Packing for university can cause even the most organised students to stress. Ensuring you’ve got everything you need to take to uni can help you prepare for the move as best as possible and allow you to settle into your new home away from home.
While every student doesn’t bring exactly the same possessions, our ultimate university packing list covers the essential items you need, with a few extras you may like to consider. You’ll find things that will help you survive your fresher experience, from bedsheets to bottle openers!
Our Uni Accommodation Checklist
First, Make a List
Before you start packing up everything you own, it can help to have a list ready. You could make your own, or just tick off our suggestions as you pack.
Here are some pointers to keep your packing focused:
- Your uni accommodation is likely to be a single room or studio, so you won’t be playing with a lot of storage space.
- You can buy most of the items on our checklist for student accommodation after you’ve arrived, which can save space in the car on move-in day.
- Remember to check what’s included in your accommodation before packing anything – most accommodations will include things like access to laundry, hoovers and cooking equipment.
- Even though you’ll likely only be in your student accommodation for a year or two, it’s always worth making it your own. Being in a cosy room with familiar things you love can lessen homesickness and help you relax.
- You don’t have to stick to everything on this ultimate university packing list – if you know something won’t be useful to you, then don’t bring it!
Bathroom
The bathroom possessions you take to university can depend on the type of student accommodation you secure. While some students have an ensuite bathroom to themselves, others share a communal space and might consider investing in a washbag to prevent their items from getting mixed up. If you are sharing a bathroom, you’ll also have to discuss who buys the essentials, such as cleaning supplies.
Essentials:
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Shower gel/body wash
- Hand soap
- Bathroom cleaner & Bleach
- Bath towels & Hand towels
- Toilet roll
- Hairbrush
- Grooming items, such as nail clippers and tweezers
- Razors and shaving cream
- Sanitary products
- Medical prescriptions
Extras:
- Washbag & Bathrobe
- Sliders & Shower cap
- Air freshener
- Toilet brush
- Bathmat
- Aftershave or perfume
- Makeup and makeup remover
- Skincare items
- Contact lens solution
- First-aid kit
- Waterproof flip-flops for communal showers
Bedroom
While most halls of residence rooms include a bed, desk, and clothing storage, you might want to bring some comforts to make your place feel more like home. You could also use these handy student halls decorating ideas to learn how to become your very own interior designer!
Essentials:
- Duvet & duvet cover
- Bedsheets
- Pillows & pillowcases
- Mattress protector
- Laundry basket/bag
- Coat hangers
Extras:
- Cushions
- Throw/blankets
- Rug
- Cuddly toys
- Posters & photographs
- Photo frames
- Fairy lights
- Bedside lamp
- Clothes airer
- Television
- Bin
- Houseplant
- Vase
Kitchen
Kitchen supplies vary the most from person to person due to the differences between catered and non-catered accommodation options. It’s worth finding out what your accommodation includes before buying any kitchen supplies – for example, some accommodations don’t provide a kettle, toaster, or microwave.
Essentials:
- Mugs & Glasses
- Saucepan & Frying pan
- Knives, forks, & spoons
- Chopping knives
- Wooden spoon
- Tin opener
- Bowls & Plates
- Tea towels
- Dishcloths
- Washing-up liquid
- Bin bags
Extras:
- Cheese grater
- Potato masher & Potato peeler
- Colander
- Wok
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Pizza cutter
- Scissors
- Bottle opener
- Measuring jug & Measuring cups
- Mixing bowl
- Sandwich bags
- Tin foil & Cling film
- Tupperware
- Cupboard essentials, including tea and coffee
- Heat-resistant pad
- Oven gloves
- Cookbooks
Stationery
Next on our list of things to take to uni is stationery. What you bring is ultimately down to personal preference; although more and more work is being completed digitally, many students find that writing out notes by hand can make them more memorable.
Essentials:
- Pens
- Notebook
Extras:
- Pencil case
- Highlighters
- Post-It notes
- Ring binder
- Hole punch
- Stapler & staples
- Pencils
- Ruler
- Rubber
- Pencil sharpener
- Revision cards
Clothes
Our uni accommodation checklist would not be complete without considering what types of clothes you should pack. The items regarding this can vary, depending on your style and how much clothing storage you have available.
Essentials:
- Underwear and socks
- Tights
- Tops and T-shirts
- Jumpers
- Jeans and other casual trousers
- Shorts
- Skirts
- Pyjamas
- Raincoat
- Winter coat
- Hat, scarf, and gloves
- Trainers
Extras:
- Smart suit or dress
- Dressing gown
- Sports kit
- Swimming kit
- Fancy dress costume
- Slippers
- Smart shoes
- High heels
- Accessories, including hats, watches, and jewellery
Important documents
The critical documents you’ll need will depend on your specific university requests – ensure you check with your uni to prepare your documents in advance.
Essentials:
- Passport
- Driving license or provisional license
- Bank card
- Student ID
Extras:
- Accommodation contract
- Student loan documents
- National insurance number
- Car insurance documents
- Student discount cards
Technology and entertainment
Next on our uni flat checklist is technology and entertainment. What you bring in this section generally depends on personal preference and what you like doing in your spare time.
Essentials:
- Laptop and charger
- Mobile phone and charger
Extras:
- Portable charger
- Extension lead
- Game consoles
- Hairdryer
- Hairstyling appliances
- Speaker
- Board games
- Playing cards
Out of the house
To round off our moving into student accommodation checklist, we’ll cover the items you should bring when you go out and about.
Essentials:
- Rucksack
- Umbrella
- Water bottle
- Travel flask
Extras:
- Bike, helmet, and padlocks
- A weekend bag
What not to bring to uni
While there are many things on our uni accommodation checklist, there are also some things that you should avoid packing.
- Candles
As a fire hazard, very few (if any!) university student accommodations allow candles.
- Too much tableware
As a student, you’ll only need one or two plates and bowls – packing too much risks you not fitting other essentials in your vehicle when moving.
- Car
As a student, you may want to cut car costs by taking your new city’s public transport links instead. Most student cities provide excellent networks regarding buses and trains, which can save your bank from constant parking and petrol costs.
- Iron
Most student accommodation options provide residents with an iron and an ironing board (just try not to burn a hole in your favourite shirt!).
- Food
While having the essentials at hand can be helpful, you should avoid doing a big food shop before going to university. Instead, use your first day to scope out the local supermarkets – going with your flatmates can be a good way to get to know each other as well as the local area.
- Seasonal clothes
If you’re moving to university in the autumn, remember to pack for the season – don’t pack spring and summer clothes until the Easter holidays come around!
University is all about settling into a new home and taking on new experiences, so it’s best to prepare yourself as much as possible before setting off. After packing for your first year away from home, packing for your second year and beyond won’t seem so daunting.
Check out our blog for more information, covering everything from tips for living in student halls accommodation to setting up your student house bills, along with helpful advice on all parts of student life!
