Purse or wallet with cash and bank cards
- ID, such as a passport or driving licence, and any other important documentation
- Medicines, including any prescription medication and some paracetamol or aspirin
Bedroom & Bathroom Basics
Check whether your bathroom is shared or ensuite. If it’s shared, you might want to talk to your flatmates beforehand if possible and decide who’s bringing what.
Here’s your bedroom and bathroom checklist:
- Coat hangers
- Bedroom bin (if not provided)
- Laundry bag or hamper and clothes airer (if not provided)
- Desk lamp (if not provided)
- Bags, including a handbag for going out and a bag large enough to fit your laptop and books for classes
- Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel
- Hairbrush
- Make-up, if you wear it
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand soap
- Bath towels and hand towels
- Toilet rolls
- Cleaning supplies such as toilet cleaner and a toilet brush
- Laundry detergent
- A TV if you want one (most students use their laptops for this. Either way, don’t forget to buy a TV licence.)
Eating & Drinking
If you’re in halls of residence or university accommodation, you’ll be sharing a kitchen with several flatmates. Exactly what is provided is slightly different at each university, so check before you go. A kettle and toaster is often provided, and sometimes a microwave.
If you can, coordinate with your flatmates in advance about who’s bringing what. You don’t want to end up with five toastie makers and no kettle! The kitchen essentials you’ll need include:
- Crockery (i.e. plates and bowls)
- Cutlery (i.e. knives, forks and spoons)
- At least 1 saucepan (2 is ideal) and 1 frying pan
- A chopping board
- A baking sheet
- Mugs
- Glasses
- At least 1 sharp knife
- Cooking implements such as a wooden spoon, vegetable peeler, and spatula
- Bin bags
- Food storage such as sealable plastic tubs, tin foil, and clingfilm
- A bottle opener and corkscrew
- A tin opener
- A measuring jug
- Tea towels
- Washing up liquid and cloths or sponges
- Kitchen basics including tea or coffee, bread, and pasta. You’ll want to find the shops soon after you arrive to get fresh food, milk, and so on.
A bonus tip: bring something to share with your flatmates on the first night to help break the ice. A bottle of wine is a good option if you drink alcohol. Otherwise, some treats such as chocolates, cakes or cookies are great.
Uni Supplies
Don’t forget that you’re at uni to study as well as to have a great time! Remember to bring:
- Any course books you’ll need
- Plenty of notebooks and pens
- Any specialist equipment required by your course
- Academic diary or planner
Health and Wellbeing
Moving to university is a big step and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and even homesick at first. One of the best ways to ease into university life is to bring some comforting self-care items with you. This can help you to feel more at home and integrate your previous life with your new life.
Some options you might want to consider include:
- Decorations for your room, like fairy lights or posters (check before you hang anything on the walls, as some halls of residence do not allow this)
- Photos of friends, family, pets, or anything that brings you happiness
- Things to make your room homely, such as cushions or a rug
- A favourite soft toy
- Comforting books and films
- Music speakers
- Exercise equipment such as running shoes or a yoga mat. Keeping active is a great way to feel centred and calm
- Some of your favourite snacks and treats
- Cosy clothing (think oversized hoodies or a fleece robe)
- Anything that helps you to sleep (noise-cancelling headphones and sleep masks are great if you’re in a noisy accommodation block)
- Equipment for hobbies (drawing, knitting or craft supplies, video games, and so on)
- A journal
- If you’re neurodivergent, sensory items such as fidget toys can be a great help
Bonus tip: If you’re into activities such as board games or card games, bring a few with you. This is a great way to find like-minded people and connect with new friends over a low-pressure social activity.
Some General Tips
- Try not to over-pack. Remember that student rooms are small and you might not be able to fit everything you own into your halls of residence.
- Don’t panic if you forget something. Your university town will have shops! And if you’ve forgotten something you really can’t live without, a family member or friend can post it to you.
- Use boxes rather than suitcases to pack, as these are easier to store and take up less space.
- It should go without saying, but don’t bring anything that is banned by your university. This is likely to include candles or anything with a naked flame (these are a huge fire hazard), weapons (even legal or decorative ones), pets (including small animals and fish), and any drugs or illegal substances. Other items that are sometimes banned include space heaters, electric blankets, and certain kitchen appliances such as air fryers and deep fat fryers. Always check your university’s regulations before you go.
Most importantly, keep calm and have an amazing time at university.
