Packing for university can feel like an overwhelming task. To make things a bit easier, we’ve put together a list of everything you might need. Please note, this list is simply a guide to things you might need, and many items could be bought after arrival.

Bedroom

Making your bedroom feel more like home with a few personal touches is a great way to settle in, but don’t forget to leave some space for the new memories.

• Duvet, sheets and mattress protector
• Pillows (if you’re in Unite or Student Beehive halls)
• Home comforts and photographs
• Coat hangers
• Door stop
• Laundry basket and clothes airer
• Headphones
• Extension lead
• Chargers
• Hair dryer / straighteners

Kitchen

It’s worth buying distinctive cutlery and crockery to avoid it getting mixed up with others. What you’ll need to pack will vary depending on whether you’re in catered or non-catered halls.

Catered

• Bowls, plates and cutlery
• Mugs and glasses
• Scissors
• Tin opener
• Bottle opener
• Tea towel
• Reusable water bottle

Catered (including the items above)

• Pots, saucepan and frying pan
• Oven tray
• Colander
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon and spatula
• Grater and peeler
• Measuring jug
• Tupperware
• Oven glove

Clothing

It can be tempting to pack everything you own, but try to use this as an opportunity to start fresh and think about which clothes you really wear. You’ll likely visit home over the course of the year too, so save wardrobe space by choosing seasonal clothing.

• Day to day clothes i.e for lectures
• Smart clothes i.e formal events
• Underwear
• Sportswear (leave some space for new stash!)
• Shoes / footwear
• Fancy dress
• Rain coat
• Pyjamas / comfy clothes
• Dressing gown
• Slippers / flip flops

Toiletries

Pro-tip: buy most of your toiletries on arrival, you’ll need the extra space in your luggage / car!

• Shower caddy
• Hand towel
• Large bath towels
• Wash bag
• Basic first aid kit
• Tooth brush and tooth paste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash
• Hand soap
• Deoderant
• Spare toilet paper

Studying

We recommend waiting until you know which modules you’ll be taking, and what kind of studying you’ll be doing, before buying everything. Grab the essentials, but don’t go overboard – you may not use all of it if you do.

• Notepad
• Folder
• Diary / planner
• Pens and pencils
• Highlighters
• Paper clips
• Post-it notes
• Hole punch
• Hard drive and USB sticks
• Laptop

Miscellaneous

• Medication
• Bike and bike lock
• Playing cards
• Washing powder
• Passport and other ID
• National insurance